The only thing we have to fear ...

MANIFESTO

I have to say that Obama's SOTU speech (in everything but name) last night was quite impressive and made me think of another oration that occurred 76 years ago next week. At any rate, the speech certainly was vastly superior to its rejoinder, which the Republicans used as yet another opportunity to trot out a next-generation politician with neither poise nor new ideas. (UPDATE — Krugman has more on Republicans' desire to return to the days of the bucket brigade here.)

And while I'm on the subject of neanderthal politicians, Sen. Jim Bunning sure looks more and more stupid every time he opens his mouth. He's not a doctor; he doesn't even play one on tv, but his ridiculous assertions have caused the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) to wonder if it's not time for the 77-year old Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher to be sent to the showers. Bunning's response to this possibility has been typically hysterical.