The American Spectator : The Spectacle Blog : A Sign of the Times?

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New York Times' columnist Bob Herbert, to me, has always epitomized the kind of unyielding and predictable liberalism that makes the newspaper's editorial and op-ed pages a bore, but at the same time, his columns are something of a barometer of elite public opinion. That's why today's column by Herbert, framed with the hypothetical "If I were a close adviser of President Obama’s, I would say to him..." is noteworthy:

Reforming the chaotic and unfair health care system in the U.S. is an important issue. But in terms of pressing national priorities, the most important are the need to find solutions to a catastrophic employment environment that is devastating American families and to end the folly of an 8-year-old war that is both extremely debilitating and ultimately unwinnable.

If Obama's singular focus on passing health care legislation is starting to make even a dependable liberal like Herbert get antsy, then it tells me Democrats are running out of time to get this done.

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Amor de Cosmos| 11.10.09 @ 11:45AM

Only wars fought by Democrat administrations post-1945 are unwinnable.

Liberal Reader| 11.10.09 @ 2:49PM

Yes. It certainly is "elitist" for Herbert to argue the government should do everything in its power to promote employment.

I just don't know where you geniuses hide yourselves. You really do know who the "elites" are, and you're brave enough to stand up to their attempt to trample on the rights of the powerful, wealthy, and hopelessly out of touch.

Good for you, Klein! Another victory for the common man!

(But while we're talking about who is a BORE, I wouldn't speak so fast, if I were you. You know: stones, glass houses, etc.)