Obfuscating the Obvious
Jeff Jacoby, self-styled “fiscal conservative,” laments the lack of choice for his ilk (ilk, in this case, meaning “fiscal conservatives”). Jacoby today sweeps it all under the rug:

For fiscal conservatives, the choice this election could hardly be more depressing.

In the Republicans’ corner is George W. Bush, who presides over the most bloated federal budget in U[.]S[.] history. Bush’s profligacy has left in tatters the traditional GOP claim to fiscal rectitude. He has uncomplainingly signed into law every pork-stuffed appropriations bill sent to him by Congress. He has flooded the government’s books with red ink. And he has embraced new schemes for draining the Treasury, including the largest expansion of the welfare state in decades -- the prescription-drug entitlement, which will cost, over the next decade, more than half a trillion dollars.

And the war, Jeff. Don’t forget the war.

Sen. Clinton Speaks [*]
Despite her previous omission from the lineup, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) will be speaking at the Democratic National Convention later this summer. According to the New York Times (“Mrs. Clinton Gets Speaking Role at Convention, After All,” by Raymond Hernandez):

Party officials said that Mrs. Clinton, the junior senator from New York, would introduce her husband, former President Bill Clinton, who will kick off the four-night event in Boston with a speech in prime time on Monday, July 26.

Previously, her only role was an appearance with other Democratic women in the Senate. Mrs. Clinton’s aides said last night that she would not be giving a full speech, but rather making a brief address before introducing her husband.

As reported, other speakers at the convention include former President Jimmy Carter, former Vice President Al Gore, Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.), Rep. Richard Gephardt (D-Mo.), and other rivals from the campaign season.

[Note: Additional items may be posted to “Political Notes” after initial publication but only on the day of publication, excluding post-publication addenda. Such items, when posted, are designated by an asterisk.]

[Post-publication addendum: Have you hit the Rittenhouse tip box lately? It’s sitting, awfully lonely, in the sidebar at right, under the heading “Summer Drive.” Thanks a million. No . . . thanks a few bucks.]

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