It offers a perspective on Palin without either idealizing or "trashing" her.

Where I work there are all kinds of professional women who are successful, including "breeders." I hope that women in politics will some day represent the same diversity that I see at work--the same diversity that male politicians already enjoy indeed!

What Limbaugh said could be almost directly applied to their own over-the-top vicious attacks on Obama. They can't resist attacking him because they do indeed fear him. In Limbaugh's own words, you could say...

"When you have so many right-wing types-- ditto-heads, white, rich, angry types .... just so eager to destroy this man, it means they're still scared to death of him, and that... is the bottom line."

Actually, it makes sense to me that Limbaugh et al fear Obama's power to bring changes that are not in line with their preferences for government--that doesn't seem irrational to me any more than Democrats' fear of the changes someone like Palin would bring with her anti-choice and pro-oil values.

The hypocrisy is nuts, though. It's crazy how Palin, Limbaugh and all are playing the victim card for her as if they never used their media influence to attack Hillary, Bill, Obama. Also, in my mind, Limbaugh and his dittoheads' rage about Obama's power goes beyond Democrats' rage about the idea of Palin being in power when they expose their deep racism.

This is a concise, well written review of Franken's legitimacy. I'm very glad to read it.

I tuned out of the contest between Coleman and Franken months ago, so this serves as a timely assurance that his win is not just about another "D" in the Senate; he's a smart, valid statesman in his own right.

I found this small passage to be especially moving:

"..he has a solid marriage and raised two outstanding children who adore him -- a personal accomplishment that belies the ugly nonsense about his "anger" and "bitterness." It is the Fox loudmouths who are bitter..."

Thank you.

Thank you for being sappy! This was a great read. I now feel like I was there with you (and your daughter). Thank you for being so generous with your LOVE...

For what it's worth, I hope Obama shoots for the moon, and I join those who want him to be ambitious and go for it, whatever that "it" in his vision is. Having said that, I think Obama is doing great ...other than his choice of Warren (big mistake, but he's recovering, the way I see it, by making sure gay/lesbian families are right up there with him in high profile as he gets around). I REALLY like the clarity with which he's signaling he'll do away with Guantanimo and the Bush administration's approach to war. I totally understand the confusion about what to do with Burris. I hope he doesn't give away too many tax cuts, but I'm fine with, even glad that, he's a political animal.

Something I'd personally like to see: Obama's team actively promoting some version of bonds that Americans can buy to feel invested in the upcoming stimulus package. I'm thinking I'd probably be pulled into clicking on some federal version of the $100.00 donation box that was in every personal email I received from Obama, Michelle, Jill or Joe these past ten months or so...this time with the hope/expectation that in X amount of years I'd get countable dollars (in addition to all the love) back.

Finally, I think Obama should not even think twice about Bill Clinton's legacy. That was a different era, the result of a different political battle, and Obama is a totally different leader than Mr. Clinton. (I loved Bill, but who wasn't anxious that he would blow it somehow when he was in charge?!)

I don't need Obama to be perfect, and I hope he doesn't try to be. But I really, really hope he does really go for it...

I am always appreciative of Salon's film reviews. My family and friends enjoyed the film this afternoon, but my personal two cents worth is that I found this film to be a long bore. It never pulled me in. It felt like a collage of beautiful images and over-played music. The plot and characters never clicked for me-- not past the opening hospital scene anyway. In truth, I found the whole film to be contrived; the premise is of course irrational/whimsical and thus suggestive of philosophical or spiritual themes, but I didn't feel the reflectiveness on youth and age that Zacharek picked up on (I wish I had). I just left the theater hyper aware of everyone's literal/physical ages around me. Also, I didn't have enough context for any of the characters to care about them, including Benjamin. How did he make a living? What did he do on that tug boat? Why did he fit into that community? Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett are beautiful and a pleasure to view, but I picked up zero sexual chemistry between them.

So glad you're there, and I hope you all have time for holiday cheer as well.