David Brooks, a.k.a. Bobo, has taken a wee break from his career of faux-sociology (which always seems to prove that liberals are elitist scum) and deep musings on Patio Men, in order to weigh in on the John Bolton nomination in the NY Times today.
Note that when things are down to the wire for his Repug pals, Bobo won't even pretend to be the "reasonable conservative" which is his trademark, got-him-a-nice-gig-on-Jim Lehrer's-show, brand:
The momentum has shifted on the Bolton nomination because John Bolton turns out to be a more complicated figure than earlier portrayed. It's become clear that earlier tales of him chasing women down hallways are unreliable. It's become clear that while he's abrasive, he is professional. If Senator George Voinovich reads these transcripts before he votes, I'm sure Bolton will be confirmed.
Let's unpack that bullshite, shall we?
(more on the B side:)
The momentum has shifted on the Bolton nomination because John Bolton turns out to be a more complicated figure than earlier portrayed.
I don't recall anyone arguing that Bolton wasn't "complicated" enough. Incompetent, intemperate, corrupt, unqualified, insane, abusive, yes. But no one opposed his nomination because he wasn't sufficiently Hamlet-like.
And note the telltale passive voice -- "than earlier portrayed." Portrayed by whom? Always, always be on the lookout for propaganda when the rightwingers use the passive voice, in its many variations. It's a sure sign that you're in the GOP spin cycle.
It's become clear that earlier tales of him chasing women down hallways are unreliable.
Again, that passive voice. "It's become clear." How? Any evidence, Bobo? Or would that fall under the heading of (shudder!)... REPORTING?
It's become clear that while he's abrasive, he is professional.
Again, magic! Clarity has descended from...where, now?
If Senator George Voinovich reads these transcripts before he votes, I'm sure Bolton will be confirmed.
And finally, a naked, inside-baseball appeal from one Repug operative to one Repug politician.
Oh, but Bobo is a "reasonable" conservative.
Brooks got in the door of our national discourse by promoting himself as a rational, often bemused observer of the American scene. And I think he had a pinch of talent, once, long ago...in a less-funny Dave Barry kind of way.
All of this is gone for good. Bobo has become the vilest of hacks, a GOP party propagandist masquerading as someone with an independent mind. Sometimes the "objective guy" minstrel show can be slightly effective, but when the heat is on, on Brooks feels the pressure, his undying loyalty to the Republican cult is not subtle at all.
Bobo always, always shows himself to be a faithful Bush butt-boy, and he never hesitates to lie and slander in service to his master.