The most insightful piece of work on the dynamic between the two major parties in this country is the one Josh Marshall did on what he coined the "bitch-slap" theory of politics.

The Scooter Libby pardon is part of a near half-century of a repeated pattern of criminal activity used by Republican presidents and in each case, it has happened with more and more impunity. No Republican president since Eisenhower has left office without a cloud of corruption hanging over them. Yet none has ever had to pay any cost for it. The pattern is clear:

1. Awareness of possible criminal activity occurs

2. Investigation leads to requests for executive cooperation

3. The executive obstructs the investigation

4. Criminal charges are brought, convictions are obtained

5. Executive clemency for increasing numbers of the members of the conspiracy stops the investigation.

6. The Democratic party "moves on".

7. Each "bitch-slap" gets bigger, more egregious, and the punishment gets less.

My brother is a libertarian. His favorite debating trick is to find something that I favor, identify it as something that is part of the "socialist" agenda, and then label me a  "socialist".

This does three things. First, it brings to mind the fact that socialism is the little sister of communism. Second, it makes me question my commitment to whichever policy it might be since I am not a socialist. Thirdly, it tars with a broad brush all such programs and all people who identify with them as somehow un-American since the words European and Socialism are rarely far apart.

Isn't it time we had our own trick up our sleeve?

President Bush now finds himself in the same position that President Reagan found himself during his second term. Criminal actions that have occurred in his White House have been credibly proven to have taken place. The legalities still have to sort themselves out but there are only two possible explanations for President Bush and Vice President Cheney.

One thing that bothers me is how little overall discussion we have of how messed up our total health care system. The one thing that never seems to be brought up is the bizarre set of incentives that our healthcare delivery gives people.

If someone has a serious health problem, sometimes their best option is quit their job, or to commit a crime.

Before the war Bush repeatedly claimed to wish peace and that he didn't want to invade Iraq.

He claimed it here: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/03/20030306-8.html

Specifically he said:

"I've not made up our mind about military action. Hopefully, this can be done peacefully. Hopefully, that as a result of the pressure that we have placed -- and others have placed -- that Saddam will disarm and/or leave the country."

We now know without question this was an absolute lie. Why is it not being discussed?

Discussing the Medicare bill ... Rep. Clay Shaw, R-Fla., said it was vital to pass the bill. "I would have stayed here for three more days with the clock open, I felt it was so urgent. '' Shaw said.

The Club for Growth has a new ad out attacking Howard Dean for wanting to "raise taxes" on Americans.

It's pretty standard boilerplate and most of the responses over there seem pretty standard as well. But it got me thinking.

This is a post I made for my local blog here in Vegas, but I think it sums up how we can win the election.

The goal is to give Bush voters from 2000 a narrative that allows them to feel positive about their vote for Bush in 2000, yet change that vote in 2004. I haven't put in any hyperlinks, but longtime Kos readers will know whether I'm just making this stuff up or not.

Please correct any gross errors or misstatements of fact. The ideas here come from many sources, a primary inspiration is Digby's blog, which is invaluable. If I have used something that I read somewhere without proper attribution please lemme know.