Peter Lawler

Here are some big thoughts by ME. . . . . Continue Reading »

In addition, Romney needs a partner on the campaign trail — arguably a lot more than most nominees-in-waiting in recent decades. No, not his wife Ann, but a strong, qualified vice-presidential pick to energize him and broaden his appeal. Romney should consider flouting conventional wisdom and . . . . Continue Reading »

It seems to me that the MSM is exaggerating the scope—if probably not the significance—of Romney’s victory in Illinois. The late deciders broke even, and the Romney saturation of the media market in Chicago wasn’t opposed at all by Santorum. It’s like Rick went into . . . . Continue Reading »

1. It looks like Romney’s win is going to be double-digit but not overwhelming. Illinois, after all, is a very suburban and not all that evangelical a state. Very low turnout. Santorum did a bit worse in every demographic category than he did in Ohio. Most notably, Romney had a significantly . . . . Continue Reading »

That’s one interpretation of the Stones’ WAITING ON A FRIEND (which I’ve always loved too) I found surfing: This is a rare mature reflection from The Stones, as Mick Jagger sings about the values of friendship as opposed to women. Then again, it might be about drugs. Keith . . . . Continue Reading »

HERE . . . . . Continue Reading »

1. Sorry to have been silent for a while. I’ll say stuff about the status of the Science of Virtues and all that soon. Meanwhile, you do need to pray for Jean Elshtain. She suffered a “silent” heart attack that did her heart significant damage. She’s in good spirits and did . . . . Continue Reading »

1. Romney came in on the very low side of what the polls predicted—and in third (if barely) twice. He remains stuck in the very high 20s. The late-deciders broke for Santorum, and the turnout in the pro-Romney affluent suburbs in both AL and MS was low. 2. Newt’s showing was ambiguous . . . . Continue Reading »

So I’ll be in Chicago from Wednesday evening through very early Saturday morning at the Hotel Intercontinental on Michigan Avenue. It’s the last of our SCIENCE OF VIRTUES grant-recepient conferences. Among the duties we’ve been given (in the spirit of science) is to make a brief . . . . Continue Reading »

1. It will be a victory for Romney if he gets significantly more than 30% of the vote in AL or MS. I have my doubts. 2. Sean Trende is explaining on RCP than in the Republican primaries DEMOGRAPHY is trumping MOMENTUM. I could quibble with the details of Sean’s social science, but the basic . . . . Continue Reading »