Keep it up with the "weak" comments. As my third grade teacher would say: "Don't just tell me you don't like the book...tell me why."

And re Frist's mansion, this might not be the classiest example of the Southern plantation house style (though, to be fair, it looks unfinished), but I'm afraid you've gotten it backwards--the White House was modeled after the Southern/Virginia style plantation houses, not the other way around.

And you finally mentioned Newt but haven't said anything about him yet...

And perhaps it's time to turn to the prospective Dem field for close analysis. Hillary? No need to explain her up's and down's. Edwards? Think lawyer/politician on "repeat" function. Obama? Eloquent, stylish...record? Kerry? Shhhhh! You'll scare the Democrats. Gore? Shhhhh! You'll scare the Democrats. Who else? Booted Daschle? Right. This is impressive???
 

Don't worry—the Dems will get theirs. And in fact, I agree with some of your suggestions...though I think Gore would make a much better candidate this time around.
 

Again, nice try, Richard. Agree w/the previous comment that your blogs on this subject are weak. Sounds like you're trying to create some subconsious negativity, rather than looking on the merits. People are smarter than that.
 

Hey, it's not that complicated. I just don't think this is a sterling roster of candidates. McCain's the strongest, Hagel and Romney are interesting in their own ways but have liabilities, and—I'll admit—I can't stand Giuliani. (A lot of us New Yorkers feel that way.)

As for Newt--well, I've always thought that he's an interesting character. But he feels like a man from a different era, doesn't he?