Office of the Independent Blogger

Political pundits have a way of making themselves look foolish, whether it’s because they’re bloviating in the face of reality or are being challenged to a duel. If my world were perfect, we’d either have pundits who know what they’re talking about at all times – my world would, of course, be a lot like C-Span on weekends – or pundits that are always entertaining, like Chris Matthews being challenged to a duel or Alan Colmes enjoying the cold in Aruba. But my world isn’t perfect – it’s merely a channel on my television – and instead, pundits make fools of themselves with silly predictions and sophomoric hype.

The latest object of my ridicule? This prediction that Harry Reid will be defeated by his own voters in 2010. It’s a silly prediction to make for several reasons. His next election is a long way off, to say the least, and because Reid is a very popular figure in Nevada. Some might wonder if he’s a Daschle Redux, but the answer is probably no. While Daschle ran ads hugging Bush, Reid has called the man a liar and has been every bit the scrappy Senator as he used to be, even with his newfound power. I’m not a Nevadan, and can’t call myself an expert on their political trends, but I can’t see Reid losing. I predict that Reid will be the Senator from Nevada until he decides to retire. Ante up!

I read much during the day, and I’ve gotta tell you, there are all sorts of things I come across. “Jimmy Carter Is Right” isn’t often one of them, but that’s what the WSJ says today. What’s he right about? Even a broken clock is right twice a day, to be sure, but I think it’s a testament to how awkward and archaic our system is that Jimmy Carter of all people has the answer. Who’s willing to take me on — twenty to one odds that no one ever writes that line again except with the intent to ridicule!

Rounding out this entry is this piece about Al Gore’s unlikely helpers. Who are they? The oil industry lobbyists, and Republicans in Congress. Ironic is the most delicious meal. Aside from broccoli soup, or anything Italian.

This entry was posted on Monday, May 22nd, 2006 at 4:01 pm and is filed under Outside Retort (Current Affairs).