Why did Republicans win so handily in the midterms? Elizabeth Drew writes in the New York Review of Books that the answers are easy enough: The Obama drag, the low turnout, the lack of Democratic messaging, the Republican congressional strategy of denying Obama victories, the disenfranchisement of voters in reddish swing states and and the oft-forgotten lesson that you can’t run away from an unpopular president in your own party.
If you think Republicans are going to do anything to make Obama look good over the next two years, you haven’t been paying attention. E.J. Dionne has been paying attention, and he explains. Via the Washington Post.
It was cowardice vs. cynicism in the 2014 midterms. And Leonard Pitts says cynicism was the winner. Via the Miami Herald.
Ross Douthat writes that for Republicans to win in 2016, they need a Paul-Rubio debate now. Via the New York Times.
In the post-election period of comity, Republicans are already undermining Obama’s highly qualified attorney general nominee. Via the New Republic.
Healthcare.gov widow shopping began Sunday night. Will it work better this time? And, assuming it does, what impact will that have? Via Vox.
David Remnick’s letter from Jerusalem: Israel’s conservative president speaks up for civility – and pays the price. Via the New Yorker.
The N-word has returned in force, but it is as divisive as ever. Via the Washington Post.
