This is about as good as it gets for political commentary. Shows through example exactly why commentary is essential to an informed populace. Unlike standard reporting of the what, where, when variety, it proffers reasoned analysis of facts (some new), communicating the ought. For example, to make "independent judgments about something like a war." Ironically, as it seeks to thus ethically inform, space requires it assume a factually informed readership. The author convincingly implies that anybody who has been paying attention should be outraged. There is no defense of the Clinton administration (though minor by comparison) as the second sentence commends Reagan.

Nicely done if your intent is to whack the Bush Administration. There seems to be a memory hole down which 8 years of the Clinton Administration disappeared. Accountability? Hardly.

The initial sentence bears some interest. The article could have been a serious exploration of the evolving Washington culture. However Mr. Packer descends into yet another ranting diatribe on the horrors of the Bush administration with no justification other than those from the leftist echo chamber. Numerous assertions without a shred of support, clearly biased perspectives, and a highly partisan view do not make for quality journalism.

My first reaction was that ths was tripe. On reflection, it's not nearly that good. The author iterprets every instance from a junior high "everybody KNOWS that yadda yadda, et, etc." perspective. If balance and perspective ratings had negative numbers, I would have had to use them.