In Praise of Politicians

We're into the New Year, and time to take stock. You won't get any resolutions from me, but I will this once take to heart the old maxim--if you can't say anything nice don't say anything at all. So, a few words of praise for the pols.

She may not be fighting for you, but kudos go to Hillary Rodham Clinton for her tireless efforts. (Even her laugh takes effort) OK, OK. (Not to mention her tears.) OK, OK.

Brightening up these drab winter days, we appreciate the dazzle of Barackstar Obama. George Will describes him well as the "Fred Astaire of politics -- graceful and elegant, with a surface so pleasing to the eye that it seems mistaken, even greedy, to demand depth."

From this part of America, I give tribute where it is due--to John Edwards I say, nice hair. (You care more about yours than I care about mine. Someone has to care, after all.)

How can we overlook the chivalrous Dennis Kucinich, gallantly corroborating actress Shirley MacLaine's claim that they saw unidentified flying objects at her house.

And who would have thought Rudy Giuliani could handle being in the hot seat and then out of the limelight with such aplomb?

Many thanks to Fred Thompson for his wicked good humor and bedrock conservatism.

Let us be grateful to Mike Huckabee for bringing clarity to the race--he's not a conservative by almost every measure.

Never count out John McCain, and never let it be said the man lacks the ego to be president--"I am legend". (Perhaps the presidency might cramp his style)

In my view the most modest of the candidates, given that he is probably the most competent. The one who has demonstrated public and private sector leadership to tackle the work of the day, Mitt Romney.

A final flourish for Ron Paul, who reminds us of the virtue of the Constitution, and the enduring appeal of libertarianism in America, the land of the free.