Lessons in liberalism (courtesy The West Wing)

Over at CommentCentral, Daniel Finkelstein invites folks to relax on a Friday evening with a classic West Wing clip courtesy of YouTube. It’s an excerpt from the electric Ritchie-Bartlett presidential debate where Jed shows he’s not going to do an Uncle Fluffy.

But it’s not my favourite… Here’s Bruno Gianelli, the political strategist’s political strategist, demanding a bit of kick-ass liberalism. (Ironically, the actor who played Bruno, Ron Silver, switched from the Democrats to the Republicans in the wake of 9/11.)



And finally… here’s one of the best distillations of the conflicting (and often conflicted) philosophies between ‘big government’ Democrats and ‘small government’ Republicans. Take it away Ainsley Hayes and Sam Seaborn:

Blair's homage to The West Wing

(Not a spoiler, but if you want to avoid anything to do with season seven, don't read on.)

Let's play spot the difference:

"Leo and I are the past. You’re the future. It’s up to you now. We’re counting on you."

(President Bartlet in The West Wing, broadcast 16th April, 2006.)

"So: it's up to you. You take my advice. You don't take it. Your choice. … You're the future now. Make the most of it."

(Tony Blair's speech to the Labour Party conference, 27th September, 2006.)

Did Sunday just happen?

I was having a productive Sunday, work-wise. Then this happened:




















Sure-fire way to lose that extra hour I gained. (And some.)