Twitter roundup

From my Twitter feed:
-TPM's "House Crazy Caucus" (based on rhetoric) only overlaps slightly with my Congresional Myth Caucus (based on bill sponsorship/cosponsorship)
-Quote of the day -- Barbara Boxer on "death panels": "Now why would I ever pull the plug on granny? I am granny"
-Health care misinformation takes a turn toward the absurd
-Disturbing to see a Washington Post reporter blaming voters for not fact-checking politicians -- isn't that his job?
-Must-read Bruce Bartlett column on intellectual corruption of think tanks -- see, for example, my 2002 Spinsanity article on Heritage and Cato article
-If you like data-driven blogging, you should be reading OK Cupid's blog -- who knew online dating could be so interesting?
-I'm fascinated that people think Haley Barbour is a plausible presidential candidate -- Jon Chait has the goods

Comments

[David]

Clever line by Barbara Boxer. However, if (or when) Medicare's end-of-life care is reduced, Boxer's health care won't be affected. Having been a Senator entitles her to a different plan. Furthermore, she's a multi-millionaire, so she could always afford the best of care.

[David]

The politicization of think tanks is mirrored by the politicization of other public interest groups. E.g., I was a founding member of Common Cause. That organization was founded by John Gardner, a Republican, to fight corruption. Over time it ha pretty much became just another liberal organization, standing for typical liberal issues.

I think the reason is economic. People will donate more money to an organzation that's on their side politically. So, an organization tends to move either left or right. If it stay's in the middle, it won't get supported as well.

[metrichead.blogspot.com]

I must admit, I find myself in agreement (somewhat) with Perry Bacon of the WaPo.

Voters do have an obligation to do some of their own research on candidates. He shouldn't be criticized for telling people to do their "civic duty."