A writer I’ve mentioned here before named George Trow LOVED Ike. He made a nice case for Ike’s (now forgotten) memoirs. Cited a couple passages showing how Ike’s “eye traveled,” how he was alive to history as it was being made…Reminds me of passages in “Audacity” – I’m thinking of O’s account of the walk you take from the bowels of the building into the Senate chambers. Or his take on meeting Bush (and sharing a laugh about competing against Alan Keyes). Or his “full” fifteen minutes with Robert Byrd (who tiptoes around his own legacy as he looks at the Afro-Am who’s overcome it). The intelligence on display in those passges is palpable. It was all the way live in the race speech (and in others as well)…What can I say Wade – DENNIS!!!!??? When you could have truly fine mind on the mountaintop, seems sad to settle…

PS re Palin – again – You’re slipping the subject. The issue is Palin vs. Monahan. Doubt it was M.’s place to come down on one side (or another) AFTER one of his troopers got in (and OUT!) of a nasty divorce. Do you regularly try to force your co-workers to get involved in your family matters and then fire them if they choose to steer clear? Doesn’t sound like a sound conservative postion to me! And of course you do know that since her VP selection, Palin’s defense has been organized by legal pro engaged by/in Mac’s campaign…