From the New York Times, “Know-Nothing Politics” by Paul Krugman

In his trademark understated and genteel manner, Paul Krugman tries with today’s column to buck up the fortitude of the Don’t Drill Democrats. I truly wish him the best of luck in the endeavor. The column highlights what a tough spot Barack Obama occupies on this issue. The country wants to explore every possible avenue for energy resources. Obama’s base, as typified by Krugman, urges a declinist austerity platform, at least until solar power comes on line in 2064. The column is must reading to see the state of the art in Democratic circles regarding the energy debate.

While generally I laud Krugman’s effort to shine a lantern on the Democrats’ asinine stand regarding drilling in particular and energy in general and I appreciate his determination to help steer the Democrats into still more asinine territory, I must take issue with the following passage:

Remember how the Iraq war was sold. The stuff about aluminum tubes and mushroom clouds was just window dressing. The main political argument was, “They attacked us, and we’re going to strike back” — and anyone who tried to point out that Saddam and Osama weren’t the same person was an effete snob who hated America, and probably looked French.

Just for the record, John Kerry originally supported the war in Iraq.