Self-Parody Watch....

As a follow-up to my previous post about optimism and lapel flag pins, check out this bizarre post. You know, a lot of great things happened during the Reagan years. But an unfortunate meme that seems to gain traction as time passes is that it was all due to hope and optimism alone. In fact, a lot of serious thinking and hard policy work by some very smart people took place, particularly in the early part of Reagan's first term (which Kudlow knows, obviously). The cult of Reagan that's developed during the past two decades, especially with ruddy-cheeked College Republican types, has served to conflate the policy successes solely with his personal charisma. But steadfastness without intellectual rigor is stubbornness, and principle without policy is incompetence. Does that not describe the past seven years?

Of course Kudlow is what he is, and everybody gets it (and I've heard from people who know him that he's a good guy). But the fact is he's the face of conservatism, particularly fiscal, for a lot of people. And this sort of ostrich/sand routine doesn't do anyone any good right now. 2005 or 2006, maybe. But reality's a bit more manifest these days.

If there are any éminences grises left in the conservative movement, maybe it's time to gently coax Larry into toning down his act a bit, or even suggest that he try something new. How about a ghostwriting gig for an updated version of Think and Grow Rich?