If I were a Democrat

in the United States Congress, why would I negotiate anything with Republicans regarding the Auto Workers' Manufacturers' bailout (or anything else, for that matter)?

Thanks to last month's elections, the Dems expanded their House majority by 21 seats, and will hold a 257-178 advantage when new members are sworn in next month. In the Senate, the GOP is holding on by the skin of its teeth; assuming Norm Coleman squeaks by Al Franken in Minnesota, Democrats will hold a 58-42 advantage. That means the Dems just have to pick off two votes (take your pick: Arlen Specter or George Voinovich or Olympia Snow or Susan Collins or Lisa Murkowski or . . . ) to end a filibuster. If I were Harry Reid and I didn't get my way, I'd go home, too.

It's gonna be a long two years for conservatives, and there's not much we can do about it.

Obama and Reagan

During the election, some suggested that Barack Obama had similarities to Ronald Reagan, insofar as both men came to national attention in a time when the country was primed and ready for a cultural shift.

After seeing the president-elect's ability to interact with shady figures -- be it Tony Rezko, Bill Ayers, Jeremiah Wright or Rod Blagojevich -- yet claim ignorance of their character and come out unscathed, I'm starting to see at least one comparison.

Barack Obama is either incredibly lucky that no one is willing or able to spill the beans on him; incredibly capable of ignoring the character of others in order to accomplish his goals; or incredibly ignorant of the people with whom he associates.