PostPartisan - Quick takes by The Post's opinion writers - November 2, 2008

That Nancy Reagan Crack

His first press conference! His first gaffe! President-elect Obama, asked whether he had spoken to any of his predecessors since the election said he'd talked to all of those who were alive. However, he joked, "I didn't want to...

By Anne Applebaum | November 8, 2008; 1:17 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (77)
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Revisiting One Lawrence Summers Controversy

Opponents of Lawrence Summers for a second turn as Treasury secretary have, of course, brought up his 1991 memo as chief economist of the World Bank, in which he wrote that poor countries need more pollution, not less. The...

By Michael Kinsley | November 8, 2008; 10:25 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (99)
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Newt in 2012?

In serious conversations among Republicans since their election debacle Tuesday, what name is mentioned most often as the Moses, or Reagan, who could lead them out of the wilderness before 40 years? To the consternation of many Republicans, it...

By Robert Novak | November 7, 2008; 12:29 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (321)
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The Empress' Clothes

(Keith Srakocic) Let her keep them, for crying out loud. Word is that a GOP attorney has been dispatched to Alaska to collect Sarah Palin's campaign wardrobe. Thanks, guys. First you use the woman to energize your lackluster campaign,...

By Kathleen Parker | November 7, 2008; 10:24 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (183)
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A Quiz for Would-Be Appointees

I'm puzzled about something. Suppose there's an historic election at a difficult time in your country's history, and the winner decides he needs your help. The president-elect, eager to make a fast and smooth transition, calls you and says:...

By Charles Lane | November 6, 2008; 11:33 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (10)
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Limerick Contest Winner

Thanks to everyone who participated in our PostPartisan campaign limerick contest yesterday. We saw unprecedented turnout -- with close to 300 entries. And it was a tough race. But the votes have been counted and the results are in. After...

By Marisa Katz | November 5, 2008; 7:00 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (11)
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One of the Revelers

I snapped this photo last night in front of the White House, where thousands (?) gathered spontaneously to celebrate Obama's victory. It was like one huge fraternity party. Lots of dancing, mugging, cheering: "Yes we did, yes we did,...

By Kathleen Parker | November 5, 2008; 5:24 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (10)
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Election Analysis From My Mother

For the 19th time in her life, Estelle Meyerson, my 94-year-old mother, voted for president yesterday. This was the first time she had to use a walker, though it is hardly an exotic contraption in the Leisure World community...

By Harold Meyerson | November 5, 2008; 7:50 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (18)
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What Historic Really Means

To appreciate the tide of history that broke over America tonight, you had to start by listening to John McCain. In his generous concession speech, he acceded to the force of that tide. For once, he didn’t dispute the...

By David Ignatius | November 5, 2008; 1:24 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (18)
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Dancing in the Streets

I'm on the street -- wild. Armies of young people have stampeded to the White House. Yes, they can. Georgetown looked Pamplona -- and it definitely wasn't the cocktail set. Pennsylvania Avenue is standing room only. Never seen anything...

By Kathleen Parker | November 5, 2008; 1:16 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (10)
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Proud of America

My apologies to my editorial board colleagues for dashing out like that. I just couldn't stay. News that Barack Obama had won the honor and privilege of becoming the 44th president of the United States brought a mist to...

By Jonathan Capehart | November 5, 2008; 12:18 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (27)
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McCain's Amazing Grace

What is it about loss that makes men so lovely? John McCain just gave the best speech of his political life. He looked tired, as he should. But he was inspired and profound, the noble soldier many wish had...

By Kathleen Parker | November 4, 2008; 11:48 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (62)
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The Obama Metro Effect

One of the most striking developments over the last two elections is growing Democratic strength in the suburbs and exurbs. Rep. Rahm Emanuel (D-Ill.), who oversaw the Democrats’ 2006 takeover of the House, said at the time that the...

By E.J. Dionne | November 4, 2008; 11:03 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (2)
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Land Shark

The shark has jumped the shark. CNN's Wolf Blitzer just interviewed Jessica Yellin via Hologram from Chicago. Is this a desperate attempt to capture the techie audience? I detected no sense of the absurd. It was played with complete...

By Kathleen Parker | November 4, 2008; 7:24 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (6)
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Three Memories

For campaigns, Election Day is frantic. For so many others, it involves waiting… and waiting, and hoping for some scrap of information. I’ve been getting ready for tonight, but also thinking about an amazing two years and trips to...

By E.J. Dionne | November 4, 2008; 6:04 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
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Divine Electoral Intervention?

Sarah Palin, emerging from the voting booth this morning, said: "Tomorrow, I hope, I pray, I believe that I'll be able to wake up as vice president elect and be able to get to work." I've also seen a...

By Colbert King | November 4, 2008; 5:27 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (11)
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Tell the Campaign in a Limerick

It's finally here. The day you've been waiting for. The day of the PostPartisan "Tell-the-Campaign-in-a-Limerick Contest." The contest begins now and continues through 1 a.m. ET tomorrow (when voting ends in Alaska's Aleutian Islands). A winner will be announced Wednesday...

By Marisa Katz | November 4, 2008; 9:00 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (317)
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PostPartisan: November 2, 2008 - November 8, 2008