Odds and Ends on the Political Scene

Obama could win Virginia if the election were held today.  That is amazing since he has done little to recommend himself.  But he is viewed favorably in the state.  Could this be a ruling class phenomenon?  Virginia is next door to Washington D.C.  A lot of the ruling class live around there in the burbs.

This may be related to the constant belittling of Sarah Palin.  She is just not one of them.

Once they get safely in power, they forget who elected them.  This has happened before, could it be happening again?

If Gingrich runs, what kind of campaign will he have?  Somebody needs to do this.  I figure Newt to be a smart man.  If I had to bet on it, I'd say the odds are greater that he will do this before Obama would.

Update:  Via Taegan Goddard's Political Wire, this story:  Poll: Public Strongly Wants Spending Cuts.  An astounding 96% want cuts in government spending, with 72% strongly supporting it.  My take: As for the idea of ramping up space exploration, this poll seems to rule that out.  The only way to do this would be to shift priorities from exploring Mars to colonizing the moon.  It most likely will have to be packaged as cost effective over the long run because a lunar colony could eventually support itself.  To stay on the current path invites more budgetary problems later on, especially if the fiscal environment gets worse.

Also from Politcal Wire:  Tax Overhaul Gains Steam.  My take: No mention of consumption taxes.  Then it doesn't really address the problem now does it?