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January 22, 2007

This Week's Tank Talk: To The Blogosphere And Beyond

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Worried you missed a few Washington whispers? Fear not. Scholars can play pundits, too. Here's the weekly roundup from DC's top five think tanks.

HIDE AND SEEK
Why did Dems pick Denver and GOPers choose Minneapolis for the 2008 national conventions, rather than NYC or Boston? AEI's John Fortier answers this question and proposes a few more he believes both parties must now consider. Among them, will NH once again switch party allegiance, or will Minneapolis become a GOP stronghold of the future? In attempt to tell each party's fortune, Fortier examines certain political patterns from the past to the present.

NO PLACE LIKE HOME
AEI's David Gerlenter argues that although there are several reasons to be skeptical about sending more troops to Iraq, the alternative of keeping our troops home, would prove more dangerous. Terrorists and tyrants, according to Gerlenter, could otherwise mobilize beyond the bounds of Baghdad and break into our borders.

TO THE BLOGOSPHERE AND BEYOND
Cato Institute's P.J. O'Rourke presented his new book, P.J. O'Rourke On The Wealth Of Nations, before a Cato audience in NYC. He addressed how his book offers "a modern-day spin" on Adam Smith's The Wealth Of Nations, exploring such topics as blogs and lobbyists, and how they impact politics.

HOW STRONG ARE DEM MUSCLES?
Gaining strength is typically looked upon favorably, but what happens when it is quickly acquired -- do inherant weaknesses still exist ? AEI's Kevin Hassett assesses the amount of strength Democrats have showed in their willingness to end the conflict in Iraq. Yet he concludes their power over foreign affairs could allow them to dismiss certain weaknesses at home [SARAH LOVENHEIM]

A MEDIOCRE MENU
Should Americans back President 's call to raise troop levels in Iraq? Or should Americans instead, stand behind politicians refusing to fund the President's plan? Perhaps the answer is neither. If that's your answer, then what are the alternatives? Appearing before the House Armed Services Committee, Center for American Progress Senior Fellow Lawrence J. Korb expressed his dissatisfaction with a lack of options and offered nine reasons Congress should start redeploying our troops.

POLITICS AND PROS
Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales addressed his leadership experience during the war in Iraq, answering questions before an AEI audience about its impact on today's political landscape and tomorrow's judicial process.

ALL PUMPED UP
In a memo to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Heritage Foundation's Ben Lieberman suggests Pelosi toss her energy proposal, if she hopes to keep an energetic Congress. Although he notes the high cost of fuel, natural gas, and electricy are disturbing, he believes her new bill could cost Congress more energy than it's worth .

Policy trumped politics at the Brookings Institution. Political panels will resume Monday.

Have an idea for next week's Tank Talk?
Send your suggestions to Sarah, at slovenheim@nationaljournal.com.


Posted at 08:54 AM

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