Quotes by Michael Kinsley

“That seemed like an insult, ... I guess it was. Even after that, I thought he maybe put it badly and he didnt mean to be sending out these go-away vibes. But it turns out he put it exactly right.”

“Unless you do something aggressive (about housing) soon, youre going to get into trouble deeper and deeper, faster and faster.”

“The Internet beat TV and print to this story, and ultimately forced it on them, for one simple reason: lower standards.”

“The most embarrassing thing (in the Times package) is that (Millers editors) told her to stop writing about that but she kept writing about it, anyway.”

“This agreement with America Online will introduce millions of additional people to the fastest way to get smart about the news and events of the week.”

“are unlikely to devote a continuous half-hour or more to any one site the way you might read a traditional paper magazine in one sitting.”

“That is worth keeping in mind while you try to decide whether American credibility or Iraqi prosperity or Middle East stability can justify the cost in blood and treasure. And dont forget to factor in the likelihood that the war will actually produce these fine things.”

“Once, I would drive across town if necessary [to buy a newspaper]. Today, I open the front door and if the paper isnt within about 10 feet I retreat to my computer and read it online. Only six months ago, that figure was 20 feet. Extrapolating, they will have to bring it to me in bed by the end of the year and read it to me out loud by the second quarter of 2007.”

“No other nation obsesses about abortion the way we do.”

“I have always enjoyed the myth of The New Republics golden age. The magazine is still very much in the Washington mix. It doesnt necessarily move the debate, but I think it can stir things up.”

In 1977, at least, he wished to have people believe that he shared and was proud of an attitude toward women that is not acceptable in a politician. In 2003, all he has said is that he doesnt remember the interview.

It wouldnt be fair to say that conservatives cherish property the way liberals cherish equality. But it would be fair to say that the takings clause is the conservatives recipe for judicial activism just as they say liberals have misused the equal protection clause.

The logic is often far-fetched - how does medical marijuana affect interstate commerce? - and some conservatives would like judges to start throwing out federal laws wholesale on commerce clause grounds. The court once again said no thanks.

A gaffe is when a politician tells the truth.

Hes nice enough not to want to be associated with a nasty remark but not nice enough not to make it. Lacking the courage of ones nastiness does not make one nice.