David Frum's Blog, page 197

Revisiting 'Darkness At Noon'

Arthur Koestler explained the mentality that led so many in the West to condone the 1930s Moscow show trials, says David Frum.

David's Book Club: Darkness At Noon

When I last read Darkness at Noon, almost 30 years ago, the Soviet Union was still very much a going concern, although very visibly nearing breakdown. Communism was best described by jokes, including the East German classic: "It is possible to intelligent. It is possible to be honest. And it is possible to be a communist. But not all three."

Diversity at the RNC!

Eleven prime-time speakers at the Republican national convention. Five of them women. Five of them minorities.

The Fracking Truth About Canada's Successful Energy Policy

In my column for the National Post, I explain why Canada's outlook on North American energy policy has become more optimistic:

Kosovo's Frightening Example To Syria

Kapil Komireddi argues that Kosovo should be remembered as the ungood war in a devastating review of the history of the Kosovo Liberation Army.

If Ryan Thinks Privatizing Health Care Cuts Costs, I've a Nice Bridge To Sell Him

Peter Orszag mocks Paul Ryan for believing a "competition tooth fairy" will magically lower health care costs for American patients:

Why Egypt's Courtesy Call to Iran Before US?

What news from foreign countries will we be talking about in two months? To keep readers abreast of the latest developments abroad, Brian Stewart will provide semi-regular commentary for the blog, highlighting global alerts that merit attention.

Romney Just Birthed More Obama Support With Awkward Joke

"I used to want Obama to win. Now I want Romney to lose."

The Birth Of (Another) Unwanted Romney Mistake

Why is Romney getting drawn into these ridiculous skirmishes? The Bureau of Labor Statistics will do his negative campaigning for him. His job from here to Election Day is to look steady, safe, and non-controversial. Dare to be boring!

Full Disclosure

"Nobody has ever asked to see my birth certificate," says Mitt Romney, campaigning today in Michigan.