Oooh, I hate the establishment; what a surprise... I did myself a grave disservice on Monday & read Joe Klein's column in the latest time. It was an apologia for Joseph Biden (D - Del.), as the only "serious" candidate in the Democratic primary field, & the one most versed in foreign affairs (a skill-set that is desperately needed in the wake of G-Dub's ham-handed diplomacy & warring). I could only scoff.

To say that Biden is the most experienced diplomatic hand in the race, because he's been chair at various moments -- depending on upper-chamber majority -- of the Foreign Relations Committee begs credulity. Where was Ol' Joe when the Iraq resolution was up for votes? Where was his knowledge-base to vet the NIE & demonstrace with alacrity its hyperbole? I don't recall it being anywhere.

Instead, Joe happens to be an East Coast quasi-liberal of similar age (&, prolly, upbringing) to Klein, & that, coupled with Biden's three decade run in the world's most illustrious debating society nets him Klein's de facto (for the week, anyway) endorsement. All the while, Klein glosses over Bill Richardson's record as a diplomatic hand in the U.S. House, service as U.N. ambassador under Clinton (plus, sec'y at DOE, with its attendent interest in arms proliferation), & background as envoy to North Korea & Sudan. Clearly, Richardson has at least Biden's theoretic expertise, & much more practical expertise. But, he's a governor, & Clinton administration veteran (never forget Joe Klein as the anon author of Primary Colours, a fact about which he prevaricated for well past his cloaked shelf-life), & from NEW MEXICO (how close is that to the Hamptons, now?). Of course Klein would dismiss Richardson without any consideration at all.

I doubt, then, that I shall be reading another of Klein's immoderate moderate musings & shilling for the status quo. Of course, I won't further fault him for shame. That sales pitch of "revolution" but actual production in the same mediocre corporatist-fronting-with-a-dollop-of-protectionism-(industry-dependent)-to-the-unions has made Klein rich. He's gotten paid, which is the (only) important thing... Why does anyone need to get paid, then?

#### NTAC.