Monday, April 27, 2009
WHAT A DIFFERENCE THREE YEARS MAKES
Later this week, I am off to Memphis for a conference related to my "real job." Inasmuch as Memphis is a pretty important place for EFM -- if we had a Mecca, that might be it -- it's inspired a few reflections. Herewith a few differences between my 2006 and 2009 trips to the home of the best BBQ in America:
1. I now know there's a difference between Texas and Memphis BBQ, among others.
2. The most common reaction to the name "Mitt Romney" is no longer, "Who?"
3. The idea of David going to Iraq is no longer an academic matter.
4. David, Nancy, and all their friends no longer have to ask me when I'm going to propose to Charissa (in front of Charissa, of course). Like good right-wing religious extremists, we got married.
5. The idea of Bill Frist or George Allen running for president is laughable.
6. John McCain has learned not to pull dumb stunts. Wait, nevermind.
7. The surge has happened and Iraq is a totally different place.
8. David helped.
9. Hillary Clinton is no longer the right's #1 bogeyman.
10. It's worth reiterating: Back at the Southern Republican Leadership Conference, no one knew who Governor Romney was. Now, he is the GOP's undisputed economic guru...and if you haven't looked toward Iowa lately, he's sounding smarter than ever on marriage.