Brown Out, Cameron In

Another fascinating day in London.

Labour PM Gordon Brown executed a dignified exit, stage left.

Tory leader David Cameron was asked by the Queen to form a new government, and Mr. Cameron is your new Prime Minister.

The world wonders what the Lib-Dems got in return.

The UK Election - Some Thoughts

The developments out of UK in the aftermath of their May 6, 2010 General Election continue to be fascinating.

I think we can now begin to address, given today's developments, the failure of the Tories to win the election outright. Labour had been in power for 13 years, and given the problems currently facing Britian (government debt the biggest), coupled with the MP expense scandal and PM Gordon Brown's "bigot" comment in the closing days, the fact that the Tories could not wrestle away a clear majority is beyond comprehension. I'd place it on par with a hypothetical situation in 2008 where in the US, the Democrats actually lost the House and Senate after 8 years of GWB.

Now today we are learning that after a few days of talks between the Lib Dems and the Tories about a possible coalition government, Gordon Brown has offered to step down as PM. This is a clear invitation to the Lib Dems that Labour remains willing to deal, and I believe a clear signal to the Tories that if the Lib Dems do not get the concessions they seek, they'll walk.

Now, a coalition between Labour and the Lib Dems is not without its problems, best illustrated by the BBC's Nick Robinson:

Gordon Brown quits: I foresee three problems for the Lib Dems. One, form a coalition with Labour and you still get Gordon Brown, albeit temporarily. Two, after that you get an unelected prime minister, which the public may not like. And three, critics will inevitably call this "a losers' coalition."

All true. However, considering the alternative, I think those are three pitfalls that Nick Clegg and the Lib Dems can live with.

Your Next Justice

Solicitor General, and former Dean of Harvard Law School Elena Kagan will be nominated tomorrow by President Obama to replace Justice John Paul Stevens.

There is much consternation on the left over this pick. Concern over her ties with Goldman Sachs, as well as her preference for executive privilege. I understand those on the left who expressed a preference for Judge Diane Wood from the 7th Circuit. However, I believe that Kagan is a strong, safe choice who not only fits with the President's vision of a Justice, but will serve as a strong, liberal voice on the Court for years to come.

On the 24 Hour News Cycle

If you know me at all, you know my favorite whipping boy in the world is the 24 hour news cycle. In my opinion, all of life's problems stem back to the sudden need to invent news over a 24 hour period, then dissect it, reconstruct it, and dissect it again. Just brutal.

Frank Rich touches on some of these points today in the NYT.

Happy Mother's Day

To all the moms out there.

But especially to one in particular, who taught me everything I know about being a fearless advocate. Happy Mother's Day, Mom.

A Return...

...back after another long hiatus. I will try not to make this a habit.

If you're awake, the UK Elections are pretty freakin' compelling.