Send Eric Cantor a copy of the Constitution

The President met today with Congressional leaders of both parties to discuss the ongoing review of American strategy on Afghanistan. After the meeting Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) told CNN that Democrats and Republicans said they would back Obama on whatever decision he makes.

But to the contrary, House Republican Whip Eric Cantor (R-VA) said that Republicans would support him "if he makes the right decision, which is to listen to his commanders in the field who are asking desperately for more troops."

So Cantor’s party will support the field commanders, regardless of what the Commander in Chief decides, and regardless of what Obama's chief military advisors--Defense Secretary Gates and Joint Chiefs Chairman Mullen--advise. Whatever became of civilian control? Guess it’s not in Cantor’s copy of the Constitution.

The Professor, the Cop, and the President

It's hard not to sympathize with everyone involved in the dust-up in Cambridge: Professor Gates, Officer Crowley, and President Obama. Gates was challenged in his own home, Crowley was a good cop trying to do his job while being yelled at (apparently), and Obama was giving his honest and sensible opinion. I think it’s impossible—at a distance—to say one was right and one was wrong..

The President has an uncanny knack for turning problems into opportunities—reminds me of the Jeremiah Wright blow-ups, and there were some examples in his books. Maybe this will really be a teachable moment. I think a beer at the White House is the best option.