TNR: Don't Believe the Hype

the new republic: mccain still a bush era republican:

McCain reiterated his interest in drilling for more oil--a strategy that, as noted in this space, wouldn't actually do much to reduce gas prices. He also vowed to cut taxes, failing to mention that most of the cuts would go to the very wealthy.

his suggestion that it would "make it easier for more Americans to find and keep good health care insurance" is just plain wrong.

let me add that his endorsement of "holding schools accountable for poor performance" and giving families the choice to opt out of the public school system and choose charter schools is a continuation of No Child Left Behind. This policy is an unequivocal failure. It denigrates public schools by supporting a brain drain, and punishes rather than protects schools struggling in low-income areas. It even encourages teachers to cheat for their students to artificially raise test scores! (congrats to Freakonomics on catching that one). Its failure has been well documented for years, so, congratulations on yet another continuity of failed policy, John. I can't believe I had missed one.