The main point of this blog post is simply to say that if you have never read Jay Nordlinger's weekly Impromptus column on National Review Online, you have been missing out on a treat. Unlike many political pundits on both the left and the right, Nordlinger is a delight to read, never coming across as bitter, harsh, or angry. Every time I read him, I am struck by the paradox in his writing. Here is a man with tremendous knowledge of contemporary politics, strong conservative beliefs, and an impressive awareness of American history, especially American political history. He has been covering all the important players in Washington for decades and has forgotten more about politics than most people will ever know. And yet, it is so obvious from his writing that he doesn't let politics consume him. He loves life in all of its variety, quite apart from politics, and freely opines on a broad range of topics in his Impromptus column, from grammar to music to the arts to geography to culture. He is passionate about international human rights. His writing style is conversational. You can't read a column of his without concluding that this is a genuinely happy person who looks at the world in an eminently level-headed, commonsense sort of way. Even when he criticizes others, he generally does so in an indirect and gentle sort of way. (Wish I were better at doing that!) One of my favorite things that he does is jot down his quick thoughts and reactions to major speeches, debates, etc. They are always well worth reading.
Anyway, I thought his column this week was especially good. He has some great thoughts on the left's reaction to the Anthony Weiner scandal. Read it here. And then click on the "Archive" button at the top of the page and read all the other Imprompuses you've missed!
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