From The Washington Monthly, Phillip Longman on the Texas Miracle that isn’t: Conservatives say the Lone Star state’s recent record of growth validates their economic agenda — that record crumbles upon inspection. Rick Santorum rebrands himself as working class populist, promptly announces opposition to minimum wage hike. Danny Vinik on the real reason conservatives oppose renewing unemployment insurance. Republicans’ unemployment chutzpah: First, Boehner and co. blocked unemployment insurance from being extended — now they're oh-so sad about its results. Republicans aren’t really a blue-collar party: GOP voters have always been a mix of different income levels and social classes. The gender wage gap is ugly — so is the dishonest Right-wing effort to deny it. Brain Beutler on what Buzzfeed doesn't tell us about Paul Ryan (Hint: A lot). Sean McElwee on six studies that show everything Republicans believe is wrong. Turns out the Right is evil: You knew it was true — now research proves it. Yeah, I wrote the Vast Right-Wing Conspiracy memo: Chris Lehane stands by every word of it — and it’s even worse today. The NRA won, and conservatives aren't sure what to do with it next. Viva the Tea Party Revolucion: Reihan Salam on how the movement can save itself and become a powerful force for good. Matea Gold on how Tea party PACs reap money for midterms, but spend little on candidates. Hipsters, they’re just like us: Thomas Frank on “normcore,” Sarah Palin, and the GOP’s big red state lie — new trend makes fools of taste makers, and unmasks GOP's phony NASCAR populism ploy. John Quiggin on Right wing tribalists: A lost cause. If cheese denial is how you demonstrate you're part of the tribe, then anyone who denies cheese is a hero. A look at 15 actors you might not have known were Republicans.
