Indiana U.S. Sen. Richard Lugar, nobody’s liberal but also nobody’s wackjob, is in a tough primary race against a Tea Party candidate and he’s gone on the offensive against the lunatic fringe. He blames the Tea Party’s power in 2010 for the Republicans’ failure to take the U.S. Senate. He’s correct, of course. But the ‘baggers don’t need no stinkin’ facts as long as they have their rage and the black man in the White House. See Iowa caucuses.

A key factor in the 2012 elections is whether Lugar is onto something. Has ‘bagger rage peaked, as an effective force? Might a touch of moderation and spirit of compromise be a virtue at the polls? I’m afraid that, in Arkansas, it will remain enough to invoke the name of the dusky Muslim from Kenya as often as possible. We are always late arrivals on trends.

Advertisement

Arkansas Times: Your voice in the fight

Are you tired of watered-down news and biased reporting? The Arkansas Times has been fighting for truth and justice for 50 years. As an alternative newspaper in Little Rock, we are tough, determined, and unafraid to take on powerful forces. With over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts, we are making a difference. But we can't do it without you. Join the 3,400 paid subscribers who support our great journalism and help us hire more writers. Sign up for a subscription today or make a donation of as little as $1 and help keep the Arkansas Times feisty for years to come.

Previous article Republicans block fair pay for home care aides Next article Gingrich plunge leaves Romney riding high