Notes From D.R. | Random Thoughts on the Passing Scene

The Washington Post on the GOP’s efforts to mount a comeback in Virginia.

Seriously, RNC Chairman Michael Steele needs to stop using campaign rhetoric after the campaign is over.

Matthew Continetti says conservatism isn’t dead yet.

Conor Friedersdorf on the rhetorical excess of talk-radio star Mark Levin.

Daniel Larison on President Obama and Jon Huntsman.

David Brooks on the Obama/Cheney torture debate.

David Frum on America’s actual attitude about abortion.

Politico.com on Charles Krauthammer’s skeptical view of President Obama’s agenda.

Michelle Oddis on the GOP’s image problem.

Brian Hughes on the potential repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

Sophia Nelson on the woes of RNC Chairman Michael Steele–a centrist trapped in a conservative’s body. (Hat tip to Booker Rising.)

Two questions about the Martin Luther King Jr. biopic that Steven Spielberg plans to produce (but not direct, apparently): Who will play MLK? (Why not Will Smith?) And, will there be a controversy if a black director is not selected to make the film, similar to the controversy that broke out when it appeared that a white director, Norman Jewison, would direct Malcolm X? (Perhaps not: I don’t recall any outcry when Michael Mann was hired to direct Ali. So long as it’s a good film, who cares about the director’s color?)

Kathleen Parker on Michael Steele’s star-crossed tenure as RNC Chairman.

David Frum on Donald Rumsfeld’s impact on the Bush Administration.

Ross Douthat on controversial author Dan Brown.