That Was Then...

Aug 22nd, 2011

I grow weary of so frequently having to say the words, "I am not making this up," while discussing the 2012 Republican field.

Parody cover via

In Presidential politics, it is not at all uncommon to find potential candidates forced to defend themselves from accusations of youthful indiscretion.

Listening to the hopefuls explain how their current philosophy has matured or how it differs from their views in earlier times has become a matter of course.

This part of the public vetting is really not supposed to be this interesting.

Bill Clinton took some hits over his attendance at anti-war rallies in England more than two decades before his first White House run. W had some dodging to do over allegations of, well, dodging the draft (along with more than a few other unpleasant accusations).

So here we are, earlier than we should be in such tumultuous times, focused on next year's primary politics.

The first big story of a politician distancing himself from, if not outright disavowing, any number of previously held positions has arrived. This is different, though. Perhaps reflecting the obscene speed of the socially networked world, the "old" views from which Gov. Rick Perry is trying to separate himself date back an entire 9 months.