Opinion Duel

The New Republic and The National Review have found an interesting way to promote critical thinking–not to mention online magazine subscriptions. “The Opinion Duel” divides the screen into each editor’s point-of-view on the pre 9/11 intelligence debate. I think all but serious partisans fall into the camp of “Neither administration did enough prior to 9/11 to avert terrorism.” So I would prefer that this angle of the Iraq/terrorism issue morph into something that has more immediate relevance. But it is refreshing to read “We’ve found a perfect partner in the staff of National Review ? by far the smartest, most honest, best-written conservative magazine published today” from Jonathon Chait on the TNR side and “The New Republic is the smartest and most interesting liberal magazine in America and that you are one of its best writers,” from Ramesh Ponnuru. With the shrill and rage-filled “debate” that is so common today, it’s hard not to be excited when well-known writers, from opposite ends of the political spectrum, treat each other with respect. Let’s hope this idea catches on…

April 20th, 2004