...agree with, as opposed to just wanting to thwart him - when the struggle is an end, not just a means to an end?"Wherever that line is, our politicians may have crossed it. No offense.MacGillis is a senior editor at the New Republic.

...health costs are a major cause. The American dream isn't to pay ever-higher health premiums.Ramesh Ponnuru is a Bloomberg View columnist, a visiting fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and a senior editor at National Review.

...this column. Still, if any of these predictions prove mistaken, I'm not giving you a refund.Ramesh Ponnuru is a Bloomberg View columnist, a visiting fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and a senior editor at National Review.

...be progress. One way or the other, we need to get Social Security's finances in order, instead of acting as though there's no problem to be solved.Ramesh Ponnuru is a Bloomberg View columnist and a senior editor at National Review.

...designed to give them the rush of momentary excitement.If Romney is going to do something boring, in other words, he should at least do it in a novel way.Ramesh Ponnuru is a Bloomberg View columnist and a senior editor at National Review.

...Compared to the various mythical Reagans on offer, the real Reagan is less convenient for today's Democrats - and a more challenging example for Republicans.Ponnuru is a Bloomberg View columnist and a senior editor at National Review.

...dealing out his own low-tech punishment to drivers who use mobile phones: He honks his horn at them. That's got to be distracting for everyone nearby.Ramesh Ponnuru is a Bloomberg View columnist and a senior editor at National Review.

...legislative compromise." No wonder at least one member of the supercommittee is telling colleagues that he isn't holding out much hope for progress. Ramesh Ponnuru is a Bloomberg View columnist and a senior editor at National Review.

...to Obamacare has to involve changing the tax code. And without a credible alternative, Republicans won't be able to repeal it, let alone replace it.Ramesh Ponnuru is a Bloomberg View columnist and a senior editor at National Review.

...difference this time, Obama said, was that they had him. Berry mentioned the remarks as he announced his retirement. His seat is now held by a Republican. RAMESH PONNURU is a Bloomberg View columnist and a senior editor at National Review.