HOUSEKEEPING NOTE…. Just a reminder, the Monthly‘s tech team will be some server maintenance over the weekend. I’ll still have a normal weekend posting schedule, and you’ll still be able to comment, but there’s a small chance any comments left over the weekend may not permanently survive. Just FYI.

Our ideas can save democracy... But we need your help! Donate Now!

Follow Steve on Twitter @stevebenen. Steve Benen is a producer at MSNBC's The Rachel Maddow Show. He was the principal contributor to the Washington Monthly's Political Animal blog from August 2008 until January 2012.