The best Republican leadership has always come from people somewhat at odds with their own party, from Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt in former days to McCain and Palin now. Related to this, the article in yesterday’s NY TImes by David Brooks argues for the continuing need for a distinctly political philosophy and not just a general moral philosophy. Brooks’ critique will, perhaps, be better filled by the selection of a Cabinet. However, I wonder how Brooks would describe the political philosophy of Abe or Teddy three months before their election to the presidency?