The NY Times had a fascinating series of articles and interactive stuff about class in America, a decade or so ago. Income is a big factor, but upbringing and education really do matter. Knowing the right norms can make a huge difference in how people see you (in either direction!).

(Did I say this once already? Maybe I said this already. Apparently I just seem to like talking about my own failures of imagination. :) )

The biggest reason I don't play Hard Mode is that I've never figured out what kind of strategy it would take to avoid these sorts of "unavoidable fail" days (and I suspect that if I did come up with a viable approach, it would take a computer to do it). My sympathies!

I deeply want to believe this. Can you provide any evidence that it is true?

Because to my eye, you brokered a deal (or let one happen on your watch) that gave up the only leverage Democrats had (and that the public seemed to support them using), in exchange for nothing at all on healthcare.

Kim adds, "In a Hawaiian shirt! Can't forget the Hawaiian shirt!"