The Restless Conservatives

On the right, there is increasingly a sense of discontent - an ugly feeling that they've been had. A few samples:

• George Will has several intelligent things to say, none offering aid or comfort to the current administration.
  
• William Kristol is wondering aloud what's wrong with Bush's leadership.
• Joe Scarborough is mad as hell.
  
• Even Trent Lott says, ominously, that "mistakes are being made."

This article questions why the leading critics seem to be Republicans. But it's really not a mystery. The pathetic FEMA response hit Republicans where it hurts - their vanity about their management capabilities, their obsession with national security, and their triumphalism.

For Democrats, it's just another example of the administration's hubris coming home to roost. But for Republicans, it's the moment when you can't even pretend anymore.