In which The Gay Recluse scores selected opinions in The Times.

Thomas Friedman/The New Cold War

The Short Version: Iran is the next big challenge for the US. Too bad we’re so fucked.

In his words: “Alas, the right question for the next president isn’t whether we talk or don’t talk. It’s whether we have leverage or don’t have leverage.”

Score: B+ (Better)
Friedman seems to know what he’s talking about here, and we have no basis to disagree.

Maureen Dowd/Raspberry for Barry

The Short Version: Obama has a problem in West Virginia.

In her words: “Obama may have started the primary season with an inspiring win in 94-percent-white Iowa, but he is winding it up with a resounding loss in 94-percent-white West Virginia.”

The Score: B- (Bit much)
It still seems kind of early to be fretting about West Virginia in terms of a general election. If West Virgina really thinks that another Republican asshole is going to help their cause, there’s not much Obama is going to be able to do about it.