Mr. Ornstein regrets...

Norm Ornstein, one of the least conservative analysts at the conservative American Enterprise Institute criticized 2008 GOP vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin's recent Facebook Notes op-ed on the decline of the dollar and how it is tied to our increasing national debt and reliance on foreign oil. Ornstein told the Financial Times:

“The dollar has always been a testosterone issue among America’s political classes,” says Norm Ornstein, a veteran analyst at the conservative American Enterprise Institute. “This time there may be a legitimate debate to be had over the dollar’s reserve status, but Sarah Palin is not qualified to participate in it.”

Ashley Tillotson e-mailed Mr. Ornstein, asking him:

"Are [there] any other women unqualified to participate?" 

Ash Tillotson reminded Mr. Ornstein that among AEI's principles is the free and open debate of ideas, and that his remark concerning former Governor Palin runs counter to that principle.

Imagine Ash's surprise when he received the following reply, which he shared with us in an e-mail to Texas for Sarah Palin, The Palination and Conservatives 4 Palin:

"Mr. Tillotson, it was a snide remark and I regret making it.  Thanks for writing, 
Norm Ornstein"

Unfortunately, Mr. Ornstein's regrets will not be as widely reported by the media as was his original snide remark. But isn't that the way it always goes?

Meanwhile, where Sarah Palin leads, other Republicans follow.

- JP