Contra Matt and Ezra--and in support of Brad DeLong I suppose--I don't think we should let Cohen off so easily. I guess it's understandable when people of my generation bungle the first--and therefore rightful!--Peters-definition of the term "neoliberal". And it's even a little bit understandable when World Bankers--who are not in the business of reforming American bureaucracy--pervert the meaning as well. But Richard Cohen is basically heir to the coveted Broder-held deanhood (deanship?) of Washington journalism. He was around for the Peters era and seems to be as responsible as anybody for the fact that the term has bifurcated. Or trifurcated. He ought to be held to a higher standard.
Comments