That's Jill Lawrence handicapping Mike Huckabee's chances at winning the Republican nomination, post-Maurice Clemmons.
The Washington police slayings are the political equivalent of five Willie Hortons, says Max Brantley, editor of the liberal alternative weekly Arkansas Times.
Brantley and other critics on the liberal end of the spectrum have wrestled for years with their respect for Huckabee's view that people can be rehabilitated, and their dismay at the way he exercised his powers. He used them more often than previous governors and seemed to be swayed by questionable factors.
"He just didn't have good judgment," Brantley told me. "I'm all for compassion, but not for stupidity."
What would happen if Huck were still on his book tour?
Also, looking forward to Public Policy Polling's December survey -- Huck's led or been tied for the lead 8 straight months...
