Greg Mankiw shows quantitatively that Paul Krugman’s definition of “hack” must be “someone who disagrees with Paul Krugman.” He points out that, Krugman’s name-calling notwithstanding, both Bush and Obama appointed (objectively) top economists, with a slight edge to Bush. I disagree that this is a redefinition, though. I think it’s what Krugman has always meant.
(Via Instapundit.)
AFTERTHOUGHT: Seriously though, after some of the names that have been bandied about for Obama appointments (e.g., Robert Kennedy, Jr!), Obama’s actual appointments thus far have been a relief. They are liberals, to be sure, but generally sane ones.
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