The Anger of the Left

In the days and weeks and months to come, expect anger -- lots more anger -- from the leftist elite. It's no wonder that they're calling Tea Partiers and Republicans "terrorists." Their choice of epithet is revealing, albeit unintentionally. In fact, those on the left really do feel that they are confronting an existential threat . . . to their cherished self-image, that is.

James Taranto, who writes the wonderful "Best of the Web" column for the Wall Street Journal, is exactly right:

The Obama presidency has reduced the liberal left to an apoplectic rage. His Ivy League credentials, superior attitude, pseudointellectual mien and facile adherence to lefty ideology make him the perfect personification of the liberal elite. Thus far at least, he has been an utter failure both at winning public support and at managing the affairs of the nation.

Obama's failure is the failure of the liberal elite, and that is why their ressentiment has reached such intensity. Their ideas, such as they are, are being put to a real-world test and found severely wanting. As a result, their authority is collapsing. And if there is one thing they know deep in their bones, it is that they are entitled to that authority. They lash out, desperately and pathetically, because they have nothing to offer but fear and anger.

Everybody knows the old saw about hell having no fury like a woman scorned. Well, actually, it does -- the level of hysterical rage that will continue to emanate from the left-wing elite will give any scorned woman a run for her money.