On credibility (or the lack thereof)

Steve Benen points out the disconnect between Republican leadership under Bush and now. Hatch, evidently, admitted that six years ago "it was standard practice not to pay for things."

Then consider that the very same GOP lawmakers who believed it was standard practice not to pay for things are now outraged that Democrats -- who aren't relying on deficit spending to finance their agenda -- aren't acting quickly enough to clean up the budget mess Republicans left for them.

Key point, of course, is that the Democrats are seeking to actually pay for what they do, but that is not enough.