Excerpt:
Most successful politicians develop the ability to not answer questions. There is a dizzying range of methods, including the addressing of a different subject (generally introduced with the phrase "I want to be absolutely clear about this"). The thornier the issue, the more important the dodge becomes and the more fervently it is practiced.
There are few thornier issues in America - or the world - today than Islamic radicalism. Although it existed long before 9/11, it was that day that propelled it to the forefront of public attention. But among politicians, the debate has been surprisingly consensual and disturbingly muted.
Despite a string of thwarted and "successful" attacks in the last two years originating on, or aimed at, American soil, politicians have continued to try to hold the line of not addressing the subject frankly. It is as though they fear what will happen if they talk. When he appeared before the House Judiciary Committee last year, Attorney General Eric Holder contorted himself in order not to say "radical" and "Islam" in the same sentence. But whether the politicians want violent forms of Islam to exist or not, they do.