MONSTERS UNDER THE BAD

I generally avoid dealing with Krugman because, hey, why bother -- it's a crowded market. But today I have no choice -- he makes a play at my trade, rhetorical criticism. That's essentially what happens in the part of Fisking where people aren't answering arguments, but are engaging in close textual criticism, are pointing out the way language is such a powerful and subtle tool of persuasion, for example by using evocative language to say what you want without ever actually saying it out loud.

Some texts need Fisking, when they do indeed use metaphor, analogy, etc, to suggestively imply something in a deniable way. But Krugman, let's just say, should really stick to economics. Here's his take on the new RNC ad defending the president:

"The ad was clearly intended to insinuate once again -- without saying anything falsifiable -- that there was a link between Iraq and 9/11."

Seriously, dude, leave the driving to professionals.