So much for changing the smallness of our politics. In the New York Times this morning Jeff Zeleny confirms what we already know, which is that David Axelrod approved of the strategy of having the White House engage with Rush Limbaugh:

The recent back-and-forth with Rush Limbaugh, for example, was explicitly authorized by Mr. Axelrod, who told aides that it was not a moment to sit quietly after Mr. Limbaugh said he hoped that Mr. Obama would “fail.”

I heard James Carville justify the White House's strategy last week by saying that Rush Limbaugh "started it." That's a true - though utterly juvenile - response.

The whole point is that while Limbaugh's statement is legitimate grist for Democratic National Committee and liberal groups around the country to beat Republicans over the head with, the White House should be above the fray of engaging in direct attacks on its critics, particularly unelected individuals.

And, of course, it's especially hypocritical of Barack Obama who campaigned for two years on the promise of getting past the "smallness" of our politics and who just a few weeks ago lectured the nation on the importance of putting aside "childish things" to focus on the important tasks facing the country.

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