Josh Marshall subscribes to the "hoax" theory of the new space policy. Jeff Foust and his commenters show him (as is often the case) to be full of it. As commenter "Brad" says:

The Marshall piece is not a serious analysis of the merits, or lack, of the new Bush space policy. The complete omission in Marshall's story of the fact of the Columbia disaster and the floundering of NASA is telling. If Bush had done nothing at all in response, or made a Clintonian style non-decision to muddle through, that would itself warrant criticism. But instead Marshall attacks the president for having the balls to make a real choice...

...I have no illusions that Bush is some kind of space exploration enthusiast, even though he does have a background in military aviation. But I do think the Bush style of blunt decision making is what is responsible for finally cutting though the thirty years worth of bureaucratic B.S. surrounding space policy.

I am worried though that the political venom level is so high now that if Bush is defeated, his replacement will kill manned space exploration just because Bush was in favor of it. The Marshall piece is just another example of the venom.

Yes. I made this point as well a couple weeks ago.

"Floundering" means to thrash about wildly, which doesn't really apply. I think the poster means "foundering", which means to become disabled or lame.

re: floundering

"to struggle clumsily or helplessly in embarrassment or confusion" -- I think I choose the right word.

BTW - thanks Rand, it's a kick to see myself, of all people, quoted by someone like you.

I think history might [mistakeningly] view this campaign to hate Bush, as the reason for the Democrats decline. But if the Dems happen to win the election, then I don't think this venom will carry past the election- the vemon has little to do with policy or even ideological differences.
But if Kerry or someone becomes the President, then it is unlikely they will actually carry out this space plan- but not because of vemon but simply because they too stupid to know how to make it happen- just as they would have screw up the war in Iraq and/or Afghanstan- assuming they had *somehow* had gotten the balls to even attempt it.