the kicker

Charlie Cook Takes Own Name Too Literally

Politics is delicious.
September 17, 2008

Charlie Cook: D.C. establishment fixture, Cook Political Report proprietor, National Journal columnist, critic of ethnic foods. From his National Journal column this morning:

Next came the Democratic convention, which was the political equivalent of a Chinese dinner. It looked, smelled and tasted great; it was a perfectly enjoyable experience — and diners were hungry just a few hours later.

First, why is being hungry a few hours after eating a “Chinese dinner” thing, and not a “the way the digestive system works” thing? Second, I think he actually means to reference a Japanese dinner, often characterized by small and delicate portions of fish, instead of a Chinese dinner, often characterized by fried chicken with orange sauce. Third, what sort of restaurant does the Republican convention resemble? I’m guessing churrascaria.

Justin Peters is editor-at-large of the Columbia Journalism Review.