On this business with the EPA giving Waxman all its papers: I doubt it will turn up anything actionably illegal. We’ll see a great deal of circumstantial evidence pointing to already obvious conclusions: the White House, probably Cheney’s office, urged Johnson to reject the waiver. Messaging was coordinated. The Bush administration cut a deal with automakers, securing their support for a CAFE boost in exchange for thwarting California’s efforts.

A few pundits will harumph in outrage, the public will yawn, and events will march on. Who can really work up righteous fire about this stuff any more? After seven years of it, we’re desensitized. We need bigger doses to get the same high. A war. Martial law. Something.