Encore of Revival: America, November 16, 2015

The fourth GOP debate dominated headlines through the week. Paris dominated everything, even over the DNC debate, through the weekend. Look at the numbers from Hollywood Reporter: 8.5 million DNC debate viewers, down from 15 million in the first debate. Not only does the GOP have more debates (indicating marketability of what Conservatives have to say), audiences seem less interested in the Democrats. Viewership itself should be a consideration in predicting elections. The Republican base is energized.

The US response to Paris had the usual boilerplate soapbox grandstanding, which is expected from pundits and politicians. The folks, however, seem disinterested in hearing what everyone already knows. Paris needs friends and prayers more than see-I-told-ya-so anecdotes. That being said, relearning from repeating history isn’t entirely foolish. But there is a time to mention the obvious and an obvious time to mourn.

While political and philosophical policies have left the West wide open to all sorts of attacks, both physical and ideological, the West is waking up. Being awake is an improvement. Hope is not lost. Nor is the last great revival.

As Pentagon dusts off war plans for Russia, planners can’t find one scenario in which the U.S. wins (National Security)

Michigan

Snyder suspends efforts to settle Syrian refugees (Detroit FP)

Police investigate tweet threatening Dearborn Muslims (Detroit FP)

Paris

Paris attacks put dagger through heart of liberal Europe (Telegraph)

Paris massacre: At least 128 killed in gunfire and blasts, French officials say (CNN)

Paris attacks: Bataclan and other assaults leave many dead (BBC)

Paris attacks: what we know so far (UK G)

Outside Paris

TV Ratings: Dems Bring 8.5 Million in Broadcast’s First Debate (Hollywood Reporter)

CBS ends Democratic debate with seven minutes to spare (POLITICO)