Good job--I think

In a series of back-handed compliments, New York Times columnist Ross Douthat says Glenn Beck succeeded in not making this past weekend's rally political.

After saying that Beck served up something "considerably stranger" than his normal radio and tv shows, and describing the event as "a tent revival crossed with a pep rally intertwined with a history lecture married to a U.S.O. telethon — and that was just in the first hour," Douthat ends with a warm review:

... Beck’s packed, three-hour jamboree was floated entirely on patriotism and piety, with no “get thee to a voting booth” message. It blessed a particular way of life without burdening that blessing with the compromises of a campaign, or the disillusioning work of governance.

For a weekend, at least, Beck proved that he can conjure the thrill of a culture war without the costs of combat, and the solidarity of identity politics without any actual politics. If his influence outlasts the current election cycle, this will be the secret of his success.

I think that's a compliment, right?