Typically, we aim to please 50% of our readers with a given link. Today, we’re not sure anyone will be happy. That’s because our column comes from former Attorney General Bill Barr. While Barr’s standing with the left has improved since his public break with Donald Trump, it would be a reach to say he’s anything more than tolerated. As for his standing on the right, he’s gone from protector of the realm to persona non grata.

We have no dog in the fight over whether Barr is beloved or not, but his reversal of fortune with both parties raises some interesting questions. For instance, is it possible he wasn’t the lackey many Democrats accused him of being during the Trump years? And is it possible he isn’t the traitor many Republicans accuse him of being now? These questions aren’t entirely rhetorical. Each side needs to reconcile its current stance on Barr with its past position. Claiming he was principled then but is unprincipled now (and vice-versa) feels more convenient than anything. One should be able to find some consistency. Hopefully his column today will help.