Molly Ivins Can't Die Yet, Can She?

Word tonight that columnist Molly Ivins has died from breast cancer at the age of 62. Feels like a kick in the teeth to me. I can't think of another media figure for whom I feel such extraordinary affection. There have been better columnists, more fluent in policy, more influential in driving public debate (Krugman comes to mind). But no columnist in my lifetime has had anything like Molly's wit and verve. She could dissect the most loathsome politicians, expose their darkest or dimmest foibles, and leave you feeling better just for having read about it in her poisoned prose. I'm especially saddened that Molly didn't live to dance on Dick Cheney's grave, or at least see George W. and crew thrown out of office. Good night, Molly. We'll keep the light on for you.