Commentary

Understandably, the news that author and activist Wes Moore is taking a serious look at running for governor created lots of buzz last week.  Novice candidates often fall on their faces, but Moore seems to have unlimited potential, with an inspiring narrative that could resonate with a huge swath of the Democratic electorate. He’s already lining up a stellar team of consultants, and despite what he says about being in an exploration phase, it seems highly likely at this stage that he will run ― and remake the Democratic race in the bargain.

Maryland transportation planners have given the public until May 10 to offer opinions on plans to build a new Chesapeake Bay Bridge. We don’t need that long. Here’s ours: Nuts. That’s what the Maryland Transportation Authority must be if there is anyone who honestly believes this will ever happen. And that’s what the defiant response should be from area residents whose lives would be paved over by this highway builders’ fever dream. Last week, the authority released its report on the four options for the proposed third Chesapeake Bay Bridge crossing span that the public can now comment on through May 10.

After almost a year in pandemic lockdown, some notes on the privileged path: If you watch a couple episodes of “Schitt’s Creek” and don’t like it, it’s best not to watch any more because you’re apt to get addicted. It’s possible to walk four miles a day and still gain weight. The eternal present—even with all its spiritual baggage—may be over-rated. Nothing says Baby Boomer like Facebook selfies of vaccinations.

When President Biden asked what critics would have him cut from his covid relief bill, he got plenty of answers about reducing the $510 billion in aid to state and local governments — including from us. Now, some moderate Senate Democrats are suggesting a middle way: Earmark $50 billion of those funds for broadband investment. The idea, spearheaded by Sens. Angus King (I-Maine) and Mark R. Warner (D-Va.), is a political crowd-pleaser more likely to attract cross-aisle support than most big spending. The funds, likely in the form of grants, would address the immediate emergency of millions of Americans going Internet-less in a time when being online, whether for work, school or telehealth, is more important than ever.

Since the Senate parliamentarian decided Thursday that the White House’s covid-19 relief package cannot include a minimum-wage increase under the filibuster-exempt reconciliation process, Democrats are trying to put on a brave face. President Biden “is absolutely committed to raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour,” said White House press secretary Jen Psaki on CNN’s “State of the Union.” On the same show, Sen. Christopher A. Coons (D-Del.), a close Biden confidant, echoed that message almost word-for-word. Even progressive Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) sounded bullish, telling NBC’s “Meet the Press” that “Democrats are united” behind a higher minimum wage.