Not puzzling at all

Some have found Rupert Murdoch's recent relationships with the Clintons puzzling (he's held a fundraiser for HRC and supported WJC's Global Initiative, notably). Doesn't strike me as puzzling at all. First, let's not let the myth of Clintonism obscure the reality of it -- this was a center or center-right administration in most arenas (or conservative, with a small "c," if you prefer), especially on economic policy. Second, as John Cassidy writes in this New Yorker article (hat tip to Cursor),

Lord Palmerston’s description of nineteenth-century England applies to Murdoch’s empire: it has no eternal allies and no perpetual enemies, only permanent interests.

Again, refer to your current reading in McChesney. Don't let the politics distract you -- focus on the permanent interests.