MICKEY KAUS: “You know how you get most histrionically angry at a critic (or friend, or spouse) when you have a gnawing, barely conscious suspicion that they’re at least partially right and you’ve made a mistake–and you feel guilty about it? You have to wonder if the vehement conservative response to Gingrich’s Meet the Press appearance wasn’t in some ways similar: Republicans subconsciously know Ryan has overreached politically. They know they’ve jeopardized their otherwise excellent 2012 chances. Which is why they come down that much harder on anyone who points this out. …”

UPDATE: Jennifer Rubin: Newt Gingrich Plays The Martyr.