David Lehman on Eric Cantor and a Defeat of Biblical Proportions

(Ed note: Yesterday David Lehman was the guest commentator on NPR's "This Weeks' Must Read" segment.)

After his unexpected defeat in the Republican primary, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor opened a press conference by saying, "In the Jewish faith, you know, I grew up, went to Hebrew school, read a lot in the Old Testament, and you learn a lot about individual setbacks."

This is not mere piety, and the King James Version of the Bible, made up of the Old Testament and the New, is a terrific book. The heroes of these stories do not lead the race wire to wire. Those who are elevated are tested and taught by disaster.

Continue reading and listen to the segment here.

-- sdh