The paranoid, mysterious Judson Phillips in the weeks leading up to the National Tea Party Convention gave way to the real, jovial Phillips this weekend.

Moderate Democrats have grown wary of big spending bills, fearing that support for such measures could haunt them on the campaign trail this year.

The path from conservative college journalism to D.C. influence is reliable.

Leading defense wonks call the move “ridiculous,” “completely inappropriate” and politically motivated.

The potential blowback from the Landrieu sting extends to some Republican lawmakers.

Ahead of the State of the Union, top aides contend Obama’s first-year task was to revitalize international support for America that waned during the Bush administration.

“You watch,” said FreedomWorks spokesman Adam Brandon. “This is the idea that’s going to change the election.”

“What you’re seeing here in Massachusetts is a reflection of what’s happening all across the country,” said a Tea Party leader.

The speed of this campaign, and the slow reaction of Democrats who considered the seat safe until one week ago, have let the Republican candidate blur the details.

“But it’s important that they realize that they don’t have to be friends with the guys they replace the Democrats with,” said Grover Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reforms. “They get them to run on their issues. That’s how you avoid third party movements.”