I’ve gotten a few emails complaining that the National Review Institute’s conference next week on reviving conservatism includes David Brooks, because he is “a RINO” and a “blueblooded elitist.” (Blue-blooded? Seriously?) Brooks is a smart guy. You don’t have to agree with his every idea, as I do not, to think he has something to contribute to the discussion about the future of conservatism.

The conference, incidentally, is filling up fast.