Is Sarah Palin killing her political career by writing her new book and appearing all over television.

Absolutely not. After screwing the Republican Party in the NY-23 race and whipping the nation into an unnecessary frenzy over non-existent “death panels,” Oprah’s stage is probably the safest place in the world for Sarah Palin. In order to move into the next phase of her political life, however, Palin must do more than offer revisionist narratives about her time on the campaign trail. She must also develop a deeper understanding of domestic and foreign policy, find ways of reaching out to moderate Republicans, and convince all Americans that she is more than a political show horse. While none of these things are impossible, I’m not holding my breath.

Why would Obama allow Khalid Sheikh Mohammed to be tried in New York civilian court, when even Muhammad himself wants to be tried in front of a military tribunal?

First, contrary to what the Right has erroneously stated, this decision comes from Attorney General Eric Holder, not President Obama. Second, why should we trust that Mohammed was being honest? Are terrorists known for their candor and sincerity when speaking to the Western media? Even if he is telling the truth, why should we base our criminal justice decisions on his desires? While I’m not convinced that civilian court is the right move, I have no doubt that we have the ability to keep New York safe, avoid a media spectacle, offer a fair and just trial, and secure an appropriate verdict. I say let’s celebrate the possible triumph of justice and not fall into the all-too-familiar game of “blame the opposition.”

What do you think about the rumors that the New York Knicks might pick up Allen Iverson?

As a die-hard Philadelphian, I hope that the Knicks are dumb enough to sign Iverson. A six-foot shoot guard who avoids practice, doesn’t pass the ball, and can’t guard anyone at his position, Iverson has always been a hard guy to play with. Now that he’s lost a few steps, Iverson is nothing more than an egomaniacal team cancer who isn’t worth a veteran’s minimum contract. That said, given the Knicks history, expect see Iverson in uniform next week.

Today’s video of the day is a great television special about Mos Def, who recently traveled to Japan while promoting and performing his latest album.

Today’s video of the day comes from MSNBC’s Live, where we discussed the future of Sarah Palin.

On Tuesday, John Allen Muhammad, the D.C. sniper, was put to death by lethal injection. While many have celebrated the execution, I am left with a profound sense of sadness and disappointment at our continued use of the death penalty — rather than life in prison — as a form of justice. Like most humans, I struggle to find any sympathy for Muhammad. Instead, my heart goes out to the 13 innocent people murdered or wounded by Muhammad, as well as the millions of citizens who were placed in a 20-day state of terror because of the heartless assassin. Still, I refuse to allow my moral outrage to degenerate into rage and bloodlust.

While some focus on the moral dimensions of the death penalty per se, I make no such argument. In all honesty, I remain conflicted about whether “eye for an eye” justice has a rightful place in a civilized society. No, my concerns are far more pragmatic. How can a nation with such a deeply flawed criminal justice system feel comfortable doling out the most extreme and irreversible punishment imaginable? How can we continue to use state-sanctioned murder as a crime deterrent when all evidence says that it doesn’t work? While the Muhammad case is a clear-cut instance of guilt, our laws must reflect the broad range of death penalty cases that are far more circumstantial and murky.

Right now, many of you are saying “If it were your loved one murdered by Muhammad you’d feel differently.” While that is probably true, it is hardly the point. If I were personally connected to such a tragedy, I would be craving vengeance rather than justice. I would not be my best self. I would not have the moral clarity to make or impose justice. And I would hope that someone would have the courage and character to demand more from me, and from our society. Without such intervention, we would all fail to realize our full moral potential.