The end of the world as we know it

Jack Pitney Jr., professor of government at Claremont McKenna College, is playing Nostradamus today on Politico.com, and the immediate future of California doesn't look pretty.

Pitney says the current dry season - the Sierra snowpack is just 29% of normal - could lead to a devastating drought and then scary mudslides when rains come. Add in a major earthquake, along with cats and dogs living together, and the presidential candidates better start packing their disaster-appropriate windbreakers for the Apocalypse Tour 2008.

"The final months of the primary campaign, in fall and winter 2007-2008, may unfold amid frequent disasters and universal anxiety. In the event of wildfires, Democrats will link the charred landscape to global warming. Whatever form the state's misfortune takes, they will blame the Bush administration for skimpy preparation and shoddy response. [Snip.]

"In a post-disaster California primary, Republican candidates will face an electorate demanding federal action. It is not too early for them to develop and discuss ideas for emergency management."

Head for the hills.