Folks often talk about lobbyists, special interests, and politicians in a way that is more black-and-white than the real world — assuming influence is always corrupt, campaign contributions are always bribery, that businesses are either FOR or AGAINST a measure, and that politicians’ stances are either for or against a special interest.

I realize I am guilty of this at times, but more frequently, others read such stark implications into my writing. I have left liberal blogger Matt Yglesias (whom I met briefly this weekend and liked) with a false impression today regarding my points on BP and the Obama administration.