why did phil leave?

[Purple State]

I've talked to him on AIM.

He said that he has had enough of this forum and the people on it, and that he changed his password to something random so he couldnt return.

I tried that as well, it only works if you have someone else do it.

True, especially because you have to confirm it. Also, you could always have the forum email you your password. I expect him back for the midterm elections. Now is an easy time to take a break. Not much going on and speculation this far out is pointless.

[Purple State]

Tweed seems to have left, too.  The combination of his and Phil's absences makes this place much more tolerable.  The two had an irritating sense of entitlement that put them at odds with just about everyone.  Only neither had any interest in actually discussing policy.

I've spoken to Tweed and he is taking a break, he says probably until 2010 when the forum has something substantive to discuss again. Makes sense, as people here seem lost without an election to follow.