This is a great analysis from TNR, which I think kind of thinks of Politico like Martin Scorsese thinks of Steven Spielberg: fine, yeah, he’s good, and sure, I’m glad he’s got the popularity and awards.  But, well, really, aren’t I just better?  I mean, a lot better?  See for yourself:

That Politico was helped by the collapse of print journalism goes without saying. That it was also helped by cable news’ insatiable appetite for the tabloid and the personal is also clear. But, two years into the Politico experiment, there is fascination around Washington with what could be considered the first Internet newspaper, and whether it represents a way to make a business out of political reporting. As traditional newspapers jettison staff, Politico is holding steady. This month, Allbritton told me the venture will turn a profit in six months. “We’re way ahead of budget,” he said. “It wouldn’t surprise me if the profit this year would count in the millions of dollars.”