[guest post by Dana]

Between shopping, wrapping gifts and baking goodies, a few politicians and consultants took time to answer the most pressing question of the season: Is Santa Claus a Republican or a Democrat?

Newt Gingrich, former House Speaker:

Santa Claus is clearly a Republican. He actually delivers what he promises. He and the elves believe in hard work. He helps children for free, he doesn’t put them deeper in debt. He unites all of us in a love of Christmas. He isn’t a divider.

Paul Begala, Democratic media consultant:

Santa is definitely a Democrat. Rather than cater to the wealthiest one percent he rewards people who work hard and play by the rules. And while he’s not a participant in the first lady’s anti-obesity campaign he’s very concerned about climate change. After all, Rudolph can fly but he can’t swim.

Bruce Mehlman, Republican lobbyist:

He’s a straight, white, older male running a rural, non-unionized, faith-based small business premised on accountability (naughty/nice list), meritocracy (Rudolph in front) and absence of government intervention. It don’t get much more Republican than that!

Jim Margolis, Obama media consultant:

Republican… out of shape, obsessed with red, employees required to work day and night, addicted to coal.

Alex Castellanos, Republican media consultant:

He knows if you’ve been bad or good, which makes him an advocate of meritocracy and, most likely, a Republican. On the other hand, he only works one day a year, which could make him, not only a Democrat, but a federal employee.

–Dana

UPDATE BY PATTERICO: I don’t know if Santa is a Republican or a Democrat, but I believe him to be a conservative, for reasons I expressed in this 2013 post. Summary: he makes a payroll and locates in a remote area to avoid excessive regulation. Conservative.

You do realize conservatives are more charitable than so-called liberals, don’t you?

It’s Christmas Eve.

[guest post by Dana]

When a suspect pulled out a gun and pointed it at him, a Berkeley police officer fired at least three shots in return killing the 18-yeard old black male named Antonio Martin. This just two miles from Ferguson:

Police Chief Jon Belmar said the officer was doing a business check at a Mobil on the run station about 11:15 p.m. Tuesday when the shooting happened.

The officer saw two people on the parking lot in the 6800 block of North Hanley Road and began talking with them.

Belmar said one of the people approached the driver’s side of the vehicle.

One of the individuals “produced a pistol with his arm straight out, pointing it straight at the officer kind of from across the hood,” Belmar said.

At that point, the chief said, the officer got his service revolver “and fired what we think is three shots.”

The officer, who is 34 and white, is a 6-year veteran of the department, Belmar said. He was placed on investigative leave, which is standard.

Belmar said one round struck the suspect, an 18-year-old black male, and one struck a tire of the police car. Police said they did not immediately know where the third round went.

The suspect was known to police and had a lengthy record, including multiple charges of assault, armed robbery, armed criminal action and multiple uses of weapons since he was 17.

Further, according to Belmar:

“He also said the 9 mm gun found on the suspect had five rounds in the chamber and one round in the magazine. He also said the gun’s serial number had been filed off.”

A crowd of 200-300 protesters quickly gathered and began yelling at police, throwing bricks at them, and setting off fire works. Several protesters were handcuffed and led away.

Belmar also addressed the officer’s decision to use his service revolver:

As to suggestions that the officer should have used a Taser instead of his gun, Belmar said: “Frankly that’s unreasonable.”

The suspect could have complied with the officer, but “bad choices were made” by him instead, Belmar said.

It should be noted that the officer was not wearing his department issued body camera and the car’s dash-camera was not turned on.

Protesters are claiming that a “throw down weapon” was conveniently placed at the scene.

Video of Martin drawing his gun and pointing it:

–Dana