Above the fold today, 11/18

1. Thomas Frank writes that Sarah Palin shows a knack for self-pity and vindictiveness in her new book.

2. Sen. John Kerry says the goal in Afghanistan is to “transition so that we can draw down our forces over a period of, say, four to five years.”

3. Sec. Clinton made a surprise visit to Afghanistan today for the inauguration of Hamid Karzai.  Clinton called it a chance for the embattled Afghan leader to strengthen government accountability and improve the lives of his people.

4. Richard Wolffe analyzes why President Obama can’t wait to get home from Asia.

5. Part of the reason the president’s trip to Asia is being dubbed a flop is because of the bow he took for the emperor of Japan.  But, bowing used to be a standard greeting in America, too.

6. Maureen Dowd worried that reading Sarah Palin’s book may teach her that she is not American.  Instead, she found out how much she has in common with the former vice presidential candidate.