Every great political campaign rewrites the rules; devising a new way to win is what gives campaigns a comparative advantage against their foes.

The great mystery is why robots come off so well in science-fiction films when the human characters are often so astoundingly wooden.

The most passionately anti-Obama Republican politicians and activists consider themselves the truest and purest of conservatives, and often unleash their scorn and fury on others who also call themselves conservative but differ on strategy and tactics.

What people adore about superhero movies is the signal quality of the Christopher Nolan films - their complete lack of irony when it comes to the portrayal of heroism and the need for heroes to confront evil.

All non-incumbent campaigns promise hope and change, but Obama took the promise to a new level of absurdity. He suggested that a vote for him would literally transform the Earth.

Is victory sweet because your side wins - or is it really because the other side loses?

America may be in a dour condition, but it is not going to elect a dour president.