Electoral contests have nothing but polls, which is why people have grown so obsessed with them; we're desperate for an objective rendering of what is happening and what may happen.

Unquestionably, American political rhetoric can be repugnant, and the Right can certainly be as guilty as the Left.

That distinctive presidential conduct is now gone forever, banished to the snows of yesteryear by Barack Obama. From the beginning of his presidency to the present, he has spoken specifically and in unprecedented fashion of Republicans as his rivals, his stumbling blocks, the primary cause of his troubles.

Obama's victory in November 2008 was a historic political accomplishment.

Some candidates need to say provocative things that make noise to break through the media muffle and get themselves noticed.

Our compulsive hunger always to know first, speak first and decide first has only been amplified by the fact that we can now all participate instantly in a virtual version of a national cocktail-party conversation on Twitter, Facebook and blogs.

Insulting the electorate and accusing it of spiritual weakness and sinfulness are not the ways to get yourself the job of president.