Politics and Culture

1. It looks like status quo ante convention, with the campaigns tied. If you would have asked Republicans three months ago if they'd have been happy with that, most would have been thrilled.

Whew! Obama under 50 again.

2. With a race this tight, the debates loom large. I was impressed with McCain's performance in the primary debates and Obama isn't very good when challenged.

3. When somebody has as much power as Oprah Winfrey- and, essentially, no competition (for female-oriented middlebrow opinion), you'd think that she would feel some kind of responsibility to present different points of view. Today, however, Drudge reports that Oprah won't be inviting Sarah Palin on her show. I don't care. It's a free country and it's Oprah's show.

As long as Obama isn't invited either, I don't think it will affect the election.

4. McCain didn't give a barn-burner speech and I'm not just spinning when I say that that might not be such a bad thing. With Obama and, now, Palin, people may be suffering from speech fatigue. A sincere plod like McCain's may have been just what McCain needed to contrast himself to Obama.

5. The same conservatives who made fun of Chris Matthews for his thrilling, Obama-induced leg runs are going nuts over Palin. Dennis Prager seems like Palin has thrilled every one of his extremities- (metaphorically speaking).

6. So, as we tire of Obama's act, the Palin show has just opened to rave reviews and hopefully will continue its run for at least two months. Obama may, indeed, have peaked too soon.

7. Isn't that how it always is in partly or wholly superficial crushes. The prettier girl, richer guy, better speech maker, or fresher face always comes along. We know that Obama is the Ryan Seacrest of politics. Let's see where Palin goes.

8. I think Palin will do better for a couple of reasons: Most Republicans have no need of a savior, thus not seeding a Palin backlash, and Sarah Palin is unlikely to say something as craze-stoking as: [My victory] will begin the healing of the planet and the lowering of the oceans.