In a nation where the entertainment industry has cast off situation comedies for voyeuristic reality programming, the back-to-back major political party conventions offered the best of both worlds. Part scripted pageantry, part unscripted reaction, the televised portions of the political conventions captured the attention of millions of Americans in these last two weeks.

Decades after the last pig met his fate on the killing floor, old-timers remember the odor as if it were yesterday.

What must be remembered is that Katrina was far more deadly and destructive than anyone would have anticipated, not that Gustav was less so.

Do you seriously think they’re going to work 10 hours any day?

I understood then, and I understand even more today.

McCain’s choice for one who is only a heartbeat from the presidency truly did keep me awake.