Gwen is a professional journalist. I believe we can assume from this, that she can read. She is also a TV production professional, which leads to the logical assumption that she can tell time. Each of tonight’s answers may only last for 90 seconds. If the candidate doesn’t see the humongous red STOP light that is positioned right above Gwen’s head, she must interrupt them, courteously telling them their time’s up. The questions are on a script for her to read. Hmmmm. Reading, courtesy and telling time. What do these tasks have to do with whatever book she is writing in her spare time? This issue is another red herring.

I assume that the governors quoted here could, indeed, list the names of the newspapers they read. She hasn’t been asked to define “derivatives” or “naked short selling”, much less come up with a solution to many of our current problems…yet.. “What newspapers did you read to form your opinions?” isn’t a tough question.

Thanks, Dab! I’m glad to hear I haven’t lost more brain cells. I believe Botox and Viagra are two examples of drugs that were developed for a specific medical purpose, but were found to be successful for unintended, sometimes totally unrelated conditions. I’m not sure where the loose screws are in this family (and courtroom) dynamic, but, just like our current economic crisis, I’m sure there is enough blame to spread far and wide. I hope for the best for young Roan.

I have heard that Botox definitely helps alleviate EXTREMELY stinky feet. Many people, both adults and children, suffer from this problem. They must spend hours soaking and scrubbing their feet, but the odor persists. Most 8 year old boys just wear their favorite pair of sneakers without socks. Smelly shoes also make for smelly feet. But if that isn’t the case, and he does suffer from this problem, a trip to a foot specialist may be in order, rather than a court order. But Botox isn’t as crazy as it sounds, in this instance. Could a podiatrist please chime in????

I am a devoted View viewer. But I think they may need a referee for the next month or so. I’d even volunteer. Bringing my own striped jersey and whistle, I’d keep order, of a sort. I’m perfectly suited for it. I’m a middle-of-the-roader, out here with all the smushed squirrels, armadillos and miscellaneous road kill. My philosophy of life is simple: beware the zealots. Of course I have serious questions about Obama. Just as I had about Senator Clinton. I am fearful of the McCain/Palin ticket because of the people who are running it … and will run the White House. At least they won’t have to move; they already live there. But healthy argument is one of the luxuries we can still afford. Saying Elizabeth must go because she epitomizes the far right is simply far wrong. Yes, she must learn “THERE IS NO CRYING IN POLITICS” and elections like this one are fantastic intellectual exercise. You just have to navigate the Carnival Midway to get to the meat of the issues. Sometimes wearing boots. But chaotic clustertalk doesn’t make for good television. This same chaos is happening around kitchen tables, in bars, employee and teachers’ lounges all over the country. It’s too much like my crazy family.The Viewettes won’t be reviewing the VP Debate until Monday, so let’s hope the diversity wins out over the devisiveness. Hey, I’m ready!

Yes, Ms Dee. I’m watching him right now. It’s great. Truly people-speak. “Beware of Geeks bearing formulas.” I agree that this ugly thing has to be passed, just to keep the whole economic body going. It’s the life blood. The money, credit has to circulate. The original Paulson Bill wasn’t a bill. It was a 3-page kidnappers’ ransom note. If the patient can be shocked back into a fairly regular heart rhythm with this version, then the rest of the wounds can be tended to in the operating room, later. It will be a while till it’s out of Intensive Care, tho. But the doctors know that the waiting room is filled with LOTS of very, very concerned people who are watching their every move. It’s going to be a long, long recovery.

I, too, am optimistic about the extraordinary limitations of Ms Palin to finally become painfully obvious to even the most ardent Republican Ticket fan or cheerleader. But these so-called debates are spun like a child’s wind-up top. McCain’s insulting (and, finally, irritating) opening phrase, “Mr. Obama just doesn’t understand …” was lauded as a primary reason he WON the debate. And when Obama pointed out that both candidates basically agree on certain matters, the Spinners used this fact to state that Obama was (and I quote) UNFIT to lead. Wha??? I’m afraid that a lot of Ms Palin’s bootcamp training is being spent in the memorization of one-liners and zingers. If that’s all it takes for voters to be assured of her statesmanship, governance ability and talent, we’re dead in the water. She’s on the Universal Uterus ticket; and that single, litmus test organ is powerful, indeed. And Karl Rove’s minions know what appeals to the fringe of America. So I’m watching and hoping for a huge gaff so enlightening that SNL can just use the actual footage, instead of calling in Tina Fey. Hmmmmm. OK, that’s just a fantasy. I’ll settle for Tina.

Steve - It sounds like you live up here in God’s Little Refrigerator. It’s hard to pick up apples from the ground, this fall, They get lost in all the rotten tomatoes that are being flung from one Senatorial Election Committee to the other. I am only hoping that the blood-letting of the stock market today will have the ad guys thinking twice about how much they’ve been spending on poorly twisted truths, just short of libelous accusations and other drivel that is an insult to the voters. The campaign professional$ really think we’re stupid.

Well, Ms Dee, I’ll readily admit to more specific fantasies about our Charlie. I guess I’m a sucker for a really big …brain. Tho, kudos should be given to his fantastic research team and production staff, who ensure the consistent quality of his show and resulting persona. And, like a lot of other women, I … want … to touch … his … table! I hope he smiles when he finds out he’s on the list. But I’m sure he’ll also remember a few years ago, when Henry Kissinger headed up these things. Go figure! Smilin, .

First we start a rumor about a rumor regarding the Obama ticket. Yes, it can be ludicrous. Let’s make it about Joe Biden. In this rumor about the possibility of a rumor about a ludicrous possibility, let’s get “liability” assigned to Joe. Our job is done here. Who are we? (Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader?) fakehttp:/noneotherthankarlroveandco/diversiondumbdowntosuccessdotcom

Uhhh, I’ll wait till I see the headline “Women Rule the House …And the Senate!” before I get too excited or even interested in RESEARCH like this. It’s mid-afternoon on Sunday right now. I wonder which football game trim little brunette (pictured with the headline of this thread) picked for her family to watch before she started searching her laptop for recipes from America’s Test Kitchen. I’ll cut this short, before I start to throw more hackneyed phrases in for emphasis. Diversion, diversion while Rome burns. Thanks for the link, Dana. And also to Kelly for pecking out my own initial reaction.

I feel duty bound to stand up for my hand bag. Like Ruth Buzzi, sitting on the park bench, I find it to be a comforting extension of myself. My purses run the gamut from a silver clutch (my son’s wedding) to a huge,classic Coach bag from the 70’s. Will I need a band aid because my new shoes don’t agree with my old feet? Where’s that Advil? Kleenex? measuring tape? Here’s my newest grandson! Water . . I need water. And it goes on and on. Like Dr. Seuss’s last cat in the country, I don’t have anyone to carry my tail. I’ll do it myself, thank you. With style and just a touch of panache. If I am called upon to be photographed with the occasional world leader, I’ll tell the photographer to hold it, or kick it under a chair somewhere. I do have a fashion suggestion relating to the bail-out crisis this country is being forced to swallow, however: Every Wall Street executive who receives his full salary or even a smidge of a bonus should be mandated to wear an orange jump suit and take public transportation on any excursion outside his primary residence until all 700000000000, plus interest, is paid back to us. The bail-out hasn’t passed yet. Could we get this included, please? And no pockets or purses allowed. They’ve (legally, if not ethically) stolen and stuffed gazillions into their (computer) bags and briefcases already. Simply because they could.

A sad Adieu to Mr. Newman - a superior actor and an even better man! An untold number of hearts are aching at the news.

It will be interesting which quotes are picked up by the media for headlines.

I don’t agree, Frannie. He’s young by default. Doesn’t have to work at it.