• Sarah Palin puts me in mind of a quote by Goethe, who apparently followed American politics very closely: “Nothing is more frightening than ignorance in action.”

• Maybe one thing more frightening for Democrats is Joe Biden’s mouth. When it comes to shooting himself in the foot, Biden uses a machine gun. Tonight’s debate will have both sides living on a diet of fingernails. It could be the Demolition Derby of debates.

• How unpopular was the prosecution of the Duke lacrosse team? Well, the first thing mentioned in AG Roy Cooper’s new TV ad was his public exoneration of the players.

• A wise old head gave me calm advice this week about the financial crisis: Turn off the TV. Ignore all news for six months. Then tune back in and see where things stand.

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