There seems to be an inverse relationship between the sheer length of the American political process and the probity with which important issues are discussed, while the mainstream media abdicate their responsibility by focusing on the “horse race” aspects of the campaigns instead of pointing out what kind of governance this all will lead to.

A few veteran campaign watchers point out that presidential candidates are really part of a grand popularity contest — a vast "American Idol" show — not a plebiscite on things that really matter.

The Republican candidate for president of the United States could probably be easily selected if he were presented to the public in a format similar to the old, long-running TV game show “To Tell the Truth.”

With John McCain, Mitt Romney, and Mike Huckabee barnstorming across the primary states, each claiming to be an authentic, rock-ribbed political conservative, Republican voters are divided and frustrated with the choices that are before them.

Throughout the election season, people get used to the usual verbal tricks of the politicians — the hedging on issues, the facile promises, the misdirection and the empty slogans of the day, like being a “candidate of change.”