In Praise of John Stewart’s cynicsim - His argument that the president and Republicans get abused disproportionately — and with such glee — on his show only because they happen to be in power may be his best joke ever. 

25 Questions - Beebe v Hutchinson - THE FIRST of the Mike Beebe-Asa (!) Hutchinson debates is on for tomorrow at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro and, Optimists R Us, we’re hoping for a real humdinger.
For one thing, you figure Asa! wants to land some damaging punches. The polls have been even screwier than usual this season, showing the attorney general ahead by anywhere from a few points to twenty-something. But the Republican candidate trails in every case.
For another thing, these guys may not have as much charisma as the average politician from Hope, Ark., but they’re both articulate, experienced and possessed of sharp minds.

Matthew, this and that - Matthews was in the process of chastising a caller or e-mailer, I’m not sure which, over that person’s suggestion that politics had gotten in the way of sound decision making in the years since 9 / 11.

You can kiss my … -  “Even if you make your own commitment to civility, there will be those who will challenge you rudely and without reason. Keep cool. Keep your temper. If you lose it, you have lost your effectiveness and your work will do more damage than good.