This recalls to my mind the presidential debate of 2000, when Al Gore took the position that, "he believes the evidence shows that the death penalty deters crime."  Beyond doubt, someone as intelligent and well-informed as Al Gore was well aware that there's not a shred of evidence that the death penalty deters crime.  While one would think that a one-time constitutional lawyer would be well-familiar with the contours of basic eighth amendment law, apparently such knowledge does not extend to the campaign trail.

Many of you have doubtless gotten this e-mail from Obama, since it likely was sent to everyone on the Obama mass e-mail list.  Apparently, Obama is offering to select four campaign donors for an all-expenses paid trip to have dinner with Barack Obama.  The link to the web site after the jump.

The Clinton campaign got a boost yesterday by picking up the endorsement of iconic Italian political philosopher Niccolo Machiavelli.  Impressed by her brilliantly brazen campaign tactics, Dr. Machiavelli thought that this was the best time to express his views on the American presidential race.

For a couple of days, I was a bit stunned at how quickly Elliot Spitzer was forced out of office as governor of New York State.  Most of the time when there is a sex scandal involving a high-profile politician, the political party to which that official belongs will at least attempt to rally around him (or her, though I can't think of any female politicians involved in sex scandals) to prevent his collapse.  In this case, it seemed either virtually unanimous that Spitzer must resign, or at least that those defending him did so half-heartedly.  A few hours ago, I thought of a theory explaining this.  More after the jump.

Although I am an ardent supporter of Barack Obama for President, as I voted for him in the Ohio primary and donated modest amounts of money and campaign work to him, I feel the need to make my case to fellow Obama supporters for the legitimacy of Clinton's apparent tactic of obtaining the Democratic nomination through the support of superdelegates.  Afterwards, I'll share my reasons for supporting Obama for the nomination.  More after the jump.