Since so many of us are out going door-to-door, and probably dead tired after doing so, let's blow off some steam and trade field stories.

Oh snap, video!

This past Wednesday, Democratic candidate Chris Carney and Republican incumbent Don Sherwood met for a debate at Bucknell University. That evening, both benthos ("Chris Carney is more smilier:" PA-10 Debate Report! UPDATE with Video!) and I (PA-10: Sherwood and Carney debate) wrote about the debate.

Now there are video highlights available about the debate, so I've provided links and discussion below to further illustrate the candidates and issues in what has become one of the key races this November.

I just got back from the first debate between Don Sherwood and Democratic challenger Chris Carney. I took some notes, but didn't get any pics since we arrived a little late and had to sit in another auditorium set up with a closed-circuit feed; there was a very impressive turnout.

G-E-O-R-G-E Buuush
G-E-O-R-G-E Buuush
G-E-O-R-G-E Buuush

The Brain Drain. Many Pennsylvanians lament the exodus of bright, young residents once they receive their college education. My story today highlights a counter to this trend. Four candidates who have stepped up to the plate to run in the traditionally Republican stronghold of central PA. Four candidates who come from different backgrounds and different walks of life, yet all four have something in common.

They are all political newcomers, they are all committed to Democratic ideals, and they are all under 30.

A new generation of proud Democrats.

Confession: I'm a big dum dummy. I sometimes put my shoes on backwards. When a waiter says, "Enjoy your meal," I respond, "Thanks, you too." And then there was the time I debated whether "Chicken of the Sea" was tuna or chicken on cable television.

"You know, Democrats just want to help terrorists murder you."

This is not a diary about terrorism; it is about hope. Hope for taking back our country from those who wish to use fear and power against the forces of reason and rationality. Hope for a Democratic government that runs according to the still-relevant principles laid down by our founding fathers 200 plus years ago against a corrupt, ineffective, and destructive Republican government.

From the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:

It would be a major upset for Democrats to win one in "the "T,"' the rural, wooded, conservative middle of the state made up of Central Pennsylvania and the tier north of Interstate 80. Most legislators from there are Republicans.

Every day that draws closer to the election brings more possibility to that upset. Democrats are energized, not only in PA, but across the country. People are waking up to the realities of a corrupt and wrong-headed Republican controlled government. Strong, intelligent Democratic candidates have stepped up to bring a new direction to Pennsylvania and the United States.

With all the attention focused on the national mid-term elections coming up, I'm glad to see some attention also focused on state elections. Several excellent recent diaries have highlighted those states with Republican majorities that have a chance to flip to a Democratic majority:

*50 State(House) Strategy: Can Dems sweep the states?
*CQ: Dems to make Big Gains In State Legislatures
*Don't forget State Legislatures! They're sexy ;)

Pennsylvania in particular has a decent shot of turning blue in the legislative branch, and I believe ensuring that this happens is not only important for Pennsylvanians, but for the nation as a whole.

The Kind Cafe is the type of place Democrats love: funky decor, organic food and drinks, local art displayed on the walls. Nestled in the streets of Selinsgrove in central Pennsylvania, it was here that the Casey campaign bus rolled in last Friday, welcomed by a small but enthusiastic group of local Democrats, including State Representative candidate Antonio Michetti, and myself, his loyal campaign manager.

We all have our heroes. Those men and women who inspire us to push past the everyday crap and realize what we are capable of. The younger we are, the more we need to see those heroes. I had one such hero...

Every generation thinks the world is in a state of decline. You can ask anybody back to the times when man first started to talk, and they'll tell you the same thing. Our ancestors were upright, hard-working, decent folk, and our descendants all play their music too damn loud.

Nowadays, it's the same old song, whether you're complaining about dogs getting chauffeured rides to recording studios, or massages for babies.

One issue in particular seems to be raising a big fuss. I'm talking about gay marriage. Everyone from bums to politicians is weighing in with his opinion, and I don't get it. I mean, I just don't get it. The way I see it, marriage is already pretty gay.

Clone12's diary pointing out the similarity between Harry Taylor and Norman Rockwell's image, "Freedom of Speech", inspired me. As many of you know, and as was pointed out in the comments, the Rockwell picture is one of a series of four paintings based on the "Four Freedoms" speech by FDR.

I wanted to see if I could find images that mirrored the other three freedoms outlined in the speech and paintings. Results on the flip:

This isn't a diary of specific national importance, just an interesting exchange I had with one of the country's left-behind citizens. Here's how it started:

I had to get beer before the State of the Union address.

Sebastian Rotella writes in the LA Times: