So, again, I tried to watch Palin's speech last night. Given the all-Palin, all-the-time Salto, it seemed like I should. And I lasted longer! Maybe three minutes.

When I watch Republicans, I see political calculation, playing to people's worst instincts. It's intolerable.

When I watch Democrats, I see political calculation, but more often than not it appears that they're playing to people's best instincts. It's inspirational.

When I see Giuliani, with a vampiric grin*, looming over Palin's family as she introduces them from the podium, I see exploitation. Desperate vultures circling struggling roadkill.

When I see Michelle Obama bring her two ultra-cute little girls to talk to Barack on the big screen, I also see exploitation, but I think, "that's going to be effective. Good for them."

I see good guys and bad guys. I can't help it.

* Great line: "[Giuliani has] come to look like a villain in a Frank Capra movie, hasn't he?"