Is that a banana in the president's ear?

While Bush gets ready to play Mr. Pibb (more sugar) to Kerry's Dr. Pepper (advanced degree) in tonight's debate, be sure to watch for The Bulge. If you don't know what I'm talking about, hie yourself over to www.isbushwired.com to catch up on the latest conspiracy craze sweeping the fringes of American political life. Then over to Slate for a more sober assessment of the situation.

Would it bother you if an operative were secretly whispering the "answers" -- or at least the right pronunciation -- in a candidate's ear during a live presidential debate? Is it any different from a TelePrompTer? Or a catcher signaling the pitch most likely to befuddle the batter? Is all fair in politics, and should the debaters use any tools at their disposal to improve their performances? Maybe steroids? Or Botox?

The debates are so tightly scripted now -- about as real as any "reality" show -- it doesn't really matter, does it? In the end the whole exercise is just an excuse to watch the second sexiest man on television put the spectacle in context during the PBS post-game.

Anyway, red states and blue states are a lot less interesting than white shirts and dark shirts. Let me know if you plan to play hoops at St. John's tonight. We tip off at 6:30 p.m., as usual.

Added to the archives this week: Hobson's Choice, 18 Oct 2004