Moderator's note: I find it quite striking that the Palin-ization of the campaign sparked a blog riot here for two weeks in a row. And now that this week's episode concerned an actual ISSUE in all our lives -- i.e., the economy -- there are far fewer posts. Our blog commenters are an engaged group of citizens (we're really glad you've joined us), and they're here, alongside a very few new post-ers...but this week, far fewer new people have come on board. I wonder if this is a reflection of the bigger notion that issues don't determine elections, it's all about personalities and people's feelings about the candidates. I wonder what that portends for November 4th? By the way, I have just heard about this independently operated (math-obsessed) poll aggregating site that does mathematical analysis and weighting of all polls: I am going to visit it for the first time, and wanted to share it with you: www.fivethirtyeight.com.

UPDATE TO MY ORIGINAL POST:

First: Keep it civil. This is intended for political discussion not personal attacks. We welcome intelligent dialogue from all sides of the spectrum but not ad hominem abuse or any other kinds of vitriolic nastiness between people who post here.

Second: For those commenting on Matt Miller--he is the show's moderator because of his skills in moving the conversation along, but unlike other analytical/opinion programs, he occupies a known position in the dialogue. He is the centrist and as such, expresses his opinions. He is participant, not just the moderator. If your comments involve his opinions, they're there because they are part of the show -- he is the "Center" in "Left, Right & Center." And to the gentleman who mis-identified the think tank he is connected to, it is the liberal-oriented Center for American Progress not the neocon-oriented Project for a New American Century.

9.13.08 PPS: I want to call everyone's attention to an article that I think you might want to read and comment on:

http://www.newyorker.com/arts/critics/atlarge/2008/08/11/080811crat_atlarge_lemann

A Critic at Large

Conflict of Interests

Does the wrangling of interest groups corrupt politics—or constitute it?

by Nicholas Lemann

Economy; Palin on ABC; Obama Gets Tough? McCain v. Taxes 

This week Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were essentially nationalized. And Lehman Brothers has gone belly up with talk of the taxpayers bearing the cost. Today Bob, Matt and Tony take on the question of whether deregulation created this scenario wherein which the federal government is bailing out America’s housing market…and of course, there’s plenty of disagreement to go around. Then: Sarah Palin gets her primetime spotlight – did she shine? Did Charlie Gibson cave and give her a pass or was he sneering down his nose at her? How’d she really do? Lastly, Tony repeats a phrase that will surely infuriate many: Obama’s campaign has been likened to a dead frog whose legs keep kicking… ouch. More when you listen to today’s show. I'll be on vacation, Blogger Andi will post for the next two weeks but I will be following the conversation so PLEASE share your comments!!!!