Whether by old-line boys on the bus or hot-shot bloggers, elections are covered like a horse race: Who's ahead? What are the odds? But the old-time journalistm was pretty straightforward, giving just what the candidate said. Now, cable and others mix analysis with the facts, and opinions are freely offered. Is the electorate confused or enlightened? Retired professor Lana Stein raises questions she hopes people will study.

Columnist M.W. Guzy remembers a time when conventions actually mattered. As the Democrats and Republicans return to the "nominating" arena with everything carefully orchestrated, he wonders what the ratings will be for Nick at Nite. 

Sen. Barack Obama told Pastor Rick Warren at the Saddleback Church forum that he wouldn't have appointed Clarence Thomas to the Supreme Court, partly because of inexperience. Conservatives responded, charging that Obama is less qualified than Justice Thomas.

From The Museum of the Moving Image , America's greatest documentarian talks about links between literature and film.