A few thoughts on the resignation of David Petraeus as CIA director: Few American leaders had a stronger reputation for integrity and honor, so the reason he cited for his departure – an extramarital affair – comes as a shock to the nation and to those who know him best.
The newly released Washington Post/ABC News poll of likely voters says that if the election were held today, Democrats would enjoy a 9-point advantage over Republicans in voter turnout (35 to 26 percent), and President Obama would beat Mitt Romney by 3 percentage points (49 to 46 percent).
Buried in the middle of an interesting Politico article on GOP alarm over the Romney campaign's neglect of foreign policy and its "ham-handed response" to criticism on that score is this:
The Republican Jewish Coalition will be running this print ad in several Jewish newspapers, calling attention to the growing rift in the Democratic party over support of Israel:
Tampa A few hours before Mitt Romney spoke to the Republican convention last night, his campaign did something clever. It’s normal procedure before a major speech is to release excerpts so the evening TV news shows can preview the address. The Romney team did so, only these excerpts were dull and uninteresting.
Tampa The kids are alright. That’s what everyone always says. Or in any case, it’s what old fogeys, who don’t want the kids to realize how fogeyish they are, always say. Don’t worry about the kids! They dress funny and listen to that rock-and-roll music, but deep down they’re just as smart and serious as kids have always been, from before all ages.
From an undisclosed location in North Tampa For reasons of both security and propriety, the authorities have advised that it would be imprudent to disclose the location of WEEKLY STANDARD world headquarters in Tampa.
The Republican convention will highlight a debt clock, the party announced:
Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus will unveil tomorrow a national debt clock mounted inside the convention hall of the Tampa Bay Times Forum – a compelling visual reinforcing the desperate need for new fiscal leadership in the White House.