WASHINGTON -- The headline on Democratic strategist Paul Begala's recent Newsweek essay dodged subtlety: "The Stupid Party."

"Republicans used to admire intelligence. But now they're dumbing themselves down," was the subhead.

WASHINGTON -- The operative maxim in cable television can be summed up as follows: Is it good teevee?

WASHINGTON -- By the time Steve Jobs' Wikipedia page had been adjusted to past tense, eulogists had added a footnote to his biography of success. Failure.

WASHINGTON -- Jobs, jobs, jobs, we keep hearing. But for whom, whom, whom?

NEW YORK -- Are Republicans stupid?

WASHINGTON -- The legacy of 9/11 can't be fully measured even now, but perhaps the most damaging aspect can be found in our national discourse.

WASHINGTON -- What if the president gave a major speech and no one heard it?

WASHINGTON -- Rick Perry's rapid lead over previous Republican front-runner Mitt Romney was predictable.

NEW YORK -- Scene: An elevator in New York Presbyterian Hospital where several others and I were temporary hostages of a filthy-mouthed woman who was profanely berating her male companion.

Fragging: "To intentionally kill or wound (one's superior officer, etc.), esp. with a hand grenade."