A couple of observations about politicians

1. Newt Gingrich is the energizer bunny that just won't stop running around trying to drum up support for a draft-me-for-president rally. The silence seems pretty telling to me, but every few months reliable Newt floats his 'running' balloon out there again to see if there is the groundswell he craves.

This time, he really really means it. He announced yesterday that he was "seriously considering" running, and then for good measure added, "I've never been this serious before." Newt plans to spend the fall campaigning for those running for congress, and then in January or February he will decide whether to run for president.

I sense a great big "ho-hum" from the people and the media. It seemed he was "really serious" about it early in the 2008 race, until his financial advisers told him he would have to give up his PAC position and funds. Wonder what will ultimately "prevent" him from running this time, when he doesn't see the parade forming for him to jump in front of?

2. I just watched a video clip of Rand Paul and Jack Conway, his Democrat opponent in the Kentucky senate race, in their joint appearance before a meeting of Kentucky judges. I think you would have to be a die hard Paul supporter to think he even came close to matching Conway in an impressive performance.

Conway is a tall, good-looking, articulate, well-informed Attorney General. Political philosophies aside (which I of course would side with Conway on), Conway is so much more impressive. Paul is small by comparison in every way. Conway has an easy way of putting him on the defensive without seeming aggressive in doing it. He's affable, while also seeming firm and confident.

During his speech, Conway had said that on his first day in office he would introduce a bill to eliminate the ban on Medicare's ability to negotiate for lower prices of medications for seniors, which he says could save $200 million. In his rebuttal, Paul tried to blame that ban on the Democrats. Then when Conway had a turn again, he just calmly pointed out that that give-away to the pharmaceutical industry had been passed when George W. Bush was president.

He is quick witted, composed, articulate -- Paul had to play catch-up and tended to whine. At the end, he sat, shrunk into himself and looking dejected -- and couldn't even bother to stifle a yawn as the audience was applauding them.

It may be that Kentucky wouldn't elect a Democrat, no matter how impressive. But then they have already elected this particular Democrat to state wide office, and he's been pretty impressive in that office. So -- I wouldn't place bets on Paul just yet.

Ralph