Worlds Apart  —  When I was little, I had a recurrent dream that there was a terrible earthquake.  My father, his body a horse with wings, swooped down from the sky, kneeled so I could jump on his back and flew away just as the earth cracked open beneath me.  It was my most comforting dream.

Showdown at Saddleback  —  While normal people were out having fun Saturday night, I was home in front of the TV.  But I wasn't enjoying the Olympics.  Your diligent columnist was dutifully watching Barack Obama and John McCain answer the Rev. Rick Warren's questions at Saddleback Church.

YOUR WORLD IN CHARTS: THE RICH DEFINE THE RICH.  —  One of the more interesting subthemes of this election has been the elite political class's struggle to sync its understanding of the economy — based around well-educated people who live in New York or DC — with the national income distribution.

BIDEN?  —  I just noticed that CNN is saying that Biden's the big buzz for VP down in DC political circles today.  So I'm trying to process what I think of Biden as a potential pick.  —  On the one hand, it's not the most exciting choice.  He doesn't bring a state.  Delaware's going to go Democratic.

Feature: “Fragments From ‘Edwards!  The Musical’” by Ben Greenman (8/18/08)  —  Hi, I'm Lisa. I mean Rielle. Will you take me To a hotel?  —  JOHN EDWARDS  —  Well, I never.  —  I'm shocked and dismayed. My wife and children Would feel betrayed.  —  Plus, there's a special circumstance: