. . . is that she becomes a cult figure — a conservative sensation, but nothing else. The kind of person whom 30 percent of people adore, even idolize — but not someone who busts out of that.

I don’t believe this scenario will come to pass. But it’s a concern (or a concern-let).

It seems now that they — you know: “they” — won’t be able to do to Palin what they did to Quayle. And every time I think about the gleeful, unconscionable destruction of Quayle, I get a little rattled. I saw him earlier this year: him and Marilyn. Such a good, decent, admirable man. And I found myself: a little rattled.

And don’t even get me started on the subject of Bob Bork — Robert Heron Bork, a man born to serve on the effing Supreme Court. (Actually, the new prominence of Joe Biden in our politics has gotten the Bork juices flowing once more — just a bit.)

P.S. From my observation, Bork himself is perfectly content (or as content as he would be, regardless). He has led a useful, fulfilling life, Court or no Court. He is appreciated — even revered — by people of discernment and taste. In fact, I’m pretty sure I’m more ticked off for him than he is for himself.

P.P.S. Do you know Eubie Blake’s recipe for life? “Be grateful for luck. Pay the thunder no mind — listen to the birds. And don’t hate nobody.”