THIS IS NUTS - AT 8:07 A.M. ET:  As an example of some of the worst journalism I've read recently, I proudly give you this column by Juan Cole, leftist Mideast observer and professional Bush hater, here writing outside his field, not that it matters:

Aug. 3, 2009 | Is Sarah Palin America's Mahmoud Ahmadinejad? The two differ in many key respects, of course, but it is remarkable how similar they are. There are uncanny parallels in their biographies, their domestic politics and the way they present themselves -- even in their rocky relationships with party elders.

Both are former governors of a northwest frontier state with great natural beauty (in Ahmadinejad's case, Ardabil). Both are known for saying things that produce a classic Scooby-Doo double take in their audiences. Both appeal to a sort of wounded nationalism, speaking of the sacrifice of dedicated troops for an often feckless public, and identifying themselves with the common soldier. They are vigilant against foreign designs on their countries and insist on energy and other independence.

COMMENT:  This is what happens when commentators realize they have nothing to write about, and start to panic.  I wasn't aware that Sarah had organized goon squads to shoot demonstrators, nor has she rigged any elections recently.  Last time I looked, she's not a Holocaust denier, nor has she threatened to wipe another country off the face of the Earth. 

Sometimes, it's best to call in sick and walk away from the word processor.

August 3, 2009