John, that was Howard Baker -- a Republican who is generally well regarded by members of both parties (as Sam Nunn is).

I agree that there has been a real lack of leadership in evidence from these two gentlemen who had been trying to impress us with what great leaders they are. Gore at least tried to elevate the discussion a few days ago, and offer a couple of options for resolving this. That was too little, too late -- but Bush has done nothing.

Alex, the bit about Cheney being from Texas is old news -- it was mentioned and discussed on the news just after he was selected as GWB's running mate. While I'm a Gore supporter, I wouldn't be inclined to make an issue of this. The fact is that, wherever he principally resides now, when Cheney was a Congressman he represented Wyoming. Besides, the country has changed a lot since the late 1700s when that rule was written -- people are much more mobile now, and the states are not really considered to be separate but allied countries in quite the same way as the framers viewed them.