benjamin matey,

don't you think that in these polarizing times (now that i think about it, though, i can't remember a single presidential election that was not fraught with acrimony from both sides of the aisle), all of the top contenders for president have a hint of calculation behind their statments...aye, even a bit of insincerity that seasons many of their statments on divisive issues?

even John Mccain, the freewheeling skipper of the "straight talk" express, seems changed, now that he is now an actual contender, no longer the upstart rabble rouser? watching him dance around his new position on ethanol during his tim russert interview was intresting.

isn't it too much to expect any current leading contender to be completely honest with the voting public? especially at this stage of the contest, when the field is so crowded with hopefuls?

in short, isn't absolute candor and honesty too expensive, and risky?

did not the former mayor of new york, the mighty rudy, take a severe beating when he indulged in what seemed like a bit of honesty when he tip toed awkwardly into the abortion question during the cnbc debate?