The Political Dance

PEGGY NOONAN, a keen observer of politics, comments on the dance:

"Mrs. Clinton, who will soon go fully national again, shrewdly makes more and more religious references and has taken to wearing a cross on her neck on the campaign trail. Ben Smith of New York's Daily News called it a diamond cross. It looks like one. But diamonds would be an odd thing for a Democratic politician to campaign in. No Democrat or Republican politician has worn expensive jewelry in New York since Mario Cuomo looked at his wealthy opponent in their first debate and purred, 'Nice watch, Lou!'

A hunch. Hillary is just waiting for someone to ask her about the diamond cross so she can shyly respond, 'Lord, it's glass, actually.' Her office will elaborate: It was given to her by a little girl in Poughkeepsie, to remind her of what's important. Hillary promised to wear it every day. Then she promised a dying boy she'd hit a home run for him, while wearing her Yankees hat.

The Clintons, Mr. Schwarzenegger and Mr. McCain are the exceptions. There's a dance dearth out there. This is surprising, isn't it? The issues are large and deep. Great battles are ennobled by happy warriors. We have two weeks left. If you're bothering to run, get off the grim reading of talking points. Show some roar, show some game. Show some dance. Joylessness is unworthy of a great republic."