On the trail

Endorsement of the week

“If I had to pick, I'd pick Bush, and not necessarily by default, I know I don't support what the other team is about.”

Marilyn Manson, rock singer and minister of the Church of Satan, New York Post, October 2nd

Disappointment of the week

“I don't sign skin.”

Al Gore to a young fan, Washington Times, September 27th

Beyond the grave

“In lieu of flowers, vote Bush.”

Obituary notice for James Fete in the Canton, Ohio, Repository,US News & World Report, October 9th

Poll of the week

According to Autotrader.com, 58% of Americans would buy a used car from Al Gore, compared with 41% who would buy one from George W. Bush. Voters think that Mr Gore would be a Volvo station wagon, while Mr Bush would be a Porsche 911.

Website of the week

SlapHillary.com, an interactive site where browsers may slap Hillary's face as she drones on about right-wing conspiracies against her husband. Warning: it can get tedious after you have tried it 100 times.

Democracy in practice

“Nobody else did, I thought I'd go for zero.”

Richard DeMyer, town clerk in New Ashford, Massachusetts, which held its state primary on September 19th. No one voted—not even Mr DeMyer, Los Angeles Times, October 1st

Appeal of the week

“Slackers can change this country. We're only asking for two hours a week, then you can go back to eating Doritos, watching TV and drinking beer.”

Michael Moore, film maker and Ralph Nader supporter, Providence Journal-Bulletin, October 2nd

Simile of the week

“I feel like Slippery Rock State Teachers and we made the Final Four of the NCAAs and they won't even let us in the gymnasium, they won't even let us on the gym floor to show what we can do.”

Pat Buchanan, the Reform Party's presidential candidate, protesting at not being allowed to join the debate in Boston, Associated Press, October 3rd