Re the politics: It is really, really unspeakably horrible. I watch almost no TV in any case, just DVDs, but for months and months before the main elections, you cannot see a TV screen without being assaulted by horrible attack ads. About 3/4 are from the Republicans, but now the Democrats have to do it back or be crushed, so it's both sides. The lies and ugliness are so insane it makes me cringe.