It is the fifth day of 2014, and what just popped up in my inbox? An email inviting me to click for a free ‘Candidate X 2016’ bumper sticker. I’m not naming Candidate X, since it’s just possible this is being done without their knowledge (unlikely, since it’s coming from a PAC with their name on it), but mostly because in contrast to the chipper, upbeat message of that email, I’m NOT ready for 2016. I’m not even ready for 2015. It’s 5 freaking days into 2014, and I shouldn’t have to be ready for 2016.

You know what I am ready for? All political pundits and commentators to be immured in the eighth circle of hell for the next 725 days. I am sick of the eternal campaign. We have reached a stage in America where the campaign is its own raison d’etre- nothing else exists. All issues are judged by two criteria- their potential for fundraising, and how to play them for the campaign. There is no actual goal beyond being elected, because the instant the election is over, it’s time for the next campaign. Nach dem Spiel ist vor dem Spiel.

Could we possibly take a break from campaigning and actually take care of business? Or would that be too much to ask?