He is outstanding. James is as well briefed and engaging as any academic I have ever chatted with. Many political commentators drone on and fail to grasp the need to make what they are saying relevant to the audience. Not James. We are very grateful for his help in bringing up to the minute news and comment on U.S. foreign policy matters. That’s not to pidgeon-hole him as he is equally well informed on European and world politics. We’re lucky to have him.

Richie Allen, presenter iTalk FM, Marbella, Spain.

Feinstein appears in trouble, but she has never had a close race (even when the polls disagree). She’ll get through, even if her cash is lost to the crooked accountant.

We’re all just hoping that the new non-Gerrymandered district maps will fulfill their initial promise and kick out useless incumbents, while simultaneously increasing the number of Democrats in the House/state Legislature. The 2000 map was a status quo deal between both parties to head off a Republican bluff to turn it into a voter initiative. Had the Dems not gone with it, they could have gained a lot more seats in the last decade, given the prevailing demographic and political trends.

With a handful more seats, the legislature will finally be under 2/3 Democratic control, allowing for tax increases to balance the budget. Such an event will have big implications for Democratic policymakers across the country as they too deal with future deficits.