My visiting relatives are watching a lot of MSNBC when we’re not sight-seeing. Hope this doesn’t give me irrational exuberance about political trends. In any event, here’s some mid-day news sustenance:

* John Sides will appear on MSNBC’s The Cycle today at 3:00 EDT to discuss his Washington Monthly article on presidential debates.

* Pennsylvania officials try to salvage voter ID law in face of second review by courts, relaxing requirements for securing ID.

* As expected, DeMint and Santorum rejoin Todd Akin bandwagon, but NRSC has said “it’s done.”

* More from the parallel universe: Gingrich compares Obama to NFL replacement refs, says he’s “not a real president.”

* Crumbs from the polling table: an analysis of why Romney may win North Carolina.

And in non-political news:

* Andy Williams dies at 84.

Back in a bit.

Our ideas can save democracy... But we need your help! Donate Now!

Ed Kilgore is a political columnist for New York and managing editor at the Democratic Strategist website. He was a contributing writer at the Washington Monthly from January 2012 until November 2015, and was the principal contributor to the Political Animal blog.