From USA TODAY: The economy grew at a slightly faster pace in the third quarter as Americans spent more freely, but growth remains too weak to reduce unemployment. The Commerce Department said Friday that the economy expanded at a 2% annual rate in the July-September quarter. It marked an improvement from the feeble 1.7% growth in the April-June quarter.

Appearing on “The Daily Show” Wednesday evening, President Obama defended his record on the economy, health care reform and the administration’s ability to meet the extraordinary expectations of those who elected him less than two years ago.

Policoff – Aument-

A Candidate Forum featuring Democratic Party candidate Jerry Policoff and Republican Party candidate Ryan Aument is scheduled on Thursday, Oct. 28, 2010 – 7:30 to 9 am.

Real Clear Politics’ summary of six recent polls of the Sestak vs. Toomey senatorial campaign shows Pat Toomey leading 46.0 to 43.2, a margin of +2.8. They comment: “10/26/10 — The polls are a bit all over the place here. Morning Call’s tracking poll shows an eleven point swing from a week ago, while Reuters/Ipsos enters the fray with a poll showing a tie race.

According to a commentator from Politico.com heard on P. O. T. U. S. (Sirius – XM), over 95% of African-Americans support President Barack Obama. But unlike in 2008 when over 75% turned out to vote, recent polling suggests that only around 45% have indicated they will go to the polls next Tuesday.

Observations while leafing through the Sunday News over coffee and a bran muffin:

1) “Father, 3 sons found guilty of tax evasion” The Watchdog doesn’t know the Bitterman family, but I assume their mindset is a cross between narcissism and tribalism, whereby they do not perceive themselves as being part of a greater community, as partners in the Judeo / Christian / Islamic creeds (as well as the other great religions) of “Doing unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

If fiscal deficits are the result of a dole or current consumption such as a world fair, the current generation enjoys the benefits and its progeny ends up paying the bill.

From USA TODAY: Chevrolet’s 2011 Volt battery car, due in at least a few customers’ hands in December, represents a staggering amount of engineering in order to be sure you never notice all that sophistication. Except for the gee-whiz instrument panel, you might figure you were in a normal car.

From the TIMES-TRIBUNE: Republican lawmakers in Harrisburg apparently have decided it is better to send as much gas-industry profit as possible to Houston than to cut in the commonwealth – the people of Pennsylvania – on a fair share of the wealth that lies beneath two-thirds of the state.

Pennsylvanians are not likely to find a more high-contrast choice Nov. 2 than in the race for U.S. Senate. Republican Pat Toomey and Democrat Joe Sestak are vying for the seat held by Arlen Specter for the last 30 years. Mr. Toomey wants to reduce the role of government on virtually every front. Mr. Sestak believes government should play a role in improving the lives of Americans. Based on interviews with both candidates, the choice for the Post-Gazette is easy.

An obscure but highly useful book by an Australian doctor with an inner city, general practice sold several hundred copies in its paper back edition. Given the need to for the counseling provided, several years after publication an American foundation entered into a financial arrangement for the right to publish the book as a web site.