Pie Fight in the Big Tent.     

Ever droll James Carville, seated beside the serenely patient Mary Matalin, in what looks to be their ante-bellum New Orleans manse, enjoys eating the scenery as he announces the "Big Tent" of Republicanism collapsing in Lake Ontario after news of Dede Scozzafava's quitting the race in the New York 23rd.  Scozzafava was elbowed out by influence and the kind of money (Club for Growth's feisty sniper Jackson Stephens)  it can attract, and that's the kind of politics that makes for laughter and excitement.  Carville knows all this and is having fun overacting as if he is spreading confusion among the adversaries, that is, the Republican National Committee's donors.  The fresh news that Scozzafava has now endorsed the Democrat Bill Owen is almost as deliciously woozy as the fresher news that she has been denounced by the spoiler Doug Hoffman as a "turncoat."  Add the detail that Hoffman entered the race after promising to be loyal to the county party choices, and that Hoffman does not live in the district, the contest now turns into a 7th grade fight at recess.  No one hurt but everyone pretending their feelings are hurt.  About 30 hours to go to the polls opening.  Custard cream pies flying.  Joe Biden is due into the district in the morning, probably standing beside Owen, Scozzafava and Pluto, who doesn't live in the district, though cartoon dogs can't vote in the race anyway (just like Hoffman, who can't vote for himself.)