"Simpler worldviews are easier to consolidate and manipulate, and that fact is the strength of the Republican party. Wedge issues are issues created specifically to appeal to voters with simple worldviews. Voters base their vote on where a candidate stands on one or two particular issues, rather than his overall qualifications. Multiple wedge issues equate into multiple blocks of votes which added together win elections. Similarly, making politics seem like a tedious, boring triviality comprised largely of partisan bickering is also a simple-worldview manipulation, creating a whole disgusted subset of potential voters who, because of their apathy, need no further manipulation. "

Iraqis visiting on a civil rights tour were barred from city hall after the city council chairman said it was too dangerous to let them in.

The seven Iraqi civic and community leaders are in the midst of a three-week American tour, sponsored by the State Department to learn more about the process of government. The trip also includes stops in Washington, Los Angeles and Chicago.