The choice, then, really comes down to this: Is the middle class better off with the parts of the Bush tax cuts that Dean's rivals would leave in place or with the $2 trillion less in deficits that Dean would produce over the next decade?

-- doing the numbers, one person argues "not really."

Politically it's said to be suicide, but arguably it's a brave thing to do. Anyway, all this talk about rescinding tax cuts at all is a bit ridiculous given the need to work with a Republican Congress. "But the candidates' budget plans are important, because they tell us something about the men who stand behind them."

Football: Peyton Manning was great, more than great, the first two games of the playoffs. Not this time ... they finally punted, but repeated interceptions, fumbles, and (on the first punt attempt) an overthrown snap that led to a safety made them look mortal. All the same, six (yes six) trips to the Red Zone by the Patriots without a touchdown (after scoring on the first drive; one drive ended with an interception in the End Zone), the game still went down to the wire. And, though the snow stopped by then, the game was in the hands of the kicker (24pts, 17 on kicks, including that safety, which was kicked into the End Zone). 24-14, Pats.

Ricky "No Relation" Manning was great this game of the playoffs -- three interceptions. Playing a physical game, the Panthers continually stopped and overmatched the Eagles, who for the third time in a row lost a title game at home. McNabb was one of the victims, injured earlier, he gutted out (with a sore gut) three quarters. His backup gave up the final interception when it could have been close and this time they were stopped in the final drive when it was 4th and long. 14-3, Carolina, after beating the top two seeds on the road. Pat/Panthers, both tough, well put together and coached teams. Should be a good game.