Memories from an endless campaign

Only one week to go, thank God. Looking back on this endless campaign, I can't help but feel a bit nostalgic.

Can you remember when...

• John Kerry seemed like a viable candidate for '08?
  
  
• Pundits thought Newt Gingrich might actually run?
  
  
• Rudy Giuliani took a phone call from his wife while giving an NRA speech?
  
  
• People cared about what Iowa voters think?
  
  
• Hillary Clinton (sort of) cried in that New Hampshire diner?
  
  
• Mike Huckabee seemed like he might just pull it off?
  
  
• Fred Thompson asked, "Can I have a round of applause" - for himself?
  
  
• The media endlessly looped Reverend Wright shouting, "God damn America"?
  
  
• Joe Biden challenged Barack Obama to try and take his guns?
  
  
• Barack and Michelle shared a "Fist Bump?"
  
  
• The media first described Sarah Palin as a "Hockey Mom?"
  
  
• The media first described Sarah Palin as "going rogue?"

And now some personal reflections. Do you remember when...

• You first heard of the "my friends" drinking game?
  
  
• You first realized that Sarah Palin reminds you of a girl you couldn't stand in high school?
  
  
• You started saying well-worn speech lines like "There's no Red America. There's no Blue America. There is only the United States of America" right alongside the candidate?
  
  
• You thought that November 4, 2008 seemed like a long time to wait for an election?
  
  
• You first heard folks talking seriously about the 2012 race?