So now to the subject at hand: the nexus between the life of the mind and the world of public affairs.

"Independence" and "impact" are two thirds of a trinity of virtues that are critical to public policy research. The third, overriding virtue, I'm sure you'd all agree, is quality—as in intellectual quality: the kind of quality that can only be attained in an atmosphere that fosters the right combination of discipline and imagination, an openness to the constructive criticism of peers, and the active encouragement of a diversity of views.

"We're all entitled to our own opinions, but we're not entitled to our own facts."

The 2008 race is shaping up to be the first one in 56 years -- since 1952 -- when neither ticket will feature an incumbent president or vice president.