The identity politics of whiteness, intensified by a time when there have been no economical alternatives on the table, may have closed that door for tens of millions. Whether you can bring yourself to care about them or not, that is a bad end to a bad story.

It would look a little something like this.

The Iowa primary caucuses will be held one week from Tuesday. But a defining moment happened about three months ago in Des Moines when Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders and Martin O'Malley held their second debate.

Webb exited the Democratic race following the first debate noting his difference in views with many in his party.

Let's get on with the remaining 2016 best and worst awards. One warning: it's a very long column, so we encourage readers to pace themselves.

Hillary Clinton, once burdened with a profusion of image and credibility problems, has had a great many weights lifted off her shoulders this month. The Democratic presidential front-runner has defended her record at the State Department, dodged a serious challenge from Vice President Joe Biden and saw two of her primary opponents leave the race.