there to offset what s going on here. a lot to talk about including how things stand in the battleground states. a look at the latest polling. the ma ris poll has the president at 48% to romney s 42%. they are both below 50. a lot of time they will spend. more on the battlegrounds as we continue. here with us washington post columnist and the author of our divided political heart e.j. dionne. carly fiorina is with us and the democratic may iic mayor of los. the mayor spearheading the return of the great los angeles dodgers. they are off to a great start to the season under terrific new leadership. the nationals are as well, so my divided sports heart. welcome to you all. i want to start on where i ended with the governor and the speaker. look what we have had so far.