Ignore What They Say, Watch What They Do

Bob Ehrlich and Martin O'Malley, WJZ-TV Maryland gubernatorial debate, Oct. 14

Gov. Ehrlich looks like an earnest schoolboy -- leaning on his elbows, moving in his seat, motioning energetically toward his moderator and opponent. Bradley is unimpressed. "These gestures don't have anything to do with what he's saying." Ehrlich keeps making a counting motion on his fingers, as if to tick off points, yet often attached to random sentence fragments -- a "nonverbal platitude."

O'Malley barely budges, gazing coolly into the camera, eyes hooded. He's trying to speak to viewers, but "you don't get a sense he's a good listener," Bradley says. "He's in his own head. And I'm not seeing postural support for what he's saying."

But when the topic moves to parole and probation, O'Malley comes alive. He declares the need for "a statewide vision" in transportation and pulls himself upright -- very Cardinesque! His eyes suddenly open, says Bradley, "like the light went on."

Verdict: Both start out "highly inauthentic," but O'Malley wins by regaining his groove. "It's about who can adapt."

Pelosi Keeps One Eye on the House, the Other on the Home

If all goes as Democrats hope on election night, Nancy Pelosi is poised to become the first woman speaker of the House. But there's a chance she'll miss festivities for a more personal celebration -- Grandma duty.

Pelosi's youngest daughter, Alexandra, was due to give birth three days ago, and Pelosi has already announced that she'll drop everything to be there for the big moment. "You couldn't keep her away if you wanted to," said spokeswoman Jennifer Crider. "As soon as she hears Alexandra is in labor, she's headed for New York."

The House minority leader has five children and five grandchildren. Alexandra -- best known for "Journeys With George," her documentary on the 2000 presidential election -- was married to Dutch journalist Michiel Vos last year; this is their first child.

As she waits for the call, Pelosi will continue campaigning for Democratic hopefuls. She's been in 20 states since August, and planned to barnstorm in Pennsylvania and Connecticut this weekend. If the baby decides to stay put a few more days, Pelosi will spend election night here in Washington with fellow House Dems at the Hyatt.

One Gift Given, One to Go

President Bush , as any smart husband should, left the campaign trail yesterday in time to celebrate his wife's 60th birthday at the family ranch in Texas. Our colleague Peter Baker reports that the president gave Laura Bush a triple-strand, amber-colored citrine necklace. The low-key dinner included family friends Lois and Roland Betts, Regan and Billy Gammon , Debbie and Jim Francis , and Nancy and Mike Weiss. No word on what the president is giving Mrs. Bush for their 29th wedding anniversary today.