Column #2: "Two fine ladies named Daley"

She compares Sis and Maggie Daley, both wives of Chicago mayors.  Though Sis Daley was portrayed as a typical, docile housewife, in reality she was a strong figure in his private life as well as in the community.  Maggie Daley possessed the same strength, actively dealing with her breast cancer.  Even though the two women lived during different time periods, they showed the same dignity and strength.

Column #1: "I am a proud NASCAR Mom"

Carol Marin describes how American voters are often categorized by religion, wealth, education, etc. and sometimes even by titles like Soccer moms or NASCAR dads. But, in reality, politics are not that simple.  The 2012 election will be fought over by "swing voters", those that are not affiliated with a certain party/candidate and categories are an oversimplified way at examining and predicting politics.