Thank goodness for the World Cup. With three matches kicking off each and every day, it has monopolized my attention in my free time, shoving politics mercilessly to the side.

I’m finding that the longer this little holiday from politics goes on, the happier I am about it. Summertime is typically the height of Silly Season in politics anyhow, and so sensible persons are always advised to pay the never-ending clown show in D.C. less mind at this time of year, World Cup or no World Cup.

For instance, were any of us edified in any way by the whole Gary Condit saga? (Remember?) Is anyone going to remember what the “Hadji Girl” nonsense was all about in a year’s time? (Hey, I’m normally a confirmed political junkie, but I have no idea what it’s about now. Hooray for the World Cup!)

So, if you care for soccer at all, be sure to have some matches TiVoed while you’re at work, and be sure to start watching one immediately whenever you find yourself wondering what’s going on in the world of politics. If you can’t stand soccer, well, I feel badly for you this month; but try to find something to fully occupy your thoughts and your free time this summer. The political scene will still be there when you return from your holiday away from politics, and odds are, nothing of any real significance will have changed.