The great quadrennial national circus is upon us: three rings, cast of thousands, red, white, and blue balloons by the ton, red, white, and blue bullshit by the hour, confusion, exhaustion, alcohol, and the fate of the nation.

Molly Ivins (1944-2007) American writer, political columnist [Mary Tyler Ivins]

Essay (1988-08), “Unconventional Wisdom,” Ms magazine
    (Source)

Collected in Molly Ivins Can't Say That, Can She? (1991).