We’ve always known that America’s reign as the world’s greatest nation would eventually end. But most of us imagined that our downfall, when it came, would be something grand and tragic.

(AP) — The Democratic nominee for Illinois' lieutenant governor dropped out of the race Sunday night, less than a week after winning the nomination, amid a political uproar about his past. In announcing his decision at a Chicago bar packed with people watching the Super Bowl, Scott Lee Cohen said the Democrats were not certain they could win with him on the ticket. Since Cohen won the Democratic nomination on Tuesday, it has become widely known that he was accused of abusing his ex-wife and holding a knife to the throat of an ex-girlfriend — a woman who was herself charged with prostitution. He also admits using steroids in the past.

AURORA -- An early morning business breakfast attended by dozens of business presidents, CEOs and managers turned out to be pretty heavy Friday, but the food had nothing to do with it. U.S. Reps. Bill Foster, a Geneva Democrat, and Judy Biggert, a Republican from Hinsdale, joined more than 50 Aurora Chamber of Commerce members to talk about issues that are far from light: health care, jobs and the economic outlook.

AURORA -- On Tuesday, approximately 3,000 Indian Prairie School District middle school students will sign a Peace Pledge to keep the peace in their environment for the next 32 days. Still Middle School students will observe 32 Days of Peace. Now in its second year, the celebration was inspired by a Naperville Sun series "32 Days and Ways to Practice Peace," for Naperville's third annual Celebration of Peace. This year, two other Indian Prairie middle schools have joined in the celebration.

  Yesterday, I  interviewed  David Axelrod and was struck by his inability to explain how the White House would highlight the the difference between disagreement and obstruction. Today's session, if it becomes a regular event rather than a one-off, provided part of the answer. He'll debate them directly. But that may be tough to do. Republicans are  already spreading the word  that they made a mistake allowing cameras into the event. Apparently, transparency sounds better in press releases than it does in practice. But if this is to be the last of these we see for a while, make sure to take the time and watch it, or  read the transcript . It's some of the best political television I've seen in memory.