Sunni-Shiite-Whatever Guy Speaks About Security

One of today's listed speakers was Silvestre Reyes, the Texas congressman who was Speaker Nancy Pelosi's handpicked choice to lead the House Intelligence Committee, is due to address the convention shortly. Pelosi picked him after denying the slot to Florida's Alcee Hastings, who had been due to assume the chairmanship, but whose ethical baggage made him a ripe target for the G.O.P.

Not surprisingly, the likable and good-natured Reyes' speech centered on national security issues, and on how tough Barack Obama will be on terrorists.

One problem with all of this: Less than two years ago, Reyes was asked an elementary question about national security – Is al-Qaeda a predominantly Sunni or Shiite group? – and answered incorrectly.