Arthur Brooks: Welcome back from the break, Gail. Two months until Election Day, and no doubt our readers have been at loose ends without being able to kick off every Tuesday with our conversation. So let’s jump back into the ring.

First assignment, though: How did you spend your summer vacation?

Gail Collins: I’ve missed conversing, Arthur. I spent my vacation — if that’s what you want to call it — working on a book I’m writing on the history of older women in America. You’ll be happy to know my older women have made it to the 1970s.

Arthur: I can’t wait to learn about older women’s role in the Disco Revolution. I hope you got a little vacation, too. My family visited Iceland, where we learned that these days, everybody is visiting Iceland. Apparently, moss growing on lava is the new thing.

Gail: But enough about us.

Arthur: Is that really possible, Gail? Fine, move on if you must.

Gail: First of all, what did you think of Pneumonia-gate? I’m pretty much with the media mainstream on this one. Once again we’re stuck asking why Hillary couldn’t just be open about what was going on.