FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:

In an election where the Republican candidate actually stands a chance against a weakened incumbent president, so far, a couple of intellectual lightweights are stealing the show.

Since Michele Bachmann won the Iowa straw poll and Rick Perry entered the race, these two have been sucking up most of the media's attention for saying stupid things: Like Bachmann's claim that as president she would bring gasoline down to $2 a gallon, or Perry's highly inappropriate shot at Federal Reserve Chair Ben Bernanke - saying his actions could be "treasonous."

Meanwhile, some Republicans, including Karl Rove, suggest that the former half-term dropout governor of Alaska, Sarah Palin, will join the race as well. Swell.

Palin's people are pushing back against the speculation, saying that anyone who claims to know about her plans is misleading the American people. But Palin has certainly been acting like a candidate, what with that visit to Iowa during the straw poll and an Iowa-themed political video ahead of her Labor Day speech in Iowa.

If Palin runs, we'll have another Mensa candidate to join Bachmann and Perry. There's no doubt these three would consume the lion's share of the media coverage.

At the other end of the intellectual spectrum, there's Ron Paul, who placed a close second in the Iowa straw poll. He continues to talk sense - whether or not enough people are listening. And there's Newt Gingrich - love him or hate him, he's a very smart guy.

There's also Jon Huntsman, who says candidates like Bachmann and Perry are too far to the right and have "zero substance."

He may be right, but I venture to say none of those three has a prayer against Curly, Moe and Larry.

And that's a sad commentary on the state of our politics.

Here’s my question to you: When it comes to presidential politics, why does America seem allergic to brains?

Interested to know which ones made it on air?

Bob in New York:

A presidential candidate with brains is more likely to speak the truth, and people just don't want to hear that. We would rather hear about $2 gas, the promise to create millions of jobs, or no new taxes; but I have yet to hear any plans about how these wonderful achievements would be accomplished. I am not a fan of Ron Paul but I give him credit for speaking plainly and openly about his views; and look at all the press coverage he gets. Candidates with brains don't make for good headlines.

Joe on Facebook:

I think it's the other way around. People with brains are allergic to presidential politics. There are many smart people in this country who probably could do a great job of being president. However, the circus that they have to go through to get elected and the hoops they need to jump through to get anything done prevents the best candidates from even applying for the position.

Tom:

Because America needs a laugh now more than ever. And, they never disappoint.

Rex in Portland, Oregon:

If by allergic, you mean this skin-crawling, neck-hair-raising, creepy feeling that I am about to give birth through my abdomen to an alien blob of black gooey hatred, I think it is quite natural to react this way to such abominations as the Republicans' current offering of presidential candidates.

Don:

It started with "W." It was evident in 2000 that America was clearly divided over brains vs good ole boy mentality. "W" spoke a language they could understand. He was simple, direct and shot from the hip… Those of us who went to school, and voted for Obama, where hoping for a reversal of the trend… We love the Palins, the Bachmanns and the Perrys for their entertainment value. What we don't seem to understand is that they have vast followings of voters who are allergic to brains.

Jeff in Hawaii:

Jack, With about a quarter of Americans being college graduates, it's easy. These three knuckleheads pander to the basest fears and religious beliefs of those who don't think. As comedian Ron White would say, "You can't fix stupid".