[paudio]

I personally didn’t think the question was out of line mainly because it was the pink elephant in the room and it was better for Newt to have the opportunity to address it at the beginning of the debate.

The question itself was not out of line. Making it the very first question, something that might set the tone for the whole debate, was. This was a debate of presidential candidates. The first question should be something that is relevant to everybody inside and outside the debate room, e.g., the economy, national defense, and so on. Not what an ex-wife said about her marriage.

[SeaHawkFan]

I disagree. If the moderator had waited, EVERYONE would have been thinking and wondering when the subject would come up and distract the focus on the rest of the debate. Once it was dealt with, the debate moved on and was no longer a distraction.

[moehoward]

"Making it the very first question, something that might set the tone for the whole debate, was. "

Safe bet King would like a do over. Clearly CNN/King underestimated how tired folks are of this National Enquirer BS.

[Hot Tabasco]

The question itself was not out of line.....

This was a debate of presidential candidates. The first question should be something that is relevant to everybody inside and outside the debate room, e.g., the economy, national defense, and so on. Not what an ex-wife said about her marriage.

Sounds like you're contradicting yourself. Shouldn't ALL the questions be relevant to the candidates and their personal policy issues rather than focusing on one's ex-wife?

It was clearly apparent that the audience didn't agree with your first statement either......