“Per your first paragraph: I'm not quite that cynical ...at least not today. (smile)”
I hope you are right. But I think about how much intelligent discussion has gone on during the debates? vs how much of the time is spent on one line shallow statements?
I take your point; however, there have been some intelligent discussions and much of the problem, as far as important policy issues being discussed, can be attributed to the various Left-wing moderators; who deliberately avoid important issues that might be used to contrast the current administration unfavorably. I can't blame it on the candidates when the moderators waste time w/ “fluff” questions; like, “Which of the candidates’ wives would make the best first lady?”
It's also impossible to conduct in depth discussions of important policy issues in a debate format that has strict time limits. If we want more in depth information we have to go looking for it ourselves. There have been several good links to speeches by Newt on FR threads.
Take care,
-Geoff