With the exception of Newt fighting back on these ridiculous questions - our guys just smile good naturedly and refute it. The question is posed not to get an answer from the candidate but to set the meme and stereotype of Republicans. Until the candidates fiercely and consistently refute the question and questioner, we will always be playing catch up.
First couple minutes: NPR host explaining that Charles Murray is a controversial guy with crazy ideas.
Next five minutes: Ivy League Liberal "expert" explaining that Charles Murray thinks funny, has nothing new to say, and is wrong about almost everything.
Next minute: NPR host agreeing with the Liberal.
Time for callers!
Caller #1: Inarticulate in the extreme, hinting that Charles Murray is wrong to call poor people immoral.
Caller #2: Woman from WV who points out that personally, she does not feel isolated, as Charles Murray claims her to be.
NPR Host: praises both callers for insightful comments.
Okay. We are now 10-15 minutes into the Charles Murray segment, and it's now time to hear from ... Charles Murray!
Murray: You people are mischaraterizing my book and --
NPR host: Wait a minute! Wait a minute! On the issue of poor people being immoral, how would you respond??
Murray: Well, I never said that, and --
NPR host: Our callers brought up good issues. I think you should respond to what they said.
Murray then manages about a 1 minute's worth of response.
NPR host: Let's take a call!
Caller #3: I think Mr. Murray is wrong to say that there is a genetic component here and that all rich people are genetically superior to poor people.
NPR host: Excellent point!! We will let Mr. Murray respond ... right after this commercial break.
My conclusion: The only way not to lose is to not play the game.