GOP Debate: Pre-Game Analysis

It should be a good show tonight, this Republican debate. I hope to be liveblogging. In advance of the show I think it's helpful to identify the media templates and talking points that have been deployed. You can hear them bandied about in the coverage.

The shadow of Ronald Reagan, for example, is cited as very influential in the current field of candidates. True enough - many conservatives yearn for the effectiveness and oratory of a leader who defied the media and the opposition to claim a better place for America - one who left history a better place. And the debate is taking place at the Reagan library. But in practical terms this is bogus - of course each of the Republican contenders will fall short by this standard.

Another semi-fraudulent "template" is the George Bush situation. Chris Matthews can be expected to ask a number of breathless questions about whether or not the candidates support this unpopular war. If they do they're going against the "will of the American people" - and if they don't, they're being disloyal. What is missed here is that Americans want an effective leader in national defense, and they're happy to hear new ideas. George Bush isn't on the ticket next November.

(I actually think the front-runners, Giuliani and McCain may use the occasion of Matthews getting bull-doggish on this issue to knock one out of the park.)

The final canard involves social issues. The media loves to uncover the rich stank of hypocrisy wherever possible - so abortion, gay marriage and so forth will be punted repeatedly at the candidates, especially those with potential conflicts or non-conservative (by the media's definition) platforms. This may be revealing, once some of these issues get discussed on stage - but I expect each of the potential targets has all sorts of prepared answers, some of which may have an edge.

Let's hope for some positive and useful surprises.

Tags: GOP Debate, Ronald Reagan, Election