Postgame Thoughts On the GOP "Debate"

Mostly I feel annoyed.

There are candidates in the field, and issues at stake in our national debate which deserve a more fair treatment than we witnessed last night. This is not to excuse some of the lackluster performances, notably from Giuliani and McCain. But the pointless drone of brisk questioning was calculated to oversimplify the participants' various platforms.

Let's be honest. Chris Matthews is an adnoidal shill for the Left-heavy and intensely cynical Chevy Chase class of politicos. Can you imagine a former Republican operative-turned-journalist hosting the Democratic debate? More importantly, were any of those infantile yes-or-no trap questions laid out for the Democrats? Do you want us to win or lose in Iraq Mr. Edwards? Mrs. Clinton? Do you support [graphic description of what takes place during partial birth abortion]? Yes or no?

It's impossible to imagine Brian Williams trying to really put the screws, last week, to anyone on the stage. The Democrats are questioned by their social peers, and any notion of tough journalism is a charade. Who wants an awkward moment the next time they have dinner at Martha's Vineyard?

One more thought: Fred Thompson looms large this morning. If he intends to join the fray the time might be ripe.