Debate? or Debacle?

After watching twenty-one Democratic Party debates, one need not be a political junkie to become an "expert" on what makes for an intelligent discussion of the candidates' ideas, positions, and how they intend to make this a better, safer, and more prosperous and equitable country and world. We are looking for answers and guidance to many issues from the most basic: education, jobs, health care; to those that involve other parts of the world - Iraq, the entire mid-east, Russia, China, nuclear proliferation, terrorism, global warming - you name it. You would think that after twenty-one such debates all would have had some serious and in-depth discussion by now. Unfortunately, that is not the case.

What the public was subjected to, if they stayed tuned, was a sham, a display of politics and media at their worst. I'm sure many viewers would find reality shows more entertaining and more enlightening. Come to think of it, it was like a reality show, at least for the first half. The second half offered nothing more than a rehash of just a few topics that most of us can recite without much difficulty.

No one came away unbloodied. ABC News started out impersonating the National Enquirer and never recovered. The absolutely useless course of questions directed at Barack Obama matters zero to most except to entertain those who follow media driven "headlines" and "misspeaks." And to those who say that Obama will be subjected to more of the same from the Republicans when and if he receives the nomination, for those of who are looking for substantial debates - heaven help us.

I was extremely disappointed in both Obama and Hillary Clinton. Neither seemed to be inspired. And both failed to inspire. Obama looked like he wanted to be anywhere except on that stage. I began after a few minutes into the debate saying to myself - hey, Obama, say "can't we put all this dribble to rest and get to things that are important and matter to the people of this country?" He failed to do so.

Clinton was obviously enjoying seeing Obama squirm in the spotlight. But I said the same of her - let's get to the important stuff. But she didn't. Damn any important discussion. She has developed a reputation, helped along by Bill, for doing and saying whatever is necessary to win, including taking down the Democratic Party, and helping the debate turn into a debacle. She didn't help her cause either.

Charles Gibson and George Stephanopoulos did not shower themselves with glory either. They received a lot of flack, deservedly so, for their line of questioning. Having a one-time aide and supporter of the Clintons, Stephanopoulos, as a moderator, is not very assuring that impartiality will prevail. And to come to the public's attention in the days following the debate that Shawn Hannity, a right winger if there ever was one, well maybe except for Rush Limbaugh, was dictating questions that Stephanopoulos should direct to Obama, smacks of conspiracy. We must remind ourselves the Republicans want to run against Clinton who will bring all the factions of the right together en masse in the fall election.

But what was most disappointing to me was that neither Obama nor Clinton appeared "presidential." Obama wasted an opportunity to take charge, to say "enough with this tabloid material, let's move on to more important issues facing all Americans." The feeling of mistrust, all the misspeaks and negative attacks by Clinton, including in her own words, her 'baggage," was draped around her like a disaster waiting to happen.

Being let down by the lackluster debate is one thing. To lose confidence in Obama and Clinton is something else. And more important. And more disturbing.

John McCain and all the right wingers must be licking their chops. But there is hope in all of this. McCain's free ride will come to an end soon. We hope.

Peace.
Larry