The Softball Playing Field

I watched the first Republican Presidential Candidates Debate and thought, Where are the leaders---these are all lesser-of-evils men. Unlike the first Democratic Presidential Candidates Debate, which presented a real selection of viable leaders. You can still watch both debates from the MSNBC site.

It was moderated by outed sexist Chris Matthews, who didn't think to comment on the 19 times St. Ronald's name was invoked and didn't ask some of the hard questions or obvious follow-ups? Some (by no means exhaustive) examples off the top of my head:

• Do you think corporations have too much influence over the political process?
• Rudy, you've said that if a Democrat wins, we'll have another 9-11. Didn't that happen on your (Republican) watch?
• Do you think gay marriage would hurt straight marriage and if so, exactly how?
• Follow up: Doesn't divorce (Guiliani, McCain) or adultery (Tommy Thompson) hurt straight marriage?
• Would you consider meeting with the Log Cabin Republicans (a gay organization)?
• Follow up to Ron Paul's comment: What do you think about wire taps on American citizens and the death of habeas corpus?
• Follow up to John McCain's repeated request for line item veto power: Don't you think such a power would obviate the need for a Congress? Would you be willing to give that power to Hillary Clinton?