The Children's Table: The (most likely) last GOP Debate

The second, and most likely last, GOP debate at the Reagan library was a very excruciating exercise. The four remaining men vying to lose to either Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton simultaneously looked like giant children and codgers. It was not a pretty site.

For one thing, the setup of the debate was just awkward. They put Anderson Cooper and the two panelists perpendicular to the candidates, which created an odd looking angle. In addition, the desks the candidates were sitting at looked like kindergarten desks, adding to the childish atmosphere.

In addition, CNN didn't comport itself very professionally, deciding to minimize the participation of Ron Paul and Mike Huckabee. Feeling that they, and not the viewers, were responsible for seeing who was the best candidate, they focused on the battle between Romney and McCain.

Mitt was his typical sleazy country club self, continuing to make me wonder why anybody who wasn't a robot would support this guy. His argument with McCain over what he said about timetables in Iraq seemed pointless. This was his last, best chance to make a mark to distinguish himself on Super Tuesday, and he failed.

Somehow, McCain was even worse. Every time he spoke, he almost put me to sleep. Apparently he was a foot-soldier, and not a leader, of the Reagan revolution. Because a follower is what we need for our Presidency, not a leader. How this man, who is a horrible debater, horrible speaker, and is despised by many portions of the GOP is the unfettered front-runner I have no idea.

When he got a chance to speak, Huckabee seemed like the best candidate of the bunch. Of course, he didn't get a chance to show off his biggest weakness, which is the belief in making the Constitution fit to "Gods Laws", a position that makes a lot of people, both Democrat and Republican, very nervous.

Ron Paul was his usual self, even managing to bring up the gold standard in one of his answers. His rant on Iraq was genuine, and his position was the most reasonable one to me. A note to all Republicans: If Ron Paul is looking reasonable, you need to look closer at yourself.

In the end, this was a pretty standard affair for the GOP. Chaotic, stupid, and full of too much arm wrestling and pointless chest thumping. The GOP has lost its way, and needs to reclaim its soul, a soul that speaks to conservatives, moderates, and liberals. Nevertheless, this mess might still pull off the victory in November. That thought is truly troubling.