Democrats Prove They Can Embarrass Themselves At Debates Other Than There Own

So I watched the CNN/YouTube Republican debate last night, and even before I was aware of the Democratic shenanigans I was impressed with the quality of the candidates on the Republican side. With the exception of the questions regarding gays (more on this in a minute), I feel that everyone of them, with the possible exception of Tancredo, is infinitely better than any of the Democratic choices.

Now do you remember that the Democratic candidates refused to take part in a debate on Fox News because opponents had criticized Fox as biased against Democrats, despite the fact that all of the questions would be coming from credible journalists? These is the same group (well, really it’s mostly Hillary) that complained about the unfairness of the questions Tim Russert asked. And do I need to remind you that Tim Russert used to work for both Mario Cuomo and Democratic Senator Patrick Moynihan, so we’re not exactly talking about a member of the “vast right-wing conspiracy” here.

So the Dem’s refuse to debate on Fox because it slants right, but the Republicans AGREE to debate on CNN even though it slants left. Let me ask you this: If Hillary and friends can’t stand up to Fox News, how are they going to stand up to the leaders of nations that want to kill us.

And one other thing. Remember a few weeks ago when Hillary got caught planting questions at her own press conferences, and she said she’d never do it again? Well, I guess what she meant when she said that was she’d never plant another question in HER press conferences. She never said she wouldn’t plant one at the Republican debate.

So here are the rules for question submission to the YouTube debate: You can not be affiliated with any political candidate, of either party, and you need to be an undecided voter.

So first we have Retired Brigadier General Keith Kerr, who asked the question about gays in the military. Given that the General is gay himself, it’s a reasonable question for him to ask. However, he “conveniently” neglected to mention that he is co-chair of a gay & lesbian steering committee for Hillary Clinton. (he was also a supporter of John Kerry)

Next we have Ted Faturos – the young man who asked the question about corn subsidies. Ted is a former intern for Democratic Rep. Jane Harman.

Then there’s “Journey”, who asked if a women should be prosecuted for having an abortion, should Roe v. Wade be overturned. Her web page shows she is clearly an Edwards supporter.

Another questioner, Leeann Anderson, asked about the danger of lead toys from China. Anderson is an assistant to Leo Gerard, president of the United Steelworkers of America. The union endorsed Edwards earlier this month, and Anderson's question is posted on the steelworkers' YouTube page next to a picture of Edwards

And then we have David McMillan, a screenwriter from Los Angeles who asked the candidates why they thought the vast majority of African Americans don't vote Republican. McMillan has pictures of himself on his Web site attending a fundraiser for Barack Obama as well as several parodies bashing current and former Bush administration officials Dick Cheney, Karl Rove and Alberto Gonzales.

Now you can say that CNN had no control over who sent what questions in, and you’d be right, HOWEVER they did have control over what questions were picked, and a simple Google search of any of these individuals showed that their affiliations were in direct violation of the rules. Out of 5,000+ questions submitted, 30 or so were asked and these five all had Democratic affliations of one type or another. Coincidence? Yeah, sure…

But then you can’t get too upset, because you have to remember all of the questions asked of the Democrats at their YouTube debate that were planted by Republicans. Oh wait, that didn’t happen…..

And look at the questions CNN choose. They stayed away from Iraq, because they knew that would give the candidates an opportunity to discuss the recent successes there. The questions were about guns, abortion, illegal immigration, and gays in the military – all questions that pander to the stereotypes of conservative Republicans. Did they trip them up? Well, like I said earlier, I wasn’t real pleased with the gay marriage/gays in the military questions – those responses did make them look antiquated. Why can’t Republican candidates just accept the fact that there are gay people out there and deal with it. Actually, I think most of them probably do accept them, but they are afraid of offending the religious right.

I do find it interesting going back to General Keer, that he was so disappointed with the Army’s “Don’t ask/Don’t tell” policy, and yet he is currently the co-chair of a committee for the women whose husband put that policy in place.

So does this whole thing upset me? Not really, the Democrats tried their usual dirty tricks, and were exposed. CNN reminded everyone why they earned the moniker “Clinton News Network.” And the Republicans faced the questioning from the opposition and came out looking great. Heck, I think most of them would have had no problem taking on “planted” questions even if they were aware of them up front.

You see, the Republicans aren’t afraid to debate the tough questions. The Democrats on the other hand…..