Report from the exciting DMR Debates…. Oh wait, those were snoozers too!

Tuesday afternoon The Des Moines Register sponsored the last Republican Debate before the Iowa Caucus’. On Wednesday, it was the Democrats turn. Before I go any further, in the spirit of full disclosure, I was once employed by The Des Moines Register. I delivered papers. I was eleven. And yet I promise not to let that association cloud my judgment.

First of all, let me say that these were two of the most mind-numbing debates, and the moderator, DMR Editor Carolyn Washburn, proved why she chose a career in print. Additionally, given the 1:00 Central Time timing of the debate (11:00 A.M. my time), it was difficult to justify the consumption of alcohol normally necessary to get through a debate. I am, of course, just kidding. I needed no justification.

One of the interesting things about these debates was the “Voters Voice” second-by-second graphing of the candidates comments. For those of you who did not see the debates, what you had was a graph on the right side of the TV screen. At the beginning of each candidates comments there were two lines in the middle of the graph: A blue line and a yellow line. For both debates, the blue line represented the views of moderates, and the yellow line represented the views of conservatives for the Republican debate, and liberals for the Democratic debate. In a room were a number of individuals watching the debate that were either undecided Democrats or Republicans, depending on the debate. Those who identified themselves as moderate had a box with a dial, and when they turned it up (approve) or down (disapprove) when the candidate spoke, the line on the graph moved. Same for the liberals or conservatives. Those of us watching at home could see what message was hitting home (or not) with which group. And to give you an idea of how exciting the debates were, that description of "Voters Voice" was more exciting than anything in either debate.

Now before I go further, let me say that we are talking about a group of 30 people here (15 moderate, the other 15 conservative on Tuesday and Liberal on Wednesday), so this is about as far from scientific that you can get.

Some of the lines causing the line to go up:
"We are not going to make some of these changes unless we change how business is done in Washington” – Obama

Any line by a Democratic candidate indicating tax increases

Any line by a Republican candidate indicating cost cutting

When Fred Thompson refused to “raise his hand” when asked about global warming, but he would not be allowed to actually state his position. What a moron (the moderator, not Thompson)

Bill Richardson: “I think fuel efficiency standards in this country should be 50 mpg, not 35 – I think that’s pathetic.” Side note: Why do the dems think that simply by setting a higher standard it will happen? Sure, the government could require we all drive a Prius, but does that make sense? What about the construction worker who needs a truck that can haul two tons? What about a family with five kids? And what about the huge number of Americans that can’t afford a Prius?

Senator Dodd’s comparison of Guantanamo and Abu Ghraib to Nuremberg (I kid you not).

Dodd’s suggestion of a corporate carbon tax.

Some of the lines causing the line to go down:
Joe Biden stated “There’s a hymn in my church that says “may he raise you up on Eagles wings, Bear you on the breath of dawn, and let the light shine on you.” As Biden quoted this hymn (and surprisingly didn’t take credit for writing it), the line by moderates and liberals plummeted.

Most lines by democrats (and there were very few) suggesting the need for personal responsibility.

Some other interesting (at least to me) moments in the debates:

} The Democrats still seem to think that they are running against Bush

} I find it interesting that when discussing how to handle the raising costs associated with entitlement programs, Bill Richardson stated that “one-third of all of our healthcare budget – 2.2 trillion dollars – one third of that goes to administration and bureaucracy.” and yet these same people want the same government to take over ALL health care.

} John Edwards hair looked really nice, but Hillary continues to look like she shops at the Lane Bryant Outlet store.

} Alan Keyes was included in the Republican Debate, and that was a mistake. Dennis Kucinich was excluded from the Democratic debate, and that was a mistake. Mike Gravel was…. Well, Mike Gravel is a pretty much a mistake on all levels.

} It was humorous the way I’ll the Democratic candidates stated that “I’ll end the war”, as if the efforts to do so would require as much effort as picking out a new china pattern. Unbelievable arrogance.

} John Edwards, in his best “I feel your pain” trial lawyer speak, vowed (when asked what his New Years resolution is) said “Somewhere in America tonight a family will have to go to an emergency room and beg for health care for a sick child”. Beg? Come on John, I’m the first one to say we have serious health care issues, but by law every emergency room is required to take in the sick - no begging required.

} I think the line of the day went to Obama. When the moderator asked him how he’s really going change things with several former Clinton advisers on his team. The (good) question prompted Clinton and others to chuckle, to which Obama deadpanned ”Hillary, I’m looking forward to you advising me as well.” Quick.

} I think one of the things that really showed the difference between these two groups of candidates were their views on education. Now let me say right up front that I think both parties value education, and I think both parties realize it is a top priority. The differences are in the details, and how each party approaches this problem. The democrats all talked about the need to raise teacher salaries, but never touched on accountability or the needs for teachers to be held responsible. Look, I agree that teachers deserve to make more money, but the assumption that merely by paying teachers more their performance will increase is asinine.

The left also all chimed in on the need for earlier – and sometimes mandatory – education (preschool), but not once did they state that by addressing the tax burden on Americans today, perhaps more two-income families could become one income families, and those kids could be cared for by their parents, not by strangers. I have no issue whatsoever with preschools, but given the choice between preschool or a stay-at-home mom (or dad), I’ll vote for mom and dad 9 times out of 10.

As for the Republicans, their emphasis is on choice, their emphasis is on expanding salaries for teachers BUT at the same time expanding the responsibilities of and the accountability of said teachers. I was proud of their tackling the dysfunctional National Education Association and putting a spotlight on how this union is killing education in America. Again, the emphasis was on personal responsibility and giving the students the tools to achieve, and more importantly, removing the obstacles that are the NEA and the Department of Education.

But my favorite moment in BOTH campaigns came at the following moment: "And that was the last question of the debate, thank you for coming."