Final Debate Post (?)

The 20th Republican debate came and went on CNN Wednesday night, a painfully long and often personally biting affair — and the last debate the four remaining GOP presidential hopefuls have committed to in the primary season.

Watching the panelette sashay onto the stage last night to amazing pomp and ominous music, I couldn’t  decide if it was a beauty pageant or a perp walk. The actual two hours did not live up to the intro. The national anthem was sung facing a flag video. What, CNN couldn’t afford a real one? On the other hand, it totally matched the fake candidates. Candidates who spent the evening talking about earmarks (they are split), contraception/war on religion (they are against), immigration (they are against), and war (the big three are for).  Along the way they continued their regulation, tax, and union bashing.

Once again, the moderator allowed lies to go unchallenged - abstinence only works (proven to not work unless combined with comprehensive sex education), Obama is cutting Medicare by 500 billion (the cuts are for overpayments to Medicare Advantage, not regular Medicare), Obama is not doing anything to secure the borders (check out increases in border agents, arrests, and deportations, crossing are at an all time low), and Obama supports Assad in Syria (asked him to step down in August 2011 and has continued to work for his ouster).

On Iran, only Ron Paul believes the intelligence that finds no evidence of a nuclear weapons program. The other three are ready for preemptive action. It’s as if the last ten years never happened. Foreign policy got short shrift from the panelette, but Romney called President Obama “feckless,” Santorum said he was “timid,” and Gingrich says the president can’t keep us safe. Miss liberty loves sticks and stones as much as anyone, but where is their road map?

The crowd that never disappoints booed at the appropriate times – contraception and peace are apparently not popular.

John King asked for a one word self description. Cranky Ron Paul said “consistent.” Truly he is consistent, especially for some of his more whacko ideas. Suits said courageous, read sanctimonious. Flip flopper Romney said resolute. Oxymoron.  Newtie said “cheerful.” Maybe he’s giving up Callista for Lent.

There was one humorous exchange. Santorum said he has had a positive message and while the big money is not on his side, he can do a lot with a little. And little does he have. Little charm, little brains.

You can breathe a sigh of relief. There are likely no more primary debates, unless one of the also runnings wins Michigan. Then all bets are off.