It's amazing how weak and nonsensical the Republican candidates seemed in comparison to the first hour of Democrats in tonights two debates. All four of the Democrats are making serious statements - even their jabs at each other are more elegant and to the point. They're all talking about their fundamental approach to government, the fundamental reasons for supporting them.

And these reasons are very serious - it's not about who loves America the most, or who hates 'radical Islam' the most, or who will be more aggressive against illegal immigrants, or who hates taxes the most.

So much of the Republican debate boils down to gotcha nonsense - "you said George W. Bush has a bunker mentality!" How is that demonstrating leadership? How is that remotely serious?

Perhaps part of the problem is the movement conservative machine, which has become so childish and petty - Terry Schiavo, MoveOn's "General Betray-Us", Limbaugh's "Phony Soldiers," the continued existence of Glen Beck. The conservative media and intellectual class has become so whiny and childish, perhaps merely lazy in the throes of their power. And this moral and intellectual laziness has lowered the bar for conservative political discourse in the Republican primary.