Battle of Sound Bites, Scripted Statements & Patent Pandering

To the extent that the issues raised are even worthy of debate (does anyone really think that gay marriage is a threat to the country, or that cutting government waste will achieve far-reaching economic reverberations) and to the extent that any halfway viable policy proposals have been put forth ("staying the course" does not count), the acceptable parameters of the issues in debate for this election and the policy options put on the table are, for the most part, an insult to anyone with a modicum of intelligence.

As a former political junkie, now utterly turned off and disaffected from the process in general, the upcoming debates are about the only thing worth watching. Not so much for new information or any revelations, but mainly to see if anyone screws up or busts out a good zinger. Enjoy!

* Friday September 26: Presidential debate with domestic policy focus

* Thursday October 2: Vice Presidential debate

* Tuesday October 7: Presidential debate in a town hall format

* Wednesday October 15: Presidential debate with foreign policy focus

(all four debates will begin at 9:00 Eastern and last for 90 minutes)