Why is it debate season already?

Long time, no ranting.

I'm not sure if most of you are taking the time to watch the early debates, but here's my observations:

Republicans pandering to the shallower thinkers by asserting that only they support our troops, understand that the world is a dangerous place, believe in God, etc.

If you are a conservative voter - demand actual depth in your nominee's positions.

Democrats offering soundbite length versions of complex answers - giving the aforementioned Republican candidates fodder for their 'the Democrats just don't understand' lines.

I'm hoping that voters take the last 8 years as a signal that a deeper, more thoughtful president is what we need this time around.

My favorites - if only because they seem to be willing to 'go deeper' than the rest of the field:

Republicans
John McCain - his pandering to the base over the last couple years is almost offset by his taking unpopular positions with regard to immigration, etc.
Mike Huckabee - while I may not agree with everything he says, at least he acknowledges (at least in the portions of the debate I saw) the complexity of the world we live in.
Ron Paul - though a former Libertarian, he oddly seemed more Democrat-like than the rest of the field and also came across as a thinker.

Democrats
Barack Obama - intelligent, optimistic, while I'm still waiting to see even more depth in his plans
John Edwards - see Obama, add southern drawl.
Hillary Clinton - while everyone either loves her or hates her, I still haven't made up my mind. I am truely annoyed by her pandering to various voting groups (see her awful, affected southern drawl in a campaign stop on YouTube). Her attempts to be everything to everyone could be her downfall.
Joe Biden - not normally mentioned in the front-runners category, though I think he could come from behind to really give everyone a run for the nomination.

Until next time...