The moderator

[RollergirlVT]

Bob Scheiffer last night was the greatest disappointment in the debate. He had an opportunity to question the candidates on those domestic issues that most affect Americans and he failed to do so on two counts, the environment and energy. Every American needs to stay warm in the winter, drive to and from work each day and keep the lights on in their homes and businesses. Yet rather than touching in this critical issue he instead chose to raise questions on controversial social issues which do nothing but to divide our nation when it so desperately needs unity. If my gay neighbor chooses to marry his partner it does not affect me, my life or my marriage. And I don't know how many women chose to have an abortion today, their choice has no bearing on my life. I believe they are the people in the best position to determine what choice is best for their lives. However, if the air or the water is polluted that does affect my life and the life of every American. It impairs our health and that increases the burden on our already critical health care system. The social issues discussed last night are nothing more than opinions. Individuals with the opinion that they have the right to impose their beliefs on others lives. These issues do not warrant public debate because they do not affect the public as a whole. They have no place in politics. Gods judgments are best left to God. Man should live by his own belief system, but he cannot impose his or her beliefs on others. Mr. Scheiffer did a great disservice to our nation last last night. I am embarrassed that as the world watched, he chose to bring up these irrelevant issues rather than those vital to the health and welfare of our country. Shame on him.
edited for spelling

[MaryH]

1. I was watching PBS and

surprisingly, David Brooks thought Scheiffer's questions put Bush on the defense and gave Kerry an edge.

[onenote]

2. clean air clean water clean energy

Is Schieffer that clueless? I was dumbfounded that he didn't ask about the environment.

onenote

[TexasSissy]

3. I thought Shieffer did a great job.

Other than not asking a question on the environment and energy. Wonder why he didn't? Environment is not a top issue with most people (it is with me), so maybe that's why no question on that.

But I disagree that gay marriage & other issues are irrelevant. These are driving issues among the conservatives, VERY relevant. Bush's answers may have scared a few independents to swing Kerry's way.