You say Potatoe, I Say Potato, Let's Call The Whole Thing Off

Tonight was the debate between Dick Cheney and John Edwards, and I have to say I was surprised. I turned it on, thinking that it would be a repeat of the Kerry/Bush debate in which Kerry completely annihilated Bush. Instead, debate wise, it was pretty much a draw.

The beginning had Cheney consistently straying off topic to point fingers at Edwards and saying that he and Kerry were flip-floppers. The end had John Edwards breaking the rules (twice in one question) and not seeming to care, as well as his inability to stick to the question at hand.

Why is it so hard to address the question asked? I noticed this in the Kerry/Bush debate as well. A question is posed and then both candidates, rather than answer the question, start going on with "that's a good question and I'll get to it in a minute. First let me talk about THIS!" It was incredibly annoying.

"Do you like waffles?"

"Well that's certainly a valid question and I'll get to that. However, first, let me go back and talk about my Dog. You see my dog has a problem with fleas. Actually the fleas bring up another issue and I do certainly hope we'll have time to talk about ticks and other pests that plague pets throughout our great nation. It is very important to me and to my running mate that ticks and various biting insects be dealt with in a cost-efficient and relatively painless way for our people's four-legged friends. After all, if we don't do something to rectify the pest problem plaugueing our pets, then before you know it we won't even be able to afford a simple check up at the Vet. And isn't that what the real issue of this debate is? The uncomfortable vinyl seats in the Vet's waiting room? Shouldn't there be a solution that benefits everybody? Now I know my opponent would rather have leather seats in his Veterinarian's waiting room, but knowing that another animal's pelt is keeping our buttocks comfy would surely be traumatizing for my Shi-Tzu, Polly. I think we should have polished wooden benches in every Veterinarian's waiting room that are fitted with foam rubber cushions so as not to cause bruising or any other discomfort on yours or my backside. Thank you, I think that answers the question that you meant to ask, now doesn't it?"

And people say I have issues getting to the point.