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The debates aren't. In a real debate, a proposition is presented and the validity or lack thereof of the proposition is debated by the two sides (you can do this with more than two sides if you like). In the course of the debate, the sides present their assumptions, the facts they wish to use, and the logic that supports their conclusions. At that point, a winner can be determined by virtue of the quality of their arguments. Nothing could be further from the case in these so-called "debates" which are little more than an opportunity for the candidates to repeat stump speeches and talking points. I didn't need the debates to know that Joe Biden is one of the more interventionist members of Congress who thinks we have the divine right to stick our nose in everybody else's business or that Sarah Palin is a vapid, empty headed politician who probably wouldn't get any further than county commissioner in a more populous state.
I think it's pretty safe to assume Deep Stupidity on the part of the average voter. They reelected Shrub in 2004 didn't they? Long term thinking and considerations of consequences clearly are not their strong suit. This doesn't mean that they can't or don't change their opinions. The difference is this: upon seeing a man approaching them with a cudgel, instead of running away right then because they can see what's coming, they wait until they are being pummeled about the head and shoulders and then they run away.
It continues to be an amazement to me that the chattering classes can make a good living spouting tripe. Everybody makes mistakes but after a series of clueless and false pronouncements (many of which you have highlighted) you'd think people would stop listening. But they don't.
I would completely agree that the country is in a shambles and, indeed, it has been during the Republican's watch.
