I missed the Republican debate ... I missed the Democratic one the first time around too, but caught a bit of it (got interested in the Bill Moyers interview of Jon Stewart) during a rebroadcast. Such things are not really "debates," since there is no time, the format doesn't really welcome it, and the candidates overall rather not really either. They do give us a flavor of the candidates, so have some value.
Biden had a moment near the end where he somewhat sarcastically noted that even if some people don't want to hear it, we are sometimes going to have to use military force. Putting aside the issue itself (honestly, experience suggests the matter is a mixed bag, whatever the details), it does make me think -- it's important to at some point challenge primary voters. Sometimes, your options won't be ideal. But, you have to act all the same, like when you have to follow the rules even when it might make things a bit more difficult. See, e.g., Fracture.
Edwards and Obama like to focus on the positive, Obama on truly being a "uniter." Fair enough. But, sometimes, you can't be either. Sometimes, your options are limited, and you have to fight on anyway. Bush is an asshole not because he fights for what he believes in when only a minority is on his side. He's an asshole because of how and why he does it. Edwards is trying to challenge people, including his own party, including on the occupation. This sort of looks like an attempt to compensate for his mistake in 2003. He's right though -- they shouldn't give in ... the American public etc. is against Bush's fiasco policy.
Anyway, to end on the reference I began. Some note that Republicans are quite gung ho on Reagan, even though his actual policies (raising taxes, let's say) left a bit to be desired. This misses the point, I reckon, since the value of Reagan is that they make them feel good. Truth is not exactly the point these days for Republicans, the case against the Democrat's Iraq policy full of b.s. It also is all about rhetoric and image. The fact Reagan's family life (like many of the Republican candidates) left a lot to be desired? Not the point.
Tobey McGuire isn't really Spiderman, after all. For a politician that actually walked the walk, and did not just talk the talk, see Amazing Grace. Didn't see the movie yet, but the book is pretty good so far.