I Would Be Remiss

if I didn't include this San Francisco Chronicle editorial from yesterday about Wednesday's debate:

"It's rare that a candidate benefits by missing a televised debate, especially one with a large audience. But Gov. Gray Davis should be extremely grateful that he was not included in Wedneday night's spectacle at Cal State Sacramento.

"The candidates almost immediately put to rest any concerns that they would provide canned answers to the questions they received in advanced. For much of the 90-minute debate, they simply ignored the questions and delivered canned sound bites that had nothing to do with the questions.

"Arnold [S.] exuded confidence and humor in delivering his pithy little lines about 'three strikes' against the ruling Democrats and Arianna Huffington's tax loopholes that 'I could drive my Hummer through.' But many California women were less amused by his attempts to bully and belittle Huffington. Arnold seemed to be the one in need of a 'decaf coffee' and a lesson in civility. He still has not demonstrated a willingness--let alone an ability--to address sustained questioning about the complex problems facing the state...

"While they fired salvos at each other, none of the candidates laid out a compelling case to remove a governor who was re-elected less than one year ago.

"For at least a night, Gray Davis had reason to smile as he fights for his job in the recall campaign."