The Importance of Today's GOP Debate Has Been Overhyped

    Today's GOP debate in Detroit has been hyped by some as "make or break" for Fred Thompson. True, it is his first and the punditry will be watching closely. But because the debate is being held at 4 pm EDT on CNBC, it will likely have a fraction of the audience of other debates. Given that there's been a huge gulf in opinion about Thompson between the pundits (who have largely panned him) and the voters (who so far have pushed him into second place in many polls), that conflict won't be resolved until more voters watch him -- presumably in the next debate later in the month.
    Today's debate is about economic issues. Since it is being held in Michigan, one of his 14 home states, the event should be right up former businessman Mitt Romney's alley. We expect him to shine and perhaps overshadow the second coming of Arthur Branch. At least until next time.