Ramesh, the reason this is such a flat debate is that they’re not debating issues but competing to be the best articulator of broadly similar positions – on climate change, the iniquities of Wall Street, etc.

By the way, the moderators in all these yawnfests don’t exactly help. Why doesn’t Brokaw chip in: “Senator Obama, Senator McCain keeps saying you’ve never gone against your own party on anything. Is that true? And, if it’s not, please provide examples.” I understand why campaign managers might feel constrained — and ponderous works for their guy – but Brokaw & Co could learn a thing or two from Brit and Aussie and even (gulp) Canadian moderators.