This is making me ill. What next? Are Rudy and Romney going to start smooching on stage?

Huckabee did the same thing on McCain’s behalf, challenging Romney. His question on the assault weapons ban could have just as easily been asked of McCain, whose record on guns is probably worse overall.

I blame the format. Please, NBC, never do this again in a multiple-candidate primary. They’re not challenging each other, they’re doing favors for each other.

UPDATE: But a reader does point out that McCain voted against the original assault weapons ban. Another reader sends this. It is worth noting that McCain beat Romney decisively among gun owners in New Hampshire.