Slightly Refreshing...So Far

This ABC/Facebook debate has been a breath of fresh air and a step in the right direction, it seems, from the first few debates - especially the pomp surrounding the CNN/YouTube debates. The candidates are sitting at a table in a semi-circle, encouraging the candidates to speak to each other and enabling conversation. Moderator Charles Gibson has a stopwatch, but has rarely called time, allowing candidates to finish their thoughts.

Ron Paul is having to defend his views the most as he differs from most of the candidates on most of the isssues. Mike Huckabee seems to have trouble adjusting to the discussion format - it's obvious that he's used to orating from a podium and his speeches tend to seem condescending and not necessarily substantial. For a man who is polling well in New Hampshire, John McCain hasn't said much, keeping his answers short and concise.

An hour into the debates (Democrats will debate momentarily after the Republicans finish), Gibson has been confrontational, asking direct policy questions, follow-ups, and referring to the candidates' histories. The candidates themselves, in the fashion of this election so far, are making plenty of references to U.S. history - mostly the Founding Fathers and the Constituion.

As the candidates continue debating the difficult question of health care, posed by an ABC medical expert, one has to wonder, and hope, that Gibson will be just as confrontational and direct with the Democrats.

The great thing about tonight is that we'll find out soon.