As Wednesday’s presidential debate approaches, the political junkies are gearing up for a shoot-out. If history is any guide, much attention will be paid to the political horse race. Much debate commentary will be about technique: Will President Barack Obama be crisp? Will Mitt Romney use the zingers he has reportedly practiced? Will he get under the president’s skin? This is all cute but irrelevant. The debate should focus on the future. And it should pay attention to stark realities that have largely gone unmentioned in the campaigns. † The candidates need to be asked what they plan to do …
