I just love it when people who "think they know stuff" just because they've watched a few news items on Fox or MSNBC, or read a few left or right leaning blogs, think they can hold a candle to a professional politician in a one on one debate.
Without the internet to hand, most people couldn't argue their way out of a paper bag.
Within half an hour, that kid will have Googled a dozen different illustrations of why she is wrong. But I'll bet he doesn't spend a minute researching the illustrations to find out whether they stand up to scrutiny.
I only watched the first couple of minutes of the clip, but even though I disagree with the torture of prisoners, I think she did a good job of explaining her/their position. I also respect the fact that she gave him a chance to ask the questions he did.
The guy is obviously not a professional. I don't think he should be ridiculed for asking questions even if his point of view is wrong. What I wouldn't give for a few minutes to sit down with someone like Barack Obama, whom I disagree with and simply ask a few questions. I think doing so, might give me a whole new impression of the man as I would think maybe this person got of Condelezza Rice.
Immie
I'm not ridiculing him for asking questions. I'm ridiculing him for asking a question with a clear agenda behind it. A simple question is fine. When you're trying to score points you should know your stuff.
What is it they say is the key to being a good trial lawyer? It's not just knowing what questions to ask, it's knowing what questions not to ask. The best attack strategy is targeting the weakness in your enemy's defense.