Knowing that the questioners were not uncommitted or undecided or unaffiliated didn't change the value of there questions, but we were left without that same kind of necessary information which would have allowed us to judge for ourselves whether the questions were valid.

In fact, I don't currently appear on CNN (or Fox for that matter) specifically because of my affiliation with the Thompson campaign. That would not change my discussions with James Carville, or Paul Begala, or Donna Brazile, but it might well cause confusion in the minds of viewers as to whether I was giving an honest appraisal of the state of the campaign, or if I were being a spinner for Thompson.

I have spent many hours in green rooms preparing to appear on CNN. I know many - probably most - of the political reporters and a number of the political news executives. I do not believe CNN intentionally engaged in a pattern of mis- or dis-information (except, perhaps, in the case of Gen. Kerr) but is probably guilty of nonfeasance for its lack of thoroughness in vetting the questioners.

The Conservative Blogatorium spent the entire day after the CNN debate gleefully pointing out how few clicks it took to discover the affiliations or inclinations of the YouTube questioners.

It was a little like an Internet version of "I've Got a Tune": I can identify the Democrat in three clicks.

This embarrassment on the part of CNN might have a salutary effect on the process. If the major campaigns put their collective feet down and demand that the networks provide a more dignified and thoughtful venue for these "debates" then we will all be better informed and the manner of selecting a President will be greatly improved.