As I pointed out to another poster, if you discuss only the issues then you neglect half the debate. Connecting the politician to the issue is also important.
True, but many of these pyschos will disappoint you when they do whats in their own selfish interest and sell out the country and leave you looking stupid for defending them previously.
I used to do that w Bush, but after Amnesty in 2005, Drug Bill, Harriet Meirs, etc etc I wisened up and no longer defend politicians blindly.
I will applaud them when they do good, and bash them when the screw up.