[samtheman]

the Republican Party is never at its best when faced with a lame challenger.

I beg to differ.

Reagan vs. Mondale

They didn't come much lamer than Mondale, and there hasn't been a more successful second term than Reagan's.

Sorry, Peggy. The only thing that's lame around here is this idea you have that the country "needs" a strong RAT nominee.

[OldFriend]

Peggy making sure she gets invited on those RAT programs! UGH!

[lepton]

They didn't come much lamer than Mondale

Lame? Sure. Absolutely. ...but he did have a set of ideals, and made arguments that led from them. His positions were not simply contrarianism.

[Friend of thunder]

Sorry, Peggy. The only thing that's lame around here is this idea you have that the country "needs" a strong RAT nominee.

With all due respect, I think you are mistaken. Even if the Republicans were always and in all things right and the Democrats were always and in all things wrong, the mere fact of repeating the debate would keep Republicans honest. In fact, a strong center left party would keep a strong center right party honest; and vice versa. When you have the truth on your side you should never be afraid of honest debate.