Yes, I watched the debate broadcast from the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia last night, and it's been a long time since I've heard so many -- and so eloquent -- non-answers to questions.

It is, of course, not surprising that two career politicians (which by definition all modern presidential candidates have been) are skilled at stretching nothing into a one minute answer ready for the broadcast media and YouTube. But the Hillary and Barry show seems to be setting new standards for evading issues that are on Americans' minds.

I do not believe a man or woman must be a saint to be an effective, even heroic, president. But basic questions of honesty and patriotism are valid and fundamental issues on which voters legitimately decide elections. It is possible that Sen. Clinton cannot provide any better explanation for her having "misspoken" about her Bosnian experiences than she already has. It is also possible that Sen. Obama may not have much to say about a patriotism that is said to come from within. But if they cannot defend themselves against allegations that they are either dishonest on a basic level -- or that they do not keep alive a deep, abiding and tender love for this nation -- then they will not be elected to the White House. And they should not aspire to be there.