What does the second presidential debate of 2012 have to do with Groundhog Day? Certainly no comparison to Punxsutawney Phil emerging from winter hibernation in search of his shadow, instead- Bill Murray’s 1983 film-comedy about a guy destined to wake up each morning only to re-live the previous day in exact detail.

We are witness to the new normal in the age of endless election seasons punctuated with multi-media carpet-bombing. For you ice cream lovers, think 41 flavors. Each candidate has a flavor they know you’ll love, and with patience you can find it with your tiny spoon. Tell me you watched last night’s clash and thought to your self “wow- I didn’t know that”. Not likely. At this point we know each player’s dialogue so well we’re left looking only for “bloopers” or digression from the script.

A third debate…oh boy! In an alternate universe wouldn’t it be fantastic fun if the candidates were forced to make a bold departure from traditional debate sniping for the best & final rumble? I propose limiting remarks to personal achievement and plans, and waiving the tired ventriloquist routine. In this fantasy the moderator would be charged with invoking an automatic forfeiture of remaining time if any version of “my opponent a) believes, b) has said, c) has clearly demonstrated, d) doesn’t understand…” is uttered in response to a question.