Here's what's so disheartening about the Democratic party's dogged determination to nominate Hillary Clinton

It means an increased chance that one of these guys will be our next president:

21 minutes. California Rep. Duncan Hunter says he might "authorize the use of tactical nuclear weapons" for a preemptive strike against Iran to destroy nuclear centrifuges. This would be more scary if Hunter had any real chance of becoming president.

[snip]

40 minutes. God does not appear to be happy with Giuliani. When the former mayor tries to answer a question about a Catholic bishop who compared him to a biblical betrayer of Christ, the lightning hits the sound system. Squiggly squelches. "That's the lightning," says Blitzer-bot. Giuliani smiles and points to the heavens. Romney and McCain edge away from him on the stage. He could be struck down at any minute.

42 minutes. Huckabee, who is a Baptist pastor, is asked to explain why he doesn't believe in evolution. His answer is moving, eloquent and inclusive. "Let me be very clear. I believe there is a God. I believe there's a God who was active in the creation process. Now, how did he do it and when did he do it and how long did it take, I don't honestly know," he says. "And I don't think knowing that would make me a better president." His pacing is perfect, yielding the loudest applause of the night. Huckabee may be one of the most talented Christian communicators to rise in America since Billy Graham. It's a wonder that he gets so little support from the religious right.

48 minutes. Giuliani gets a question about global warming and his microphone briefly goes out again. There is a lesson here: If it is raining, do not walk next to Giuliani in an open field.

55 minutes. Huckabee reveals the darker side of his faith. Answering a question about gays in the military, he calls homosexuality an "attitude." "It's about conduct," he says, endorsing the current policy that bans gays and lesbians from serving openly. "It's not about attitude."

[snip]

60 minutes.Former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson is asked how he would employ President George W. Bush if he won the White House. "I certainly would not send him to the United Nations," Thompson says. "I would put him out on a lecture series, talking to the youth of America about honesty, integrity, perseverance, passion." He says this with a straight face. Former President Bush doing middle school talks about the Golden Rule.

Has your head exploded yet? No? OK, let's continue:

100 minutes. Colorado Rep. Tom Tancredo explains why Spanish speakers may soon destroy America, and why he would never advertise in his campaign for president in Spanish, which Romney does. "English is the language of this country," he says. "We should not be ashamed of that." Blitzer intervenes, "Sen. McCain, I'd like you to respond."

101 minutes. "Muchas gracias," says McCain.

Remember when McCain was like this most of the time?

First of all, the questions being asked at these debates are inane. Second of all, every time these guys get up there it becomes more clear that ALL they have to sell is fear: fear of science. Fear of women. Fear of terrorism. Fear of marauding lawn care workers and roofers who speak Spanish. And an overwhelming itch to continue and expand the war in the Middle East as much as possible. What is it about Republicans that gives them such a boner about leveling countries, preferably with a nuclear weapon?

The only thing that gives me as much of a headache as any of these guys becoming president is the prospect of eight years of listening to Chris Matthews braying about 15-year-old Clinton scandals.

I weep for my country.