The last debate? Not so fast.

Well, at least that's over, and by and large, it must be admitted the three debates were more redeeming than originally anticipated. At least the candidates made an effort to keep the discourse civil, if not always accurate. And while things will now take their inevitable course, nobody should think that last night marked the end to debates this silly season. After Nov. 4th there needs to be a real debate between the Executive Branch and Congress to streamline the process and minimize legislative dysfunction in 2009 and beyond.

In the coming debate the new President will have clearly lay out all aspects of his agenda and demand more of his party, more of his allies, more of his Congress. Only then can he rightfully turn to the American people to demand more. Without this debate Congress will continue to wallow in mediocrity and substitute partisanship for governance. This must not be allowed to stand. A debate surrounding a renewal of the federal government is long overdue. American goals must be clearly defined and agreed to - otherwise all we can expect is more inane parochial infighting. More than three men around a table, this debate will have to involve all those who dwell around the shining house on the hill before it is foreclosed upon.