Debate rages over the debate

ABC's Democratic debate from Philadelphia is getting panned in many quarters, but it did draw more viewers than any debate of the campaign.

Nielsen Media Research reported that nearly 11 million viewers tuned in for the first weeknight, primetime forum on a broadcast network.

Many of those who watched, particularly supporters of Barack Obama, were horrified, however. Commenters lit up blogs to say the debate was dominated by petty issues; some said it was the worst debate ever.

While Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton were asked later in the debate about Iraq, middle-class tax cuts, Middle East policy, gun control, and other issues, the first half focused on recent controversies on the campaign trail. An at-times annoyed and exasperated Obama was asked about his relationship with his former pastor, to a former leader of a violent 1970s radical group, his comments about bitter small-town voters who cling to God or guns, and why he doesn't wear a flag lapel pin.

Washington Post media critic Tom Shales opined today that Charles Gibson and George Stephanopoulos turned in a "despicable" performance, while columnist Will Bunch of the Philadelphia Daily News said they "disgraced" their profession.

Stephanopoulos defended himself, telling the Politico website today that the questions to Obama were "tough but appropriate."