That’s what happened yesterday evening when Senators McCain and Obama discussed their personal lives and the role that faith plays in it. From a rationalist’s point of view this is a disgusting spectacle, demeaning to both candidates. I always imagine hiring someone and as part of a job interview asking the candidate about his faith and perceived personal shortcomings. A ridiculous (and illegal) proposition. But that is exactly what we as Americans are doing during the extended job interview that is the election season. Instead of discussion real issues (energy policy, science policy, foreign policy, America’s crumbling infrastructure and what to do about it, education policies, health care, defense policy, etc.) we let the faith crowd dictate bullshit sessions during which we talk about the candidate’s past failings. We are truly a stupid people to do this, I am sorry to say.