I’m watching the presidential debate which CNN last night kicked off with a question about Newt Gingrich’s marital past. We got a decent question on whether the candidates believed the Federal Government could do anything to fight unemployment next as well as a segment about immigration near the end of the debate. In between, though, the candidates were asked, among other things, about their tax returns, what they’d do better if they could start their presidential bids all over, and, of course, abortion.

Social issues were a big item in the most recent ABC News debate as well where Governor Mitt Romney was asked whether he’d allow states to ban contraception. Is this an issue? Are there any states planning to ban contraception? Not really, unless if you’re very suspicious of pro-life legislation.

In any event, these aren’t the issues that voters list as their priorities for the next election. They care about jobs, the deficit, regulation. Why are ABC and CNN trying to make this about personal and social issues? I understand they’re hoping for a bit of sensation during their debates but millions of people are watching anyway! The audiences who show up to watch these debates live certainly don’t seem very appreciative of this line of questioning.

And then they have commentators on air complaining about how Republicans like to talk about social issues so much! They don’t. (Except Rick Santorum.) The media does.