CNN hosted a Republican debate this week, which was unlike any other. Questions were coming from all kinds of sources, including through the use of social media. There was even a giant scoreboard.

While some may have thought it all a bit much, a little too “hip,” it really is a sign of the times. Politics in general has definitely taken a different turn and the debates won’t be exempt from this.

One interesting bit from the Republican debate was the fact that Tim Pawlenty wouldn’t challenge Mitt Romney on “Romneycare,” similarly compared to “Obamacare.” Instead he pointed it back to President Obama, charging him to be the one to look to Massachusetts’s healthcare program…in other words, no direct attack on Mitt Romney. Yet he has criticized the healthcare program in Massachusetts on news programs.

In fact, the whole debate was quite friendly. Now for some this might be a welcomed relief. Politics can definitely get very ugly. However we are talking about the next President of the United States. Things really do need to be a little more “aggressive” if you ask me.

While in general I like Tim Pawlenty, he is one example of someone who needs a fire lit in him. In fact, I think all of the presidential candidates need that. While it’s great they are challenging Obama’s administration, the only way you can really win is to also challenge your competitors.

Now going back to the whole healthcare issue, I really don’t understand why Mitt Romney isn’t being challenged on this by Republicans. If they don’t want Obamacare, why are they not going after Romney…it really doesn’t make much sense to me.

All in all the whole debate was kind of sleepy, if you ask me. And as the polls have been showing, Romney continues to be the leading contender. But I do have to say that I think if you were to pick a second leading contender, as far as the debates went, it would have to go to Michele Bachmann. I was a little surprised at how well she seemed to do, especially considering how friendly everything was.

What is comes down to is that at this point I don’t think anyone has an edge over Romney. There is no one standing out. Even Michelle Bachmann is no longer as interesting as she once was. I think the only way things will get shaken up is if someone with force comes in…someone like Sarah Palin or if Donald Trump were to change his mind.

As an independent, I am not very impressed with either party. So far it looks like its going to be an uneventful run for the presidency…however, things can always change.