On that latest bit of ugliness to rear its head at a Republican Presidential candidate debate, a James Fallows reader writes:

 I think the booing encapsulates what the Republican party we could once vote for now represents to moderate independents like myself: - A few people loudly proclaim repugnant (or in other cases nonsensical) things. - Everyone around them lets it stand rather than challenge them. - Nine candidates on stage, with microphones, all stand silent while a soldier serving in Iraq is booed.

Ah, but he was a gay soldier. That makes all the difference if you're a Republican Presidential candidate with a base like this to appease.