How Political Coverage Should Be

Tonight marks the very important Democratic Presidential Debate (ABC, 8 p.m.) in Pennsylvania.

Notice I only list it on one of the major networks. That's because it's only on one of the major networks.

The rest are showing original programming. So if a viewer could care less about the debates, he or she has other viewing options tonight. And if a viewer does care about the debates, he or she can watch them comfortably on one network.

I've never understood why every channel needs to air the same political speeches and debates when one will suffice. Is it important to air things like the State of the Union and the national conventions? Of course. Voters need to be informed on the issues, much more so than they probably are.

But why not rotate these events around the dial? ABC airs a debate tonight, NBC has the next one, CBS, and so on. Personally, I'm a little sick of the political process at this stage, and I don't think either candidate tonight - no matter which one you support - is going to say anything earth-shattering. It's more of a chance for a candidate to blurt out something wrong that will alienate voters rather than draw them in.

Just remember this posting when the conventions roll around for four days apiece during the summer on every network.

WEDNESDAY'S BEST BETS: So, if you don't want to watch tonight's debate, here are your choices.

CBS has new episodes of "Criminal Minds" and "CSI: NY" after "Big Brother" at 8 p.m. (Come to think of it, watching the debate sounds better already.)

Fox returns with original episodes of the sitcoms "Til Death" and "Back To You" at 8 p.m., followed by the results show of "American Idol" at 9 p.m.

PBS has a pair of specials, "The Truth About Cancer" at 8 p.m. and "King Corn" at 10 p.m.

Finally, "Men In Trees" (ABC, 10 p.m.) airs a new episode after the debate.