Why We All Need a Vacation From GOP Debates

For those of us going through GOP debate withdrawal between now and Feb. 22, here are some ways to make the most of that time.

First, for the candidates themselves: Don't say anything between now and the next debate. When was the last time a candidate said something outside of a debate that actually made him look good?

If Romney had followed this advice, he wouldn't have said that he doesn't worry about the very poor. He could have been lounging by the pool at his mansion in La Jolla.

And Newt Gingrich wouldn't repeat his false claim that the Palestinians are "an invented people." Just watching the tired, grumpy Newt ramble on in his non-concession concession speeches shows why his decision last June to go on a cruise with Calista was actually the best idea he's had so far in his campaign.

And maybe Ron Paul might use the time off from the campaign trail to remember that he really did know the contents of a newsletter named after him.

And Rick Santorum might just realize, with some rest and reflection, that saying he opposes abortion even in cases of rape because it's "a gift of human life, and accept what God is giving to you" is so morally offensive that even he would reconsider those words.

And since the candidates wouldn't be saying anything, neither should the pundits. The last original observation was uttered about six weeks ago, so why keep talking? Let the talking heads give their mundane thoughts about issues other than the Republican presidential candidates. And promise, under no circumstances, to ever mention Donald Trump's name.

And for the rest of us, we should use this GOP reality show hiatus to focus on the real world -- which is a much smarter, more compassionate world than the one the debates live in.