Often, these are respectful affairs in which supporters lob softballs.

ECONOMIST: After the debates

Probing viewer questions replaced the softballs of previous years.

FORBES: Russia And The Putin Rules: A Pessimistic Assessment

What followed was a steady, targeted barrage of softballs.

WSJ: So God Made a Fawner

Everybody else threw softballs.

CNN: Bill Press analysis: McCain wins second debate in a row