I'm not sure if this has been talked about already, if it has please link me. But it occured to me earlier that debate topics are supposed to revolve around policies that actually matter to the federal government as opposed to those that interfere with individual lives. I'm just wondering why, in recent times, have moral issues such as gay marriage, abortion (I know you hate that topic, Dan) etc. have taken the stage at debates instead of actual political issues? It just bothers me to see them argue about things that shouldn't bother them and that the government has no business getting involved in. Why can't they start talking about real politics, like the economy, war, civil liberties?

Because neither party really has any solutions or stances that are in line with the majority of electorate and if they actually openly discussed them they would alienate the "swing voters" (if they haven't already). Fringe issues play to the base of both part parties and are much easier to rally blind support for.