It is discouraging to many voters for so much attention in the presidential race to be focused on issues that have so little bearing on the nation’s future.

Last week’s exchange on lipstick was a prime example. At least in Kansas, putting “lipstick on a pig” is a common expression for trying, and failing, to dress up a bad idea. The top candidates from both parties have used the expression to mean just that. Enough said.

Unfortunately, a ridiculous amount of television time was spent on an “issue” that only distracts the nation from the discussion of more important matters. We are supporting a war on terrorism, and our economy is hurting. Gasoline prices are high, and we have all manner of domestic issues that need attention. Why are we talking about lipstick and pigs?

The amount of interest in and coverage of the current presidential campaign is positive. It seems that far more Americans than usual are paying attention to the race and see the choice between the presidential candidates as important for America’s future. Hopefully, they are paying enough attention to want to know and understand where the candidates stand on some of the important issues facing the nation.

Silliness like the lipstick exchange is magnified by the 24-7 news cycle that tends to exaggerate virtually every aspect of the campaign. In an effort to find anything to fill television air time, the media too often grasp at any inkling of a controversy, something their viewers haven’t heard about – yet.

The danger, of course, is that voters will get so sick of hearing endless reports and analysis on campaign trivia, that they will simply tune out the campaign entirely.

While it’s true that many voters will make their choices based more on their impressions of the candidates than on any hard information, the news media and the candidates do the nation a disservice by allowing the campaign dialogue to be dominated by trivial exchanges.

With less than two months left before the Nov. 4 election, the nation needs to get serious about the important choice between our presidential hopefuls.