In the case of the gay retired military officer at the Republican debate, the charge of "activist ringer" seems based on nothing more than his having expressed support for a Democrat some time ago. Not a member of a Democratic campaign or an activist or anything, not on anybody's payroll, just that he'd expressed support for a Democrat. AFAIK, nobody knows his political affiliation for sure.

Is it the gayness that trumps military service in your assumption about his political proclivities? Shhh, don't tell the Log Cabin Republicans!

Did the debate rules stipulate that questions must come only from members of the same party as the candidates?

Are Republicans simply afraid to answer questions asked by Democrats? If that's the case, the Democrat will wipe the floor with the Republican in the general election face-to-face debates.

"No!", you'll roar with righteous indignation. OK, then, what's with all the hysteria about "activist ringers"?