The Washington journalist took the anti-impeachment side of a debate in the Century Center auditorium packed with more than 250 citizens who seemed adamant that President Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney should be removed from office.

Tomasky faced Bruce Fein, a constitutional lawyer who believes that both men should be impeached for breaching the U.S. Constitution.

Fein laid out his case first: Ultimately the democracy the United States enjoys will fail if citizens do not defend it by rebuking Bush and Cheney for taking on more executive power than the Constitution allows and for violating it in several ways.

"You cannot have a democracy when the government operates in secrecy. It's an oxymoron," Fein said.

Tomasky drew a laugh by beginning his remarks with a plea for southern hospitality, acknowledging that there wouldn't be much support in the room for his side of the debate.

Then he argued that while he agreed on the violations of the Constitution, it is not realistic for the audience to believe they can persuade the national Democratic leadership to pursue impeachment in an election year.

Few in the audience appeared persuaded by Tomasky's stance on the reality of the political situation.

"Not at all," said Marcie Ferris as the debate wrapped up. "I think Americans have been so beaten down by this administration. It's all this fear-mongering."

Ron Wildt, 45, made the trip from Morrisville to attend.

"We're the ones who are ultimately responsible for what our government is like, and we need to stand up and hold representatives accountable, to protect it for our kids and grandkids," Wildt said.

The debate was organized by the Coalition for the Constitution, a Carrboro-based group that has not been daunted by the lack of national momentum on impeachment proceedings.

Hodding Carter III, a UNC-Chapel Hill professor of leadership and public policy, moderated the event. He pointed out that the debate had a twist, with a Republican arguing for impeachment and a Democrat arguing against.

Fein played that point to his advantage, calling on Democrats and Republicans alike to put the Constitution ahead of party politics.

Tomasky explained that if Democrats did take on impeachment, they would likely lose seats in the House, and therefore the possibility of making progress on other important issues such as national healthcare.

"I think it's more important, on balance, to think about the future of the country more broadly," Tomasky said.

Bette Smith, 74, said her opinions weren't changed by the debate. Smith said she voted for Bush the first time around, but she is concerned about the actions he has taken and how the United States is now viewed by other nations around the world.

Sue Morrison, 50, said she was surprised that there wasn't more diversity in the audience, either by age or ethnicity. The audience was by large white and graying.

"I don't think we can take these ideas further without raising national consciousness," Morrison said.

That seems to be the tricky part.

Audience members asked Fein and Tomasky for ideas on how to get the American public more engaged in the impeachment topic. With many more Americans now tuned into the primaries, neither debater could come up with the golden ticket.

Get $150+ in coupons in every Sunday N&O. Click here for convenient home delivery.