GOP Presidential Debate #1: Open Thread
Have at it
By Adam C Posted in Republicans — Comments (121) / Email this page » / Leave a comment »
Live-blog or pontificate. Yell or applaud. Do it here.
UPDATE at 9:15 PM: This debate form is really good. The questions are a bit odd at times, but the candidates don't seem as scripted as usual. The short answers avoid it getting too dull. And no commercials is nice. The polite nature and the debate on ideas is nice for a change. Even the cheezy yes-no questions are a nice break in monotony (allow foreign-born Americans to be President?).
UPDATE by Erick at 9:31 p.m.: Is there a bigger jerk in the debate than Tommy Thompson? The man just went after George Bush over healthcare policy after being Secretary of HHS and bolloxing up the whole job. And he gave the crummiest answer ever on stem cells.
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GOP Presidential Debate #1: Open Thread 121 Comments (0 topical, 121 editorial, 0 hidden) Post a comment »
I'm watching it on C-Span. I'm really impressed with all 10 candidates so far.
After hearing Giuliani's answer on the Roe v. Wade question, I can see now why Romney has become an outspoken pro-life proponent. Giuliani will not have an easy time getting the nomination if he is perceived as being a fiscally conservative version of Hillary Clinton.
answer on Roe.
Gamecock DeVine
The Charlotte Observer
www.race42008.com
www.hinzsightreport.com
"One man with courage makes a majority" - Andrew Jackson
Why does this sound like a review of what Bush did wrong? Matthews just asked Jim Gilmore about Bush's cabinet. I see the headlines tomorrow "All 2008 GOP candidates say Bush wrong on everything". Prior to that the opening game of slow pitch was worthless.
"Cowards cut and run, Marines never do"
Instead of asking "Will you continue Bush's legacy on tax cuts, economic growth, support for unborn children, and conservative judicial appointments?" The question is, "Should Bush be executed or merely impeached?"
If only Chris Matthews was willing to ask questions like this to Hillary. My first question to Hillary would be, "As president, would you return to the policy of looking the other way every time terrorists attack U.S. targets?"
The Clintons don't like to talk about national security because it has never been a priority for them.
McCain when Senator Thompson's name was mentioned had this very puzzled look. The question or Senator Thompson caused the look?
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Dennis Miller for President...no more wimps!
McCain seems strong and is speaking from the heart.
Giuliani hasn't missed a beat.
Tancredo couldn't complete a sentence, which pretty much mirrors his place in the race.
Of course, having Chris Matthews run a debate is about the same as Ds allow O'Reilly to do theirs. How come every question is "How had Bush screwed up?"
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Bobby Jindal Saves Louisiana
"Osama will pay... and he will die"
I do think the candidates have done a good job of distancing from Bush without insulting him.
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Bobby Jindal Saves Louisiana
Ron Paul will get a slight bump. There's room for an anti-war Republican. He's not getting enough airtime for a big bump though.
Did Chris ask the dems the constitutional question about natural born citizens? THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH 2008, NOTHING!!!!!!!! This is crap!
"Cowards cut and run, Marines never do"
It's one of the few questions that I didn't know what the candidates would say.
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Bobby Jindal Saves Louisiana
Thought he was going to go for the 14th and the right to citizenship of children born of illegal aliens.
That's a constitutional question that one of these days is going to have to get answered.
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Dennis Miller for President...no more wimps!
And so was the recent question to Mitt "What do you dislike the most about America?"
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FP Watergil
You'd think Politico would do a better job screening these things.
"Cowards cut and run, Marines never do"
We may or may not have caused global warming, but we can fix it??? That doesn't make much sense.
"Cowards cut and run, Marines never do"
Organ transplants?
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FP Watergil
The second and third tier candidates really lack charisma and communication skills. Romney is the most attractive candidate of the group.
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Bobby Jindal Saves Louisiana
It really helps the debate and adds some flair.
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Bobby Jindal Saves Louisiana
Did anybody understand Rudy's response on abortion?
He was asked if the day Roe was overturned would be a good day for America?
His answer was "it'd be okay."
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Bobby Jindal Saves Louisiana
I think he sees it as not a big deal. If Roe is upheld or overturned, he says "that's okay" with a shrug. It's not having it both ways. It's not his issue and he doesn't care about it that much.
He could have done better on the "when Roe is overturned is that a good day for America" by answering "yes, the constitution will be returned to its actual words"
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Bobby Jindal Saves Louisiana
but not trying to offend one side or the other. I agree he's not going to be a big support of either side, but he's got to stay in the middle without offending anyone. That might be tough to pull off.
"Cowards cut and run, Marines never do"
I think he believes Roe v. Wade is constitutional blasphemy but is personally pro-choice. He believes the issue constitutionally belongs with the legislature and in the states, but wants his legislature and state to be pro-choice, an awkward position for a debate.
Just because one believes something should be legal doesn't mean they believe it should be a constitutional right.
"Honor is self-esteem made visible in action." - Ayn Rand, West Point, 1974
Someone take the Ginzu knife away from Rudy on the issue of abortion, he's really doing damage to himself with not just the base, but a large part of the party.
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Dennis Miller for President...no more wimps!
Because I'm throwing a temper tantrum because Chris Matthews is one of the moderators, and he's a Democrat, and MSNBC is a liberal channel.
Oh, wait...
I'm channeling John Edwards and the Democratic Party.
OK back to surreality: I can't believe we're having a Presidential debate in May of 2007.
Actually, so far I'm glad to hear all of these people talking for themselves for a change. I'm actually glad to see and hear all the Republican candidates together on MSNBC. I think our field is strong and getting stronger. So far nobody has done anything stupid.
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FP Watergil
Only one talking to the audience and not the moderator, have to respect that.
"Cowards cut and run, Marines never do"
He's really coming across as theatrical in his summations, with the pointing fingers and the animated shoulders, etc. He seems to be reading some kind of cheerleading script for himself.
Doesn't get me wrong I didn't say he was doing well, just he was trying to connect with the audience. C for effort I suppose.
"Cowards cut and run, Marines never do"
He needs to downshift a gear and be a little more coversational. It's a stylistic point. He seems like he's trying to steal the limelight, but it's backfiring, because there are too many people on that stage and the format isn't going to let him.
That was a great answer.
"Cowards cut and run, Marines never do"
Thompson just said private businesses can fire gays if they want to. Expect burning effigies at this year's nationwide Pride parades.
Gamecock DeVine
The Charlotte Observer
www.race42008.com
www.hinzsightreport.com
"One man with courage makes a majority" - Andrew Jackson
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Bobby Jindal Saves Louisiana
There have been a couple of those so far. Some of the questions being asked are *much* too complicated for the format and the time it gives the participants to answer. It's almost a negative-soundbite setup.
Reminding people that "separation of church and state" is about keeping the state out of the church. It's amazing how few people remember that and think it was mainly about keeping religion out of politics.
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Bobby Jindal Saves Louisiana
Gamecock DeVine
The Charlotte Observer
www.race42008.com
www.hinzsightreport.com
"One man with courage makes a majority" - Andrew Jackson
that Chris Matthews would even ASK that question. i got the sense he didn't realize how stupid it was until Romney slapped it down.
If you've read Newsweek Magazine recently, you'd think he eats babies for breakfast and can't speak without spittle flying out of his mouth, but if that's been your exposure to him thusfar, his performance tonight should change that opinion.
But generally, he's been a poor speaker. Not ready for big time, especially up against McCain, Romney and Giuliani who are all ready for primetime.
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Bobby Jindal Saves Louisiana
Tancredo is awful speaker. Why is Gilmore so angry? Thompson is so dull. McCain looks like a cartoon.
warming question. Glad to see BB strong on the war now, and looking presidential overall.
Hunter, Mitt, Thompson and Gilmore look good.
McCain looks nervous.
Gamecock DeVine
The Charlotte Observer
www.race42008.com
www.hinzsightreport.com
"One man with courage makes a majority" - Andrew Jackson
I thought Tommy Thompson looked the best. He was able to speak about new ideas with respect to foreign aid and foreign policy with his ideas on using education and medicine as an opportunity for diplomacy. McCain tried to make 'pork' his hobby horse, and Tancredo shot back how the mandatory area of the budget will need fixing to really accomplish anything major. Vetoes of 'pork' on discretionary sounds good, but doesn't change much.
You’re a persistent cuss, pilgrim.
John Wayne to Jimmy Stewart in The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance
Gilmore. He is now my second choice.
"I know nothing except the fact of my ignorance"-Socrates(the real one ;)
Nice job not cowering and apologizing. He should give a clinic to the House GOP. Well he lost me with Imus, guess Sam doesn't care for the first amendment so much.
"Cowards cut and run, Marines never do"
VETO PORK.
This should be an easy thing. But for some reason Rs have not jumped on it... oh b/c many of them are porkers.
Glad to see McCain tackling it.
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Bobby Jindal Saves Louisiana
I think McCain is trying to overcome age concerns by looking vital and enthusiastic, but I agree he is going over the top. He looks a little silly at times.
Some of these submitted questions lead me to believe some of those who submitted them think the president is almighty. Waiting for their opinions on speeding tickets and seat belt fines.
"Cowards cut and run, Marines never do"
Gamecock DeVine
The Charlotte Observer
www.race42008.com
www.hinzsightreport.com
"One man with courage makes a majority" - Andrew Jackson
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Bobby Jindal Saves Louisiana
That last question about healthcare was designed to get him on the defensive about his own program here in MA and just ripped it to pieces. Awesome.
Agreed. He's a smart and confident guy. He tackles questions with authority. Quick polished debater.
I live in Massachusetts and my family pays under Mitt Romney's program. Yes it's expensive, but health care everywhere is expensive. The question is: "Does it work?" And the answer in my experience is "Yes" and the care is very good. The most important thing to do once you purchase it is to use it properly.
one thing that distinguishes Mitt for me
Gamecock DeVine
The Charlotte Observer
www.race42008.com
www.hinzsightreport.com
"One man with courage makes a majority" - Andrew Jackson
I haven't done a real comparative analysis, but I know that everyone in my family has visited the doctor for various things in the past year, some serious, some not, and the quality of the car has been excellent and the copayments have been small. I had a local-anesthetic surgical procedure on my neck to remove a cyst and the total cost to me was $190, I believe. That and my other visits more than accounted for my premium costs.
We absolutely need to lower the underlying costs to lower the premiums, but I can't quarrel with the way his program has worked for my family so far.
Let me clarify as well. I live in Massachusetts. I was forced out of my job because of reorganization and couldnt afford health insurance. Republicans ignore this issue at their own peril. I three injuries/ilness while I had no insurance. I am enrolled in his program and love it. It is not a government take over.
You can vote for your debate winner there now.
No one mentioned the size of government only the tax rates. Little disheartening.
"Cowards cut and run, Marines never do"
Was referring specifically to the tax question (which one tax you would cut). I'm sure Ron Paul mentioned it another time, but not specifically at that point I think his answer was he'd already abolished the IRS.
"Cowards cut and run, Marines never do"
more Democrats in his Administration. Uhh...I think that Dem. holdovers are part of the Bush Administration's problems.
has opposite party members. If they're going to do it anyway, then they may as well get bipartisan points for saying it ahead of time.
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Bobby Jindal Saves Louisiana
We have enough problems with horrible Republican appointments. We don't need to pile on the horrible Democrat appointments.
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Underlying most arguments against the free market is a lack of belief in freedom itself. - Milton Friedman
nothing like getting to the heart of our troubles, eh?
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FP Watergil
Not scoring any points, now he wants to go after exec pay. To Gov Huckabee and the Dems: IT'S THE SHAREHOLDERS JOB, NOT THE US GOVERNMENT!!
"Cowards cut and run, Marines never do"
Yes, Huckabee is the resident fiscal liberal in the crowd. He should be running for AR SEN but instead enjoys the airtime of losing a Presidential race.
Hopefully people can talk him into switching sooner rather than later.
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Bobby Jindal Saves Louisiana
Mitt should have stopped after his first answer. Again back to Bush admin, not what's going to happen after 08. Thats right Chris keeep trying to tie these candidates to Bush.
"Cowards cut and run, Marines never do"
It's okay for Scooter Libby to be convicted of something that isn't illegal because Paul doesn't like his conduct leading up to the war.
Vindictive? Not a great presidential attribute.
Somebody tell Gilmore it's okay to smile.
Chris was asking "so when you lose and Hillary wins how are you going to feel". Dummy
"Cowards cut and run, Marines never do"
Quip about Clinton being "back home" because that's what the Donks actually believe. As far as I can tell they think he should have been President for Life.
Tancredo said that Bill was measuring drapes for the Lincoln Bedroom, not the Oval Office. LOL
did Tancredo just peter out, yikes. They do need more time for closing snippets as it were.
"Cowards cut and run, Marines never do"
anti-trade. makes for bad economic policy.
Didn't know Brownback supported the Iraq tri-state solution.
I think he did the best job tonight. 2nd place goes to McCain.
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FP Watergil
at least not yet, but he does seem very presidential. I'll be d**ned if I listen to the former ESPN lackey.
"Cowards cut and run, Marines never do"
Oh geesh, a debate analysis and breakdown with Olbermann. Can't wait to miss that one.
Gamecock DeVine
The Charlotte Observer
www.race42008.com
www.hinzsightreport.com
"One man with courage makes a majority" - Andrew Jackson
Here comes Keith ... I'll be switching to "The Hills Have Eyes" now.
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FP Watergil
I liked having Ron Paul in this debate. He's a firecracker of a guy and I think he really contributed to the contrasts.
he might not be a bad candidate. Would definately not be in the fourth tier of what is a three tier ranking of candidates. He may elevate to "also ran".
"Cowards cut and run, Marines never do"
Gamecock DeVine
The Charlotte Observer
www.race42008.com
www.hinzsightreport.com
"One man with courage makes a majority" - Andrew Jackson
His candidacy is silly, but I respect Ron Paul. It seems people who dont understand conservatism call Paul a libertarian. I hate the whole fiscon/defcon/socon labels. Ron Paul is too rigid and unrealistic, but he really does represent a pure form of American conservatism. Very loyal to the founders vision.
Very intelligent, feisty and tenacious (without being meanspirited) and really sincere. I think he was an asset to have on stage for the Republicans even if he doesn't make it into the upper tier. I saw from the way he acquitted himself tonight that worries about Republicans and Conservatives not having a deep pool of talent to draw from in this election were *wrong*. I mean, until tonight I didn't know who he was and he honestly surprised me. He's about a jillion times better than Ross Perot ever thought of being, and he was a breath of fresh air in this debate.
Rudy was just better-than-average...
Spitballs?!?! / Yo No Soy Marinero, Soy Capitan
http://michiganformccain.blogspot.com/
"In war, my dear friends, there's no such thing as compromise. You either win or you lose."
-John McCain
I wasn't impressed at all by Huckabee... was he there? Gilmore though... he impressed me. He was the only one there besides the big three who seemed ready for being President.
"I know nothing except the fact of my ignorance"-Socrates(the real one ;)
I have a liveblog here.
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[F]or by the fundamental law of Nature, man being to be preserved as much as possible, when all cannot be preserved, the safety of the innocent is to be preferred...
-John Locke
He satisfied me he would be a strong CINC and good president.
Gamecock DeVine
The Charlotte Observer
www.race42008.com
www.hinzsightreport.com
"One man with courage makes a majority" - Andrew Jackson
You've made my day!
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[F]or by the fundamental law of Nature, man being to be preserved as much as possible, when all cannot be preserved, the safety of the innocent is to be preferred...
-John Locke
My wife says he also had the best tie.
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[F]or by the fundamental law of Nature, man being to be preserved as much as possible, when all cannot be preserved, the safety of the innocent is to be preferred...
-John Locke
I can see why you admire the man in addition to his policy positions. He was sincere and impressive.
Joe Scarborough is on now and seems impressed with Romney. Called him the clear winner.
Winners:
1) Romney
2) Brownback
3) Ron Paul
Losers:
1) MSNBC
2) Rudy - not bashing here - he just didnt seem inspired
3) Third tier candidates minus Brownback and Paul
Even:
1) McCain - not great - but did not hurt himself
Romney showed tonight that he definitely has the oomph to be the President even if he's not winning over the haters. I can't wait to see a debate between him and Fred Thompson. McCain started off a little flaky but got better as the debate wore on.
The overwhelming thing I took away from this debate tonight is that we have a lot to be proud of and optimistic about in our field of candidates thusfar. Put together they're much better than anything the Donks have to counter them with, so let's not get sullen.
I think the questions Huckebee were given about faith were inane. Then the moderator tried to make it look like he flipped when he said almost word for word the same thing again. That was the lamest part of the debate and a waste. I thought both Huckebee and Romney dealt with the situation well.
"I know nothing except the fact of my ignorance"-Socrates(the real one ;)
He certainly seemed angry with his fellow senators and what they had to say about losing.
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FP Watergil