Romney's swan song?

Posted: Wednesday, January 30, 2008 10:16 PM by Chuck Todd

From NBC's Chuck Todd
There were a few moments where it appeared McCain and Romney would really started tangling in tonight's CNN/L.A. Times/Politico debate, but it was just that, a precious few moments.

Romney wasn't happy about the criticism McCain leveled at him about timetables in Iraq. He said it was a dirty trick because it came days before Florida. Well, maybe so, but it should also serve as a comfort to nervous Republicans about McCain's ability to play hardball in the general. McCain may seem like a guy who likes to reach across the aisle but he's not afraid to get dirty. McCain will be a very clever general election candidate; it won't all be kumbaya with Clinton or Obama.

Romney's pushback, btw, that if this was an issue, then why didn't he raise it earlier, wasn't a great debate comeback moment. As I've noted before, Romney just doesn't come across well when he's angry.

Overall, Romney seemed simply ticked off. It was as if he realized the end was near and he didn't know how to stop it. He tried to go after McCain, politely mind you, but didn't trip the newly crowned frontrunner up.

The question Romney must be asking himself is what is his ultimate goal now? Should he do everything he can to stop McCain now or should he figure out how to run, but do so with dignity so he can keep his options open in the future, should McCain fail to win the general. As McCain is about to prove, the GOP regularly nominates the runners-up in previous primaries; Reagan, Bush and Dole to name a few. Romney, though, does need to play the conservative critic of McCain for a certain length of time in order to win the loyalty of the conservatives who aren't happy with McCain now. These folks could serve Romney well in '12 or '16.

McCain, in the role of frontrunner at a debate for the first time in nearly a year (well, actually, since the last time these guys met at the Reagan Library), proved to be more well spoken on domestic issues than he was at the last debate.

Going forward, assuming McCain is the GOP nominee, the Arizona Republican is going to have to get more comfortable talking about domestic issues or he will face much bigger problems in the general. He was better tonight on the domestic front, but he's still got a ways to go.

BTW, I love this spin from McCain that if his tax cut plan had gotten through in 2001, instead of Bush's, he would be able to propose new tax cuts now. Now there's some optimism!

The most difficult thing for many of us watching these debates for a living is that we're having a hard time finding new things to say just as the candidates are having a hard time saying anything new.

For instance, how many times have I written some version of the following: Mike Huckabee probably stuck out for his humor and seemingly straight talk. Yet again, Huckabee got to play Mr. Nice Guy and it will probably be enough to siphon off conservative vote from Romney in order to deliver McCain a few more delegates than he should be winning if this were a pure 1-on-1.

But McCain may have won this debate before it ever started because the Giuliani endorsement today and the Schwarzenegger endorsement tomorrow appear to be trumping anything that happened tonight.

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Comments

Romney is a professional and a gentleman, a real conservative. There is no need for Romney to lower himself to McCain's level.
McCain is untruthful. McCain has the endorsement of so called republican mainstreams...why...Romney will clean house in Washington stop the fat cat favors.

Susan, MA (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 8:16 AM)

I think Mike Huckabee was the clear winner last night, and I still find the ohter candidates' reaction to Ron Paul unsettling. It's as if they know he's right and are afraid people will start to take him seriously.

Dale Boyce, West New York, NJ (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 8:20 AM)

What debate were you watching? The MSM strikes again. Romney can't win - if he's too aggressive 'he's negative', now he's too polite. Call it like it is - Romney was far more poised providing much more substantiative answers. McCain rambled, has absolutely no vision or cohesive economic strategy and his stock answer of leading his squadron to answer every damn question is getting old. A presidential leader is NOT how you move the troops around, but why you committed the troops there in the first place. McCain has absolutely no experience in making EXECUTIVE tough decisions that may effect people in both positive and negative ways.

The more McCain has to answer, account for his actions (ie.the more 1 on 1 debates) it is clear he is VERY weak on many issues. The MSM wants McCain because it is very obvious that Obama or Clinton will destroy him on 1:1 debates. The Republican blue bloods are supporting him because they don't want the change that Romney will bring. The Republicans are far too comfortable in their shoes. America better wake up.

Tomas Cody,Andover,MA (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 8:20 AM)

Clearly, McCain won the day before the debate ended. With the dual endorsements of Giuliani and Schwarzenegger, McCain goes forward with an incredible tail wind. McCain wins because of his perceived character and leadership qualities. He is a known quantity. On the other hand, it is very hard to know exactly who Romney is as a person and a leader. Republicans need the strongest candidate to go into the general. John McCain is that man!

David Kinsella, Manassas, VA 20110 (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 8:24 AM)

Why is it that Huckabee's "Mr. Nice Guy" is always enough to siphon off conservative votes from Romney but Romney's $35 Million personal investment in a leveraged buy-out of the Oval Office is not thought of as siphoning off votes from Huckabee?

What makes this whole process so absurd is that McCain claims there is too much money in politics and he is the "frontrunner". Romney spends too much money and he's the "runnerup". Huckabee, with only a few million in the bank and a small army of devoted follers is neither "frontrunner" or "runnerup". He's merely the guy who should be taking all of these primaries in a walk.

Tony Silva, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 8:31 AM)

Can someone explain the logic of the Republicans’ strategy with 4000 killed and almost 30,000 injured in these wars? Wow, have any of you lost anyone, do you know someone who has? What is the purpose of the war anymore and why do people let McCain get away with not answering questions on the economy, our future of education, addressing our energy issues?

4000 killed and 30, 000 injured (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 8:38 AM)

Romney came off looking far better than McCain. HE was poised yet strong. Mac pushed the LIE which was stupid and he sat there with that toady smirk on his face. This behaviour is why righties despise McCain. When he's behind he's all humble and patriotic. When he gets an advantage he comes over as crass, petty, spiteful. I agree with your assessment on the state of Mitt's candidacy now - but McCain will have serious problems in Nov - So Mitt '12 or '16 is great.

Doug, Rockaway Park NY (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 8:38 AM)

So let me get this straight, McCain can strech the truth about Romney's record on Iraq and not be called a liar by the press but is labeleed "knowing how to play hardball", but Bill Clinton can stretch the truth about Obama's Iraq record and he's called a liar by the same people in the press. MSNBC is a joke. The media is pushing Obama and McCain and both of them have gotten a free ride from the press. If Obama supporters cannot see the double standard of what is going on, then they are just flat out liars. Dan Abrams did a nice segmant on how the media has been pushing Obama and beating up on Hillary. He brought up the fact that the media will use polls all the time but when 1.8 million voters vote in the Democratic Primary in Florida, the media will not use any of the numbers, none of the exit polls to see if there is any trends for Hillary or Obama. In this case every exit poll taken favored Hillary with the exception of the black vote. So therefore, the media will not use it.

NY, NY (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 8:49 AM)

Liberal pundit Todd gets in all backwards. McCain has never had a problem getting "dirty" with fellow republicans, or spitting in their face (McCain Feingold, McCain Kennedy, McCain Lieberman, Gang of 1, Bush Tax Cuts,etc). He has always been more confortable in the comapny of LEFTIES.

Ken S (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 8:53 AM)

You might have something to write about if you actually asked the "Maverick" some real questions that held his feet to the fire. It's a shame that it took Janet Hook of the Los Angeles Times to ask the questions people want answers to. Of course Slim Shady McCain spun every answer to his war record and and how great he is.

How does time in the Navy and as POW make you a leader with wisdom that understands the economy? Bush's lack of foreign policy experience brought us Iraq, what will McCain's lack of economic experience (except the Keating 5 savings and loan scandal) bring? The next Great Recession? Wake Up America!

Chris P., Port Orange, FL (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 8:58 AM)

Dear Chuck,

I actually have a different take on the McCain/Romney battle we saw last night.

In my view, Romney came off more presidential. McCain seemed very snippy and childish, particularly when contrasted with what I regard as Romney's smooth, calm, cool-under-fire demeanor, (something that will suit him and the GOP well in a debate with the equally smooth Obama.)

Lastly, I believe Romney won the "timetable" argument AND the "immigration" argument. Not only do I personally believe that Romney handled these spats very well, but apparently, based on the hoots, hollers, and applause from the crowd, they thought so too.

Either way, I think you're right about Huckabee. If Romney gets whipped on Tuesday, it will be due to Huck's candidacy.

- Tim W.

Tim Wojton, Pittsburgh, PA (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 9:03 AM)

It don't look good for mittflip...the fearful republicans are going for more of the same, a 3rd bushie term...I still wonder how many chickenhawks will send their kids to die and be maimed in mcwars wars?

Rick, WS, NC (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 9:14 AM)

if i recall correctly mccain had the most fisically restrained tax cut in 2000, more so than bush or gore. i also believed his tax cut excluded the top 3% that bush gave the biggest cut to. in this instince he statement on this issue is probably correct. i tried to vote for him in 2000 but bush got the nod and there was no way i would vote for bush as i considered him incompetent at any level and still do.

karlos (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 9:14 AM)

Spoken from the mouth of a true liberal, working for the liberal press. It is only according to your own political perspective and agenda. Todd, you and the MSM know full well that McCain can't win in the general election. That is why you are wagging the dog so hard that your head might slip out of it's rear end. This totally slanted article is a perfect example.
Joe Scarsborough wondered aloud on his show this morning why Huckabee seems to hate Romney. For God's sake guys, Huckabee (the former ordained Baptist Preacher - as you guys are so fond to point out every time you say his name) hates anything Mormon. Always has, always will. You guys are just afraid to ask, too politically correct to say bigot.

J Scott (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 9:19 AM)

I'm a Dem, but watch the Republican debates to stay informed. I'm astonished that the media crowns McCain the winner in last night's debate. McCain (whom I greatly admire and respect for his honorable service to this country) scared me to death last night. He seemed uncontrolled, petty, and hot-tempered. I was left wondering if he would destroy this country in order to make sure we didn't have another Vietnam (fold our tent and beat it). My take on the debate was that Romney was "presidential" but not politically savy, McCain was spooky, and Paul is sincere but unrealistic. That leaves Huckabee, who sounded the most reasonable, seemed to be the most honest, and had the best experience.

Sandy (Virginia) (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 9:21 AM)

Mike Huckabee really connect with people and is by far the most true conservative that we have running for President. After last night debate I believe more people are connecting with him. Go Mike Huckabee.

Glenn Thompson , Mufreesboro, TN (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 9:22 AM)

Sounds like your getting ready to pop the question to McCain, he won this debate before it started? REALLY? On CNN they had real time analysis of the debate on a running bar graph which was being turned by undecided voters, and every time McCain spoke the bar dropped dramatically. When Romney spoke, it turned right back around and went up to 90%. McCain is lost in his own world; he couldn’t even stay on track of what he was arguing about. BTW McCain doesn’t have a chance against Billary or Obama.

GS Carol Stream, IL (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 9:24 AM)

I am very sad . McCain is the only one whom I trust.
Romney is the wrong candidate. Our country needs a
strong leader. McCain is
a right person to restore the dollar's health through fiscal restraint so that our children have a better future.
Vote for Romney is like vote for Hilary - you don't know what either of them really believe.

Mordecai, Louisville (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 9:28 AM)

Chuck, You must be deaf, as well as blind and dumb. Did you even watch the debate? McCain looked, and sounded like an old man that was being beaten on every issue, and he didn't know how to answer.
I couldn't believe how many times I was hearing the same thing out of him over and over. ......"I'm proud of my record, look at all my endorsements, radical islamic extremism..blah, blah, blah........"
I gave the debate to Romney. I don't like him, but he won the debate.

HP, Kansas (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 9:28 AM)

Vito, I agree, Ron Paul made a lot of sense last night.

HP, Kansas (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 9:30 AM)

Huckabee won the debate with his thoughtful answers, poise, and good humor.

Far from winning, Mitt Romney showed he was not ready for prime time. He interrupted McCain repeatedly and kept repeating the same canned "lawyer talk" over and over -- not about the facts but about the timing of when the "timetables" issue arose. Mitt also repeatedly would not answer questions directly, preferring to drift back to cherry-picking his slim and decidedly mixed record in Massachusetts.

Speedzzter, Nationwide (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 9:38 AM)

Honestly now, how could you possibly laud the arrogant, sometimes condescending attitude of Mr. McCain? Not to mention his weak response on the Immigration questions, and economy questions-the most important questions on people's minds-His unbecoming attack on Romney as regards Iraq timelines was embarrasing. It it abundantly clear that Mr. Romney was never in favour of a timel;ine for withdrawl, and that he was consistent about other matters, and put forth a favourable agenda as a president-Huckabee was reasonable and relaxing, but thin in overall presidential "heft"-Romney would be a good candidate to contrast with the "O/C" candidate. By the way, my dear American friends, Romney, a Conservative 0f all things, has actually implemented a health plan aimed at ALL people ( in Mass., ) it isn't perfect, but he actually did something that all the democratic talk over the last several years has ended up in hot air- Take a longer look at Romney.

Bill Banks, Toronto(center of the Universe) (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 9:45 AM)

Not only did McPain not win this debate, he came in dead last. Even though Huckabee and Paul had about one tenth the amount of time, they trounced him. As for all his endorsements, guess who’s going to be spending all our tax dollars repaying all those guy’s for the next few years instead of spending his time to get the job done. Schwarzennger should be ashamed of himself for his endorsement. Also, look at these guy’s as if you were going to hire them to work for your company, and it’s just astoundingly obvious you would’nt hire McCain. Romney would be on the job for 4 years without a penny to gain or pay back to anyone. Go Mitt!!!!!!!

GS Carol Stream,IL (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 9:47 AM)

It is obvious to me that Republican Party leaders have collectively decided to back McCain, regardless of his performance in last night's debate. Anyone watching last night could not help but notice how badly McCain performed. He might have been able to get away with his constant return to sound bites responses had his body language been better. Instead, he slumped (making him look even smaller and more stoop-shouldered next to Romney), used too many hand gestures, smirked, and rarely made eye-contact when confronting Romney. It was a very poor debate performance. Why is the media spoon-feeding the country McCain?

Sandy (Virginia) (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 9:47 AM)

McLiar looked like a snotty old man in the debate last night.

So much for the "straight talk express" maybe McLiar should change it to the "staight lying-talk express".

It''s ashame that most of McLiar''s support comes from our wolfpack press and other politicians.

Mitt Romney is clearly the best candidate running from either party but it''s hard for him to overcome the "good olde boy" network of politicians and the propaganda promotion that McLiar is getting from our liberal wolfpack press.

Really sad indeed.

Americans want change in 2008 and it''s looking like we are going to get McLiar vs. Clinton Rotten-Clinton .........

Instead of the contest that We The People want and that is Romney vs. Obama - aka "the change agents"

Allen Ridge, annapolis md (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 9:48 AM)

Romney did NOT win. Neither did McCain. CNN did, Politico did. LA Times did. Mike Huckabee did (if anyone bothered to listen to him) The American people are not sheep that will vote the way the establishment Republicans or the Liberal news media want them too. VOTERS, rise up and revolt. Vote MIKE!

Russ, Mount Pleasant, MI (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 9:49 AM)

This is what I understand after reading this article; You never watched the debate.

McCain was driving the Double-Talk Express at full speed last night. McCain never really answered a question, and when he talked about Mitt Romney, he outright lied. McCain was repulsive, hateful, and sounded like an angry child.

The general media (as skewed to the left as they are) has yet again twisted the facts, and spit out rhetoric. You are supposed to report the news. News is "new" items of "fact." I feel you have reported what you want the lemming to think because you are afraid of Mitt Romney. It would be easier to put a liberal against a liberal. Further, it would be easy for Clinton to say any charges from McCain are "lies, just like he lied about Mitt Romney."

Stop trying to sway the general public and do your job. Report the news (you know what that is right?). Report facts. Almost all the points you made about McCain are as false as McCains accusations against Romney.

Atleast this guy is honest: TemperatureGauge.Blogspot.com

John Trudel, Concord, NH (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 9:51 AM)

These focus groups are really getting to be suspicious. Besides, folks who have not yet made up their mind may not be the best to listen to about anything. We need to know exactly how the focus group was chosen among the so-called undecideds. How was that determined, etc?

TrueHawk, Sprat Hall, St. Croix, USVI (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 9:52 AM)

Todd's point, while biased and pathetic, might be true. He is saying that it didnt matter how bad Mccain't may have looked last night. He is getting big endorsements. It sucks for all of us given the choices we may have in Nov. We the people need for Romney to get Huckabee on board with a Romney administration and then, and only then can we stop Mccain't. He is the worst nominee that we have had in my life.

Scott, Denver, CO (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:08 AM)

I see the Romney campaign staff are out in full force. Romney didn't win the debate. He didn't answer any of the questions he was asked, and if you look at the CNN postings and feedback during the debate, you'll see that. He made it very clear that he will continue to beat around questions without really answering anything. Also, Luntz has the same people in his focus groups after every debate. You'd think that they wouldn't still be "undecided." Romney's message was completely unclear. He repeatedly said that Washington is broken, Washington needs an outsider, etc. However, he also continued to praise Bush. Who is more Washington than Bush, may I ask? His statements were disregarded by not only McCain, but by the other candidates as well. Ron Paul refuted after Romney's grandstanding that he was arrogant and misled to think that a President would run the United States Economy. He was also refuted by Huckabee who made it clear that he has served over 10 years as Governor of his state. Romney = less than 4 and wouldn't have been reelected. The fighting, I agree, was silly. Nothing has changed in the dynamic...but the CLEAR, honest winner was Mike Huckabee. I can say that without being a Huckabee supporter. He was clever, concise, answered the questions, and got the Governator to laugh a bunch of times.

Pink Elephant, Boston, MA (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:19 AM)

Ironic that the debate was held at the Reagan library. Character is no longer king in the GOP, is it?

I lost all confidence in McCain when I realized he graduated rock bottom of his class, cheated on his wife, abandoned his kids and married his rich mistress who is financing this campaign. His debate performance was like watching the rantings of a weary old man.

No, wait- it was exactly that!

Lisa, Carlisle PA (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:19 AM)

If John McCain were such a "leader", why couldn't he "lead" the Senate to reign in spending within the over 20 years he has been a Senator? If he is qualified to deal with illegal immigration solely based in the fact his state is a border state, why in the world has he done nothing to stop the most egregious illegal entry way into the U.S., ARIZONA? Here in Virginia, we have a serious illegal immigration problem, and these people didn't swim here, they came here through a border state.

If he's such a straight talker, why does he embarrass himself and everyone else by answering every question (i.e. the economy, etc) with a posturing on his support for the surge in Iraq? Can he actually talk about something other than his POW experience and his support for Iraq? BTW, military people are humiliated if their military assignment was a failure- I'm not convinced his POW experience wasn't tied to some kind of military failure, and I don't see why I should vote for someone just because they were a POW.

If John McCain obstinately insists that "benchmarks" and "milestones" were Democratic "code words" for withdrawal from Iraq, as a "leader" isn't he obligated to educate the country on what the Democrats secret language is? Plus, if he's conversant in this secret code, doesn't that tell you the state of Washington D.C. that he has been a part of for over 20 years? I can't understand why he humiliated himself by refusing to back down when he was totally caught in a lie about Romney's comments.

I really thought that Huckabee, Paul, and Romney all made interesting comments, that I could agree with. John McCain came across like a complete stubborn idiot. I am truly absolutely amazed that the pundits on t.v. can say with a straight face he did well. If this had been the first debate, everyone would have thought this guy was in first stages of dementia.

I have never voted for a Democrat in my life, and I despise the Clintons and the astounding vacuum of character and decency that is them, but I don't know how I could vote for someone who obstinately and irresponsibly refuses to believe that at almost 72, he is simply too old to be president. For every 72 year old in good health, I could show you 20 in poor to very poor health. My goodness, do people READ anymore?

Caroline Bowman, Williamsburg, Virginia (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:20 AM)

John McCain quotes from Debate:

"April was a very interesting year in 2007" --What???

"Your own Lieutant Governor has been on the campaign trail with us."---Are you kidding me, Romney's Lt. Gov. was Kerry Healey a supporter of Mitt's McCain mistaking referred to Governor Jane Swift who was Romney's predicessor and the one that left the mess for him to fix!

He is just a Grumpy Old Man that can't even communicate the english language.

Linda, Merrimack, NH (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:22 AM)

McCain is not a uniter or a Republican. Democrats will be dancing in Washington when there is a presidential race between Hillary and McCain. TWO LIBERALS! A DREAM COME TRUE! I am not voting for a president this year if McCain is our nominee. I respectfully bow out. Please all you Huckabee supporters , start looking at the "Jesus Juice" your slick preacher turned politician is drinking. He is not a conservative by any standard. Praying for a true conservative leader.

Lisa, Detroit Michigan (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:24 AM)

The Florida primary only shows that a Morman cannot be elected because the evangelic Christians, and some conservatives, will not vote for Romney for that reason. Hello Bob Dole 2.

Rose Shepard Davenport, Fl (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:34 AM)

McCain is a nasty, bitter, old-school Washington 'insider' politician with a personal agenda, a left leaning record and NO experience in anything but defense. He has single-handedly fractured the Republican party by pandering and most times, siding with, the Democrats.

The only reason the media, PMSNBC included, has propped him up is so that they have an easier win in November. This should be obvious to even the most casual observer. Winning "Republican" primaries in states that allow persons other than Republicans to vote is a joke, one of the biggest scams in history. Ban the media, move all the primaries to ONE day and send all the MSM talking heads back where they belong. Obscurity.

I personally cannot wait to see the media fall over backwards when this one backfires in their collective face and McCain is exposed for who he truly is. A bad senator, a horrible politician, and the medias favorite fish with which to stock their pond for 'easy fishin'.

Clear Conservative, Anytown, USA (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:35 AM)

It is clear that the media wants the deomocrats to win the election in November. They are making fools
of the American people. When something is black, it's black--not white. They don't even go so far as to say there is gray! When the government takes over the air waves, they will be misrepresented along
with the rest of us. McCain is the patsy and deserves the loss for be claiming to be a leader for the conservative cause--he's a joke--and the media puts him on a pedastal.

lcw (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:37 AM)

Did you all get to see the "senior" moment when McCain was asked a direct question about the economy? He made no sense and when he came to the word "subprime" he paused and lost his train of thought. He was spewing memorized rhetoric. This is not an intelligent man whereas Mitt is. McCain graduated 5th from the BOTTOM of his class at Annapolis. Mitt on the other hand has a Law Degree from Harvard AND a masters in business. All magna cum lauda why wont people stand up for Mitt who do not want McCain, who is definitely too old, has a flashpoint temper, and is not intelligent enough to understand economical issues. The Republican party should be ecstatic they have such terrific man who is inline with conservatives, intelligent,and with CLASS unlike McCain to represent the party.

jane doe longport nj (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:38 AM)

McCain will be well on the way to being the nominee next Tues. He will clean Romney's clock on super Tuesday. Romney was on the defensive for most of the debate with McCain bobbing and weaving getting his shots in. Romney may have had the most facts and statistics like a Harvard debate team member, but McCain won the debate. He walked all over Ronmey and showed that he is a sly hard hitting politician- no match for someone who spent most of his life in the ivory tower of a board room.

Mike Olyphant PA (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:38 AM)

The reason the article sounds like Romney is on his way out is because Romney is on his way out. The problem with the movement conservatives is they fell for the wrong guy. He is a poor candidate. He makes money, but that is it. He has never led anything; he's too calculating to lead. He follows the popular line which will get him votes which will make him more money. He has never held a single position consistently. He does not seem to believe in anything but his own abilities and, specifically, his ability to turn a profit. He was, is, and always has been a poor candidate. Talk radio and movement conservatives have shot themselves in the foot with this guy. He is a John Kerry Republican. Folks see him for what he is.

G C (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:39 AM)

It’s very sad to say, but McCrankypain probably will get the nomination and if George W. was running I think even he would be a better choice.

GWB, Denver, CO (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:45 AM)

In watching the debate last night it showed how petty and small McCain really is. Romney stated facts and backed them up. Romney won the debate hands down. What really sickens me now is how the establishment Republicans are now endorsing McCain.

The first time I voted I was a soldier in Vietnam and have voted Republican ever since except once (Carter in 76) please forgive me. Anyway if McCain is the nominee I will be sitting this one out. Hopefully all Republicans will wake up by next Tuesday and vote Romney. If not the Conservations will being staying at home.

Bill Templin, Alpharetta, GA (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:48 AM)

Looks like you guys are censoring the "comments" you get on these debates, so in an effort to give MSNBC a chance to prove that Joe McCarthy is not back in town, I'll post my comment again:

What was it "the Mac" was saying about "down in the weeds" and the buzz word "timetable" as proof of Romney not being in support of the surge? Forget "the Mac," I want to know what kind of weed your smoking that would allow you to give "the Mac's" debate performance such high ratings. One need only the use of one ear to realize that his performance last night was demented, but nonetheless you "write him up" as the "winner-in-chief." On another note, what's with the censorship of Ron Paul and Mike Huckabee? Congressman Paul seems to be the only one who has any grasp of what our economy is facing both short and long term. He actually understands our flawed monetary policy and foreign policy!!!! How refreshing!!!! Now will somebody please do some real political analysis, otherwise get "down in those weeds" that "the Mac" was talking about and stay there.

By the way, my sister and brother-in-law served this country in the armed forces. Together they put their lives on the line for over 30 years. They are just as much heroes as John McCain, but they don't wear it on their sleeves, or use it to put people down the way McCain did last night, bragging about his patriotism and service to his country to cover-up his obvious lack of experience and understanding of our nation's serious economic issues. And you guys just give him a free pass. Pathetic.

Sister and Brother-in-law are Heroes just like John McCain, Robbinsville, New Jersey (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:50 AM)

You're part of the problem Chuck Todd. You, the media, continue to give McCain a free pass and NEVER hold his feet to the fire! You're afraid to press a former POW! It's time to look beyond that and see him for what he is....a very angry old warmongering man who's not very bright!
Romney won the debate hands down and I'm so glad he called McCain out.....something you don't have the b@lls to do!

lfr (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:50 AM)

Mitt Romney won this debate. He looked crisp, sharp, had facts at his command, and exuded confidence.
McCain not only looked old and tired, constantly leaning on his arms and speaking in a monotone, he made a very poor showing in trying to falsely stretch a Romney quote from April into an endorsement of a withdrawal. That's not only ridiculous, it's blatantly a smear. The reason McCain won't back down on this is that he painted himself into that dark corner of being a liar, so in order to keep people from thinking he's a liar, he can't back down. John McCain himself in January 2007 actually did talk about ending the mission if surge milestones didn't get met by the Iraqi government, making this a pretty dumb choice for an attack on Romney. And even Anderson Cooper had to talk over John McCain to tell him he got it wrong. McCain said that he hadn't yet decided on precise benchmarks. "They'd have to be specific, and they (Iraqi government officials) would have to meet them," he said. Asked what penalty would be imposed if Iraq failed to meet his benchmarks, he said: "I think everybody knows the consequences. Haven't met the benchmarks? Obviously, then, we're not able to complete the mission. Then you have to examine your options." So what was McCain talking about? More troops, or not completing the mission? He didn't use the word "timetables", but unmet benchmarks have to have timetables to be unmet, and clearly McCain had some timeframe in mind with this remark.

GS Carol Stream, IL (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:50 AM)

John McCain, besides being a liberal on many major issues, has conducted himself in a disgusting way this entire campaign. Mr. Straight-Talk outright lies about Romney's record, while deflecting criticisms about his own. Notice how McCain WILL NOT answer the question about if he'd vote for his amnesty bill again? That's because he WOULD. His use of personal attacks constantly against a much better Republican just makes him seem like the petty, vindictive man he is. Romney, while not perfect, is the conservative alternative to McCain. He has the money to go the distance. I am a conservative who will NEVER vote for John McCain, whether it is in the primary, or the general election. And I am not the only one.

Jack, Easton, PA (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:59 AM)

I agree with the majority of those that have commented. McCain was an embarrassment in this debate. He looked smug, incompetent, and untrustworthy. I thought Romney has the best answers of the night, but McCain dragged him into the mud. Maybe Romney should have dropped the issue, but I think he had to defend himself.

I think the only candidate that came out smelling like a rose was Huckabee All of his questions were softballs.

I think this was a poorly managed debate. Ron Paul and Gov. Huckabee were basically ignored. I think McCain was hurt, but since Huckabee looked best, it ultimately hurts Romney more.

Dave, Chicago, IL (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 11:05 AM)

I have learn through my years in the military that if a person has tell people he is a war hero, he most likely wasn't one (John Kerry case in point). Dan Daley, Ira Hayes, Chesty Puller, Mike McGreevy were war heros. I was voting for Ron Paul, I unfortunately now cannot vote him because the importance of our party, and my country depends on my vote. So am casting my vote with some disdain for Romney. A president doesn't treat people like John McCain treated Romney last night. And as liberal as John McCain is he should just be call McHillary.

Jess Pannoni (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 11:09 AM)

Listen carefully to what Romney is telling America. He is going to force everyone to buy insurance even though you don't have one dollar left from check to check or you will pay a penalty. Check and see which insurance companies he has millions of dollars worth of stock in.

Paul Marsh Butler, ohio (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 11:14 AM)

Most of these posts are hilarious. Having watched Mitt as governor of Massachusetts for the past few years, I am amazed that anyone seriously considers this guy presidential. He'd be great on a sitcom playing a president, but he hasn't a clue as to what he really stands for. McCain is just proclaiming more endless war, more wasteful military spending, and no clue as to how to address our urgent domestic needs. Huckabee? Sure, let's have a United States of the Right Wing Christian God. Then our religious extremists can go after their religious zealots and we can proceed directly to Armageddon. Great platform there, Huck. The corporatocracy has now forced all the good progressive candidates out of the Democratic side of things, so we have the ultimate corporate huckster Hillary and the great unknown in Barack. You want REAL change? You won't get it from any of these folks.

Dick, Concord, NH (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 11:14 AM)

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