Last night's debate

Posted: Thursday, January 31, 2008 9:12 AM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: 2008, Republican debates

The Los Angeles Times: "John McCain and Mitt Romney carried their bitter Florida clash into California on Wednesday, each impugning the other's honesty in a hot-tempered debate as they sought to attract voters casting ballots in five days in a coast-to-coast array of primaries and caucuses… The tension between McCain and Romney, the two leading Republican candidates, was heightened because the two sat next to each other, uncomfortable and occasionally glaring, as the insults burst forth."

Doesn't this Washington Post headline basically say that McCain won the debate? Here's the header: "McCain vs. Romney on Iraq." The fact that the lead of the debate stories are on Iraq and not the economy plays right into McCain's hands.

“Ten Republican candidates met in the same venue nearly nine months ago for their first debate of the campaign and similarly laid claim to the Reagan legacy. Although four remained last night, the debate was dominated by the two front-runners.”

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Comments

Dominated? DOMINATED???? really....

Watching those two idiots argue about who is the biggest idoit was the biggest waste of television time in the history of political debate or television. Ron Paul DOMINATED the debate. it's just to bad you criminals in the MSM keep ignoring his message. DOMINATED you say..ok

heywood jablwme (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 9:32 AM)

I have followed many debates through out the years but this was by far the most shameful one. Like many other bloggers, Anderson Cooper and the CNN staff gave no air time Huckabee and Ron Paul. Cooper and the other anchors were so focused on who was more conservative, Romney or McCain. Americans don’t/shouldn’t care about who is more conservative… they should care about who will help America the most. Americans should care about whom will make the American People believe in themselves and the nation. Cooper allowed McCain and Romney to fight it out like CHILDREN. If McCain and Romney (two Republicans with many of the same ideas) fight like children, why do we think that THEY can unite Washington, where there will be democrats, too.
The anchors following the debate were so captured by the children fighting that I think they forgot to listen to the debate/issues. Huckabee had some great points, and out debated McCain and Romney when given the SMALL about of time to do so. In my opinion, CNN should issue an apology to Paul and Huckabee.

Corey Fla. (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 9:33 AM)

Hey, remember Ron Paul, he was the voice of common sense and reason last night and was all but ignored. Speaks volumes about the GOP. McCain says he wants to "cut spending" while keeping this war going....??
Does he know how much the war is costing?? Does he care about the bridges failing here at home. Does he care about sick kids with no health care?? Does he even know whats happening to JOBS in this country???

JohnnyU, WA State (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 9:36 AM)

The Democrats have on their side the best orator in the race (Obama), and the best debater in the race (Clinton). It was painful last night for me to watch McCain mumbling and bumbling and reciting Phil Grahm and how he was a footsoldier and how timetables were the buzzword, and Romney missing key opportunities to stick it to McCain. Both of these guys will have problems debating Obama or Clinton.

CitizenJ (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 9:37 AM)

ALL THE BLOGS CLEARLY SAY HUCKABEE WON, MCCAIN LIED AND ROMMEY AND MCCAIN ACTED LIKE CHILDREN. ANDERSON WAS VERY UNFAIR TO HUCKABEE, WHO IS INTELLIGENT,MOST EXPERIENCED, BEST SPEAKER===BUT KILLED BY FOX NEWS FIRST, THEN CNN LAST NIGHT. THANK TO MIKA AND JOE THEY MADE UP FOR MSNBC

DAVID ANDERS , PHARR, TX. (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 9:37 AM)

As McCain and Romney dominated the early portion of the debate, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee jumped in, saying, "I want to make sure this is not a two-man race. There's another guy down here."If we're going to talk conservatism, I'd like to be in on the discussion." As usual GOP candidates argue who is most conservative.

Who won the CNN Republican Debate in California?

http://www.youpolls.com/details.asp?pid=1664

.

Jeff, Austin (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 9:40 AM)

Respectfully, while it is true that one could argue that Mitt Romney and John McCain are the leading Republican candidates, with the polls saying that Romney is less than one point above Mike Huckabee, is that really fair? Within the error margin, I'd say they were in a dead heat nationally.

Looking at the way the last two Republican debates have been managed, it is hard not to feel that the networks have little regard for those watching who truly want to make up their minds among all the candidates. We are just at the beginning of the race for delegates -- too soon to have the networks deciding for us who the front runners are, especially when things continue to be so very close.

Perhaps, just perhaps, the so called "news" media has lost its way. Please broaden your scope beyond just baiting, covering, and commenting on bickering and slickness, and let us see the real issues discussed. The American voter is smarter than it seems you give him credit for.

Nancy Croker, Pittsburgh, PA (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 9:40 AM)

I agree with you corey what a shame that the media reprsents the american people and it was so ovbious that they were avoiding 2 of the canadates, and at the beginning they said they would all have the same opportunity and time..They should opologize and to avoid these situation dont invite canadates who you know you give a hoot about..But opologize is in order....Ordinary people could have done better. quit looking to make yourself look good. You did a terriable job.

Russ Wells, Maine (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 9:41 AM)

McCain was extremely unpresidential. He has obvious anger issues...why would anyone support this guy? Romney may not have liked some of the questions or McCains untruths about Romney's past statements...but Romney was clearly in control of his emotions. McCain's temperment scares me.

Dee, Pomona, NY (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 9:45 AM)

No wonder they call it the Clinton News Network....

jerry/corpus christi texas (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 9:48 AM)

For those of us who consider ourselves conservative, how conservative someone is relates very strongly to how much good they can do for our country. This is the thing McCain doesn't seem to get. Conservatism isn't just some list of policies that some party has to push for or we're out, it's a world view that informs policies. If you aren't a conservative (and before you say it, Bush is not one so don't use his actions as a measure) then you may think our policies are crazy. Okay, let's debate them and we'll find the best solutions. But McCain makes statements that are directly contrary to conservative sentiment. He hits Mitt because he has money, he says Alito wears his conservatism too much on his sleeve, and he promises more wars. These do not reflect a conservative viewpoint where small government, low taxes, and non-interventionism are the watchwords. People respect McCain because he sticks to his principles, but they hate Bush for doing the same thing. And they do that because Bush's policies, which have abandoned conservatism, have gotten us into some real trouble. Why do people expect that McCain's inability to stick to conservative principles will give us anything different than what we got from Bush doing the same thing? Here's the straight talk: McCain says people's jobs are gone because he doesn't know how to get them back, he promises more wars because he doesn't know how to avoid them, and he says businesspeople aren't qualified to lead because he has no idea what they do. McCain isn't a disaster because he fights the party, he's a disaster because he just doesn't get it.

Mike, Austin, TX (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 9:50 AM)

I watched the Republican debate last night and confirmed my gut instinct that McCain is not the best candidate. I watched the Florida primary and his last strategy on Romney was totally dishonorable and cheap. What is happening to the Republicans in supporting such a candidate that is so different from our conservative ideals? I disagree with the belief that he is the most electable. His policy on immigration should be firmly rebuked and by itself makes him incapable of being in our ranks!!! I am a hispanic USA citizen who spent her life working honorably to raise a family and look for opportunities and see how now our credibility and opportunities have been eroded by the influx of these ilegal immigrants who bring shame to our hispanic culture. It has taken a lot of effort on our parts to be well accepted in this society and I condemn anyone endorsing these criminals who do not have any respect for our laws and want to shove themselves into our system. So, McCain IS NOT the right choice. The Republican Party will take the wrong turn if they endorse this candidate. I see him as someone utterly stubborn who will lead this nation into disaster. Please WAKE UP!!!!

MEG from Maryland (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 9:51 AM)

I found it telling that McCain admits he took his campaigning cues from Romney. Not very leader-like to follow the crowd. In the '00 race I liked McCain but last night he came off smug and snippy. He stuck to that crappy Romney-timetables quote that was taken completely put of context. He looked ridiculous.

Romney looked good to me and I liked that he called McCain on that stuff

Paul is Paul god bless him. Great response on war issues. Biggest applause all night.

Huckabee? I hear people saying he won the debate but all I remember about him is "give me more time, give me more time". This MINISTER whats to tell us where to stick a flagpole and he wants to change the constitution to fit god's laws. He scares me.....a lot.

C. Marie (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 9:52 AM)

Commenters on this site are incredible. I guess McCain's supporters all have jobs, so they don't have time to speak to all the BS unloaded by you people. John McCain survived a situation where fellow prosoners died around him and he never knew if he was next! He is the kind of Republican I can be proud of. 1) Spend what you got, not what you hope to have 2) Except for your own wife, stay out of other women's ovaries as much as possible 3) Rise up to the defense of your country when attacked. You jokers need to read the classifieds instead of political commentary, because it obviously above your head.

Leaders Lead, SC (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 9:54 AM)

As a previous post points out, it seemed there were only two candidates on the stage. Mike Huckabee did indeed make some solid points and Ron Paul also has some worthy ideas.

The biggest disgrace was John "Amnesty" McCain playing fast and loose with the truth, as usual. Looks like the Straight Talk Express continues to take a lot of DETOURS from the truth!!No wonder he is such good friends with Hillary " I Can Out-Fib Anybody" Clinton-- they share the same values!

Lynn SC (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 9:56 AM)

Ron Paul made the most sense last night, but sadly, he is being ignored by the media. Romney won on every issue discussed between him and McCain. Huckaby was just funny. And McCain.......Wow!, he's terrible and knowone in the media can see it. Or maybe they can, but are trying to cover for him.

HP, Kansas (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 9:59 AM)

All I can say is Romney can dish it out but he can't take it. This debate proved that. His attack ads in IA, NH and SC were disgraceful and underhanded and FALSE against both Huckabee and McCain and thank God they didn't work. Now that the real truth comes out about what Romney said and did as Governor, he just can't take it. McCain is just telling the truth and some of those Radio talk show people (Laura Ingram and Rush Limbaugh)need to start listening instead of trashing McCain and Huckabee all the time.

Linda F (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:00 AM)

I absolutely agree with Corey. Here's something along these lines that I've been thinking about. The people's voice, ie votes, is what makes this a democratic election, right? Put the polls and the media portray the "inevitable" when they label candidates and focus on 2 of the 4 in a debate. But we are the polls! The tide can change at any time, whenever we change our minds. How many states still must vote? They could take out the "frontrunners." But we, as Americans, get trapped in the paradigm that there are candidates most likely to win and there is no hope. We say, it's down to two candidates, too bad, guess I'll pick one. If everyone voted their conscience without counting anyone out who is still in the race, then that would be truly democratic. The polls wouldn't matter nearly as much if people realized that it is their right and duty to vote their conscience and change their mind along the way--no matter who the media says is most likely. WE DICTATE WHO MOST LIKELY IS at any time. The polls and the media become an illusion that traps many of us into a negative way of thinking. Solution: vote for whomever you believe in. I'm for Huckabee, not Ron Paul, but if Paul's your man check that box as long as he's on the ballot. Most Paul and Huckabee supporters will anyway, but some are lost in the hype. If we didn't like what we saw from McCain and Romney last night--we can change the polls and the outcome. And the dems...? They'd fall all over themselves in a debate with Huckabee. And the republicans and independents would have a leader of charcter and substance to rally behind.

Heather Brewer Charlotte, NC (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:00 AM)

This debate was very reminiscent on the previous Democratic debate with the squabbling between the frontrunners. It was disappointing not to see more airtime given to Ron Paul or Mike Huckabee, they are viable candidates and many of us would have liked to have seen more of a good exchange showing the view of all 4 candidates to help us in our decision making process. My state has already voted, if Obama makes it into the bid he will have my vote because I do see him as the one person so far who appeals across all barriers. However I cannot in good conscience vote for Clinton if she is that party's nominee and I am not alone. Many Independents and Democrats have expressed their concerns over returning the Clintons to the White House, and are watching both sides of this race closely. So here's hoping the candidates realize they are campaigning not only to win the "conservative" voting members of the GOP, but those of us who are disallusioned with the other choices are also watching and deciding.

a female voter in Michigan (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:07 AM)

Where is our Independent party candidate when you need him. Our two party system as become a joke. Last night reminded me of two kids arguing over who said what and when. Tonight the Dems will put on an even better show.

Peter, Pensacola, Florida (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:08 AM)

McCain's fudging on the immigration issue by saying people want the border secured. Is he referring to the US/Mexican border? I would assume so because no one in his right mind is going to state they can secure the US/Canada border. You'd have to be devoid of any geographical knowledge to make a statement like that.

People will always find a way in and the place to target them is at the employment and government services level. Arizona and Oklahoma have already proved it works. McCain desperately doesn't want to go there.

As far as McCain's insistence that the Republicans lost seats beacuse of the economy and not Iraq I think don't see how you can separate them. The cost of the war is affecting the economy not to mention other issues like an uncontrolled mortgage market.

What I see in McCain is a hawk who is past his day and is war obsessed. Yes, terrorism should be fought but let's do it the smartest way possible and that's by the development of extensive counter terrorism networks as opposed to using conventional forces in cumbersome interventions.

Lat night, for me, Romney won by default, McCain's got some serious flaws in his approach and that's what I saw.

bc Indiana (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:13 AM)

HUCKABEE AND RON PAUL SHOULD RUN AS INDEPENDENTS MCCAIN AND ROMMNEY, AND CLINTON AND OBAMA ACT LIKE CHILDREN

DAVID ANDERS , PHARR, TX. (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:16 AM)

It is all evident from the debate.

Mccain and RoMoney have no decency and unfit for presidency.
Media is trying to push RoMOney into limelight and Huck to backstage, so that RoMoney can try to steal some conservative votes.
Both McCain and RoMoney are Phoneys and are liberals. But trying to get "Conservative" image. Only image they got in the debate is "Brawlers"

GsonJagnath (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:17 AM)

That debate was another huge waste of time. I'd like to see at least one Republican debate where the people asking questions are card carrying conservatives. Off the top of my head Victor Davis Hanson, Byron York, Shelby Steele, Hell throw Rush in as Master of Ceremonies. Now that would be interesting to watch. I'll bet c-span would host. I can't remember a good Republican debate hosted by CNN

Dave, Tn (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:22 AM)

McCain makes my skin crawl. I'm really not sure how smart he is. I wish we could have heard more from Huck and Paul.

ross,austin ,tx (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:23 AM)

Mike Huckabee -
To set the record straight about the 'flagpole issue'...
I attended a speech he gave here in Birmingham, AL last weekend and stayed for the press conference that followed. A reporter asked a question trying to engage Huckabee in the issue of the S.C. flag - to which he replied (cutting off the reporter in mid sentence) that this was not an issue for the presidential candidates. He said that the governor of S.C. handled the issue - as he should have, without consulting the president - and it is not an issue. The reporter then tried to tie the subject to the race issue, which Gov. Huckabee clearly pointed out was also a non-issue. He cannot attest to the issues that the state of S.C. dealt with or how they handled it. What he can say is that HE did not have that issue to deal with, should not have that issue to deal with - and it has NOTHING to do with his stance on any racial issues. He, as he pointed out, is well-received amongst the african-americans in Arkansas and has continued to have a positive role in the progression of the african-american community.

Does anyone else know what Gov. Huckabee's stance is on the issues? Does anyone else know his plan for strengthening the economy, taking away our dependence on foreign oil and controlling our borders? Take a look. This is someone we can ALL get behind...

Kathryn in Bham (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:26 AM)

I disagree with many of the opinions here. I did think that Huckabee & Paul said some good things, and should have got more time. Paul's constant refences to the money supply and finally, at the end, to the gold standard seemed backwards to me.

I thought McCain had a good showing. Very sharp barb about his home state newspaper in AZ endorsing him! On the issue of Romney & timetables, Romney said that he didn't endorse public or private ones, but the quote clearly called for a private one b/t the president & el Malaki. McCain's contention that "timelines" was (not were)a watchword makes sense...but I don't think this was a big issue, McCain's main point should have been that he took a political risk on the surge and leave the comparisons with Romney to the audience.

Charlie, Chicago, IL (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:32 AM)

It was dominated by McCain and Romney solely because of poor moderation by Anderson Cooper and unbalanced questioning. It's a complete farce that the media should get away with framing the discussion for the voting populace. We'll think for ourselves, thank you very much. Shameful.

Michael, Arlington, VA (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:34 AM)

John McCain will probably get the GOP nomination but not on character, not on substance, but on the slight chance that he may defeat the DEM nominee.
If the GOP wanted to test the true standard bearer of conservatism, they would nominate Ron Paul and let America choose between two philosophies rather than vote for another lesser of two evils choice, a choice which was not selected the last time.

Tom Kennett, Cheyenne, WY (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:40 AM)

Just because McCain was lucky and didn't get killed as a POW, doesn't make him presidential material. He's a war monger, and it seems he's set on getting us into WWIII on day two of his presidency. Day one is reserved for going to War with Vietnam as payback time for all those years as a POW. He's a mumbling, bumbling, cranky old man who needs to just pop his gerital and retire with his trophy wife and leave the country to smarter younger people, i.e., either Hillary or Obama.

Pat Huntington NY (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:43 AM)

I'm glad Romney called McCain out last nite on twisting his words. It's time McCain is exposed. The media gives McCain a free pass because of the POW card he continues to squeeze. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nl9YE4G8gcY

lfr (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:44 AM)

I am not a Paul supporter; I am a Huckabee supporter. However, the way CNN treated Paul last night flat out sucked. They cut him off repetitively and never went back as promised to allow him to talk about his conservative views... And Huckabee didn't have it much better. Both candidates had to fight for a chance to be given time to say anything. Completely unacceptable. Whatever happened to letting all the candidates have equal opportunity to discuss the issues? And how about presenting and spending time on some real issues? Environment, healthcare, economics, world policy... who cares about who said what when and what you see when you look in other leader's eyes... stick to the issues... educate the viewers don't just feed them a soap opera.

Carrie S. Browns Mills, New Jersey (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:45 AM)

Pat Huntington NY (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:46 AM)

C. Marie said....
"Huckabee? I hear people saying he won the debate but all I remember about him is "give me more time, give me more time". This MINISTER whats to tell us where to stick a flagpole and he wants to change the constitution to fit god's laws. He scares me.....a lot."

=====================================================

What is scary about protecting unborn babies with a constitutional amendment banning abortion? There have been 45 million unborn babies terminated since the 1973 Roe v Wade decision....that is equal to 15,000 occurrances of the 911 attacks....and if you believe that God is somehow okay with that, then you don't even know the definition of scared.

Mike Huckabee is absolutely correct on the issue of abortion and the need to amend the constitution on that, as well as an affirmation of traditional marriage as described in the Bible.

And sure, he'll be criticized and ridiculed for stating his beliefs and acting on them....

....so was Noah.

Rifle (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:53 AM)

Watching last nights debate made me sad to see that the race has become nothing more than a school yard popularity contest. We still have almost a whole year left but the MSM has already chosen who they want us to vote for. CNN really should appologize for what they did to Paul & Huckabee. The people trully need to turn off the MSM and research for themselves who they want to vote for, cause they aren't getting the full story from the News.

William Halverstadt, Tehachapi, CA. (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:55 AM)

Being an independent, I was considering voting for McCain in the event of a McCain-Hillary matchup and for Obama in the event of a McCain-Obama matchup. But after the debate, I have made up my mind -- I will vote for any "donkey" err... any democratic candidate.

Janam, Albany, NY (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:56 AM)

This is politics! An ad that contrasts positions IS NOT an attack ad! Mitt Romney ran contrast ads and pointed out the differences - they were not personal attacks and the only way they can be perceived as negative is if you didn't like what it said about your candidate! Mike Huckabee "innocently" makes a statement regarding Mormons meant to freak out the evangelicals right before the vote and he gets a pass? He said he didn't know much about Mormons but yet was a speaker for the SBC in Salt Lake - the mission was to convert the Mormons? No one mentions that little tidbit of info! THAT is negative! John McCain releases a portion of a quote with the intent of misrepresenting Mitt Romney's stance on Irag - and he gets a pass. THAT was negative. Huckabee and McCain have been tag teaming Romney throughout this process and I think that Romney has behaved in a very dignified manner! It would have been tough for me to sit there and not smack the smirk off of McCain's face! The records of these men can be researched - Romney has the most conservative record! Ron Paul has a habit of putting pork into bills that he knows will pass and then votes against the bill so he can say he never voted for any pork! His supporters should do some research. Huckabee and McCain hate Romney because he's rich - class envy is the mantle of liberalism isn't it? Enough said.

Tamara Houston, TX (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 11:01 AM)

What a farce. McCain smug and contrite, Romney fumbled, Huckabee and Paul ignored, uprofessionally moderated, a pain to endure. OC.

Oldchap, Pittsburg,NH (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 11:02 AM)

McCain was fighting like a kid....he is a liar and tried to avoid admitting it.
Romney is a professional man capable of discussion without losing his ool or focus.
Can you imagine McCain in negotiations with our enemy???

Susan, MASS (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 11:05 AM)

well Mr. Anderson Cooper ; that was the most shoddy piece of news work I have seen in a long time.
Did any one tell you there were 4 on the stage last night:not 2. Ron Paul made the most sense last night, but sadly, he is being ignored by the cnn. shameful.

jon sweitzer boone nc (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 11:08 AM)

McCain is a donosaur of the past and should be put back at the Smithsonian Institute. Vote Romney if you want real change, the reporters reporting these stories are distorting the news to meet their own agenda's. Report the news, don't create the news spinsters. Heck if I was Romney I'd be a little angry too with McCain's sniveling lieing to the the American public and it's seniors.

Joshua, Harleysville, Pennsylvania (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 11:19 AM)

The two rep lilliputians arguing over who was more 'conservative'...funny stuff...it is not conservative to support deficits, debt, foreign ventures, hatred, gooberment spying on citizens, taxpayer handouts for private companies...bush, rush, mcwar and mittflip are not conservatives

Rick, Ws, NC (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 11:19 AM)

McCain flat out is a liar and the worst kind of Washington player....Romney was on the entire night....when he is overwhelmed, McCain simply lies, distorts, misquotes....he is old and out of touch....If I hear one more reference to his military service that occured some 40 plus years ago....how does that help any of us today....he might have been a leader then, but he def. is NOT now.......EVERYONE vote for ROMNEY, save this party from complete distruction...PLEASE!!!

patriotdefender, Alabama (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 11:22 AM)

Time table shmime table. When are the Republican candidates going to get serious? No one wants a lingering war! Whats so bad about thinking about an end to this war? Ugg, the nit-picking. McCain showed a bull-headed, cocky side last night and the last thing I want is another bull-headed BUSH. I want someone who can change his mind if the business plan isn't working. Ron Paul, thanks for all your honesty! Too bad, no one really cares! Unfortunately, CNN is not fair and equal in giving all four candidates their time.

Robin B. (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 11:25 AM)

I AM IN FULL AGREEMENT WITH THE MAJORITY OF YOUR BLOGGERS. COOPER DID ABOUT THE POOREST JOB OF QUESTIONING THE CANDIDATE'S I HAVE EVER HEARD.
THEN THE ANSWERS FROM THE KID'S FIGHTING WERE JUST SAD. LAST NIGHT HUCKABEE AND PAUL LOOKED LIKE THE BEST OF THAT BUNCH BUT IF THEY HAD BEEN GIVEN TIME TO SAY MUCH MORE THEY WOULD HAVE REVEALED THEIR IDEAS. OF COURSE THE VOTERS SHOULD BECOME AWARE OF WHAT THESE TWO ARE ALL ABOUT. THEY HAVE SOME CRAZY IDEAS. RON PAUL JUST GOES OFF ON SOME KIND OF A FANTASY WORLD AND HUCKABEE'S FAIR TAX PLAN IS NOT FAIR AT ALL.
I SAY THERE WAS A TIE BETWWEN McCAIN AND ROMNEY FOR 4TH PLACE LAST NIGHT, AND RON PAUL AND HUCKABEE TIED FOR 1ST.
ALL McCAIN HAS TO SAY IS THAT HE IS A PROVEN LEADER AND HE SAID IT AND SAID IT AND SAID IT AND SO ON.
ROMNEY KEPT GRINNING LIKE A CHESSHIRE CAT. AND TRYING TO DEFEND McCAIN'S ATTACKS. HE SHOULD HAVE JUST BRUSHED THEM OFF BECAUSE McCAIN'S WHOLE DEBATE WAS SO LIMITED ROMNEY COULD HAVE EASILY TAKEN CONTROL.

JUST THINK FOLK'S - ONE OF THOSE BOZO'S COULD BE OUR NEXT PRESIDENT!!! SCARY HUH.

YELLOW DOG DEM L. AR. (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 11:25 AM)

Do we really listen to what the candidates say in those debates...in my opinion of the debate last night Ron paul and mike Huckubee were disrespected by the minimal attention given to them by the media...the media claims it's a two way race, so why did they invite those two cadidates in the first place. Is the media making up the minds of the American pepople? Are the elections over? It's a long way to November. The Issues were not addressed last night...McCain and Romney sounded like two kids. Is this how we are going to move forward, is this how we are going to unite the nation.
I still leave my options open to Huckabee or Ron paul.
The country is in debt, yet we want to extend the war in Iraq indefinitely? hmmmm that makes sooo much sense. the race is not yet over all the candidates deserve to be heard equally. The american people decides who wins not the media...

Displeased citizen, West palm beach, Fl. (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 11:27 AM)

The Ron Paul crowd needs to understand that either McCain or Romney are going to win the nomination. I want to hear these two out on the issues so I can make a decision, Huckabee and Paul are a side show at this point...

Jim, Boston, MA (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 11:28 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, Carolstream, IL (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 11:34 AM)

Gee chuck i dont understand how you can say McCain came out ahead of the debate..He was terriable rude smirky and avoided answering the question while you collegues ignored huk and ron...Well you not speaking for those of ous who wateched it..And i hope the independents will thounder over your supports for Canadates who dont cut the mustard buy because of there money and media backing we have accept what you put forward..What a waste..

Russ Wells, Maine (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 11:34 AM)

They are all talking about Reagan. Well wasn't that 27 years ago? The world has changed. We have to keep up with the times. We are the only country that truly does not believe in equal rights. America constantly battles over what I consider non issues. I want lower taxes, less government, less spending, however I also do not want to police the world for our self-serving interests. We must rise above and lead. I am also for gay's serving openly in the military, and having legal unions,(not marriage) and a woman's right to choose,(not that I believe all women will abort), but not for socialized medicine. Where does that leave me? I'm between Hillary socially and Romney fiscally. The others either have no substance, just talk, or are archaic in body and mind.

Robin B. (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 11:39 AM)

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