Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

fabooj — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 02:01:36 GMT

Too bad for Mitt...I can hardly care. Mitt strikes me as the type of person who'll talk bad about someone behind their back and then be shocked when called on it...Oh oops! I guess that did happen.

It's simple, if he can't take it, he shouldn't dish it. I've watched all these political ads and his are really nasty. Shocker there, every jumped on him.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

John, Royal Palm Beach, Fl. — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 02:06:29 GMT

They were cheap shots by desperate people. Romney is right on the issues important to Republicans. And the other candidates know it. Romney stuck to the issues while others took as you called them "cheap shots". America is tired of John McCain, he has been in Washington a long time and has not fixed a thing. It's time for a true leader that can solve real problems in Washington. It's time for Mitt Romney!

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Terrence, Atlanta, Ga. — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 02:08:06 GMT

Romney, stay above the fray? Please. He bankrolled the fray. Romney flips while Giuliani flops. I like Huckabee.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Rocko — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 02:08:18 GMT

Romney dominated in his win in Wyoming today (MSN reluctant to report, of course), and he won the debate as well. Despite everyone attacking him (even personally - which he refuses to do) he eloquently deflected every attack and was the most intelligent and inspiring candidate by far. Conservatives unite - let's nominate Mitt Romney!

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Jake, Florida — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 02:10:21 GMT

I thought Rudy did great tonight... very good answers.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Jake, Jax Florida — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 02:10:55 GMT

Rudy looked great tonight, he has my vote down here in Florida.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Al Wagner, Georgetown, Tn. — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 02:12:05 GMT

Huckabee is another Jimmy Carter Christian!

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

PollM, Dallas TX — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 02:15:05 GMT

Who won the ABC Republican Debate in New Hampshire?

http://www.youpolls.com/details.asp?pid=1450

.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

fabooj — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 02:23:08 GMT

@Rocko: "MSN reluctant to report, of course"? Huh??? On the front page of the site AND on the front page of the Politics page, there where HUGE stories on Romney's win in Wyoming. I know the site super sucks for navigation, but the Romney win in Wyoming was up in front for a good 4 hours.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Jason, Plymouth MN — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 02:36:46 GMT

I am ashamed at the way that fellow republicans treat Mitt Romney. He is a good man even if you do not agree with his policies and these personal attacks are just childish. Especially from McCain. I have gained a lot of respect for Romney because he does not get into the childish attacks.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

JH, Columbia, TN — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 02:37:33 GMT

The sooner Romney flames out, the better-off Republicans will be.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Rob — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 02:40:21 GMT

McCain and Huckabee should be ashamed of their debate performances. Totally pathetic - all they did was diss Romney with idiotic attacks "...you really are the candidate of change" - are you serious, is this recess or something John.

Honestly, If Thompson or Mitt doesnt win - Im voting Obama - if we're not going to put a competent person in the whitehouse - then at least I want some energy and passion.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Wayne -Boston Massachusetts — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 02:43:00 GMT

Romney seems like a straight forward man who made money in the private sector (which is not a sin)-straightened out the Olympics-and put Massachusetts Government back on track

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Troy, Woodbridge, VA — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 02:46:12 GMT

McCain looked like the mean old man we all know he is. He couldn't resist taking personal shots at Romney. Romney only attacks others on their issues, not their character. My vote goes to Romney.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

JSM, Arkadelphia, AR — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 02:48:10 GMT

As Edwards said during the Dems debate (I'm paraphrasing)--when someone comes out for change, the forces for status quo attack. Romney is the only really fresh candidate we've had in decades. It's only natural that the others will attack him. The ads of Romney's that I've seen have not been "attack ads": They've been contrast ads, comparing political and leadership records. As a resident of the state of Arkansas who has lived through Huckabee's tenure of office, I can tell you that the things he has said about Huckabee's record are factual. That's why Romney is being so viciously attacked on a personal basis. The candidates all know that people are not going to take the time to research their records. The candidates have to trash Romney so that no one will believe him when he does the research.
You want something new? You want change? Or do you want the status quo?

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

David — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 02:48:22 GMT

Romney had a very good night. He was specific in his answers and proposals. He did not stoop to the playground tit for tat that was evidenced by others who went after him. Huckabee appeared to speak in generalities that were rather circular. McCain did well but was not the dominant figure. Rudy and Fred also had good ideas but did not come across as having the full package. Romney had a good night.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Scott, Goochland, VA — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 02:48:25 GMT

I thought that McCain's insult of Romney ("you are the change candidate) appeared junior highish. They're ganging up on him because he is the only on expressing uniformly conservative principles. When he's knocked out, who do we Repubs have?

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Regis Matejcik, Austin, Texas — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 02:50:04 GMT

It's crazy to say that Mitt goes home if he comes in second. These are delegates being apportioned, not winner take all electoral votes. After NH - Mitt will be the leading in delegate count. And he'll be leading by alot. Probably a 30% margin over the nearest competitor - Huckster.

The reason it's pile on Mitt time is that they now see he can win even if he only is consistently second - with a handful of firsts - Like today in Wyoming, which has more delegates than New Hampshire. Rudy is the only one who can contest Mitt nationally - and he looks weak.

Mitt can ride second all the way to the white house. It's tough when you try to beat a cold, calculating, competent SOB.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Iowa voter — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 02:52:15 GMT

Here in Iowa, we experienced several months of Romney's attack ads. All were personal. All attacks were initiated by Romney. He's the master of cheap shots (that cost millions!).

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

rudysaurusrex — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 02:52:20 GMT

The difference between the other candidates and Romney is... they'll challenge him to his face. He only attacks them in slimy political ads. It says something about his character... or lack of it.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Stacey, Durham, NC — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 02:52:48 GMT

JH, Columbia, TN - you are no Republican or you wouldn't have said that. Either that or you completely underestimate the character and resolve of Mitt Romney. And after tonight I've pretty much lost all respect for McCain. Huckabee, well that was gone weeks ago. The guy after the debate eagerly shakes Romney's hand and smiles at him like they were long lost friends. Why don't you try and pull the knife out of the guy's back first before you show your smug face to him. Disgraceful that Romney even has to wallow around with Huckabee.

By the way, would someone please name me one bill that Romney passed that would not be considered becoming of a true conservative? I mean, if you want to stop with the character assassinations that everyone is trying to throw out at Romney, let's talk about their records here. Let's compare records. With the other guys it's, "don't look at what I've done, look at what I'm saying now."

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

bhs, tooele, UT — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 02:52:49 GMT

Let us Take role for the 3rd grade. Huckabee. Huckabee:here. McCain. McCain:Here. Lets take role for the president of the United States. Romney. Romney:here. Romney focused on solving problems with America and sounded great. Huckabee and McCain got jealous and called names like third graders.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

MittRox, NH — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 02:53:48 GMT

Regis Matejcik, Austin, Texas - and yes, he is cold, calculating, competent, and downright conservative! We love you Mitt!

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Steve, York, PA — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 02:59:32 GMT

Mitt was on the defensive all night and did fantastic maintaining his composure. Mitt was specific and had a solid grasp of the issues. Fred also did well and gave great answers.

McCain looked like a baby who could not defend himself from facts, and blatantly lied about not supporting Amnesty.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Mad Jayhawk, Madison, SD — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 03:00:27 GMT

I was really angered by the cheap shots by McCain and Huckabee and shows what kind of people they are. Fred's weren't that cheap. Romney did fine considering he had to defend himself more than Ron Paul did. Romney's ideas, record, intelligence and character was clearly evident. The petty nature of all but Paul and Gulliani was evident too. Hopefully the good people of NH will see what happened tonight.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Rebecca, Tallahassee FL — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 03:00:45 GMT

I liked Gov. Romney best in the debate. For the other candidates to attack him like they did they must feel threatened by him. Huckbee did okay but after reading about his record in Arkansas I could never vote for him no matter how personable he is.
McCain is too old and he is more democratic than
republican. He has treated conservatives with
contempt. Guiliani would be good on a number of issues
but I much prefer the stronger family values of
Romney.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Stacey, Durham, NC — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 03:02:28 GMT

rudysaurusrex, what they did tonight wasn't a challenge of his policies or positions, it was a challenge (or rather an attack) of his character. Is that acceptable to us all? Where in all of that do we have an honest evaluation of each other's policies and what they've done in the past to back it up. I want to see contrasting positions. I want to see how they differ. The only thing we saw from them was just childishness. The problem with McCain and Huckabee is that there's too many skeletons in those closets, so for them it hurts because they certainly haven't proven they are conservative. Now they want us to just trust them or take them at their word? Not going to happen.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Aaron Martin, Spokane, Washington — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 03:02:40 GMT

McCain is just a warped, frustrated old man. He pretends to take the high road of clean politics, and yet he attacks Romney with personally and maligns his character.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

John Allen, Boston, MA — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 03:03:03 GMT

Fact: They ganged up on Romney because he is by far the biggest threat to each of their candidacies. Romney has brilliantly positioned himself to have influence in every aspect of this race, and it showed tonight. I think that speaks volumes to Mitt Romney's appeal and to his ability to manage a complex campaign.

By the way, McCain and Huckabee showed real mean streaks in their personal attacks on Romney. They didn't debate the facts, just called names. Very weak.

I give Romney an A+ for withstanding the attacks without going personal on anybody. The guy exudes tenacity, intelligenc, and executive competence. That's what I want in a president.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Caroline, Greenville, NC — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 03:05:12 GMT

If Romney gets the nomination, he'll get slaughtered in the general. He's a stiff, unengaging phony. Every time someone else called him out on his changing positions, the only thing he could do was change the subject or whine about "personal attacks" because his flip-flopping is undeniable. May I remind you also that Romney was the first to put out negative ads in either party.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

BiasedOne, USA — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 03:05:22 GMT

Iowa voter, are you an evangelical? Do you know truth? Those were contrast ads and had a lot of truth to them. Of course they say that the truth hurts.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

John Doe, Seattle, Wash — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 03:05:22 GMT

Romney is doing fine. He won Wyoming today hands down. His strategy of collecting delegates state by state (gold or silver medal will do) is working fine. It is lonely when you have the race jersey because everyone wants it. Mitt is doing a good job of changing his message to each group, we all do the same thing. I talk about different things with my barber than I do with my friends but I am conservative through and through. We need a Chief Executive Officer in the White House, not a guitar playing bafoon, actor, or Democratic senator (McCain, Obama, Clinton).

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Mad Jayhawk, Madison, SD — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 03:06:38 GMT

Fred sounded good for once. Huckabee was trying not to get trapped in specifics. He can't handle those. McCain basically said I'm a Senator and have been since the Flood. If he blinked any more his eyes would have been closed. Rudy was Rudy and was okay talking policy and ideas but was annoying somehow. Paul, as usual, blamed everything on the war in Iraq. Romney had a good command of facts and issues and stated his positions clearly. He got tripped up a couple of time s but that is expected.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Mark, Cleveland, OH — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 03:06:49 GMT

Basically:
Mitt does not ATTACK anybody (he gives cold, hard facts)&
Everyone ATTACKS Mitt

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Steve, Gilmer, TX — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 03:09:10 GMT

McCAIN said earlier today “differences will be aired in a positive and respectful manner”?

I was shocked at his impolite, negative attacks tonight and his unwillingness to speak of the details of his immigration plan.

Let’s hear the details John. Don’t replace them with personal attacks.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Mad Jayhawk, Madison, SD — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 03:09:37 GMT

PollM. Ron Paul always wins on line polls. His people are dedicated to the net.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

John Alexander,Edinboro,PA — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 03:10:04 GMT

I think the repubs were not professional enough tonight, too many jokes, too much interupting.
Huckabee was smart for staying so quiet, Rudy spent to much time promoting his book and 'HIS' city, how many times do you need to mention Reagan, he's dead. Fred is too grumpy and simplistic, Romney too slippery, McCain was snide with the change remark at Mitt.
If you kids want to do something for america, you better vote Dem!
The repubs all seem like they want to continue Bushco.
We had enough of that.
See ya!
CHANGE NOW!!!

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Joe Galatha, Hazleton PA — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 03:11:16 GMT

Reading the comments here tells me more about this country than what will come from whoever is elected president: We are blatantly lying to the world when we call ourselves the "United" anything. The only thing that unites any of this crowd or any other that I have seen gathered in the last six years is that we're all afraid someone is going to take our country away, while all the attacks on it since that watershed day in 2001 have come from within.

I'm more afraid of my fellow American than I am of Al Queda, because when I look around me I see a crowd of people who all think the country should look the way they want it and to Hell with whatever anyone else thinks. And when someone tells me that this is the way things have always been, my answer is, well, perhaps that's why we're in such a mess.

United. Prove it.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Russ, Minneapolis, MN — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 03:13:14 GMT

Here in Minnesota, we see stuff coming north from Iowa quite often. To their face and in the mass media (TV, mail, etc), Romney always discussed the issues and positions, never making personal attacks. McCain is a mean, nasty hypocrite, and Huckabee is a sly man who carefully disguises his attacks. Their silly "gentlemen's" agreement to take Romney out is something you would expect to see behind a tree on the playground.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

David Rance, Phoenix AZ — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 03:14:48 GMT

Joe, I agree with you. None of the Republican candidates are particularly inspiring. I'm a lifelong Republican but I'm leaning towards Obama.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Robert Dehner, Cincinnati, OH — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 03:16:05 GMT

What happened? Did all of the Ron Paul Internet junkies become Mitt Romney e-apologists? The PowerPoint/Focus Group candidate from Massachusetts lost big in tonight’s relatively lackluster GOP debate.

It's not that some of his current positions are not viable with Republicans; it's simply that nobody trusts what the Stepford Candidate believes in.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Tom Valletta, Seattle, Washington — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 03:18:11 GMT

Romney stayed above the fray, while even Thompson looked petty. I do not think McCain and Huckabee ever looked more like spoiled children. Romney gained, while the others shrunk - even as they belittled.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Debrar — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 03:18:55 GMT

BRAVO Mitt Romney! You won the debate. We are so proud of you. Your character, morals, integrity, and intelligence is what we want in the White House. Romney for President 2008!

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Lance in Tx — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 03:19:49 GMT

I think Mitt and Rudy were the only professional people up there tonight. Everyone else acted like children on the school yard.
Personally I am going to vote for Mitt, but I am very happy with how Rudy behaved tonight.
Sofar Mitt is in the lead for Delagates!!!
I guess they are all upset that they are actually loosing to (gasp!) Mitt!!!

Romney: 17 (9 IA, 8 WY)
Huckabee: 13 (13 IA)
Thompson: 8 (5 IA, 3 WY)
McCain: 5 (5 IA)
Paul: 4 (4 IA)
Giuliani: 1 (1 IA)
Hunter: 1 (1 WY)

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Richard M. Mesa, Arizona — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 03:21:24 GMT

There is no questions that Mitt Romney is the most competent Conservative candidate. The attacks on him are indicative of that. I do not have a problem with the other candidates attacking, this is a debate not a peace talk. When you are the man to beat you have to be able to step up and defend yourself. The thing that impressed me about Romney was that he was ready to take on any one of the other candidates on the issues. He will have to do that as the President of the U.S. Finally, the guy has the ability to make things happen and not just talk about general principles that sound appealing. The guy's track record is impressive. Republicans only hope in the presidential election is Romney.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Lucien BONNET — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 03:21:35 GMT

IN THE DEPTH OF THE UNKNOWN,
THERE ARE NECESSARY CONQUESTS

The well-known NASA scientist and author of popular scientific works, Professor Carl Sagan, together with his wife Linda, among other people, wrote the famous Space Message engraved on Pioneer 10 and meant for possible extraterrestrial civilizations which might be discovered — who knows? — somewhere in our Galaxy. Professor Sagan is a master of the art of using humor, and he is fond of allegories. That is why Lucien Bonnet wrote to himin the form of a parable on April 10, 1978.

Montreal, April 10, 1978

Dear Dr. Sagan:

It sometimes happens that a dreambecomes a reality. That’s the case today. Through Mr. Emil P. Ericksen, Economic Officer of the Consulate General of the United States of America in Montreal, I am in communication with the American scientist whose works and research I most admire.

I would like to address a simple message to Professor Carl Sagan and his wife, who feel, as the year 2000 approaches, that the time is ripe to make our presence known by sending signals to other possible intelligent beings in the Universe. The message, which is the result of my patient research, I formulate as follows:

"On the cosmic scale, as on the terrestrial scale, blackness is an integral part of color and light processes."

My purpose is to inform you of this particular subject and the reasons that have led me to carry out my research, in the context of the problems of the very small country, whose history is as tortured as its geography, where I was born and grew up: Haiti, whose name means "land of mountains". This country has been faced for years with the difficulties inherent to any collectivity confronted with a problem of identity. In Canada, where I live and to which I have become acclimatized, this subject still motivates my research, propels my efforts and explains the audacity of my words. In the particular context of a centuries-old conflict, where personal interest and racial origins confront each other, it is essential that we get to the bottom of things. At this point, it would be as well to point out that branch of energy physics, namely optics, where scientific taboos concerning color, darkness and light are furthered and maintained by trade secrets, patents and vested interests. A rational search for original, and even avant-garde, answers on a scientific and intellectual level would seem to be a necessary prerequisite to establishing a balanced situation.

Not being a "scientist", because,
( sometimes, facts are so obvious that they "hit you in the eye" but, like ostriches, people in the field of Optics bury their heads in the sand ). but rather, perhaps the most obscure of all obscure researchers of all obscure ages, I amasking a special favor from Professor Sagan. I would like him to agree to examine my modest results and the demonstration there of, backed up by photos and films. Needless to say, they may be freely used for any purposes deemed necessary to the success of my undertaking. On one film, I wanted to assemble in my own way the elements and conditions that I think are indispensable to the analysis and synthesis of colors. I amsubmitting four films called "color separations" and the color proofs to support this finding.

The sentences I quote below are yours. They are taken from an interview that you gave to a French magazine reporter:

"…after Apollo, scientists were discouraged. Do you know why they were disheartened? Because the sky above the Moon is black. That made them depressed. Do you think this is a joke? Not at all. Scientists are more fragile than they look. But the sky above Mars is rose-colored and that gave them hope."4

4 Delaprée, Catherine " L’homme clef de Viking: Et maintenant il faut tout revoir…",
(Le Point, August 16, 1976, pp. 48,49) [our translation]

I can see you and Mrs. Sagan smiling, seeming to say, "Roses live the life span of a rose, the space of one morning."

The solution to the enigma of Space is not a "one-morning" task. Its darkness of an extraordinary depth, always so secretive and so intriguing, bordering on despair and insanity, fear and disgust, hatred and damnation, a consequence of ignorance or indifference, jealously hides incredible resources that would be of benefit to science, perceived only by such advanced, and wise, researchers as Professor Sagan.

With all due respect to the biblical Genesis, which from generation to generation teaches those who wish to hear it their way that "God divided the light from the darkness" (Gen. 1:4), and with all due respect to Sir Isaac Newton, who showed us all the colors of the rainbow with his prism, but who left us in the dark about the greatest unknown of all times, darkness itself, I insist that darkness — "the black rose of space", arbitrarily denied as a positive value, always perceived negatively, discreet, hardly envious of the light which it absorbs, the better to conserve it — has passed for the absence of light, while in reality it is the extension of light.

Since the beginning of time, a harmonious and complementary state has existed between light and darkness, whose equivalent effects are carefully balanced at the cosmic level, making us think, as sages of all ages have suggested, like Lavoisier, that in this coherent universe, "nothing is created, nothing is lost, everything is transformed".

The question we ask ourselves most often is this: "What would our lives be without light?" All things being equal, and according to the Law of Conservation of Matter and Energy, we might ask, "What would life be without darkness?" Whether we say “darkness is an absence of light” or “light is an absence of darkness", is this not a simple question of semantics?

Reconciling light with darkness is a simple message that any future human or extraterrestrial space traveler should be able to grasp without too much difficulty. In the interests of any advanced civilization, obtaining a workable combination of visible and invisible forms of matter or energy is a chance to surpass ourselves by extending our own limits.

The so-called luminous part of the Universe, be it ever so brilliant, so forceful, that it seems to eclipse all the rest, while left in the shadow of its over whelming radiance, cannot by itself constitute a whole. The latter is left to the perception and investigation of scientists—but again, we must have the courage to get to the bottom of things.

The bottom of things is often veiled by mentalities. Mentalities depend on the human brain. It is interesting to note that the thing we are most proud of, this wonderful human brain — physically, without our realizing it — has always functioned in utter darkness. Man’s skull constitutes, without a doubt, the best model of a dark room which has ever been conceived. On the optical as well as the psychological plane, one can easily imagine what roadblocks are likely to be encountered. When we wish to refer to the superior abilities of man, weuse the term "gray matter". Gray matter in a dark room, with or without a prism — what a delicate situation! Isn’t it where all the subtlety lies?

From the gray lunar soil of the Moon and in the concerted harmony of constructive forms, visible and invisible, of channeled light energy, the white rose and the black rose of the Cosmos and the possibility of roses in all color shades — enough to make the sky of Mars blush red — represent the true challenge of space and the spaceship in modern times. Inertia, spectral speed, speed equal to or higher than that of light, and the scientifically controlled reversibility of the phenomenon, what a new synthesis, but also what a liberation! To compare is not to prove, but the dark hidden side of the Moon, however mysterious it may be, is not a path of no return.

At the edge of light, there is darkness. At the edge of darkness, we can find light. Reconciling the "Children of Light"(I Thess. 5:5) — of the zenith, the rising sun and the setting sun — with the "Children of Darkness" (I Thess. 5:6) could perhaps one day become a question of scientific mentality.

“And there was evening and there was morning…” (Gen. 1:5).

Could this, Professor, be one of the most harmonious aspects of the vital cycle of space?

Thank you for your attention to my letter.

Yours very truly,

Lucien Bonnet

http://www.contact-canadahaiti.ca
PLEASE' SEE "Bill A Ri And There Was Light!"

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Randy, Camp Legune, NC — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 03:22:11 GMT

News Flash...Fox News (10:12EST) Claims: Mitt Romney split 3 Delegates in Wyoming today with Duncan Hunter getting one. NOT TRUE. Duncan Hunter did get one delegate of 12. Fred Thompson got one delegate of 12 and at press time Mitt had got 6 delegates of 12 and likely to get most of the rest. FOX NEWS reported an error. You Decide. And contrary to what Caroline says above, there is little phoney about Romney's record (or his father in Michigan for that matter). The problem is that he is a Cheif Executive and not an actor which most Americans like (perfect smiles and the true phonies by definition). So he might have some problems with a dumbed down America. That is true. Dumbing down America has worked.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Marc, USA — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 03:22:35 GMT

Huckabee and McCain showed some important character traits this evening. I cannot understand how someone who wants the best for the US can support that type of attitude. Thompson is really laid back, so he was fun to watch, but all his answers reaked of theory. I question his ability to make good decisions and excute them. His answers were not very informed either. Romney put out a lot of realistic answers and you can sense that he has a good idea of what can be accomplished and what is simply dreaming and unrealistic. Giuliani put out good answers, as well, and you can tell he feels comfortable with some topics. But then again it's easy to feel comfortable when you're not receiving personal shots all night like Romney was.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Del & Leslie, Brooklyn, New York — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 03:26:03 GMT

Romney has spent literally millions of dollars in two small states, Iowa and New Hampshire, on nasty and dishonest attack ads against Huckabee and McCain. Everybody in those states is well aware of this. In the debate, he acted exactly like Eddie Haskell. Sorry, Mr. Romney, no one is going to believe you were the good guy being unfairly treated.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Bill Salem, NH — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 03:27:23 GMT

I'm from NH and all I have to say to John Mccain is......

You were for amnesty....

I'm voting for Mitt romney.

All of my friends and family in NH are voting for Mitt.

And you John Mccain...can kiss my ass!

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

TrueHawk, St. Croix, US Virgin Islands — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 03:27:44 GMT

Romney looked like the prep who showed up at the dude ranch but got stuck in the ranch house with the real cowboys. They sort of beat up on him and he did not look real comfortable. How stupid was his campaign manager to change his theme to "change" when he was bound to evoked sarcasm from the others since he is percieved as changing positions so much? The other problem is that Mitt's campaign told him going negative works. That was yesterday's America. Going negative makes everyone else hate you.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

A Bergeson, Blackfoot Idaho — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 03:28:29 GMT

It was pretty obvious there was only one man on the stage who is smart enough to understand all of the issues facing our country. He is the lone leader by virtue of his resume and leaderhip skills. No wonder everyone else is attacking him. I was embarrassed by John McCain's mean, childish behavior. The people of New Hampshire are smart enough to read the writing on the wall! Obama vs Romney 2008!!!

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Chris, Lawrence, KS — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 03:28:51 GMT

For the past weeks all we heard from Huckabee and McCain is how they don't campaign negative. Then tonight they go on the offensive with childish cheap shots against Romney? In my opinion McCain and Huckabee fear what Romney can do in a head to head debate. I think the lack of courtesy and civility will come back to haunt both McCain and Huckabee

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Jed Merrill — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 03:31:13 GMT

The good news is Romney is in for the long haul. He doesn't even need to win New Hampshire, especially now that he dominated Wyoming and has a win under his belt.

They aren't after Romney because they smell blood, but because they smell President.

My mother called late in the debate and said Romney was quiet for a few minutes, and she thought maybe Ann had motioned for him to slow down. The man has so much to say.

Romney has my vote, not just for the debate but for the nomination. McCain? Too old school, and too old for that matter. Huck? lol Let's start with funding, but let's stop before I get personal. Giuliani? Not aggressive enough in seeking the nomination for someone who supposedly has nerves of steel. Fred is pretty passive and certainly does not have the Reagan mantle he was supposed to have. Ron Paul? With all due respect for people who give the rest of us none, the man is a libertarian, not a Republican. He seems strangely out of place, not so much in an election as in this party.

Mitt is a solutions candidate with a track record and a win already, a second place finish in the most contested race, and a high likelihood of a first or second place finish in New Hampshire, either of which will do just fine.

I admire the man that much more under fire.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Chuck, NC — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 03:34:42 GMT

Romney has changed his position on abortion and gay marraige, and he's equivocated on taxes. Media outlets that are unaffiliated with any campaigns have reported on his casual relationship with the truth by covering his NRA "endorsement" amongst other things.

I'm tired of politicians on either side who are born with a silver spoon in their mouths and haven't personally experienced what is wrong with our domestic policies today. I'll support any GOP canididate OTHER than Romney. If he gets the nomination, I won't be voting for him.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Pedro, Los Angeles, Estados Unidos. — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 03:34:58 GMT

If anyone doubts that dumbing down America has worked just read the story book above from "Lucien". Just kidding! Don't read it. It's not worth the time. It makes about as much sense as Obama or Huckabee in front of a crowd of cocain loaded star struck girls (or most of the star struck voting Republic perhaps). If Romney loses, it is proof that America has already lost. In fact, for the first time in a century Britian has pulled ahead of the US in standard of living. I guess we all need to work on an Arkansas meat farm along with our new neighbors from Mexico. That is our fate. That and Spanish. Tu Habla?

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Republican4Life, Reno, NV — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 03:36:58 GMT

TrueHawk, St. Croix, US Virgin Islands - Romney going negative? Did you actually see the debate tonight? If you're talking about his contrast ads, well... sometimes the truth hurts.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Debrar — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 03:39:05 GMT

IN THE DEPTH OF THE UNKNOWN, THERE ARE NECESSARY CONQUESTS: I think you are on the wrong blog.

Mitt for President!! Great job at the debate. Looks like the other candidates make personal attacks and don't touch the issues.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

RealityBites, Hard, USA — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 03:39:28 GMT

Chuck, NC - so you're upset that he's now Pro Life? I'm glad we've converted him. You going to look down your nose for anyone else that converts too?

And you second comment was just drenched with a victim mentality and class warfare rhetoric. He made his money because he worked hard. End of story. That's the great thing about this country, it's a land of opportunity. The sooner you learn that, the better off you'll be.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Stewart, Middle Class America — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 03:40:31 GMT

Romney has to spend millions of dollars, a few pennies of which comes out of us middle class Americans - what there is left of us, because the whole media is against him because he is not a liberal lap dog. What he should do is say he is from the Senator McCain-Obama-Clinton camp when he submits his ads so we can get a discount (or free air time from the reporters at the least)!

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Randall, St. George, Utah — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 03:49:25 GMT

You need to be careful, Romney is telling the absolute truth, but the other candidates are slick-talkers who distort the truth and can quickly turn good into bad and right into wrong if you are not 100% alert.

I challenge you to go to the mittromney.com website, click on "ISSUES," and listen to Romney's short video clips on each of the issues. See if you are not thoroughly convinced that Romney has the leadership, understanding, and skills necessary to do a truly outstanding job.

This time, let's elect a president that actually has skills for the job, unmatched integrity, and real solutions! The truth is, Mitt Romney is a once-in-a-lifetime presidential candidate!

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Lance in TX — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 03:50:34 GMT

Stewart, So very true.. Remember the last "trick" that Huckabee did about getting that hit ad out to the media for FREE!! What a slimy person to pull a trick like that and then act innocent.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Mark S, Akron, Ohio — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 03:51:52 GMT

McCain was rude. He's wrong on tax cuts and immigration. He'll make a good Secretary of Defense.
Thompson was a statesman mostly. His jabs at the idiot Ron Paul were dignified. He'll make a good Sec. of State.
Huckabee is a Huckster who'll trash another man's faith to get ahead. Another sheister from Arkansas.
Guiliani is a good guy and will make a great Attorney General.
Romney took the shots. He's the feared candidate so he needed to get the shots. He'll be a good president with Condi Rice as VP.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Big Jay Davenport IA — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 03:54:04 GMT

Yeah. If you're going to attack someone, let it be on policy or electability using actual data. And if you're going to point out a difference in your opponent's positions, your facts should be straight.

Huckster's talk about how he supported the surge before Mitt did. Not true.

McCain's shots at Romney had me reminded of when I was in 8th grade.

John McCain - will you pledge not to accept matching funds? How's that fundraising going?

How about your fundraising Huckster? You getting a bounce in fundraising from the Iowa caucus where all your votes came from people with a household income of 30K or less? No fundraising bounce? Wow.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

John — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 03:56:56 GMT

Did ABC borrow tonight's set from the old "Newlywed Game"?

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

denise — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 03:57:17 GMT

Calm down. It's gonna be all right. Just use your heads and 'hearts' and when the new President is put in place, pray and support him. He'll need it, with the snide, unkindness generated by some of the citizens and media of this once greater nation. Go Mr. Romney!

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Joe, Forney, Texas — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 03:57:20 GMT

Romney demonstrated the ability to act Presidential under intense personal attacks. It was evident that those attacking him were trying to avoid facing the facts and defending their positions. On Health care it is obvious that Romney is the only candidate,Republican Or Democrat that has actually passed a Health Care bill in cooperation with a legislature of an opposing party.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Stephanie,South Carolina — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 03:57:58 GMT

I think that it is great that Romney was so SUCCESSFUL he can fund his campaign and not take money from people who he will OWE a favor to later...
And then as he did in Massachusetts work for us for FREE -aren't we fortunate!

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Patrick Wallack, Troup Tx. — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 03:58:18 GMT

There were only two presidental candidates on display tonight. Mitt and rudy. Mitt is a clear winner. If the good people fail to see this it will be a testament to our failed education system

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

NH Voter — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 03:58:41 GMT

I lost all respect for John McCain. He appeared childish and petty. He kept rocking to-and-fro like some drunken sailor. His "change" comment fell flat and caused him to look pathetic. Huckabee and Thompson were clearly playing the part of his hinchmen tonight.

I had an epiphany: The republicans are ganging up because they know they can't beat Romney one on one and all the dems want huckabee because they see red meat. Dick Morris said that Romney won the debate and was the strongest boxer in the ring. He also said that John McCain looked old and Thomposon looked barely alive. Huckabees canned jokes seemed rehearsed and were boring.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Drew. ISA — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 04:00:12 GMT

Mitt won my votight. McCain lost the little bit of respect I had left for him. His time has past and he's bitter about it. Romney showed he could stay cool under pressure from every direction and seemed to be smarter than all the other candidates put together.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Jed Merrill — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 04:00:23 GMT

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

James D., Medford, MA — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 04:01:37 GMT

Romney is a man of character and incredible poise under pressure )no surprise given his decades as a top business executive). Look back at any of his videos over the past year and you will see this -- he has never taken the bait the media and other candidates give him to disparage other people's names. I've been impressed with this repeatedly over the year. Tonight, he called it like it is on the issues and didn't pull any punches there (a better show of "straight talk" than McCain!) but declined to slander back at his childish competitors. Nothing is going to fix the gridlock in Washington like a President who refuses to engage in character assassination and belittling political jockeying. Romney's got my vote! He is what this nation desperately needs -- a grown up in the corner office.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Drew. ISA — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 04:03:25 GMT

Mitt won my vote tonight. McCain lost the little bit of respect I had left for him. His time has past and he's bitter about it. Romney showed he could stay cool under pressure from every direction and seemed to be smarter than all the other candidates put together.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Todd Burris, Salt Lake City, UT — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 04:04:17 GMT

It seems that McCain and Huckabee formed some kind of alliance. I am not sure how I feel about that. Ever since Huckabee made that negative ad, then decided not to show it (but showed it to the press) I will not vote for him. I think that McCain is a honorable man and has good ideas. Why does he need Huckabee?

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Xubio, Virginia Beach, VA — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 04:05:31 GMT

I'll grant you Mitt is pretty smart. But some of the people supporting him and some in his campaign are plain ole dumb. I mean to have Mitt assert at this juncture in nominating process that he is now an agent of change is so stupid it's mind boggling. Especially in light of his flip-flop label. I think he needs to fire all of his staff and start over like McCain did. And for his "conservative" supporters insisting that he is not a liberal lap dog. All I've gotta say is Mitt governed Massachusetts, the Bluest of the Blue States. Case closed.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Jake, Houston. — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 04:08:30 GMT

Everybody ganged up on Romney, but I think Romney handled all the attacks. I think the shots at him were cheap. The pundits may say that Romney didn't do well be because everybody attacked him, but I don't think the viewers/voters will see that way. He has my vote.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

AJ Daniels, Lafayette, IN — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 04:10:00 GMT

Stephanie,South Carolina - and it means he won't be the lapdog to corporate or other special interests. That whole mess is KILLING our political system. And there are people who complain he's somehow too rich! Is this America or Communist Russia?

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Steven Rinehart — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 04:11:10 GMT

GO ROMNEY!!!!! I will never forgive Hick-is-me and McCain for the way they are treating Romney. How dare they accuse of being negative while they kick him over and over with insults like bullies in grade school

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

stephanie columbus, ohio — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 04:11:30 GMT

eventually, especially under adversity, a person's true colors begin to show... for romney, that is a person that is clearly the most capable candidate to lead our nation... when given the chance to speak (despite attacks and a misleading media), he proves he has a platform to build upon... the other candidates (especially mccain and huckabee) revealed themselves to those paying attention as clearly a step below this true leader

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Kristen — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 04:15:16 GMT

Romney vs. Obama in '08. Now all those southern evangelical "Christians" are going to have to decide who they hate more. Mormons or African-Americans.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

scootmaker — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 04:19:04 GMT

I get that the dominant media elite have anointed Huckabee as the GOP nominee. So much for objectivity.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Monte Giles, Austin, TX — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 04:20:00 GMT

Mitt clearly won the debate. He stayed above the attacks and discussed the issues with intelligence and realism like no other candidate.

I'm voting for Mitt!

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Todd,Atlanta, Georgia — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 04:28:02 GMT

All you guys yelling about poor Romney. It's rediculous to say he is a victim of personel attacks ! He jumped Huckabee when he was behind him in Iowa and now McCain since he is behind him in New Hampshire. Correcting/responding to Romney's attacks are just that-responses not childish chatter.
You Romney supporters seem to forget he is a very rich amn in his own right. The question I have for you is why does a multi millioner run for president when it's a cut in pay ? Hummm he has an angle I bet

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Jim, Louisville, Ky. — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 04:29:26 GMT

Wow! My respect just went way up for Mitt, to have to put up with such shameful personal attacks during a national televised debate and keep such a decent humble attitude says a lot about his character.

McCain and Huckabee sure showed their character. To me they are simply jealous of Mitt. Mitt has such an incredible command of the issues and respect for the law. He is the the exact kind of person we want for our President! He appears to put up well under pressure.

Hopefully, enough voters in N.H. and around the country will trully grasp what is really happening here.

ABC and the main (old) media are doing the usual best to destort the election. To say Mitt must win N.H. or he is dead is utter nonsense. Mitt is by far the best candidate. Thank God for the new media! And any of the Repub's are far better than the Dems.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Elmer, warner, nh — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 04:33:15 GMT

Mitt Romney has run attack ad after attack ad against Huck and McCain. His staff and paid "endorsers" feed the press nasty little tidbits. But in public he is so genteel and, of course, would never get his hands dirty. Its called being a weasel. Its why the other campaigns don't like him. Reminds me of the Emperor in Gladiator before the final battle, welcoming the gladiator in with a hug, and while hugging sticks a knife in his back. Mitt's that kind of guy. Still, McCain probably went overboard, and he will pay.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Mike, Denver — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 04:33:46 GMT

Love to see Romney's free market leanings, and refusal to jump onto the populism bandwagon. Unfortunately, the people responding here don't seem to reflect the primary voters in Iowa or NH who would vote for Republicans who believe that big government can solve all problems - lets leave that position to the Dem's.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

George Holmes, Bremerton, WA — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 04:35:15 GMT

Fred Thompson, think about it. All the Right positions and none of the flippy floppy fakery of Romney. Fred could do it, if we would just get behind him. He is the most Reagan esque of the lot, and the least flawed all ways round. Why aren't we getting this? I just put my $50 in the big red truck.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

David, Salt Lake City — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 04:39:58 GMT

Gosh it looks like Romney's paid staff are blogging on this site. I guess that's what 20 million buys. I can't believe I watched the same debate. The Plastic Gumby man Romney was his usual slippery, slimy, self. Any of them would be better than the demos for sure. I would have like to see Thompson break out as an alternative to Romney or McCain but he just waited too long to get in the race. Listening to Edwards say that "not all corporations are bad" should frighten us enough to unite behind somebody but Romney is not the guy.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Jeremy — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 04:40:37 GMT

People let us understand one thing. Our presidential canidate cannot be ignorant to a changing world. Romney has always aligned his position to the most thought-out, research based conclusions that can move this country in the right direction. He has the brains, the inspiration, the competence, and above all THE RECORD. You are all invited to review each of the candidates records and background desipte what the polls and media state. Then again, this message might be worthless because the voters that really care about this country already know this facts and are supporting Mitt. MITT for PRESIDENT!!!!

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

DCortez — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 04:43:41 GMT

Mitt is a feminine version of Hillary, very unlikeable. Has one finger to the wind while another finger adjusts his mirror.

I like Huck, but feel he is soft and ill informed on foreign affairs and homeland security. Wife would have watched the debates, but guess what ... she's busy tying up our end of month, end of quarter, and end of year business accounting. She'll start our personal accounting soon. Eliminate the I.R.S. and you'll be my hero.

Rudy (9/11) has an answer (9/11) to everything (9/11) relating to (9/11) 9/11. Did I mention 9/11? 9/11!!

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Susan, Austin, Texas — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 04:48:59 GMT

Wow! Was I ever impressed with Mitt Romney tonight! He stuck to the issues at hand and maintained incredible composure despite rude comments thrown his direction. He impressed me with being very knowledgeable about numerous issues at a detailed level. For the first time in a long time I have a candidate who I can seriously believe in and who I REALLY hope will win. I think he will be good for America, if America is free-thinking (i.e. not brainwashed by political correctness and the liberal media) enough to discern this. Go Mitt '08!!!

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Mark, Cleveland, OH — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 04:55:54 GMT

It's sad that the mainstream media still discounts Mitt Romney from being the true contender he is: they report that he suffered in today's debate (most of us think otherwise), that he should of won in Iowa (it's hard when the majority of voters were hard-core Evangelicals), that he "attacks" the other candidates (Mitt does not attack, he states facts), that his authenticity should be question (I, myself, am not Mormon, but I do know that many Mormons are very well-grounded that they almost seem too perfect and plastic-y), that he HAS to win in New Hampshire (it's funny that they hardly report about his win in Wyoming, and they think that Mitt will fall out of this race)....I'm sick of the mainstream media's twisted approach to common sense: we each need to think for ourselves, and when we do, we will clearly see that Mitt is the right candidate to lead us into the future.
P.S. The Commander in Chief needs to be the smartest, most talented problem solver. Mitt Romney is the expert problem solver. After all, it was he who managed and turned arouned organizations by making the RIGHT DECISIONS. Our country is the most important organization in our lives...let's rally behind the best!

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Kyle Barnhill — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 04:58:00 GMT

Romney definitely showed more class tonight than Huck or McCain. They should stop the whining. They made him (Romney) look presidential tonight while making themselves look tacky.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

David, Bedford, NH — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 04:58:35 GMT

I'm also from NH.

Mitt has spent most of his money throwing dirt on his opponents. Tonight was payback. Romney has not gotten ANY endorsements from any New England newspapers. Union Leader torches him every other day in its editorials. Another NH paper called him a "phony". The conservative Boston paper (Murdoch owned) calls him "slick Mitt". Mitt Romney dissed Reagan when he debated Ted Kennedy. For any of the big GOP fights over the past 20 years there is only one constant.... Mitt Romney wasn't in it.

Mitt Romney a "solid" conservative since 2007 (but I forget the month).

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

steve yochum Nashville, Indiana 47448 — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 05:01:21 GMT

I watched all of the debates, tonight's was better than most. Folks, McCain is decidedly not presidential. He came across as a bitter, snide, been at it too long, missed the boat, ready for retirement crab. I know Ron Paul has inspired many young people but really now, outside of some reasonable observations about constitutional principles, he's sucking up airtime.Hey I think two men getting married is pretty strange but Huckabee can't be the answer for that. It was very telling that everyone except maybe Giuliani attacked Romney. Now why did they do that? Do they find him threatening because he's made more money than they have or ever will. Maybe they hate the fact that he went to Harvard and graduated with two degrees, one in Business and one in Law and was in the top 10% of his class. Maybe they hate the Olympics and despise the fact that he ran a good show in 2002. Maybe they're afraid that if he gets elected he just might have the congressional benefit package analyzed and cut out the baloney. Maybe he's too professional,too organized, his sons are too handsome, he's too healthy looking but then again seasoned politicians could never suffer from plain old fashioned jealousy could they? Maybe John McCain is pissed that National Review didn't endorse him.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

DROF, Massachusetts — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 05:05:32 GMT

The following is in support of Willard Mitt Romney:

Did you guys see Obama's energy the other day shortly after the Iowa caucus? Mccain, Huckabee and Giuliani simply cannot match that energy in the general election. The GOP has one candidate that is tireless and determined to win. That is Mitt Romney. In addition, have you see how much President George W. Bush has aged since he took the office? He went from a strapping young lad to an old man in less than eight years. How can Mccain afford to age anymore without dying?

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

DROF, Massachusetts — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 05:05:33 GMT

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

J.T., Las Vegas, NV — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 05:14:35 GMT

How patehtic McCain and Suckabee looked going after Romney. They can't persuade with their own positions and proposals, so they gang-up on Romney. They are obviously painfully aware that in a head-to-head battle, they would both be toast.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Gregory Wood, Brooklyn, NY — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 05:20:20 GMT

My analysis of debate deduced Romney having won the debate on points, but certainly it was no lnockout. Thompson and Paul accorded themselves reasonably well, excepting Thompson's barbs directed towards Romney. As for these incessant attacks, the remaining candidates looked sophmoric and their responses to questions were ambiguous at best. Romney and Paul made the greatest attempts to clarify positions with Thompson providing acute, but overly general, responses. Again, Romney wins on points earned by his arguments and his ability to withstand excessively childish behavior exhibited by his opponents, which was entirely directed towards him in an unnecessarily personal nature.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

A New Yorker, NY, NY — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 05:24:57 GMT

I strongly dislike Romney. But McCain's behavior tonight was petulant, catty, and made him look like the bitter, mentally unstable man I knew him to be. This is the same man who attacked the attorney of someone he disliked at a party and then tearfully apologized to an hour later. He looked ridiculous. There is a valid point that Romney changes positions the way he changes his socks. There is no way he could be the same governor of the state that Ted Kennedy is Senator of if he ever held the positions he claims to hold now. The man likes power. But McCain's behavior, not Romney's blatant lying, is the story of the day. His outlandish behavior was humiliating, to himself, and squandered the chance to shine a light on Romney.

How are you Republicans considering voting for Rudy Giuliani? He claims to be anti-choice (not pro-life, to be pro-life you have to be against abortion and other forms of "killing," like the death penalty) but there is footage of him saying he believes in federally funded abortions. He has been married three times, the first time to his cousin! He tried to bring his then side-dish into Gracie Mansion while his wife and kids were still living there. His wife at the time had to get a restraining order to stop him. You guys hate gays and he says he wants to join you in that, but when he left his previous wife, he went and lived with a gay couple. They were good enough for him then, but not now. And I, as a New Yorker, am FURIOUS to learn that he spent my tax dollars to have NYPD officers serve as a chauffeur service to take Judith Nathan, his mistress, shopping! Mr. Terrorism and Security put the Command and Control Center of the FDNY/NYPD in the WTC despite the fact that that site was the scene of a terrorist attack in 1993. He did it despite the protests from the top brass and at the cost of thousands of lives.

Giuliani did not want to give up the job of mayor before 9/11 and he tried to use 9/11 to muscle the NY City Council into letting him stay in office, despite the voters in New York having imposing term limits. The man is a fake. And his emptyheaded responses to questions showed it.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

OTTMANN — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 05:26:03 GMT

Mitt was very good having complete command of the issues. The other candidates, especially Rudy steal things Romney said long ago.

Mitt is a great problem solver who knows exactly how to fix things, as hee's done his entire professional career.

If we miss MITT, it will be a travesty!

McCain is just part of the same OLD problems, and basically sides with demonrats on everything.

Romney/Thompson '08, that's the ticket!

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Michael, Fort Myers, Fl — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 05:31:09 GMT

Once again, Romney lies with another flip-flop when Huckabee calls him out on the carpet (which he rarely does). And he gets rough with Huckabee and says that Huckabee is not true. Don't believe me? Here's the link about his approval of timelines for troop pullouts in Iraq.

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/story?id=3003765&page=1

Maybe he forgot that he said this and had this position... he must have been imagining marching in a parade with Mother Teresa.

I used to like Romney.... he is full of half-truths and lies. "My father walked with MLK" followed with ust another Clinton explanation of the definition of what "is" is. The "hidden" microphone in Iowa Radio station? 2 feet below the microphone he was using and they did a light check with him in the room. He knew he was being taped and lied about it.

For those of you who don't like Romney's position: not to worry, he'll change that soon enough. Don't forget: his new slogan after Iowa is "Change"! Even the journalists are laughing about it!!!! What a joke this guy is. To think he was my second choice for the GOP.... I feel sad.

Romney hits Huckabee and McCain by "contrasting" their issues with him (and in the case of Huckabee's ad, some of the information about HUckabee and he was wrong) but as soon as he gets called on the timeline with withdrawl from Iraw, or McCain's shots, he gets winny and cries foul! No sympathy from me you Kerry flip-flop-flip-flopper.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Rob, Lehi, UT — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 05:32:47 GMT

Wow. Romney can sure take a beating well. He's the kind of man this country needs at the helm. I say bring it on to all the other GOP candidates who have clearly proven they are only competant at name calling, distorting facts, and forming alliances with each other with no intention of ever being real friends. The tide is already turning to favor Mitt and the more McCain, Huckabee, and the rest beat on him instead of talking about the issues like Mitt tries to do, the more America is going to start respecting and liking him.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

A. Burns — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 05:50:05 GMT

I learned one thing tonight. If McCain gets the nomination, I'll vote for Hillary or Obama.

McCain = Disgraceful.

Gomer (Huck) was pretty disgraceful too, but I am convinced that his race is over after tonight - maybe not in S.C., but who cares?

McCain almost squishied his pants laughing at his own jokes - good thing the old man wears a colostomy bag.

Seriously people, McCain?

Just vote against McCain. Thompson, Romney, Rudy - anyone but McCain (well, and gomer.)

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Phil, NH — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 05:55:14 GMT

McCain is an A-hole who has no record worth defending. I admire him for his military service but he is vain and petty and too easily rattled to be President. Since the Keating affair, he has done nothing of note with his Senate chair. Except to shred free speech in the campaign reform bill (which was also supported by Thompson)
The Romney attackers sounded like a bunch of whining babies and it is irritating to have to listen to it when we really need to see a civil discussion of policy in a very dangerous age.

I'm voting on Tuesday for Romney

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Andrew, Eagan, MN — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 05:55:38 GMT

As one person already posted, they were ripping him for his flip-flopping, not his stances on the issues. And none of his sympathizers here have defended him on this, because it's a simple fact. I wouldnt mind the guy if his strategy didnt scream: 'Throw out a bunch of money and adapt to what the voters want'. Saying he's the "change" candidate after Obama wins Iowa on that ideology is a prime example. It's sad, really.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Believer, Durham, NC — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 05:59:15 GMT

steve yochum Nashville, Indiana 47448 - You're right. I think they missed reading that part in the Good Book about not coveting what your neighbor has.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Mike, Denver — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 06:01:40 GMT

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Taylor, Texas — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 06:05:55 GMT

Romney, way to take the high road.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

KS, Minnesota — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 06:06:13 GMT

The attacks on Romney in tonight's debate were very enlightening. I didn't know much about all the candidates until tonight but now I do. Romney took the attacks and grimaced (you could see it on his face), but his poise and well thought out responses on the issues (after the attacks as he got to the questions at hand) demonstrated his intelligence and the fact that he has deep insight into the problems facing this nation. He has clearly thought a lot about the issues and has developed some solid plans. I was very impressed with Romney tonight and despite the pundits, I believe he won the debate. I have been a Republican since before I was born and almost always voted a straight "R" ticket, but I'm still uncertain as to who I will vote for in this election. However, one thing is now certain for me, if Romney doesn't when the Repub nomination, my choice will be much easier - Obama. All of the other Republican candidates really showed their stuff tonight and truly turned me off.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Bob Cook — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 06:10:44 GMT

I respect all of the great men running for the republican nomination this year, but, I pose the question, which blues states will they bring to the table contra the red states they will forfeit. It looked to me like the democrats will pick up several red state out west after this sorry debate tonight.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Andrew, Eagan, MN — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 06:15:17 GMT

As one person already posted, they were attacking him for his flip-flopping, not his stances on the issues. And none of his sympathizers here have defended him on this, because it's a simple fact. I wouldnt mind the guy if his strategy didnt scream: 'Throw out a bunch of money and adapt to what the voters want'. Saying he's the "change" candidate after Obama wins Iowa on that ideology is a prime example. It's sad, really.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

R.Merrell — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 06:20:13 GMT

You have to wonder how good a business person Romney really is. He supposedly spent $17 million of his own money in Iowa. If he spends that much, on average, in all 50 states (if he lasts that long), he will have spent $850 million for a job that pays $400k/year. Most business leaders would call that a pretty poor return on investment. But then power corrupts...

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

RGraham, Las Vegas Nevada — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 06:31:58 GMT

The sooner Evangelicals start voting their brains instead of their narrow-minded and exclusionary form of religion, America will have a shot at a candidate that can actually win in November.

Spelled R-O-M-N-E-Y.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Dan Ramsey, San Diego, CA — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 06:56:17 GMT

McCain is going to put that BS artist Mitt Romney out of the race on Tuesday, and good riddance. The guy is the very essence of a sleazy used car salesman. Wonder why the other candidates were ganging up on him tonight? It's because they can't stand him! There's a reason the Concord Monitor, on its editorial page, said "We don't care who you vote for, just as long as it's NOT Mitt Romney!" In all my years of following politics, I have never seen an "endorsement" like that. You have to be a Grade A scumbag to get THAT kind of press!

John McCain will win decisively on Tuesday and it will be a great thing for Republicans when he does, because he consistently polls as the only Republican candidate who can beat either Hillary or Obama in November. He is the one true great man in this race, and he will be our next president. All you low-brow, knuckle-dragging ultra right-wingers who like to scream "Amesty! Amnesty!" at the drop of a hat better get used to the idea.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Anyone but Huckabee, Los Angeles, CA — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 07:19:33 GMT

I agree, Mitt was the subject of a lot of cheap shots aimed not at his record, but at him personally. I lost a lot of respect for McCain tonight. Going into this debate, I had no idea McCain could be so nasty. I even had a favorable view of him. No longer. And Huckabee - wow. Wasn't expecting to see his nasty side after he claimed he was taking the high ground. Hang in there, Mitt!

How can the media say that Mitt has to win NH to be a viable candidate?? Let's look at who the most viable candidate is nationally - Giuliani. And where is he placing in these early states? Mitt's goal of winning Iowa and NH was to get recognition - not to get first place necessarily. And recognition he has achieved. Plus, with Wyoming's tally, isn't he winning as far as the number of delegates go? Don't count Mitt out if he gets second in NH, and don't forget about Giuliani. Huckabee and McCain are not going to get far after tonight. What a disgrace for both of them.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Allen Stewart, Duluth, GA — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 07:28:03 GMT

It amazes me how immature, rude and ignorant the anti-Mitt posters come across, while the pro-Mitt posters are almost uniformly mature, polite and informed. McCain acts like a snickering 10-year-old brat rather than a potential President: he and you McCainiacs deserve each other.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

JH, Nashua NH — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 07:29:46 GMT

Mitt Romney has been truly consistent: he will change his positions and message depending upon the office and constituency he is gunning for. How ironic that he criticizes others for positions he himself advocated at the time (2001 and 2003 tax cuts). And now he's taking his strategy from the DEMOCRATS, the Obama campaign. I detect a huckster Bain and Co. consultant. Anyone but Mitt (and Paul). Mitt can't be trusted. From now on, instead of calling him Mitt Romney, I'm calling him Flip Romney. NH folks, I encourage you to not vote for Flip Romney.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Ben — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 07:29:54 GMT

McCain = Childish and Grumpy Old Man.

Huckabee = Childish and Dumb, where was Walker Texas Ranger?

Thompson = Some good points but boring and a slow talker, nothing in specifics just generalizations.

Giuliani = Grown up responses (unlike others) but is not very conservative.

Paul = Looney Tunes.

Romney = Intellectual, to the point, made a lot of sense all while having to babysit all night long.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Carol Orlando, Florida — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 07:42:00 GMT

So much for the positive campaigns of McCain and Huckabee! For McCain, I'm not sure whether it is senility or simply hypocrisy when he decries negative campaigning while running personal attack ads on Romney. His performance tonight was pathetic. He seems like a bitter, nasty old man who is in his second childhood, since his jabs were juvenile and fell flat. Huckabee seemed to relish being nasty - how Christian! But he is a wolf in sheep's clothing - as devious and manipulative as they come. Hiring Ed Rollins tells us a lot about his character. And as for his answers: he was truly out of his element - unable to talk about anything substantive - only able to offer platitudes and generalities. At times he looked like a deer caught in the headlights. Romney was the only adult on the stage. The pile-on tells you more about the others than about Romney. His ads deal only with issues. He never attacks anyone personally. Too bad they couldn't treat him in the same way. The entire debate centered around him, and he was the true winner - both in style and substance.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Neil, Cedar Rapids, IA — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 07:48:05 GMT

Some of these comments regarding Mitt's sudden "victim status" with the debate's personal barbs is quite laughable.

Most of you haven't been witness to the way Mitt runs his campaign. I live in Iowa, and almost to the day that Mitt appeared to be losing in the Iowa polls, he has called my house daily with trash talking recorded messages about Mike Huckabee. I received mailing after mailing of attack .... excuse me, "contrast" ads. Funny thing, a contrast is a comparison of two things. With every mailing, there was no mention of Romney or his stances, it was all negative garbage about Huckabee. I literally couldn't turn on the TV for one minute without seeing some slanderous attack of Huckabee. Nice try though to buy our vote through character assassination techniques.

I have to give it to Mitt for being Mr. Consistant on one thing. Now that McCain is threatening to take him out for good in N.H., he's doing the same thing against him. But, the heat is directed at him for an hour on national TV, and suddenly we're all supposed to feel sorry that he is getting unfair treatment and he's taking the high road. Laughable!

If this debate was a 3rd grade playground as others have suggested, Mitt was just the Eddie Haskell-like bully, and his time had come to get fed a spoonful of his own medicine that he had coming to him.

Doesn't taste too good does it Mitt? That's ok, you'll get to go home and rest for a long time next Wednesday.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Anyone but Huckabee, Los Angeles, CA — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 07:53:00 GMT

To David, in Salt Lake - "Gosh it looks like Romney's paid staff are blogging on this site."

Nope, not paid staff - just intelligent people looking for a leader who is sharp enough to be the POTUS and stand up to whoever the Dems elect. Tonight it was very clear that Romney and Giuliani are the only ones who have a chance against the civilized Democrats. I was very impressed with how well they handled themselves in their debate. Only two Republicans belonged in that debate with the Dems. The rest were either laughable, or just plain childish (or both.)

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Mark Bright, Columbia, SC — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 07:53:08 GMT

Thompson did an incredible job showing his aptitude of policy and poise during the fighting that ensued between all the other candidates. Keep up the great work Senator - you'll rise to the top while everyone else squabbles!

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Dave, Plano, TX — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 08:00:46 GMT

Big picture - this debate was opposite the AFC Wild Card game. Nobody, except political junkies, actually watched it. If this debate influences anyone, it will be from the press spin (and not much more than the headlines at that) tommorrow morning. If it is "Romney was piled-on", he gets the sympathy vote from most folks. If it is "Romney looked bad", then he is further weakened.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Greg — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 08:53:52 GMT

You can always tell who is really winning by who the pack attacks. Earlier in the year it was Giuliani. Now it is clearly Romney.

No one is worried about Huckabee. He is a lite-weight. No substance and no following outside evangelicals. His poor showing with non-evangelicals in Iowa (less than 13% or 1 to every 3 for Romney) is glaring evidence that he is toast anywhere his "identity politics" doesn't have a strong numerical advantage.

Thompson looked good. Romney was tough enough to weather the tag-team attack from MacHuckabee.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Mark D, Middleboro, MA — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 09:14:09 GMT

Clearly, the Mormons are out in force tonight defending their man (robot?) Remember Mitt, who was for abortion before he was against it? Remember Mitt, who said he was "more pro-gay rights than Ted Kennedy," and now hates the gays. Remember Mitt Romney who said he saw his father march with Martin Luther King and then had to defend himself by saying, "It depends on what the meaning of 'saw' is..." The same Mitt Romney who in the late 70's said he himself had marched with King, but who, of course, had not. Yep, Mitt's the real deal, ain't he???

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Chris PA — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 12:04:22 GMT

Gosh it looks like Romney's paid staff are blogging on this site. I guess that's what 20 million buys.

So everyone supporting Mitt is a plant from his campaign but no one bashing him or praising Mccain/Huckabee is a plant from their camps?

Give me a breal.

Romney won the wyoming caucuses today and there is a good chance he will win NH.

Let's see what you have to say then David.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Norma Parker, McMinnville, Oregon 97128 — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 12:26:37 GMT

Romney does NEED the presidency, but the nation NEEDS Romney to strengthen our economy and improve our standing around the world. Romney is our best bet.
He is a proven problem-solver from outside the beltway!

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Bryan, Boston, MA — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 12:38:58 GMT

Wake up! Of COURSE the guys on the stage don't like Romney...HE's the guy to beat and everyone knows it. It makes me want to vote for him all the more. "No one kicks a dead dog" as they say. These guys on the stage never attack Romney on the issues, BECAUSE THEY KNOW HIS POSITIONS ARE SOLID. Their only recourse is to stand up there and take cheep shots. Religious fanatic Huckabee doesn't have a chance period. He is unelectable. So is Ron Paul. Scratch them off the list-you're wasting your vote. McCain is really a democrat: 1)wants to restrict free speech(wants to make it ILLEGAL to publicly criticize public officials) 2)is FOR RAISING TAXES, and 3)Wants to allow illegal immigrants to stay and keep coming. This isn't some distant past that he has changed away from, THIS IS WHAT HE BELIEVES AND IS A PROPONENT FOR RIGHT NOW. Wake up folks and look at the issues.
Romney is the ONLY candidate who has detailed plans to 1) Cut Taxes, 2) Secure our Boarders, 3)Dry up Illegal Immigration, 4)Strengthen our Military, 5)Reform Healthcare, and 6)have America TOTALLY Energy Independent by 2020.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Bryan, Boston, MA — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 12:42:09 GMT

Look who is winning the delegates..Go Mitt!:

Romney: 17 (9 IA, 8 WY)
Huckabee: 13 (13 IA)
Thompson: 8 (5 IA, 3 WY)
McCain: 5 (5 IA)
Paul: 4 (4 IA)
Giuliani: 1 (1 IA)
Hunter: 1 (1 WY)

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Stephen — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 13:11:01 GMT

Romney kept interrupting McCain and trying to overpower him. Huckabee did decently, nothing earth shattering. I still think McCain and Thompson look too old and tired. Guliani is just not a great debater.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

allen ridge annapolis md — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 13:41:10 GMT

I feel that Gov Romney handled the personal attacks by Senator McCain very well. He did not get angry and frustrated, but sticked to the issues and defended his use of advertisements to point out the strong difference between his and Senator McCain's positions on illegal immigration.

It seems to be a very touchy issue for McCain and his only defense was to backlash at Romney with personal attacks and slide remarks. For a 71 year old man with all his experience I feel it was a very juvenile display of his character.

Stick to the issues Mr. McCain. If you cannot properly defend your support of amnesty for illegal immigrants, admit you were wrong and take it like a man

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

M.J. Weston — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 14:07:33 GMT

Mitt Romney clearly won the Saturday debate. Mr. McCain acted like a bitter senile old man attacking a more intelligent opponent. Reverend Governor Huck needs to understand the point ( if any) of his criticisms, then he won't look more stupid when called on to explain them. Thompson just needs to go back to sleep. Thompson makes VP Dick Cheney look vibrant and progressive.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

M.J. Weston in Alabama — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 14:31:36 GMT

Mr. McCain has again proven that he is a bitter senile old man that shouldn't be allowed to take a White House Tour much less have his finger on the "nuclear trigger." It is best for the Party and the Nation if McCain would resign from the Senate and drop out of the race for President. Enough Republicans would rather vote for the Democrat to insure his defeat, before taking such a dangerous chance with McCain.

Four years of hearing Reverend Governor Huck's sermonettes would be unbearable. This guy changes his positions daily ( granted some for the better)so it is hard to understand how he can criticize Romney for changing his position a lot less frequently.

Thompson is just not well and cannot campaign and needs to drop out completely. His comments characterized as criticisms of Romney were meaningless or just downright incoherent. He speaks as if he had nothing to say.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Bill Hicks, Kailua, HI — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 14:34:03 GMT

FLIP: Flood New Hampshire with mailings that say “John McCain: Supports Amnesty” and TV ads that say McCain “supported amnesty for illegal immigrants” and “wrote the amnesty bill.”

Then in the debate get challenged face-to-face with “The fact is, it’s not amnesty, and for you to describe it as you do in the attack ads, my friend, you can spend your whole fortune on these attack ads, but it still won’t be true.”

FLOP: Romney answered “I don’t describe your plan as amnesty in my ad, I don’t call it amnesty.”

It's clear that McCain doesn't have much patience for a candidate who is insincere in his positions. (There are websites galore that discuss "Romney facts".) Frankly, Thompson, Giuliani, and Huckabee ALL took on Romney. There's a reason comparisons between Romney and Eddie Haskell keep popping up!

I'm sorry this whole discussion is in the gutter, but there's only one candidate primarily responsible for putting it there in both Iowa and New Hampshire, and that is Mitt.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

bgbest, Lexington,SC — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 16:41:46 GMT

CONSERVATIVES WAKE-UP!!

To so called CONSERVATIVES supporting McCain or Huckabee I hope you saw the childish jabs your candidates were throwing last night. Looked like high schoolers in detention, and I'm no Romney supporter. He is new to the Conservative movement. Also for folks who thought Thompson sounded theoretical, I can't help but have the impression that you are also new to the conservative movement.

FRED THOMPSON is running on the same Principals that were responsible for the Republican Revolution that took over Congress in 1994. The same Principals the rest of the field gives much lip service to, especially Romney. Then Romney supports MANDATES for healthcare - what?? He's no conservative, and there are other problems.

FRED THOMPSON is the only candidate with a record consistent with the three legs of the Conservtive platform: Strong Defense, Economic strength through smaller Gov't and lower taxes, and Socially conservative - 100% pro-life voting record and anti-gay marriage.

You may have noticed how long winded Mitt, Rudy, John, and Mike were at trying to explain their incorrect and inconsistent statements and records. The MSM medias mis-representation of Thompson, and other candidates using dirty tricks (Romney's camp starting the rumor Fred was dropping out and supporting McCain on the eve of the Iowa Cacuas) has done some damage. But the key take away from last night's debate was Thompson was the only one who stayed above the fray and didn't have to waste time trying to clarify older positions. Expect that again tonight at the Fox forum. CONSERVATIVES YOU HAVE A CANDIDATE - FRED THOMPSON - WAKE UP!!

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Chad Majors, Houston, TX — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 17:47:28 GMT

All you Huck fans seem to think that Mitts negative ads were all about Huck personally. They weren't. They were about his record and what he voted and did. However Huck can't seem to stop talking negative about Mitt negativily on a personal level. Did you see his press conference last week? Talk about a flip flopper and a sneeky backstabber. They guy is slime.
My best comparison is President Logan from the series '24.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Caryn, Gilbert, AZ — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 18:03:40 GMT

Romney looked like a jerk tonight in my opinion. I was leading toward Paul and he did win my vote because he was the only adult up there who had anything smart to say about history and economy. Everyone else just talks in circles and says nothing of substance. What disrespect. I wouldn't want any of the others running my country for that reason alone.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Kenny Grimm, Phoenix, Arizona — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 18:19:20 GMT

The way that the other candidates mocked and laughed at Ron Paul should show all reasonable people just how scared they are of his message. Not only was this completely see-through, it was also extremely rude and very unpresidential. I cannot believe that after watching this debate that there would be people that actually stand by these other candidates which are no more than bullying jerks.

The one thing they cannot refute is that we pull the strings all over the middle east and much of the world. We fund the dictators in Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, we created, funded and trained Osama bin Laden and the Taliban, Sadam Hussein, etc. and these guys think that we have done no harm in that region??? Why exactly are we in Iraq, there was and is NO link to terrorism or WMD and now we are left with the excuse of spreading democracy. Well guess what, this democracy that we are spreading over there is creating a new generation of terrorists to continue our never-ending war. A few hundred thousand innocent people over in Iraq killed already and we are still blaming their hatred towards us on our FREEDOM? Are you kidding me?

He is the only one trying to tell the American people the truth about or international presence and why we are hated in many parts of the world. Unfortunately those like Romney, Guliani and Thompson are too dense to be able to comprehend why it is that we are able to spend 100 billion a year over in Iraq. Did they create a new tax to pay for this "war"? No, they inflate the money supply which is essentially a secret tax that will be repaid with inflation occurring over the next decade here in the US.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

S. Moore, Front Royal, VA — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 18:33:50 GMT

I was so disappointed by the utter lack of respect the candidates were displaying. They were acting like boys in a locker room, not PRESIDENTIAL candidates. It was disgusting and painful to watch. To think we may call one of these men "President" is a sad reflection on the idiocy of the American public.

Why would Romney LAUGH when RP says that there are extremists in many religions? Is that funny? Is it untrue? And he wants to FORCE us to have insurance? You pay penalties if you do not? Yeah, that's freedom.

How can Giuliani be taken seriously if he truly believes our foreign policy has NOTHING to do with terrorism? Are there people out there stupid enough to think we are attacked because "they hate our freedoms"? They blow themselves up because we are free? Osama himself said it was because of FOREIGN POLICY. The 9/11 Commission Report explains foreign policy's role in terrorism. CIA intellignece reports also back up the foreign policy issues we have. I can't believe people would vote for Giuliani who is obviously either a pandering fool or has an iq of a rock.

And McCain...where do I begin. I'm ashamed that I used to like this man. He is INSANE. The hysterical giggling, snide comments, condescending attitude towards ALL of the candidates makes me sick. This is a man who changed after the 2000 elections- he let go of his principles. He cannot be trusted to hold true to anything he says. The record shows it and we don't need a giggling madman leading the country.

Thompson...not as bad but he didn't seem to be very credible, either. If he doesn't understand inflation and how the printing of money contributes he might want to read up on economics instead of laughing at the one candidate who has spent HIS ENTIRE LIFE studying economics.

I'm amazed at the sheer idiocy regarding foreign policy and economic policy I heard at this debate. It is obvious that Dr. Paul is the only intellect running on the Republican side. Americans seriously need to get over the popularity contest and start educating themselves on the issues, not going by what they're being told by pundits and campaign spinzones. I am so ashamed of our country right now and am ashamed to call myself a Republican. We elect idiots, we are the joke of the world...not to mention the bullies of the world. Wake up America. Please.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Tara, Laurens, SC — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 19:07:19 GMT

I couldn't agree more with S. Moore (below). Americans need to stop letting the media run their lives; the media is run by politicians and big business who look out for only each other. Learn about our options for President, decide for yourselves... get the country back on a democratic, constitutional track. Now is the time to take America back into our own hands so we can take care of ourselves and each other with a stronger economy, a secure foreign policy, and a leader that wants to actually help his fellow citizens rather than help himself. GOOGLE/YOUTUBE RON PAUL - PLEASE!!!

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Jason, Philadelphia, PA. — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 19:12:42 GMT

Ron Paul was the only candidate on the stage that behaved like a President should. Watching these supposed front-runners quibble like angry old men was absurd. They are a sad representation of the current state of the Republican party. How about discussing actual issues and solutions? Ron Paul proved last night that he is the only decent, honest and intelligent politician left.

Dr. Paul believes in the Constitution and in the ideas our forefathers held. Ideas like liberty, no nation building, and respect for the individual. He got laughs from the establishment candidates on stage when he mentioned the problems regarding our foreign policy over the past 6-8 years. It is almost as if the other candidates have been trying to marginalize Dr. Paul by making him seem crazy, but I doubt that intelligent Americans can be persuaded by that nonsense. We smell the fear.

I know that last night's spectacle brought even more support to Congressman Paul's campaign and I expect a really good showing in N.H. The President Paul era will be an amazing time for our country.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Sal, Miami, FL — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 19:24:24 GMT

While I haven't been completely convinced to vote for Paul, I might take another look after watching last night's debate. The other candidates are starting to talk in circles without getting anywhere, but I am becoming more and more convinced that Ron Paul would be the one to actually implement the change that our country so deparately needs. Foreigners hate us, the corruption in government is sickening, and no income tax would put more money in everyone's pocket. Who can argue with that?

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

CDE, NJ — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 19:24:38 GMT

Mccain showed us his true colors last night.

He is nothing but a petty, vindictive, old man.

Watching the debate you just got the sense that if the cameras weren't rolling Mccain would have just got up and told Romney to go f himself and then walked off stage laughing and smiling in his usual manner.

Why he is doing so well in NH and how anyone could take Mccain seriously is beyond me. I hope the people in NH that saw that debate last night come to their sense between now and Tuesday and decide not to vote for this guy.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Kristi E Jamestown, NC — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 20:38:26 GMT

It's interesting the number of comments regarding the candidates "not" flip-flopping on the issues. If you'll recall the very beginning of the debate, every candidate was accused of flip flopping except for one. I challenge you to look it up on youtube & see for yourself. Romney has some good ideas. However, he seems to be copying another candidate who had those same good ideas 30 years ago & still holds to them. Do a google search on Romney, Huckabee & Ron Paul, compare the candidates fairly (including taking the TIME to look into their entire voting history!), then make your decision. If you refuse to do the research & get into the nitty gritty, you have no right to complain about the IRS, terrorism, healthcare or anything other hot issues we face today.

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Tyler Barnett, Lexington, KY. — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 20:58:15 GMT

What upsets me is the ignorance in (some) the Republican candidates. Let me explain, throughout the debate Rommney, Huckabee, Guiliani, Thompson and McCain all said that the middle east and the "terrorist/extremeist" hate us because we are "free". THIS IS NOT TRUE!!! In a recent video from Bin Laden he clearly says that they hate us and have declared jihad because we have been occupying their lands and killing their people for decades! You can see this video here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3oDtqX5Wopk

Clearly the ONLY candidate that has said this over-and-over and GOT IT RIGHT, was congressman RON PAUL! Now, I know alot of people don't really "agree" with some of Pauls stances, BUT... he is absolutely right about foreign policy, the middle east, war, etc.

It's about time that America WAKES UP and realizes that what they are hearing from the media and from the candidates, excluding Ron Paul, are all LIES!!! Wake up and VOTE FOR RON PAUL in order to save our country!!!

Initial take away: everyone gangs up on Romney

Tracey Laws, IA — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 00:48:28 GMT

Michael, Fort Myers, Fl - but his father DID march with MLK. So you're whole premise is flawed. Do your homework .