Post-debate first take: Fred's not dead...

Jamie, Salt Lake, Utah — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 03:43:35 GMT

Glad to see Fred's not dead. Take SC and remind all so-called Republicans nationwide of what a Republican Actor can do, Thompson. Go Thompson!

Post-debate first take: Fred's not dead...

Gerald Kampton, Myrtle Beach, SC — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 03:44:31 GMT

I agree that Romney and Thompson stood out tonight... I also thought Romney was the best in New Hampshire.

I also appreciated Thompson pounding down that imbecile Huckabee - Hey Huck, did you REALLY not know why we gave support to Pakistan?

Post-debate first take: Fred's not dead...

Jamie, Salt Lake, Utah — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 03:45:36 GMT

Let me also take this opportunity to thank First Read for this point for point of the debate. I actually felt like I was there. Wow! You go, First Read.

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Ryan K, Washington, DC — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 03:45:59 GMT

Chucck "Establishment" Todd - HELLO! Ron Paul's ideas are legitimate and at the very least he bring attentions to issues that the Republicans would rather avoid, so I'm sorry he distracted you, but that comes with democracy.

Post-debate first take: Fred's not dead...

Susan Alcoss, Myrtle Beach, SC — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 03:46:32 GMT

Thompson had a good night... Mitt Romney was also exceptional.

Mike Huckabee dodged every tough question and tried to make a joke out of the others - NOT very presidential.

Guiliani and McCain (ESPECIALLY McCain) were dissapointing.

Post-debate first take: Fred's not dead...

Dave, Tn — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 03:46:32 GMT

Where are the great success stories where democrats control the budget of a state? Any of them not losing tax base?

Post-debate first take: Fred's not dead...

Robert Johnson — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 03:46:44 GMT

Ron Paul has no chance? Listen Chuck, he beat Giuliani in Iowa and almost had Thompson and McCain as well. Then he went on to beat Thompson in New Hampshire and almost beat Rudy again!

I'm so sick of you biased reporters writing these terribly biased articles. It's getting old...Really!

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Scott, NJ — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 03:47:24 GMT

As far as Ron Paul:

Maybe it's because he's polling about as well as Rudy is in S.C.? So you exclude Paul in a SC debate, you should exclude Rudy as well.

Paul's presence just makes the other candidates look silly when all they do is resort to name calling and personal attacks against him. The one Republican candidate who feels differently than the status quo on economics, liberty and foreign policy and the easy answer from the media and the other candidates is to ridicule him.

At least he provides something a little bit different in the debates. A political reporter should know that, you hear those same stump speeches every day and half of the lines they use during the debates are taken directly from those speeches or previous debates. Very little is ever new.

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MitRox08, MI — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 03:49:06 GMT

Ron Paul is more relevant today to the Republican party than ever. In PRINCIPAL he is second to none and a true defender of the Constitution. On some of his issues he's just not PRACTICAL in our current domestic and global environment. Trying to paint him as a distraction says more about you than him. And for that pathetic Fox commentator to even question whether he was even Republican was just disgusting.

Besides if we're questioning who is a real Republican, that question should have been directed at Huckabee.

Go MITT!!!

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bg arlington, tx — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 03:49:10 GMT

Ron Paul was treated poorly by the other candidates and Fox News, as well as your smug assessment. I don't even know if I'll vote for the guy, but the way everyone is treating one of the more principled candidates is irksome.

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Christopher Thurow — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 03:49:50 GMT

Chuck you have proven you have zero journalism skills. But then....NBC is on a Obama love fest so there you go.

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Jarrod, Faiview, TN — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 03:50:10 GMT

Try again Pundit. Ron Paul has support and an alternative view. He deserved to be there.

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DenisL — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 03:50:13 GMT

Would someone tell me why we should NOT elect Ron Paul? The rest seem to be talking crazy talk about our military adventures in the Middle East. Additionally, no one seems to understand the problem with the economy, inflation, and out of control deficit spending. One can not talk about tax cuts without talking about cutting spending. We have a $9 trillion debt that must be paid so we can afford Social Security and Medicare. The interest payments will eat us alive when we begin to fight inflation with higher Federal Reserve bank rates. And we must stop inflation or everyone's life savings will go down the tubes, along with our middle class, like what has happened to the middle class in most countries south of our border. And do not forget National Health Insurance, which is coming down the tracks right at us, unless Republicans begin to understand the seriousness of runaway inflation. And start educating the country. The Democrats will sure not do fight inflation like Volcker and Reagan did!
Please vote Ron Paul and save the country from bankruptcy abroad and at home!

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Bill Irwin, Brea, CA — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 03:50:40 GMT

Dear Mr. Todd,

Please explain how the 'only' conservative candidate should be excluded from the debates?

A distraction?

He is the only candidate that is educating the audience during these debates (Republican and/or Democrat).

I'm so surprised that the Honorable Congressman from Texas is looked at as a distraction. The economy, foreign policy, gold, spending...he is the only candidate discussing the issues in detail (not in general ambigious statements like the others).

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Robert, Utah — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 03:50:51 GMT

Mitt Romney has a little problem that is Telling the Truth please watch this video and judge for yourself:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeP5A5cczqk&eurl=http://republicansagainstromney.blogspot.com/

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Natasha B, New Haven, CT — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 03:52:01 GMT

I really like Huckabee but the role of women issue will be tough to overcome in a general election. His record in Arkansas is pretty impressive.

But when the chips are down, I'd have to go with the person that I would trust the most to deliver and that would be McCain or Obama. I do think that the Dems will tear Obama apart and leave his supporters really pissed off and ripe for the picking for an "accross-the-aisle" Republican like McCain.

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Curt Blakely, Arkansas — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 03:52:03 GMT

Fox is such a scam! You are right, they should have kept Ron Paul out, because he should not be up there with the rest of those frauds. He is the only one that makes any sense, and should distance himself from the neoconservative party.

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Bill Irwin, Brea, CA — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 03:52:09 GMT

Post-debate first take: Fred's not dead...

Dmitriy, Frisco, TX — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 03:52:34 GMT

Chuck, to ridicule and make fun of a man who is stands up for YOUR freedom, you should be more than ashamed. You should resign, you already have enough corporate money to live a toxic-free life while others suffer. :)

Post-debate first take: Fred's not dead...

george, houston, tx — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 03:52:35 GMT

i think ron paul brought in some real points. when asked if he was conservative, ron paul shined like a crazy diamond.

Post-debate first take: Fred's not dead...

Stop Flip Flopping Mitt — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 03:52:56 GMT

More Bizzarre stuff from Mitt Romney

Already under scrutiny for shifting positions on key issues and his Mormon faith, presidential hopeful Mitt Romney has made a bizarre new flip flop - saying on national TV his favorite novel is Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard’s “Battlefield Earth.”

The former Massachusetts governor told Fox News his favorite book was the Bible but his favorite novel was the science fiction tome “Battlefield Earth.”

“Actually, the one by L. Ron Hubbard,” Romney said when asked to name his favorite novel. “I’m not in favor of his religion by any means, but he wrote a book called ‘Battlefield Earth’ that was a very fun science fiction book.”

The Mark Twain novel “Huckleberry Finn” tops the book list on Romney’s My Space page. “Battlefield Earth” isn’t on the list.

Romney spokesman Eric Fehrnstrom said: “Battlefield Earth is pretty good science fiction. It’s about Earth being ruled by an alien race, sort of the way the Democrats are running Congress.”

Read More:

http://www.religionnewsblog.com/18149/mitt-romney-3

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Aaron, Austin, Tx — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 03:53:25 GMT

Fox set Paul up. They invited him back on the show and asked him questions about 911 conspiracy and his electability. The 911 question was asked after all other candidates were asked about Reagan. Also, how can you question Pauls electability without question Thompsons? Paul has garnered 10 x's more votes than Thompson to date!!!!!

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Tom J, Plymouth MA — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 03:53:45 GMT

Chuck,

It's too early to exclude Ron Paul. Without him there wouldn't be anyone to ask whether we should indeed have bases in 70% of the world's countries. If the Fed is a good thing then politicians should stand up and explain why it is good for America...unless we are too dumb to have it explained to us.

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Keith Ericson, Clemson, SC — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 03:53:59 GMT

Huckabee thinks he's running for mr. jokester... I can't take him seriously anymore because he never answers the questions asked of him.

McCain is a one horse show...
Guiliani - ditto.

Mitt Romney was his solid self - I guess the country just has to get past his religion and they'll have the type of president we need.

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Max Power — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 03:55:25 GMT

Move along people, nothing of substance to see here just the status quo

RonPaul2008

Post-debate first take: Fred's not dead...

George H. W. Bush, Houston, Texas — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 03:55:40 GMT

Give me a break Chuck Todd.

A distraction, all 7 1/2 minutes of attention. Get a clue Chucky!

Dr. Paul was spot on tonight and made salient point after salient point. Unfortunately, Americans are not ready to face up to our impending financial disaster. And rest assured, the Media will not help them come to that realization.

Post-debate first take: Fred's not dead...

mike, arlington, va — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 03:55:43 GMT

On what grounds could Fox keep Ron Paul out? He beat Giuliani in IA and Thompson in NH, has more delegates than Giuliani, and is the -one- Republican offering a different message.

How was he a distraction? Methinks someone blew out the tiny candle in your pumpkin head and now it's empty and dark. You're a shill, Todd, and you embody all that is wrong with the media's role in politics.

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Connor, Austin, TX — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 03:55:55 GMT

We are in a sad stage in American politics when the only candidate that speaks reality instead of hollow rhetoric is considered a distraction.

rEVOLution

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Brett , Franklin TN — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 03:56:02 GMT

Distraction.......the only distraction here is your biased, un-american smears against the one guy who actually cares about the country you live it.

You should be ashamed of yourself man....you really should. Your kind is truly sickening.

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James Strong, Tampa Bay, Fla — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 03:56:03 GMT

I'm completely convinced now that "Baptists" would rather have a great candidate like Mitt Romney "ousted" rather than have the best man in the Oval Office.

Just like the Democrats are willing to sacrifice the best interests of the nation to have us lose handily in Iraq so that they will look good.

Shame on both of you...

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Ken, Phoenix — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 03:56:17 GMT

What do you mean they should have excluded Dr. Paul? He is the only Republican who seems willing to address the issue of inflation, which happens to be the greatest challenge this Country faces going forward. He's got my vote! He had the greatest response of the night when Fox asked if he is a credible republican because of his views. It was like a slow pitch and he smacked it into the seats! Go Ron Paul!

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Steven Hansen, West Bountiful — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 03:57:05 GMT

Mitt Romney you Have Broken Us, as always more flip flopping

More flip Flopping from Mitt Romney, do you really want a scumbag like this.

Governor Romney…imposed a slew of fee hikes and tax 'loophole' closures….The largest of these was $259 million worth of fee hikes in FY 2004, the bulk of which came from higher Registry of Deeds fees. Smaller fee hikes, including higher charges for boaters and golfers, we imposed in FY 2003 and FY 2005. Romney also sought $128 million worth of so-called tax loophole closures for FY 2004; $70 million for FY 2005; and $170 million for FY 2006, which were later reduced to $85 million due to backlash from business leaders."
- Club for Growth's White Paper on Mitt Romney

"Romney continues to oppose the flat tax with harsh language, calling the tax 'unfair.'"
- Club for Growth's White Paper on Mitt Romney

The Governor would also seek to raise $128 million in revenue by closing corporate tax loopholes (Rick Klein, “Massachusetts Governor’s Proposed Budget Includes Layoffs, New Fees”, Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News, 2/27/2003)

Despite the governor's pledge of no new taxes, his proposal does increase some taxes and fees: The administration says it can collect an additional $70 million by "closing loopholes" in corporate and sales tax rules (Scott Greenberger, “Massachusetts Governor Sets $22.98 Billion Budget Blueprint”, Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News, 1/29/2004)

“…business groups objected so strongly to a proposed $170 million tax increase that Romney snuffed the idea and proposed $85 million instead.” (Alexander Bolton, “Romney’s Tax Record Gets A Closer Look,” The Hill, 3/27/2007)

Governor Romney even raised taxes on some New Hampshire residents who worked in Massachusetts, taxing their income and their pensions. Learn more

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James O — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 03:57:26 GMT

It's kind of sad that Americans have been "dumbed down" so badly that they go to sleep when Ron Paul starts talking monetary policy. He's the only one who admits the US is in the recession. He's the only one who wants to get of out of this silly war that's bankrupting us. If you think he was a distraction in this debate, either you didn't watch the same debate I did, or you're just too slow to understand Mr. Paul's points.

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Sean Casey — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 03:57:31 GMT

Are you kidding about Ron Paul. He made this a debate, otherwise you would be hearing the same positions from all the candidates.
Do you believe the media should decide you gets to be in the debates? Didn't you learn anything from the dems in NH?
If a candidate is on the ballot they should be in the debate. PERIOD.
Please let us voters decide!!!
You have no respect for our democracy by excluding a candidate that is on the ballot in the state where the debate is being held and even less understanding of the role of media.
Report the news and let us decide!!

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Aaron, Austin, Tx — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 03:57:32 GMT

I say ditch the other republicans, fox, msnbc, and the rest of the biased media. How can someone 'win' a debate when asked questions that attempt to make them look stupid? I renounce my party affiliation..I think the Wigg Party is coming back in 2008. GO RON PAUL. I WILL VOTE FOR HIM IF I HAVE TO WRITE IT IN.

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Darcy Fitzpatrick, Detroit, Michigan — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 03:57:41 GMT

Mitt Romney looks very presidential.

Huckabee... NO!
McCain... Would have 10 years ago.

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Natasha B, New Haven, CT — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 03:57:45 GMT

There's some brutal honesty in Ron Paul's message. Whether you're for him or against him, you have to appreciate his gumption at standing strong in the face of pretty skeptical moderators.

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Michael Burgos, Carthage, NY — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 03:58:39 GMT

Ron Paul does tend to ramble, but out of the entire field he is the only one that understands the strain the military is facing, and the fact that we can't afford to keep our policies in place forever. I am in the Army and have deployed. The fact is we are trying to make our military the Diplomatic hand of our national strategy. There are 4 fundamentals to national security (Diplomacy, Information, Military, and Economic) Ron Paul is the only Republican that recognizes that there is more then just one way to win the war against Terrorism. I just wish the republicans would stop yelling "Terrorists" or "Al Quada" every time someone doesn't fall in line with the establishment. These are cheap scare tactics that I hope the American people will finally see through.

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Enrico Purita Long Island, New York — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 03:58:54 GMT

chuck...plain and simple

you are another tool of the mass media establishment. You don't seem to mention the poor manner in which Paul was treated by FoxNews. They asked him to explain why some of his supporters identify themselves as "9/11 truthers." This is insanity! I've actually become frightened of the way the media is influencing the opinion of the general public.

Shame on you and your skills as a journalist.

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Aaron, Austin, Tx — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 03:59:01 GMT

Here comes the text voting....who wants to bet it is as scripted and phony as that room of old Thomopson supporters at the end of the debate?

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Sean Casey NY NY — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 03:59:10 GMT

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boyd, maryville, tn — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 03:59:43 GMT

seems to me that the elephant I'm the room is that we are borrowing money to pay our past debts of foreign adventures, let alone the debt we incur on the present incursions. if bitching about that makes me a Taft Republican, I gladly accept the mantle. ron paul could be packaged better, no doubt, but the man is sounding a warning bell no one else has guts enough to sound.

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Robert Fairchild, Mobile, Alabama — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 04:00:17 GMT

I hope it is now clear that Mike Huckabee doesn't have the neccessary tools to be a president!

Huckabee didn't even have a clue on foreign affairs...

McCain did - but thats ALL he knows - his cranky attitude wouldn't last one year in the White House!

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Garrett Gebhardt — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 04:00:24 GMT

A distraction? The only man on stage making any sense is "a distraction"? Sorry to distract viewers with actual reasoned logic and no-spin Republicanism.

You tell me, are a few little speedboats going to threaten U.S. Navy warships? Get real. We shouldn't even be over there. Why are we? Always ask the question, "Who benefits?"

Is the economy magically going to get better? Do you see prices declining anywhere? I don't and using the Fed to bail out the banks isn't going to help Joe Citizen one bit.

You can cut taxes all you want- if inflation keeps increasing all the money saved on taxes will be spent directly on goods and services. Plus lower taxes don't help those who are losing their jobs to illegals or to overseas.

Should the U.S. not know that McCain wants us to stay in Iraq for 100 years? His rebuttal was to bring up other countries we have been in for 50 years. Guess what, that's the point! We shouldn't be occupying them either! Is Germany going to become a Nazi state once we leave? Perhaps Japan will bomb Pearl Harbor again. Get real.

Of course this dangerous thinking is a distraction from the Spears family drama and Brangelina. Go back to sleep now, little sheep. Trust in your government.

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Todd Schuller — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 04:00:54 GMT

If this is your idea of journalism you are sadly mistaken. These debates need substance to inform the American public not your bias bull shit about who should be in or out. Pitiful article.

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Jo, CA — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 04:01:20 GMT

Congratulations Chuck, you have publicly outed yourself as being equally as unfair and unbalanced as Fox. You are a poor and pathetic excuse for someone who is in the position to have some degree of journalistic integrity. I don't know how you sleep at night.

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Brian, Bennington VT — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 04:01:42 GMT

Chuck, Thompson has no chance at the nomination. None. He got less than 1% of the vote in NH.

Guiliani has had fewer total primary voters vote for him so far than Paul.

Paul will probably get more votes in SC than Giuliani as well.

Your judgment about which candidates "belong" there because they're "serious" is asinine and without basis to this point in the campaign.

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jb — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 04:03:40 GMT

McCain Ridicules Afghani Burkas, Huckabee talks about sending our enemies to the gates of Hell, Giuliani thinks Israel, a country of less than half the population of new york city an equal partner in an alliance, and Thompson thinks we should trust that the federal reserve will do the right thing, and you think Ron Paul shouldn't be there. One of us is crazy, and I don't think it is me.

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Steve Hansen, Boulder, CO — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 04:05:01 GMT

Mitt Romney is for Gun Control please read below:

In his 1994 US Senate run, Romney backed two gun-control measures strongly opposed by the National Rifle Association and other gun-rights groups: the Brady Bill, which imposed a five-day waiting period on gun sales, and a ban on certain assault weapons.

"That's not going to make me the hero of the NRA," Romney told the Boston Herald in 1994.

At another campaign stop that year, he told reporters: "I don't line up with the NRA."
- Boston Globe, January 14, 2007 Read the article

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Micah — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 04:07:28 GMT

Wow.... what a great analysis.....

Just what we need - more journalists (says a journalist) taking upon themselves the task of assessing electability for the rest of. My understanding of American civics included the apparently erroneous belief that the electorate decided the question of electability. Thanks for setting me straight.

When can we just do away with this messy 'election' nonsense and just let big media bozos interpret the polls and tell us who is most responsive to the needs of the people? It should be easy for you, since you peered into the crystal ball to make the determination that a candidate who beat Giuliani handily in Iowa and crushed Thompson in NH has no chance. Just tell us who the winner from November will be, just do it and we can avoid all the expense and angst of an election!

Thanks for all you do, Chuck! You provide an invaluable service to the fatherland.

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Matt — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 04:07:55 GMT

Chuck Todd-- NBC Paulhater Director

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Susan, Massachusetts — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 04:09:01 GMT

Romney has been "this guy" for years, as Mass. Governor, command of the Olympics and as successful businessman. Why haven't you listened, or more importantly acknowledged??

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Michael, Cincinnati, OH — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 04:10:04 GMT

Take Ron Paul Out? Take out Freddie and Rudy first, Here's a thought, take out people at the BACK of the pack, ron's cruising just fine :)

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Tell the Truth Mitt for Once! — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 04:10:17 GMT

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Darrell — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 04:13:30 GMT

Mr. Chuck Todd,

I've often wondered why you serve as MSNBC's Chief Political Analyst and then constantly watch you dwarf in comparison to guys like Joe Scarborough and Chris Matthews with your insights.

For you to join the bandwagon of excluding necessary insights like those of Ron Paul is just plain unpatriotic. You would better serve in a political arena where censorship is the rule, not here in America. I hear Musharraf could use some help over in Pakistan,you might be a good fit over there where freedom and debate are not appreciated.

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Matt, Rochester NY — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 04:15:23 GMT

Chuck Todd is a complete HACK !
Ron Paul made the rest of the canidates look like the fools they are !

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John, Windham, Maine — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 04:16:11 GMT

I've come to the conclusion that this country is still just a giant high school and we all fawn over the star QB who likes to drink and fight. We are electing the man who will lead the country, not the Prom King! We're nowhere near being ready to look beyond posturing and cliche soundbites in determing our leaders. It's becoming all too clear why we gave Bush a second term and why we are likely to once again elect a prez who "seems like somebody you could have a beer with." Brilliant.

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Darrell — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 04:17:26 GMT

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asher — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 04:18:20 GMT

You got to love the Ron Paul people. When they come in, they come in strong. By far, the most passionate group out there.

Who won the debate? My guess is McCain. Not because his performance was so wonderful, but he has all the momentum and this debate probably didn't change that. Actually, the only person who I think will get a slight bump from this debate is Thompson. Huckabee might of been slightly hurt but no significant damage. Giuliani is becoming an afterthought. Ron Paul, he may not win, but he has a message to tell.

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Brandon Lloyd, Alexandria, Virginia — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 04:19:14 GMT

I think NBC news should keep you out, Chuck Todd. You are a distraction to common sense.

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Tom Yu, Sarasota, FL — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 04:20:30 GMT

I thought Ron Paul did a good job presenting his libertarian, strict constitutionalist position and standing up to the big boys. He normally is relegated as the odd man and ignored, but tonight, he stood out and stood strong on his unchanging message.

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First Read — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 14:06:34 GMT

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Steve Zell, West Hartford CT — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 15:01:25 GMT

Fred Thompson really stole the show last night--finally somebody stood up and exposed Huckabee as the closet liberal in preacher's clothing that he really is. If he had done this six months ago, he would be running away with the GOP nomination by now.

Fox News finally invited Ron Paul, but to the wrong debate--on many issues, he agrees with Hillary and Barack Hussein. But he does serve a useful purpose--every circus needs a clown, and he makes all the other candidates seem magnificent in comparison.

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Hartford, ct — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 15:07:49 GMT

Hmmm.... Are you really condoning what fox news did to Dr.Paul?
The media does not get to decide who I vote for, and when there's a candidate performing better than Giuliani, raising more money than any other Republican, and actually presenting honest ideas, I think he deserves to be in the debate.
Did you even watch the debate? When it became evident that Ron Paul was the only real Republican on that stage, were you listening?
Or how about when dear old Brit asked every candidate the same, nice Reagan question, except Ron Paul, and he stood up for himself so eloquently?
I am going to give you a pass and assume you must not have watched the debate at all.
I will tell you this, ten of my students in my dorm became supporters of Dr. Paul last night, as well as my grandfather, so he's doing something right!

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Raleigh Witten — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 15:19:58 GMT

Huh? RON PAUL WON THIS DEBATE!!!! How you can say that pro-war Rudy, "broken borders" McCain, "tax hike" Mike, or flip-flop Mitt won is beyond me. And as for Rudy, Tim Russert destroyed him on "Meet the Press"; You gave anyone all the evidence they need to beat him. So please tell me. Just how is RON PAUL not qualified to debate? Is a sin to know something about issues before you speak? Who has the most money from supporters: Millionaire Mitt??? Who else has any money? (you know from REAL people) Could it be that RON PAUL has the only kinda of money that can compete against the Republican AND Democratic WAR machine!!! 70% of American want us OUT of Iraq... Sounds like a majority to me, Chuck!!!!!!

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P Toy, P-Cola, Florida — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 15:20:57 GMT

Joe Calif, you're an idiot.
Do you really think that just because a Fred did not do well in NH means the whole US does not like him?
Stay in Cali, and leave the clear thinking to the normal folks.

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Mike D'Virgilio, Bolingbrook, IL — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 15:30:04 GMT

Please, Ron Paul is about as electable as the man on the moon. Why is it that a libertarian has never won squat in this country? Someone mentioned practical above. They are NEVER practical. That's why they're libertarian. Paul supporters are rabid, and good for them.

I agree with a lot of his limited government philosophy, but he IS a distraction. He's at 4% in national polls, after a YEAR of campaigning. In South Carolina he's at 5%. Florida between 2 and 5%. In many of the super Tuesday states he doesn't register at all. So what's the rationale for including him? Because you agree with him? Chuck Todd may be biased, but he is absolutely right about Ron Paul.

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Jim Peterson — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 15:45:30 GMT

Wow. I thought journalists already knew what happens when they make ad hominem attacks on Ron Paul.

Maybe this journalist is a masochist. :-)

Mr. Todd probably assumed that Ron Paul's 8% New Hampshire finish somehow sealed the candidate's doom. Julie Annie beat him by 1% so I guess it was all over for the "fringe candidate" in Todd's estimation.

But he needs to know this: the convention will be brokered and the delegates can vote for whom they want on the second round of voting. Ron Paul will garner about 125 delegates this winter and then spend the spring and summer convincing everyone that he is the one to choose for reasons other than war, now that the Iraq War is over.

I support Operation Iraqi Freedom and Ron Paul.

Fred Thompson, the only other conservative on stage, missed a great opportunity to say that he admired Ron Paul and would want him as an advisor.

Post-debate first take: Fred's not dead...

Jeff Chandler, Grand Junction, CO — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 15:50:25 GMT

Ron Paul supporter = "spammer"

Post-debate first take: Fred's not dead...

Anthony Nicks, Grand Rapids, Michigan — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 15:53:19 GMT

Fred Thompson has finally shown his true conservative colors. He is true RED. Socially, fiscally and on defense. Huckabee again danced around the issues and claims made against him. In my state I am getting the advertising that Huckabee is putting on the air and it seems to be partial truths.

Ron Paul?? It was nice of Fox News to invite him into the fray of last night debate, but he is irrelevant and detracts from the candidates.

Post-debate first take: Fred's not dead...

John Wayne, Hollywood, California — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 16:05:13 GMT

Ah, the Paul-ists are at it again. Meanwhile, this alleged man of "principle" REFUSED to distance himself from RACIST NAZI remarks made for OVER TEN YEARS in his name? How does that portray anything but political cynicism that basically says "If you vote for me, I don't care WHAT kind of hate-filled scum you are. Its not my problem." Paul showed his LACK of integrity last night, and most Republicans outside his lunatic fringe saw it well.

Post-debate first take: Fred's not dead...

Craig Spikes, Austin, TX — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 21:28:45 GMT

It's obvious the "mainstream" media (ie. DNC propoganda wing) doesn't want their candidates to run against real conservatives like Thompson and Romney. Note the dire predictions for both, even as Romney holds the delegate lead, and the Only 2 states that have held primaries are populated by a large majorities of RHINO's, thus Hucksterby and Tio Mcain's victories. Not to mention the bussed in "voters" from the Hillary and Obama camps. If they're willing to cheat once, what makes you think they wouldn't vote twice to skew the GOP vote? Notice that the states that the DNC usually carry have very open voting identification processes (breathing is the only requirement in some like NH; in New Orleans and Chicago, even a heartbeat is not a requirement). I'm confident that the Evangelical Taliban will follow Hucsterby over the cliff, to the sound of his false conservative flute (oops it's a bass guitar) and McCain will continue his farce of being a "conservative". Huckster might just get by in the South, but El Senator McCain's days are numbered.

Post-debate first take: Fred's not dead...

Ben Bryant, Toledo, Ohio — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 22:00:55 GMT

It's great to see Thompson as somewhat the center of focus in a debate! He's always been an attracting candidate in my opinion. Thompson's ideas are always politically correct and this reflects his vast knowledge of the political realm. It's unfortunate to see him be overshadowed by the other "desperate" candidates, such as Huckabee and Romney, but no one can truthfully say that he doesn't know what he's talkinga bout. Another candidate that clearly has understanding of political workings is Senator McCain. In almost every debate, although Romney continually attempts to bring him down, McCain's points are clearly derived from political wisdom. His age is completely relatable to Ronald Reagan's at his time, so bringing this "defect" up is pointless. He truly is the best candidate. Then to Huckabee and Romney. These two guys obviously have a passion for politics. However, they are extremely inexperienced in national politics. Although Romney may be able to create and control "small businesses" and manage the New Hampshire government, these qualities are of no avail in national politics. The same goes for Huckabee! Anyways, the Republican debate last night will hopefully make known the points I have stated above. McCain and Thompson are the calm, collected, and politically wise candidates. Huckabee and Romney are the energetic, inexperienced types who need more time in the federal government before being considered for the chief executive position. Then, even though he used to be somewhat dominant, Guiliani has taken a turn and almost made himself the outcast. Ron Paul requires no comment other than he is crazy.

Post-debate first take: Fred's not dead...

Dennis Jacques, Petoskey, Michigan — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 22:31:57 GMT

Ron Paul is the only one of these clowns even worth consideration.