Last night's debate

CitizenJ — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 14:30:54 GMT

Has anyone else noticed the argument the McCain continues to make about immigration? He says that we have to secure the border and that he "knows how to do that". Good plan. Then he touts the fact that he is from a border state as a reason why he knows how to do it. Then - in the same breath - talks about how more illegal immigrants cross the border in HIS state than any other. So here is my question to Senator McCain: If you "know how" to secure the border, then why - oh, why - is the border of YOUR state the most porous in the Union? As the senior Senator in that state, do you not have the power to get it done?

And by the way, Senator McCain, the surge HAS NOT WORKED.

Last night's debate

Dot, Illinois — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 15:04:49 GMT

Citizen J:

I tend to agree with you about the surge. I think the number of American casualties in Iraq has gone up somewhat. What bothers me is they say one or two provinces in Iraq will be turned over to the control of the Iraqis in a month or two, but that still leaves so many other areas that still depend on American troops to maintain order. Seems like a very slow process. I have a very good friend in northern Iraq and every time I hear about casualties there, I hold my breath. I can't begin to imagine how people with loved ones over there handle that day in and day out.

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jerry/corpus christi texas — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 15:16:14 GMT

I thought John McCain's answer on immigration was pretty funny. You talk about closing the door, yet you live in a state where the door continues to stay open.

While the surge has worked and liberals are basically ticked off and madder then hell that more of our troops have not died, they don't care anyway. All liberals want is for America to tuck it's tail between it's legs and go home.

If that happens and we start having road side bombs and our bridges are blown up and malls attacked here, that will pretty much put an end to liberalism in this country.

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Robert, Huntsville AL — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 15:19:10 GMT

I really liked Mike Huckabee's performance at the debate last night and thought he did well given the fact that he was having to defend one attack after another. Yes he is authentic and genuine as he has become known for. But he also has more executive leadership experience than any other candidate in the field, Republican or Democrat, as a Governor for 10 1/2 years. At this point, Romney has pretty much shot himself in the foot with all of the attack ads and flip-flopping. McCain is a responsible and honorable man but, regardless of what he says about change, he is very much a Washington establishment candidate who has never had the full support or favor of the Republican base. Thompson is a good guy and has a record he can be proud of in the US Senate but at this point there is a reason he has done so poorly in his campaign. He's dispassionate in ways that are sometimes inappropriate, a surprisingly awkward public speaker especially considering his profession, and besides a decent performance at the S.C debate last night has been beaten by Congressman Ron Paul by almost a 3 to 1 margin in the campaign. We need someone like Mike Huckabee, someone with 10 1/2 years as a governor, someone with strong faith, strong convictions, a sound mind and a sincere heart. I urge everyone to at least consider these things before making your choice in voting. Thanks for reading this and God bless you all.

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Lynn, Round Rock, TX — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 15:19:29 GMT

The main message I took away from the debate is that the candidates want to be seen as Ronald Reagan. Even Reagan would have trouble salvaging the GOP from the ravages of the past eight years. Listen up, GOP: I am one of those Democrats you're hoping to get, and I would vote for Ron Paul over any Democratic candidate, but I'd vote for any Democratic candidate over any of the other Republican candidates. Enough said?

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Jim Hester, Dublin,Ohio — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 15:19:51 GMT

There was a debate last night ? Slept right thru it.

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Steve A Jonesboro IN — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 15:21:13 GMT

Also on mccain. He talks endlessly on "wasteful spending", and complains about the billions of dollars going to arab nations, but doesn't seem to mind that we squander billions of dollars and thousands of American lives in Iraq, mostly unacounted for. How does he justify that? The surge was supposed to give" breathing room" to the non existent Iraqi government to make political progress-which has not happened. The surge is NOT working. If he has all the answers, why hasn't he done anything worthwhile? He is right about one thing-he came to Washington to change things, and Washington changed him. Just another worthless political hack.

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Treena, NJ — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 15:25:18 GMT

It was totally ridiculous listening to all those grown men making a fool of themselves (with the exception of Ron Paul). The surge is working? Really, then why haven't all of the benchmarks that Patraeus and Bush laid out to measure if the surge is working been met? They explicity gave benchmarks in measuring the success of the surge and those benchmarks haven't been met. Guess by their own definition, the surge is NOT working. McCain touting "success in Iraq" is laughable. What are we succeeding at? Continuing to get american troops killed daily? Is that success? Not one of them can define success, yet they continue to tout "success" hypocrites. They ridicule Huckabee and Paul, all the while knowing they are right. Bush is arrogant and he lied us into a disastourous war. When will these baffoons admit that it was a mistake to go into Iraq in the firstplace. And before you say, it doesn't matter, of course it matters. Bush needs to be called out on his mistakes and denounced. Mike Huckabee did it sort of, but Ron Paul definitely did it. Then you have gas bags McCain, Thompson, Guiliani and Slick Mitty feigning suprise and disgust that someone dare question the retard Bush. What a field. You expect us intelligent people to vote for any of them? Too bad class acts like Paul and Bill Richardson don't get any media coverage. Richardson sadly is gone (a man of honor, intellect and much more experience than any of these Republican buffoons). That leaves Paul.

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Kathryn in Bham — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 15:26:59 GMT

CitizenJ-
I would have to disagree with you. First, as well all know (and may need to remind these presidential hopefuls), knowing what to do or having the best ideas on what to do and being able to make it happen are two very different things when it comes to our government/politics. Not that I am defending Senator McCain, as I do not know enough about the power that he may/may not have, but give me a break. And furthermore, the surge IS WORKING...it is a job in progress and has proven effective on many fronts, some more than others. As you know, this is a job we continue (as americans) to pursue and IS NOT FINISHED. Unfortunately, it is also an evolving process...I do think that we need new direction in Iraq and on other fronts, but to say that it 'HAS NOT WORKED' would imply both that it is an effort we have failed at (not one in progress) and that our efforts have been totally in vain...ask the citizens of Iraq who are not joining our enemy forces whether or not we are helping to bring about a positive change...Again, we need to modify our approach, but that doesn't mean that we are defeated or that we are not progressive.

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Ed Foss, Enid, Okla — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 15:31:15 GMT

Someone should tell Joe of "Morning Joe" to be honest with his viewers an tell them he is supporting Gov. Huckabee. What I would like to see, is for all the Commentators, pundits an reporters to just report the facts an not add their opinions. Another thing, why is it if a Republican is optimistic about the future, its considered pandering my MSNBC, but if a Demo says it, its forward looking an positive.

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Rachel Farer — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 15:33:49 GMT

No candidate is going to do what it takes to win decisively throughout the world, but if we are going to try anyway, John McCain is the only candidate who comes even remotely close.

Worry about immigration and social issues in 2012 or 2016. We need to win the war first, and only John McCain can do that.

Fox News made MSNBC look fair and balanced in its treatment of Ron Paul. The decision makers at Fox News should issue an apology to the families of all those who have sacrificed their lives to preserve the democracy they are undermining.

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John B, Des Moines, IA — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 15:34:23 GMT

Is Romney's claim to Mr. Fix-it based on his own history as corporate raider who outsources jobs or his Dad's history as President of American Motors, which started a downward spiral leading eventually to purchase by Renault?

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George Hernandez, Miami, Fl — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 15:38:16 GMT

As a Huckabee supporter and living a breathing Christian if we are going to refer to a biblical verse we should not take it out of context. In the letter to the Epheseans immediately following 5:22 which is were women are asked to submit to their husbands in verse 5:24 "just as the Church is subject to Christ" and then in 5:25 "Husbands love your wives as Christ loved the church....". It is not a relationship based to slavery but one based in love.

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F. G. Clark, USN, Retd. Kissimmee, Florida — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 15:42:01 GMT

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jlb in PA — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 15:42:48 GMT

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Citizen 2 — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 15:46:20 GMT

Whoever is for a flat tax for everyone will get my vote.

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Blue state baby — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 15:47:08 GMT

The administration's attack on the middle class. Now that surge is working.

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Patty L., Sante Fe NM — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 15:48:05 GMT

Hillary says "No woman is illegal!". Direct quote from her yesterday on the campaign trail in Nevada. My guess her policy will be to put Welcome Wagon on the border for all the women coming across. Probably will also have kiosks right there where they can all sign up for the US social programs.

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Barbara Bostic, Bedford, VA — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 15:48:39 GMT

I switched off last evening's debate with an almost certain belief that any one of six of the seven participants would actually make a pretty good president...I'm pretty sure I couldn't vote for Ron Paul. I didn't see a clear-cut forerunner, although I did think Thompson was at his best. McCain (my man) held his own, and Huckabee stood his ground (good for him.) Romney had some good moments, also. It was comforting to see that for the most part they agree on foreign policy and tax issues. Go, Reps!

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CitizenJ — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 15:51:18 GMT

Kathryn in Bham (Sent Friday, January 11, 2008 10:26 AM)

Thank you for your respectful response. The fact is, though, on immigration, I want to hear more than "I know how to do that." I realize that his time is limited because of the debate format, but he makes a point to say that it is HIS state that has more people crossing the border than any other. Then how can he tout his ability to stop it as being better than others!! It doesn't make sense.

Regarding the surge, let's not forget that the first Bush strategy in Iraq went on for 4 years. All we heard was "stay the course". The fact is, it didn't work. And I commend McCain for advocating a new strategy. We had to try something new. And the whole purpose of the surge was to allow for political reconciliation. That isn't spin or pundit jibber-jabber. That is from the President's own mouth. And there is no denying that we are no closer to political reconciliation today than we were on January 1, 2007. So, if you look at the original goal of the surge, and then look at where we are, it has been unsuccessful.

I'm not saying it will NEVER be able to succeed. But to go on with this particular strategy in perpetuity with ZERO noteworthy progress toward the ULTIMATE goal - as McCain says we should do - is as fundamentally flawed as going on with the "stay the course" strategy in perpetuity. He is as inflexible and stubborn as Bush, and that is dangerous.

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Stop Flip Flopping Mitt! — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 15:54:00 GMT

Conservatives against Mitt Romney:

http://conservativesagainstromney.com

Romney Swimming in an “Ocean” of Contradiction

Mitt attacks pornography despite his role with Marriott, which sold in-room smut

ALEXANDRIA, VA – In a move rich with irony, Mitt Romney’s presidential campaign released a new television advertisement decrying “the culture that surrounds our kids today,” despite the fact that Romney served on the board of Marriott International, which generated tens of millions of dollars in revenue through in-room pornography services at its hotels.

In stark contrast with Romney’s role at Marriott, which brought him over $100,000 per year, Senator Sam Brownback lead the fight against indecency and asked the hotel chain to stop offering pornography in its rooms.

In a 2004 letter to J.W. Marriott, Jr., the chairman and CEO of Marriott International, Brownback wrote: “I am concerned, however, by a recent CBS report which cites the fact that in-room pornography generates approximately half of total hotel pay-per-view revenue in the United States, approximately $250 million annually. …

Businesspeople and families should not be exposed to a pornography-friendly environment when they seek rest and relaxation at hotels while traveling away from home, nor should they be victims of suggestive advertising for porn while browsing a pay-per-view menu. I write to ask that you consider ending Marriott’s complicity in this assault on individuals, families, and society. … The children and families of America thank you.”Pro-family leader Phil Burress, founder of Citizens for Community Values, commented on Romney’s role:“

Mitt Romney apparently turned a blind-eye to the obscene, hard-core pornography offered in Marriott hotels. Instead, Romney and Marriott International chose to earn millions of dollars with such a morally objectionable business practice. For those who want a proven, consistent, pro-family leader in the White House, Mitt Romney is an unacceptable choice.”

Last night's debate

Kathryn in Bham — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 15:57:12 GMT

To those who think that we measure success by the loss of life...
There are so very many times in history when success is achieved at the ultimate cost. Obviously, no one, not even those of us with loved ones fighting for our country, wants to endure the pain of losing a loved one or of the aftermath of war that is innevitable when our soldiers come home. However, we cannot use that to gauge our success. Look at any war in our history...World Wars I and II were extremely bloody and violent and caused a great amount of death and destruction, but unfortunately that is the price we pay for freedom. I do not like how this continuing war is going; I want a new direction and a new hope. I also know that to say that we measure success based on our losses is to make our sacrifice in vain.

Last night's debate

jerry/corpus christi texas — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 15:57:46 GMT

You would think you liberals would have toed the party line when John Murtha agreed that the surge was working, only to be slapped around by Nancy Pelosi and recanted that statement....

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TJM, Atlanta, Ga. — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 16:03:21 GMT

Fred Thompson is now trying to use the same tactic against Huckabee that Romney tried: distort Huckabee's record. Huckabee was right when he said that Bush should have surged earlier. For Thompson to say that that makes Huckabee part of the "blame America first" crowd is nonsense.

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lets think — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 16:04:27 GMT

Some of the posts made here never cease to amaze me. To deny that the surge is having a positive affect is pure lunacy. Why either party would base their political future on the defeat of our military is beyond me. Why is it so important to some people that we fail. Is it so they can claim that their candidate was right. To believe that the majority of Americans want defeat is crazy! We have been there and done that! I think that every American wants the war to end, only not at any cost. The big big button for this election will be illegal immigration, This has a direct effect on all Americans. Whoever deals with this will win the POTUS Republican of Democrat...

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gander — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 16:05:16 GMT

The press missed it this morning.

Huckabee said it best when he mentioned that it's easy to vote for a bill - but an EXECUTIVE has to implement it (i don't have the exact quote).

Thompson and McCain are Senators with NO Executive experience. Guliani is a social liberal, Romney a flip-flop and Ron Paul downright dangerous.

On the Democratic side, there's 2 senators and an ambulance chasing lawyer.

Huckabee is the ONLY one that can bring this country back together.

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Richard, Miani, FL — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 16:08:40 GMT

Do not lose sight of the fact that it is Ron Paul who is the only candidate representing true Republican values. Does nobody see this? Does nobody get it that the Republicans have fallen victim to the print-and-spend doctrine that has been in existence since the execrable Nixon abandoned the Gold Standard on August 15th, 1971, allowing the Fed to print money at will? Paul's take on the issues is spot-on. He truly is the only candidate who really understands the economic hell that this country has gotten itself into. For God's sake, vote for this man and MAKE HIM PRESIDENT!

Last night's debate

CitizenJ — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 16:14:23 GMT

I certainly will not go negative with you CitizenJ, I will only point out you are several miles off base when you even suggest the surge is not working, if you were not aware: just today the local commander turned over the "hot spot" Anbar providence to Iraq forces. Oh yes, Senator MeCain is the Arizona Senator, not the Governor of the state.

One last comment: is J the begining of a four letter word?

F. G. Clark, USN, Retd. Kissimmee, Florida (Sent Friday, January 11, 2008 10:42 AM)

I appreciate you not going "negative". Of course security is improved. I think we all expected that even a year ago. My point is that we are no closer to the original goal of political reconcilitation than we were before the surge. The breathing space that our troops are dying for, and that the surge has been effective in providing, is not being used by the Iraqi government. That is why I think it hasn't been successful.

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Treena, NJ — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 16:16:36 GMT

Kathryn. I respect your opinion on the surge, but I do not agree with you. Yes, it is a work in progress; therefore, if you can't say it isn't working then how can you say that it is working? There were clear, explicit benchmarks to measure the success of the surge. Some of them have been met, but some of them have not been met. Until they are all met and until the surge delivers the expected outcome (political reconciliation in Iraq), I cannot say that it is working. And none of these candidates will admit that there was no justification for us to invade Iraq and the Bush administration tried to manufacture justifications untruthfully. Iraq was in no way responsible for 9/11; they were not on the verge of attacking us; Al Queda existed in Iraq in no greater numbers than most other countries, etc. We could go on, but the truth is that the Bush administration purposely mislead us to make us believe these untruths. The fact that any of these candidates condone this, let alone applaud it is sickening. That's the fundamental issue. Obviously we are in Iraq now and have to find a responsible way to win and end the war, but why should we trust someone who condones and gives the Bush administration a pass on misleading us, the blunders of the war, etc.? I for one will never trust someone like that.

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Dominic, Grand Rapids Michigan — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 16:26:15 GMT

McCain sounds like a broken record with only one track.

I thought Thompson was on top of his game. Every interview I have seen him in has shown him as a layed back 'country boy'. Nothing is wrong with that at all, but it was nice to see the intelligent and sincere Thompson we saw last night.

My problem after watching the focus group that they had was the fact that they say Thompson's strength in the debate was a little too late....too late for what??? We have only had 2 real contests (Iowa and NH), neither of which impressed me at all as having the last say for the other 48 states. It is never too late (save the day after Super Tuesday) to vote for the candidate that most closely meets your vision of America's Future. If that is Thompson, then vote so.

After seeing the candidates once again in debate, I can not see a reason that media instantly goes to McCain as a front runner or even Huckabee...neither ever impress me as anything more than shallow politicians. Heck, Romney has been a better candidate since day one than either of them.

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Dominic, Grand Rapids Michigan — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 16:27:36 GMT

Did anyone else expect Ron Paul to start asking when the alien dna would be released from Area 51?

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CitizenJ — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 16:30:21 GMT

Look, think of the situation in Iraq as a 2-inch deep knife wound.

First, Bush's generals told him and Rumsfeld, "You're going to need more than that little band-aid". But we went in with too few troops anyway, and the wound kept bleeding.

Then, we went in with the surge, which is like a big bandage with gauze wrapped around it. The purpose of it was to slow the bleeding enough so that the doctor (the Iraqi government) could sew up the wound.

Unfortunately, the doctor has been on vacation. So, we can go on forever replacing the bandage over and over, but the wound is never going to heal.

We don't need more bandages, we need the doctor to stitch up the wound. And until we force them to do it, we're going to eventually run out of bandages, and the patient is going to die.

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Robert, Los Angeles, California — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 16:35:34 GMT

What we need at this time is someone who is a real conservative. Someone who has always been. Sorry Mike, Mitt, Rudy and John. Check the record.
Have you been watching the debates?

No one has challenged Fred's conservative, REPUBLICAN, credentials!
Because they can't!

Endorsed by the National Right to Life, Human Events and the Republicans in Arkansas.

No Amnesty, lower taxes, no tuition for illegals, no sanctuary cities, someone who cares more about this country and its future, than about himself.

Think about it, who do you think the MSM, our enemies and certainly the Democrats DON'T want to face. That is always the best man to run our country.

Just think about any Democratic Nominee debating with Fred Thompson. Game over.

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Tass, Oakland CA — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 16:36:22 GMT

There was a debate last night ? Slept right thru it.

Jim Hester, Dublin,Ohio

I bet your wife said the same thing about your honeymoon.

Last night's debate

Rick, WS, NC — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 16:38:12 GMT

I heard more war, more non torture torture, more go it alone foreign ventures on the other side of the globe, more tax cuts for the rich, more deficit spending, more debt, more pork in other words just more of the same from this batch of tired worn out weenies of the right...yech to whole bunch

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Yu — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 16:46:58 GMT

Huckabee is the best candidate. Period.

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Robert, Los Angeles, California — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 16:53:54 GMT

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Alieta Eck, Somerset, NJ — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 17:07:27 GMT

I watched the Fox News SC Debate last night with amazement. Brit Hume was hostile to Ron Paul, claiming he was not answering the question, yet Rudy Guiliani got a pass when he completely changed the subject. It seems the candidates and questioners tried to paint Ron Paul as a lunatic, yet he kept coming back with very reasonable answers-- like how we are borrowing money from the Chinese to give it to Pakistan-- and we are not sure what Pakistan has done with our money. And like how we give three times as much money to Israel's enemies as we give to Israel.

After the SC debate, Ron Paul got 32% in the national text message poll, and Fred Thompson, the nearest competitor got 18%-- yet Luntz announced Thompson as the winner this morning. Sean Hannity called Ron Paul the loser. Amazing!

Ron Paul has received almost $1 million so far this year, and got $20 million last quarter-- while Guiliani is running out of money. Ron Paul is a true gentlemen, a wise economist, and a real believer in the Consitution. His support is growing and that is a good thing.

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Dustin, Los Angeles, CA — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 17:24:03 GMT

Oh my gosh, you Huckabee supporters are such SHEEP! Pull your heads out. His record IS liberal economically. Does it mean NOTHING to you that he has basically admitted to not be in the mold of Reagan?

Support the real conservative, Fred Thompson, and let's get this country on the right path again.

Huckabee is George Bush II. He will be a Christian leader, but he will raise our spending/taxes like any of the Democratic candidates.

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basiltaco — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 17:25:50 GMT

Gander,

Yes, Ron Paul is downright dangerous because he speaks the truth and challenges Americans to think for themselves.

Last night's debate

doverj, portland, or — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 17:48:30 GMT

As McCain has pointed out in the past two debates, he does have executive experience. He was executive officer for the largest air wing in the Navy, which if you look into had much success. I am uncertain of you critics military knowledge but such a responsibility is not small. I wouldn't put it on the level of Governor but certainly above Executive officer for a large corporation.

In regard to criticism some of you have in pointing out difficulties with boarders in Arizona. Perhaps many of you need civic lessons. He's a senator for the federal government, not the state government. Boarder security is federally run. The point he is making is he is that he sees the problem first hand. Part of the reason he was an advocate of the immigration plan is because he recognizes this issue. People criticize his plan as amnesty yet doing nothing to address a problem is the truest amnesty there is and the borders remain unsecured. So, though I don't agree entirely with his stance on the 10mm that could with fines remain in the country, it is a start and far more then anything else anybody is doing.

Last night's debate

Leo Clemen, LA, California — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 17:53:39 GMT

John McCain IS NOT THE RIGHT CHOICE.

John McCain has been in DC for 25 long years. He is a big part of the Washington grid-lock problem. He is aging like a fossil at 71 years old. He has ridden his war hero status for a long time with small results in
Congress. Military leadership can hardly translated to excellence in real life management, because you only has one acceptable way to respond to your seniors which is "YES SIR!” How can any one believe he can
revitalize the country? He should be getting ready to pack up his office and move to Florida for his retirement.

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Roger, Charlotte, NC — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 17:54:51 GMT

When the British soldiers were shooting at us George Washington as a Commander in Chief was always on the Battle Front, on the line of fire, bullets were flying near his head, the sound of Cannons going off and dead soldiers all over the field.
A brave man George Washington was.

So John McCain will be our Commander in Chief in 2008 in this Video he says how he will lead the troops.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Wru8NRLdFE

John McCain President and Commander In Chief - 2008

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Kira, Utah — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 17:55:06 GMT

"Worry about immigration and social issues in 2012 or 2016. We need to win the war first, and only John McCain can do that. "

Rachel- a president cannot be effective if he(she) focuses on only one issue. Besides, isn't McCain the one who said something about the war going on for another 50-100 years?

Part of the immigration issue is securing OUR borders. We can't be just fighting abroad and ignoring the homefront. Homeland security (which includes protecting against illegal immigration) is just as (and some would say more) important than fighting a battle to fix someone else's broken society. The old adage goes, it's easier to prepare and prevent than repair and repent.... The illegal problem is going to continue to get worse unless it becomes something we work on now.

McCain needs to see that and look at more issues than just the war. The war is important, and someone somehow needs to develop an end plan (I have yet to hear one that will actually work and be sustainable)... but ignoring the immigration issue is not the answer.

(I do, however, agree and think that social issues like whether or not to overturn Roe v. Wad or allow/disallow gay rights are lesser issues to the war and homeland security and the economy... We need to take care of the big issues, and then worry about the smaller issues, if they haven't already taken care of themselves.)

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pundit111 — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 17:56:13 GMT

Romney is #1. He doesn't need the money or attention, he is just trying to serve his country. Seriously, the government needs right-sizing and that is his business. Huckabee is flattering people into thinking he is like them, so that means if he is the president, so are they. Not good. I don't want my neighbor running the country - I want someone in there who knows what they are doing. McCain/Guiliani are more on the right track, however I am sure Romney would do a better job but I don't think they would be half the president Mitt would be.

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American Voter — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 18:03:22 GMT

Paul came across as a serious crack pot.

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John Alexander, Edinboro,PA — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 18:06:01 GMT

The surge has worked with the level of violence down, thank goodness for that, but the real reason for the surge to be effective, political reconciliation between the fighting Iraqi political factions has not. Why? Because the State department and Defense department are at odds on what to do.
Condi Rice is the worst Secretarty of State ever, too bad Colin Powell left and this scoulding schoolmarm was set in his place.
I guess kissing Georges butt has its advantages.
Much of what the State department has done is political damage control instead of diplomacy, she has got to go before we screw this abatement of violence up and go back to the old standard of waiting for the Iraqis to get their act together.
A more active pursuit of our agenda is needed, Condi needs to get to work or go home and find herself a book to publish, we could use more excuses to laugh at!
Too bad this Russian expert wasn't schooled in other things. She hasn't even shown knowledge in her expertise!

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Amy,Houston TX — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 21:42:36 GMT

The thing that really gets me are all these people who tout that Mike Huckabee is so authentic. Do they listen to a word he says? Earlier this year in the debates he claimed the reason we should stay in Iraq is becaue "if you break it you buy it". If that isn't a blame America first attitude,I don't know what is. Then he attacks other people's religions and then claims he didn't know any better because he doesn't know that religion very well. This from a guy with a theology degree, yea right. Then he claims that we shouldn't penalize illegal immigrants for the actions of their parents, now he has new idea to refuse citizenship for children of illegal immigrants. He can't even answer a straight answer about did he or did he not raise taxes. Come on people! Listen to what he saying! Huckbee is not the authentic, sure and steady canidate he wants to fool you into believeing. He is an entertaining speaker, but he lacks the substance we need for a president.
McCain is portrayed as a straight talker but is he not being forth right about immigration. His "amnesty" thing is selling america for votes. He is pandering for the hispanic votes and he knows it! He does not think that slapping illegal immgrants on the hand is the best thing to do for the country. No one could ever argue that we shouldn't require people to come into the country legally. It's rediculas. Canidates who do, are pandering for votes, no question! This action alone will severly damage our wounded economic situation and our health care crisis by itself. How dare this guy who calls himself a patriot sell out his own citizans! Come on America let's get the illegal immigration thing right! John McCain is not our guy.

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SC_GOP — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 23:08:01 GMT

I do not have the Fox cable and Fox did not air the debate over Fox Carolina. After reading the posts here, it seems like even the debate is rigged, unfair, and designed to favor certain candidate(s).

FOR ALL HUCKABEE SUPPORTERS IN SOUTH CAROLINA:
We need to unite together and work harder. Mike has a battle in MI and as grassroot supporters we need to get out and get the message heard by as many people as possible. Many Ron Pauls folks are nut cases but I have to admire their dedication.

FOR ALL OTHER UNDECIDED REPUBLICANS: Please here my case here and go check out Mike Huckabee’s website www.mikehuckabee.com. I am outlining why I like Mike and leave the decision up to you. The primary in SC for Republicans is the 19th, on Saturday.

* If you are a social conservative (i.e. pro-life, pro-family), Mike is the man for you. Many candidates also claim to be pro-life but they don’t measure up when comparing with Mike Huckabee. Mike support PERSONHOOD of an unborn. This is big. It recognized that a human life (and PERSON) starts at conception and will be protected by laws just as you and me. The supreme court in the 19th century did not recognize a black person a PERSON (in a legal term). So you get the picture. NO OTHER CANDIDATES CAME CLOSE TO THAT.

* If you are a fiscal conservative (i.e. lower taxes, etc), Huckabee has signed the No-Tax pledge while Thomspon refused to sign. Mike Huckabee has got a good idea for fixing Tax problem too. He did not invent the Fair Tax; he embraced it. Steve Forbes was the first candidate (in 1996) advocated that idea. Fair Tax in a sense is similar to Flat Tax (that everyone pays the same percentage of the tax with low-income credit). The major difference is the target of activities of being taxes. It targets the consumption instead of productivity. This is BIG too. America people have trillions dollars of debts (credit cards, etc) because we have out spent ourselves. Taxing on consumption instead of productivity will increase productivity while curd the run-away debts. Fairtax.org is where you can learn more. I was skeptical myself at the first until I learn that it will also make taxing on income UNCONSTITUTIONAL. Merchandise prices will not raise because companies (manufacturers and retailers alike) will NOT be taxed either. Corps pay about 40%-50% taxes today. So something you pay $10 today can be sold for, perhaps $7 under fair tax. After 23% tax, it returns back to $10. You can’t be more conservative than that.

EXPERIENCE: For those who looks for someone with experience, I beg you to see the difference between being a public officer than a corporate CEO. The skill sets are very different. A president cannot “fire” someone just because he wishes. He needs to be able to work with others (e.g. Congress) to get the job done. Huckabee has been the longest governor than anybody else in AR history. People in AR generally are pleased with his administration (improved highway, education, etc). He has traveled 40 some different countries. (I am a traveler myself but I’ve only been in 10 countries.)

MILITARY: Huckabee wants to increase defense spending from today’s 3-4% to 7% (Reagan’s time). He is committed to rebuild the strength of US army.

CHARACTER and LEADERSHIP: Huckabee has authored many books surrounding this subject, looking into the problems we face in America today (teen violence, etc). This is probably the best way to get to know him and what is dear to his heart.

My last words, do your own researches and go to candidates websites as well as independent sites that are not affiliate with candidates. I hope you will hear your own inner voice in Huckabee’s speeches. Thank you for reading and God bless.

Last night's debate

Dave G — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 18:56:47 GMT

No income tax,up hold the constitution and bring our troops home.Its that simple to choose.

Ron Paul 08