The Iowa GOP Debate: “A little snappier, gentlemen!;” Update Fred Thompson’s not playing the “hand show;” Update: Aggghhh! The GOP candidates are all turning green; Update: Where’s the Hucka-pile-on?; Update: Keyes the hijacker; Update: New Year’s resolutions; bottom line: DUD.
Update 10:06pm Eastern. Okay, really, really last comment on the debate. Rudy tells FNC’s Carl Cameron that it was “unsatisfying.” That’s putting it politely.
Charles Krauthammer doesn’t mince words: “It’s the worst debate in Western history.”
And here’s the whole, insufferable transcript without snark added.
Update 8:49pm Eastern. Last comment on this debacle, I promise. You know what the forum was missing? That robot heckler. I would have loved to have seen Robot Heckler go head to head with Schoolmarm.
***
Scroll down for updates. The Des Moines Register’s Carolyn Washburn (a.k.a. Schoolmarm) is the moderator of the debate. She’s no plant, but she sure is a stick in the mud. Her line of the debate so far: “A little snappier, gentlemen!” An hour into the debate, there’s no pile-on on Huckabee. There’s no time for one. Schoolmarm won’t allow it! She did, however, find time to show time-wasting videos of the candidates answering questions from Register reporters–even though the candidates are standing in front of her on the stage.
Congratulations, Schoolmarm: Washburn managed to suck all the life and color out of one of the most contested, exciting, unpredictable campaign fields in recent history. She stamped out any attempts between the candidates to engage each other. Not a single question on immigration.
I think, quite frankly, I preferred the plants!
Post-debate analysis on FOX: Fred Barnes chooses the Nurse Ratched analogy. Yes, I think that one fits. How many of you agree? Show of hands! Show of hands!
Frank Luntz’s focus group raised its hands in support of Fred Thompson’s smackdown of Schoolmarm/Nurse Ratched (”It showed his strength/independence.”) Thanks to Allah for the vid:
Luntz says his group declared Romney the winner. Moderator was the loser. “Boring. Dull. Antagonistic. Hand-wringing.” Focus group members panned Huckabee. Luntz: “Not his finest moment.”
Outside Iowa, here are the latest poll numbers.
***
The show begins at 2pm. You’ll be able to tune in at the Des Moines Register website. I’ll liveblog anything noteworthy. Looks like it will be plant-free this time. There will, however, be several drag queens on stage.
Note: This is the last Republican debate before the Jan. 3 Iowa caucuses.
Another note: Alan Keyes managed to squeeze himself onto the stage. (Update: He’s hijacked the debate. Here’s video.)
Over at Hot Air, Allah ponders what Mitt should do and prints some advice for Huckabee from Dean Barnett.
***
Liveblogging the debates…
2:04pm Eastern. Intros are out of the way. Alan Keyes has lost a lot of weight.
First question: The country’s financial situation. Is the debt a threat to our national security? 30 seconds each.
Giuliani: I believe it’s a major problem. We have to reduce government spending. Not rehire nearly half of the civilian government work force. And reduce taxes. Debt is a threat to economic security.
Hunter: Trade loss is a threat to national security. Stop China from cheating on trade.
Moderator is already chastising candidates for exceeding 30 seconds. Geez. She asked them to explain why the debt is a threat to our national security. In 30 seconds. And she’s rapping their knuckles?
Paul: It’s absolutely a threat to our national security.
Tancredo: Gives an animated yes answer.
Thompson: Thompson talks Social Security reform.
Romney: Overspending and overpromises are challenges, but this is not a time to wring our hands. Good jobs, good schools, good health care. Doesn’t really answer the question.
Huckabee: It’s most certainly a national security threat. Who feeds us, who fuels us, who helps us to fight.
McCain: Of course any nation that has no economic strength will lose military strength. We have got to achieve energy independence.
Keyes: It’s obviously a security threat. Abolish income tax.
Second question: What sacrifices would you ask Americans to make to lower the national debt?
Giuliani: Leave more money in pockets of American people. Cut non-military spending across the board.
Paul: No need to sacrifice, Just Cut the Empire!!!!!
Huckabee: No need to sacrifice, Just Do Things Differently!!!!
Question:Are there any programs worth running a deficit for?
Romney: Proposes Gore-style streamlining of government.
Tancredo: Follow the Constitution. Don’t ask the government for womb-to-tomb protection.
Amen!
Thompson: Military, security of our people, our infrastructure, R&D. Obvious problem we’ve got to address: entitlements.
Question: Who in this country is paying more than their fair share of taxes? Wealthy. Middle-class. Poor. Corporations. 15 seconds.
Keyes: Goes off on elites. Upsets the schoolmarm moderator.
McCain: Reform the tax code.
Huckabee: Tax code is broken. I would adopt Fair Tax.
Romney: I don’t stay up at night worrying about taxes wealthy are paying. Worry about the middle-class.
2:21pm Eastern.
Moderator: A little snappier, gentlemen!
Thompson gets first laugh of the day with joke about his tax burden.
Tancredo: Move away from current system.
Paul: Lambastes regressive taxes.
Hunter: IRS overhead. Fair tax or flatter tax.
Giuliani: One page tax form. Give the death penalty to the death tax.
2:24pm Eastern. We now interrupt the debate for a “free statement” segment where candidates can say whatever they want. This is weird.
McCain makes security statement.
Hunter talks about the border fence.
Back to the lightning round format. Question: What’s your plan for keeping foreign markets open while protecting good-paying American jobs. Another reminder from Schoolmarm to keep it quick.
Paul: Look at the monetary system.
Romney: Renegotiate trade deals.
Question: Should we alter trade policies with countries that violate human rights?
McCain: We should reexamine. I am the biggest free marketer you will see. I would eliminate ethanol subsidies (good for McCain!). They distort markets and destroy our ability to compete.
Giuliani: NAFTA is a good thing.
Question: What changes would you make to NAFTA.
Thompson: I have nothing in particular to point out.
Tancredo: NAFTA has been a disaster, especially in Mexico. Problems with NAFTA? Our lack of sovereignty. Borders unchecked. Trucks coming across unchecked.
2:32pm Eastern. More “Free Statements.”
Paul: Constitution was supposed to restrain government, now it restrains the people.
Thompson: The important issue facing our country is national security. I know the world we live in and I know what we need to do.
Question: How many of you believe global climate change is a serious threat and caused by human activity?
Thompson objects to hand shows. (Applause).
The format blows up. Everyone’s talking. Anarchy! Yes! The schoolmarm’s feathers are ruffled.
McCain: I’ve been involved in this issue since 2000. I know that climate change is real.
Giuliani: I agree with John. It’s real and it’s because of humans. I think our party should embrace this.
Romney: Get off of foreign oil. You can help environment and economy. Is it an issue for the world? Absolutely. Let’s not have the rest of the world skate by, though. It’s global warming, not America warming.
Keyes: Who represents overlooked voices? Betrayal of sovereignty. Bashes elites. He’s maaaad. The schoolmarm is madder.
My position on global warming? Control the hot air of the politicians in Washington!
2:41pm Eastern. More “Free Statements.”
Tancredo talks immigration.
Huckabee talks about the Founding Fathers, man from Hope-style mini-speech.
Question: What educational standards do we need?
McCain talks choice, homeschooling and then he commends NYC.
Obviously he hasn’t heard of Fuzzy Math.
Giuliani: Parents should make choices and standards, not Washington. Competition.
Hunter cites Jaime Escalante’s success story and inspiration.
Rep. Hunter, meet the tyranny of Fuzzy Math.
Hunter lashes unions for running Escalante out of the public schools.
Romney supports No Child Left Behind.
Agh. Gov. Romney, meet the failures of NCLB.
Huckabee: Music and arts for all.
Keyes inserts himself into the debate. “I would like to address the education issue.” Schoolmarm gives Keyes 30 seconds. He wants a minute like everyone else. He talks about the removal of God from the public square. “We have a national creed. We need a moral education.” Keyes looks and sounds like he’s going to tear someone’s head off.
Question: What is the biggest obstacle to education?
Paul: The federal government is the biggest obstacle. Parents have to get control of education.
Thompson: Biggest obstacle is the National Education Association.
BINGO.
2:54pm Eastern. Tancredo takes on Huckabee on education…He points out that Huckabee says he wants no government intervention and at the same time crusades for music and arts in the schools. Tancredo: “That’s not the president’s role. If you want to do that, run for governor.” (Applause.)
Romney takes on Huckabee’s education record. Cites Massachusetts test scores.
2:57pm Eastern. Another dumb question. Schoolmarm asks what the candidates would accomplish in their first term. In 30 seconds. Candidates reiterate much of what they’ve already been saying.
3:01pm Eastern. Huckabee gives a mini-I’m a uniter, not a divider speech.
3:04pm Eastern. More “Free Statements.”
Romney gives a generic, student body president speech. Alan Keyes gets 30 seconds to growl and plug his website. Giuliani gives 9/11 leadership speech.
3:06pm Eastern. Question - Character and leadership.
Inexplicably, Schoolmarm is now showing video of the candidates answering questions from Register reporters.
Pssst: The candidates are on the stage. What a waste of time, precious time.
Question: How would you guarantee an open White House?
Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
3:13pm Eastern. More time-wasting videos.
3:22pm Eastern. Question - Please suggest a New Year’s resolution for one of your opponents. 15 seconds.
McCain: Let’s raise the level of discourse and debate in the campaign. Let’s all be respectful.
Huckabee: I’ll be a lot more careful of everything I say. And them, too.
Romney. We’ll come together when this is resolved.
Thompson: Be strong. Be a better man and husband.
Tancredo: Tancredo confronts Huckabee. How are you going to convince Americans that you have in fact changed your mind about immigration?
Hunter: Buy American goods.
Giuliani: Realize how lucky we are.
3:25pm Eastern. Schoolmarm: “We are out of time!”
She’s been saying that since the beginning of the debate.
***
Extra-curricular activities: Huckabee apologizes to Romney after the debate. Wouldn’t an apology during the debate–maybe during his “Free Statement”–have demonstrated better character?
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- Oh, There Was Another Debate Today « Bilby’s
- Democrat Moderated GOP Debate in Iowa « The Tennessee ConserVOLiance
- Maryland for Fred Thompson » Blog Archive » Video: No Hand Shows
- OnePoliticalVoice Blogs » Blog Archive » Video: No Hand Shows
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- Stop The ACLU » Blog Archive » The GOP Debate: Who Won?
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- Michelle Malkin » Digging deeper: The enviro-nitwit-ization of the GOP
- THE MIDNIGHT SUN » Blog Archive » ENVIRONMENTALIST WACKOS RULE THE REPUBLICAN PARTY!
- Michelle Malkin » Reasons I love NY Post headline writers, part 87,523
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- Pajamas Media
- The Tennessee ConserVOLiance » Blog Archive » Democrat Moderated GOP Debate in Iowa
- Liked sex
- Rudy Giuliani - Has the North American Free Trade Agreement been effective?
- Michelle Malkin » Nutroots ballistic: We demand a stultifyingly dull debate! Or else!
- Michelle Malkin » MoveOn’s definition of “hurting the country”
Where will Anderson Cooper be? Out in a cornfield?
I don’t know about that; those plants are very frost-resistant.
If you plant them, I will come. If you plant them, I will come.
ice plant.
good one AJ … but there’s lots more ice further south right now …
*hands Michelle a coffee and some No-Doze.
John Paul just called us an impire - LOL
Thanks, it’s definitely needed.
Place is being swarmed by Paulians. Apparently Paulians believe in their version of the Constitution…aka, mob rule.
Michelle probably also needs a “snooze alarm” …
Oh, WOW. Fix the tax code. That is just a talking point. The IRS will NEVER go away!
Imagine a simple tax. Everyone pays 12%. Take it out of your check and you are done - no need for the IRS.
THAT WILL HAPPEN - NOT
Soap … I’ve said that here before with the caveat that those below poverty level are the only ones that get anything back …
But like you realized it would put too many IRS workers on the street … so won’t happen …
Tooth picks work fine. Just prop open the eyelids and learn to nod every now and then.
I don’t understand why people put so much faith and trust in the Iowa caucus results.
Some past results have been very accurate, while others have been so far off the mark it’s rediculous.
Who remembers Tom Harkin in 1992? He took 76% in the Democratic Iowa caucus.
In 1988 Bob Dole and Pat Robertson BOTH beat Bush Sr. in the Iowa caucus.
No matter the results, it’s still a looongggg way to the General Election.
OK I’m watching this debate and I have a huge problem with the moderator. Her opening statement said this debate will be about issues important to Iowans. It will not be about Iraq or Illegal Immigration.
You cannot tell me illegal immigration is not important to Iowans, what hole does she live in?!
Hunter ‘08!
“Hunter: Trade loss is a threat to national security. Stop China from cheating on trade.”
Need I say more?
Any ideas why Hunter doesn’t have much support? It seems like he is tough on immigration and WOT.
MrVIBEMAN
All the more reason we need a single national prmary day in about mid-March … leaves time for the political conventions and the campaigning and no single state gets an undue influence on the selection process …
Now Iowans care more about Human Rights abuses in other -trading partner- nations than Illegal Immigration?
Only a Newspaper Editor could dream this up.
I honestly wish I did know why he isn’t getting more play. Maybe someone else can weigh-in?
I like him alot he is strong on all of the key issues as far as I am concerned.
When Republicans talk about RINOs, Hunter doesn’t come to mind. I think support for him will grow. He is getting exposure so we’ll see what happens…it’s still early.
Global warming show of hands:
Soap raises his hand with one finger pointed high (center one if you are wondering).
I really like Hunter too. I don’t clearly understand his failure to do better so far.
I note that Ron Paul showed up, keeping the myth of his popularity alive.
How many of you guys believe Global warming is real - by a show of hands?
What is this a presidential debate or third grade?
Soap, you beat me to it.
I was really impressed with Hunter during the CNN/YouTube debate and just couldn’t figure out why he isn’t talked about more. Living in Texas .. the border fence is something I’m interested in hearing more about.
I learned of him for the 1st time while watching the Glen Beck show. He had Hunter on for a full hour and I got to hear his stance on all of the issues and he blew my mind. This guy is the real deal. I’m keeping my eyes peeled to him.
I should say that regardless, I’ll vote for whoever wins the nomination but I pray it’s him.
Thompson’s leadership moment
That show of hands response and the following refusal to answer without being given time was true leadership. Everyone else on that stage fought to catch up a second or two after.
Well done Mr. Thompson.
What Republicans need most is a leader who talks straight and will not take others setting the rules of the game. Obviously we need a conservative, which he is. But Republicans are under siege from the press and hysterical Democrats, and a milquetoast, soft spoken leader serves us no good.
If this is a debate? I’d rather see no stupid moderator and let the candidates go after each other.
Ron Paul is a major goof.
Who is Alan Keyes?
Romney is all hat and no cattle. To wit, he cites problems and says we ought to make it better….sheesh
Suit where is body?
there in his pocket, oh, who? sorry.
Michelle,
Could blog on Hunter versus Tancredo versus Thompson?
It feels like we’re wasting so much time making fun of the RINO triplets, we’re not getting a good look at who the conservatives are.
Rudy:
9/11 9/11 9/11
GEEEEEEZZZZZZ
Free border control agents - WOOOHOOO!
I think the questions everyone here is asking about what is supposedly important to the Iowa voters illustrates what I was referring to in my post #18 …
Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina by no means have 100% of the same priorities and concerns as the remaining 47 states … and those remaining states will have fewer candidates to select from after the initial primaries are over because some people will drop out even though they may have been more highly supported in those other states … making for lower turnouts in many of the remaining 47 states …
Schoolmarm has a ruler to whack appendages if unruly.
they better get to keyes before he blows a gasket.
dang my cable just blew a gasket.. tv burp bummer.
Not a myth…
http://michellemalkin.com/2007/11/28/the-cnnyoutube-debate-edginess-elbows-eh/
Read posts #208 - #230 - I’m just here to keep you on your toes. Conservative_Cat and I had a civil conversation on the issues where we both made some good points.
Ron Paul does have a large following and it’s growing…and it’s also not just 9/11 truthers, video gamers or white supremists…(and no, I’m not a
Leftist,Liberal, Progressive).I’m still waiting for an answer to this: http://michellemalkin.com/2007/12/10/the-spanish-language-panderfest-sprinkled-with-ron-pauls-blame-america-act-we-create-the-chavezes-of-the-world-we-create-the-castros-of-the-world/#comment-191757
I hope I’m not kicked off just because I challenge the intellect common with some of you when it comes to understanding Ron Paul’s message…
Example:
Remember, I love you all as God has commanded.
And don’t accuse me of being “Alan Keyes” for interrupting your rants…I agree with most of them.
Most of us are frustrated with the fact that our wars are funded by the hidden tax of inflation. Unfortunately, most don’t understand this simple concept. For every cause, there is an effect.
Peace!
Fed Up
Rudy:
9/11 9/11 9/11…
AGAIN
I’m tired of Huck’s mini-speeches. They say nothing, but have a lot of platitudes and hyperbole.
This forum for debate is so old and tired can’t stand to watch another one like it.
It was about what was expected.
I didn’t like the fact that all of them want to bow at the Global Warming/Punish America Alter!
Agreed, but from the sounds of it, at least Romney won’t do anything until we see everyone else do something too(which ain’t ever gonna happen).
Keyes is throwing darts… lol.
watching this streaming on foxnews just isn’t working
I thought Ron Paul was a blimp?
no, he’s a wimp.
taylork#44, I heard what Romney said but, he didn’t despute the fact that he thought it was a threat.
Answer: Keep the doors unlocked.
(See I can be like Mike too!)
I know, and I not super pro-Romney, but I’d rather have a guy that acknowledges it and does nothing than the guy who will spend $800 trillion while China and India fiddle.
mother ship calling…..
Paul wouldn’t know what the Constitution said if it smacked him in the face!
taylork,#51 Yup, the heart of the matter.
I have an article by a Canadian writer that nailed the central issue of the Bali conference. I’ll post the source.
Oh - New years resolutions
I would wake Michelle but…zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Romney’s answer to everything:
Baseball, Apple Pie, and Chevrolet.
if I was Thompson my new years resolution would be to get to bed early every night. woof.
Hey something I can agree with Paul on…recognize domestic enemies. Start with the Defeatocrats, Paul supporters, 9/11 Twoofers and islamofacists within our borders and their apologists!
I’d be more upset that I’m not watching this (streaming doesn’t work), if I thought they were saying anything new. Will nobody call out Huck on immigration, his lax crime stance, taxes, or his mormon comments, or are those issues not important to Iowa voters (eh, miss schoolmarm)?
Soap’s summary:
Blah, blah, blah – talking point – blah, blah, blah – stick finger in opponents eye – blah, blah, blah – duck! Incoming ufo - blah, blah, blah – more stupid questions – blah, blah, blah - *wishing I had that hour and 15 minutes back – blah, blah, blah……zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Translation: I’ll bash the LDS in private.
Huh? I must be missisg something there.
Ratchet ruined it.
Dude…
I don’t know how much more I can take of all this pap.
Why was this debate held at 1pm Central time? Won’t the caucus goersbe at work?
Ron Paul is Kucinich’s co-pilot
Where do we go to fire the Moderator?
She was horrible.
Did anyone vet her and make sure she’s not a Hillary Plant?
Had to.
I like Huckabee, he is a nice guy. I cannot stand for any one that I do not trust will protect our borders and will be able to stand firm and hard against any and all forms of amnesty and incentives (read: school tuition and path to citizenship for under 18 year old entry into USA because forced by parents.) for more illegals to come here. Sorry, but its not punishing the kids for their parents mistakes by deporting people in the USA who should not be in the USA. They are just lucky to have had the few days/weeks/years they had in this country and should go home and apply for a VISA like my wife did.
As for Rudy, he may have had poor choices as a mayor, but the one thing that I think strikes me for his stances on immigration, and pretty much every other issue is the no broken windows policy. I think that once he starts down the path of protecting the USA from invading forces that he will implement the same strategy. He will not tolerate any small stuff.
“Faux News Alert”
Alan Keye’s has been Arrested!
Moments after the GOP Debate Keye’s kicked the Carp out of the moderator.
film at 11:00
I give up. I’ve seen enough. I’m not going to watch anymore debates. I already know I’m voting for Hunter in the Primary. And any non-Hillary, non-Obama candidate in the G.E.
Now I can spend the next 10 - 12 months watching cartoons with my 4 year old.
Gee Soap … see how you are? …
Frank Luntz shows Iowa viewers consider Romney the debate winnner…and I agree. Huck sucked…as usual.
lol, based on what?
Worst ever. You could tell she was getting off on it. ‘THANK YOU’ cutting them off…THANK YOU THANK YOU droning on. Feel sorry for the husband or wife.
The whole thing made me feel like THIS
I actually thought it was a good debate. Now the next thing I am going to say is not a racist remark nor is it meant to be non-pc but, Why was Keyes there? I know that I am from Iowa but I have seen a man of color before. Funny thing is I liked his comments on things (when he could get them in) Very generic comments but spot on non the less. The show of hands thing was the left leaning D.M. Register way of trying to set all of them up. It didn’t work. In fact it gave Thompson (who is quick despite how he looks) the chance to take control.
All in all, they all sound the same with small differences. It’s those differences in details that are driving me crazy. The dems don’t have that trouble as even in the details they are the same.
Alan Keyes is certifiable.
“We’ve got to move forward not backward, upward not downward, and always twirling, twirling about!”
Is it a Huck speech, or a Simpson’s quote? You be the judge.
Nah, Paul is the token looney. Keyes is the token Fairtaxer
These guys can climb back into the clown car now, I don’t think that we could do any worse if we just put all of the Social Security numbers in a giant hat and just picked one! Any american citizen would do.
Im’s with 30 so far. Hunter ‘08.
I still prefer Malkin/Coulter
*you can tell I am still asleep by the nice dream there
huckster, huck the schmuck did a huck-a-bomb, yes. little bumper sticker phrases does not a presidential candidate make for a repulican, let’s leave that for the dems. no depth, no substance and no huck go back to arkansas. Maybe Hitlery will make you her VP??
i used to want Thompson as the VP slot with Romney. But, now I am liking Hunter there much better.
Problem there is that we would potentially get an illegal alien, as they have and are using fradulently Social Security Numbers. That is how illegal immigrant 18 year olds in Arkansas can go to college and get the in-state tuition benefit. Need a SS# can’t go without one..
so with the luck we have been having is an illegal ss# would be picked and we would all end up speaking spanish in New Mexiusa…
I think Thompson is warming up. and maybe them folks in Iowa are into the grain alcohol a lil early today.
I agree about the moderator, but was there really that much “life and color” to suck out?
I’d shorten the sentence:
This just in:
Post debate emergency. Carolyn Washburn is rushed to the emergency with carp protruding from several orifices.
That had to be said. I’m just glad you said it instead of me; I would’ve found a way to get on Michelle’s bad side with my ReWrite™.
Alan Keyes - ” I’m black so you WILL
cave in to my demands”
Muslims have learned alot from blacks like him.
#87, huh?
#88, what?
A white nobody wouldn’t be able to just waltze into there
#90
Ditto
I had a positive reaction to the debate. For once, it was nice to have each candidate spell out his ideas without the carping crap from another candidate or the moderator. Also, I felt the questions were some of the best heard - and I would like the same questions to be used on the Democrats (fat chance).
Alan Keyes is certainly a wild hair in the game - no chance of winning. But his point about the relationship between morality and societal success is one that all American citizens should take seriously. (An undisciplined and utterly chaotic nation which adopts socialism will not be successful. Just pick one in Europe.)
Actually I think Tancredo and Hunter would be good candidates to run ICE and DHS (no particular preference as to which one is in which position) … We need someone in those positions that actually believes in enforcing the laws those departments are responsible for instead of following the PC police …
Burner,
Quit while you are ahead.
Don’t you see muslims working the system just like blacks have done the last 50 years ?
Well, What credentials does Keyes have? Nobody even knew he was running.
i see many of all types, sizes and colors using the system to their advantage. working the system is something learned from libs. it is not a ‘color’ thing.
burner you should be ashamed of yourself…
Burner - just cuz you seem not to have known of Keyes, does not make him a “nobody”.
Soap Box: He’s not ahead.
Burner: seriously, dude, drop it now. Whatever it is you are trying to say, it’s something you shouldn’t.
Schoolmarm? Hey, Michelle! Everyone can’t be attractive, witty and urbane all in one package!
Hey Soap, how about cleaning up your act?
Seems to be a pretty high recommendation to me. Not a nobody.
I think that was the most boring debate I have seen. as far as the global warming question that was asked I liked what Fred Thompson said debate it or he won’t raise his hand.
Luv to. What are you talking about please? Or, is that a pun?
I want Thompson’s ideas, Giuliani’s celebrity, Romney’s eloquence, Keyes’ idealism, Huckabee’s integrity, McCain’s experience, Tancredo’s immigration plan, Hunter’s tax plan, and Paul’s mouth shut.
Truth never was real popular
Neither is Garbage.
Me too. But geez, I forget the question now, but Romney answered a question, and then it went to Hunter and he admitted he forgot the question, could the mod repeat, and then admitted he was mezmerized by Romney’s answer. Duncan! Dude!
I was thinking that Hunter could possibly get a bump in the near future, but forgetting the question and getting lost in another’s candidates warm and fuzzy response is not going to get the job done! Sigh.
They bent the rules for Keyes.
True or False?
meatpieandtatters,
Seriously, need a clue here. If I am talking trash like Burner here, I want to know so I can fix it.
What rules?.. dont be lame.
Afraid you’ll look stupid, Soapy ?
Why, yes Burner. I AM afraid I may be mistaken for you. Thanks for noticing.
Don’t get me wrong, I like him better than the frontrunners !
first class troll then trying to stir up ridiclous BS.
Troll First class.
I’ll take those 5 point now please since AJ didn’t want them.
Who left the trolls out? Who, who who?
“let”
I must admit I have always found it Truly Fascinating how people can all watch the same broadcast and come away with such diverse views of what they saw and heard … not saying there should not be reasonable disagreement and discussion of things … just one of those human nature things that sometimes boggles the mind as to how diametrically opposed the resultant views are …
Today I think most agreed it would have been more interesting to watch paint dry.
#113 So there is no criteria for who can appear in the debate? From what I heard there was and he did not meet it,
but he was allowed on anyway. Why ?
You tell me why, instead of calling me
a troll.
AJ … or reruns of The Brady Bunch … head count was roughly the same …
well, turn on fox news they are going to explain it next up …
and I was speaking of your previous posts not that question specifically.
I spent most of the debate watching Bonanza and tuning in to the debate during commercial breaks. From what I saw and heard it was a good choice. Thanks to MM for posting a video of my man Fred putting the moderator in her place.
I voted for Alan Keyes in the 2000 primary. Given the last 7 years I do not regret it and wish more people had done the same. Still, I haven’t been impressed with him in that way in the last 2-3 years.
That cinches that issue for me. Both already had negatives with me, but if they are stupid enough to believe the global warming cause by humans ideology, then they are too stupid to be my president. I’m not sure that I could vote for either one of them now even if against Hillary.
I’m still a Thompson fan. The portions of the debate I was able to watch just solidified my support. I’m actually feeling motivated enough to pull out my checkbook.
I think it is the candidates who make it so confusing for everyone. Constantly dancing around the issues, doing a little Tango over this way, moderator changes the music they do a Foxtrot over that way.
Well, Gibsons show didn’t clear it up
any [about Keyes] so I guess my explanation [#87] is the best [and only]
one out there.
Alan Keyes might be the best orator of the bunch when he’s on his game. I’d love to see him debate Jackson or Sharpton. How come Keye’s is a no-good carpetbagger when he ran for Senate in Illinois, but Hillary was not one while running for Senate in NY?
Global Warming facts are supressed. And I get sick of telling people that the US Senate voted 95-9 AGAINST Kyoyo treaty under Clinton. Regardless of any changes to be considered why the heck should the 2 BILLION people in China and India be exempt. It is a political movement to redistribute wealth. I still don’t understand the carbon credits thing. Why and how much $$$ would Gore collect and why should I pay that dork one cent?
Once againwe hear that the polar ice caps and glaciers are shrinking, but some glaciers and the South Pole ice caps are growing. Read the cites in the Crichton novel that deals with GW or the Politically Incorrect Guide to GW.
No way will I ever vote for the Huckster or Paul. Huckabee is totally naive on foreign policy. Guliani would be best at killing terrorists.
Then that must be it. sheesh.
Buying carbon credits is the equivalent of buying indulgences from the church so I can sin and get away with it.
Oftentimes the most obvious answer is
the correct one, AJ.
#87 No way.
Keyes is not like that at all and could wipe the floor with the rest of those guys on a good day.
gollumclone #131 Right on!
Very good article at American Thinker:
December 10, 2007
How Green Was My Bali
By Marc Sheppard
A little long but, worth the read. Updates all the Bali nonsense on Global Warming and it’s mentally disturbed step child Climate Change.
I was being sarcastic.
Azygos, Do you know how he got an invite to the debate. I am not too familiar with him but would put him third after Hunter and Tancredo.
No I don’t Burner. But I have heard him speak many times before and at times he has strongly denounced the race pimps/justice brothers, so I can’t imagine he used race to get into the debate.
He does come on pretty strong so he may have intimidated them though.
What we need is a Thompson/Huckabee (or the other way around). Call it “Tom and Huck” and we’ll sweep the South.
It was just an idea.
AJ, Does that mean you don’t agree with me ? Are you a guy or Gal ? Just
curious, I’m thinking gal.
Victor, How about Hunter/ Tancredo.
That’s my Idea
#142 - What does your moniker mean?
Instructions for doing the “Huckeebuckee?”
Duncan Hunter for me.
Backwoods,
Your penance for your ignorance is to read these two articles:
One
Two
Loses even more credibility, threatens to bankrupt the entire planet.
#146 NBF
Ignorance admitted. When I heard a friend make that crack I had no idea there actually was such a thing. Thanks for the education.
Who voted more than once?
This debate, I hate even calling it that, was b-o-r-i-n-g!
The moderator was b-o-r-i-n-g and a tad scary, for lack of a better word.
And what the heck was Alan Keyes doing there anyway and insisting on talking when he isn’t running, isn’t there a law against that? I’m serious.
And if Fred Thompson saying, I won’t raise my hand was a highlight, that shows you how dull and unproductive the whole thing was.
That seems to be the consensus.
And if any on you missed Brit Hume tonight, try to catch the replay of it and listen to Charles Krauthammer’s description of the debate.
Make that Conservatives R Us. To the best of my knowledge, you’re not a seer.
Feebiebabe,
I could burn it in, as in throwing a
softball. Whats yours mean?
My guess an all girls team?
Feebs,
I think it might have to do with a pipe????
…just sayin’
Pitcher…in a slow pitch league.
Way up yonder, several wondered about a) when Alan Keyes got into the race and b) why a solid conservative like Duncan Hunter is not well-known.
To answer the first question, not many have noticed Keyes was in the race because he didn’t announce for it until the middle of September, a few days after Fred Thompson made it official. I know he’s on the Maryland ballot so I assume he’s managed to get on the other state ones as well. Some may recall he also ran for President in 2000 and (as I recall) was a late entry into the Senate race in Illinois in 2004 when the original GOP candidate dropped out. It was that race which put B. Hussein Obama in the Senate.
Now for my theory about Hunter. Let’s look at the nine candidates on the stage and their backgrounds.
We have one man (Rudy Giuliani) who made an abortive run for U.S. Senate but is most known for being mayor of America’s most populous city on the darkest day of my lifetime. (Being in the front row at all those Yankee playoff games didn’t hurt either.)
Then we have two men (Mike Huckabee, Mitt Romney) who served as governor in their state. Obviously they play on that executive experience during their campaigns - bear in mind that four of our last five Presidents spent time in a governor’s chair.
The next group of two serve (or recently served) in a body that boasts only 2 elected officials from each state, the U.S. Senate. Both are from relatively populous states and also have at least one other claim to fame, whether it is a prior run for President (John McCain) or a TV gig (Fred Thompson).
Also falling into the onetime run for President category is the aforementioned Alan Keyes.
That leaves three candidates who have one thing in common - they are all members of the House of Representatives. As such, their political base is only about 650,000 people as opposed to the millions who vote for U.S. Senator or for President. So they don’t have a lot of name recognition outside their district. Frankly, Ron Paul has done the best job of gaining popularity despite the small political base but it’s by and large been through taking a page from John McCain’s playbook and being a “maverick” Republican, particularly on the Long War.
Because both Duncan Hunter and Tom Tancredo are pretty solid conservatives and haven’t built up a lot of name recognition nationwide by grandstanding to the press, they aren’t going to get a lot of play in the partisan media. Both are better known among people like me who study the issues but that hasn’t worked as well with the general public who’s still focused on the “horse race” aspect of the race. Unfortunately most of those people won’t pay a lot of attention until a week before their primary, a point