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The GOP debate at the Reagan Library; Update: Say hello to John McCain Edwards the Class Warrior

By Michelle Malkin  •  January 30, 2008 07:22 PM

Scroll down for updates…most notable lowlights: John McCain Edwards playing Class Warrior–trashing the “greedy,” sneering about profits–in the House of Reagan…and here’s the video clip of McCain’s flip-floppery on shamnesty (take a Dramamine before watching)…and read this on McCain’s surge of dishonesty…and here’s the “greedy people” video…speaking of which

I’ll be liveblogging the GOP debate at the Reagan Library on CNN tonight. The show starts at 8pm Eastern. The campaign season has exposed aggravating deficiencies with these debate forums. Once again, Anderson Cooper will be moderating.

Anderson Cooper: Totally out of touch with conservative voters. Totally out of touch with conservative ideology and Republican politics.

Haven’t we had enough liberal journalists moderating Republican debates, wasting time recycling the same old questions, and trying to play left-wing gotcha?

I made the point last night that minority journalists and regional journalists have secured seats at the table in past debates. Why not informed conservative journalists?

Here’s some food for thought before the debate: Results of the closed poll on McCain vs. Hillary. I kept it accessible only to MichelleMalkin.com registered users, with one vote allowed per day, for cleaner, more useful results (e.g., no Ron Paul trolls). Interesting, no?

1poll.jpg

***

Commenter AlwaysRight: “Mitt better have a new series of talking points because this is probably his last chance to dent McCain’s armor plating. I don[']t wanna hear any more “Washington is broken” and “shuffling the chairs” talk, coz that ain[;]t getting it done. [H]e needs to firmly but respectfully challenge McCain’s RINOism for all conservatives to see.”

The stakes for Mitt.

***

Update 8:03pm Eastern. The candidates shake hands with Mrs. Reagan. Seating arrangement from left to right: Huckabee, Paul, McCain, Romney. Cooper’s co-panelists are an LA Times reporter and a Politico reporter.

1st question: Cooper to Romney. Cooper invokes Reagan’s “Are you better off now than you were four years ago?” Are Americans better off now than they were eight years ago? Romney: “I’m pleased with what I did in Mass. I’m not running on Bush’s record. Washington is broken.” Well, there’s that talking point. “Middle income families are feeling squeezed, losing their homes, having a hard time paying for home heating oil.” First “change” reference. He represents change.

McCain: “Let’s have some straight talk. Things are tough right now. People are concerned about housing prices, stock market bouncing up and down. What we’re trying to do to fix this economy is important…stumbles while talking about subprime crisis…mentions his support of Bush tax cuts…”

Cooper: “Sounds like you’re saying we’re not better off.”

McCain: “Overall, we are. But right now, people are uncertain. We’ve got to stop squandering, spending spree, sending money to China.”

Huck: I don’t think we are [better off now.] Is Bush responsible for all this? No. But are we better off? No…Hard to pay the rent. Americans are looking for someone to be honest with them…economic populism stump speech…

Ron Paul: “We’re not better off, we’re worse off…it is partially Bush’s fault…Republicans were elected to change the direction of the country…blames foreign policy, empire, etc.

Would it have been so hard for someone to just say: The problem is that we’ve abandoned fiscal responsibility and personal responsibility. As a Republican, I reject the liberal media/Hillary presumption that all borrowers are victims in this. We need to change the borrow-and-spend culture. We need consequences for poor choices and bad behavior. And if if we subsidize it, we’ll get more of it. That has to end.

Would it have been so hard for someone to criticize the economic stimulus boondoggle? Maybe mention the illegal alien tax rebate lunacy? The lard-up?

Romney digs McCain for his NYT endorsement. McCain touts his other media newspaper endorsements.

This debate is very subdued so far. It appears that Romney doesn’t have the fire in the belly to vigorously challenge McCain on anything right now.

McCain disses Romney’s economic record. McCain namedrops Phil Gramm and Jack Kemp for the 1,000th time. McCain brags about Romney’s former lt gov supporting him.

McCain: “I will allow others to judge me by the company I keep.”

Oh, yes
, indeed, Sen. McCain.

Romney wakes up. He counterattacks on McCain’s claims about his economic record, notes that his predecessor lost most of the jobs (predecessor is Jane Swift, who supports McCain). He’s on the defensive. He should be on the offensive.

Cooper asks Huck about Rush Limbaugh’s opposition to him. “I wish Rush loved me as much as I loved him.” Launches into his I’m-the-most-conservative-candidate-on-the-stage talking points. Otherwise known as his: “McCain, pick me for your VP!” speech.

Politico guy asks a reader question directed at Romney about fee hikes in Mass. Which, as I recall, has been asked a gazillion and one times before in past debates.

LA Times woman asks if McCain sides with Schwarzenegger or the Bush administration on environmental standards fight. Jokes he’s in physical danger if he doesn’t agree. He agrees because he’s a federalist. Global warming talking points. Says there are no costs of global warming regulation. “It’s no secret that I disagree with Bush administration on acting on global climate change.” Suck up to Arnie time.

See: The enviro-nitwit-ization of the GOP.

Romney now has a chance to distinguish himself: “I think we all agree that America should become energy-independent…but if you put new caps unilaterally, you impose on the American people a huge new effective tax…I’ve lived in the business world, the real economy…you put a big burden on energy, energy-intensive industries move to China…”

Huck sucks up to Arnie. Sides with him.

Paul: “California should do what it wants…we should emphasize property rights…wants to talk about conservatism vs liberalism…Anderson Cooper cuts him off.” That was rude. He’s on stage. Let him finish.

LA Times lady asks Huck about tax rebates, stimulus. He wants infrastructure spending stimulus. “Who’s economy are we stimulating?”

Romney: No question that infrastructure stimulates economy. Romney makes references to “Big Dig.” Badly managed. Stimulus needs to put money in hands of consumers. Road project is not related to short-term economic stimulus.

Paul: “We have a foreign policy where we blow up bridges overseas, then send taxes to rebuild them. EMPIRE EMPIRE EMPIRE.”

Ok, go ahead and cut him off.

Yes, he actually said our troops are sent overases to blow up bridges.

Would have been a nice opportunity for someone to slap Paul upside the head on that.

McCain is asked about housing rescue.

“There are greedy people on Wall Street who need to be punished.”

Not a word about the greedy homeowners and their brokers who pitched in.

Is this the Democrat or GOP debate? I thought John Edwards dropped on. Turns out he’s on stage at the Reagan Library!

8:38pm Eastern. LA Times lady goes after McCain on his Bush tax cut opposition and shifting rationale. He said they weren’t offset, then argued lower-income people didn’t get enough. Which is it? He ignores the question. “Proud to be a Reagan foot soldier.”

Romney: McCain did not support tax cut. He said it was a tax cut for the rich. Federal spending is about 60 percent entitlements, growing like crazy. Military 20 percent. People talk about the remaining 20 percent. We need to go after the entitlement problem. Rein in excessive growth in those areas. Change the deal for younger Americans or we’ll bankrupt the country.

Changing topic to immigration…

8:41pm Eastern. Reader asks Huck about birthright citizenship. “I think the Supreme Court has already ruled on that…switches topic to a secure fence.” Huck preaches his new enforcement gospel.

See: Huckabee retreats on birthright citizenship

See my column on this topic: “What makes an American.”

Romney asked about deportation. “No amnesty” for those here today. Send recent illegal aliens back immediately. For those here five years, with kids, longer, let them stay long enough to organize their affairs, then send them home to get to back of the line.

Attacks McCain’s shamnesty “Z visa.” Stay here indefinitely. It’s a privilege to be here. “People who come here legally are a great source of strength and vitality, but illegal immigration — that’s gotta end.”

LA Times lady goes to McCain. You seem to be downplaying guest-worker program. “People want the border secured first….We’re all in agreement. We will secure the borders first. We know how to do that. I come from a border state.Walls, vehicle barriers, sensors…Then we’ll move on.”

McCain mentions his newfound support for tamper-proof documents.

Will Romney mention McCain’s opposition to the Real ID act or his lousy record on driver’s licenses for illegal aliens?

No.

That’s it for the immigration discussion.

Dittos to Mark Levin: “”I know how to secure the border first, I come from a border state.” “I have heard from the people.” This is the kind of junk that is hard for some of us to stomach.”

Cooper moves to Sandra Day O’Connor. Was she the right choice? Huck says he’s not stupid enough to diss Reagan at the Reagan Library. “History will tell.” Talks about sanctity of life, a topic on which he is more articulate than any of the other candidates. It is appreciated.

Paul: “I wouldn’t have appointed her. I would have looked at someone who was a stricter constitutionalist.”

McCain: Respected the decision, but favors justices like Roberts and Alito with proven record of strict interpretation of the law.

Romney: Same.

8:52pm Eastern. Commercial break.

This debate is illuminating not for any of the questions and answers so far, but for the opportunity to watch the demeanor of the candidates in a high-stakes setting. Romney is doing fine, but there’s no aggression, no fight in him. He seems resigned and subdued. I think he is too nice and too fundamentally decent to dethrone McCain. Accordingly, McCain has settled comfortably into The Anointed role. Huck hasn’t drooled at his feet yet, but there’s still 30 minutes left. Paul worked his EMPIRE and military-bashing talking points in. Mission accomplished.

8:59pm Eastern. Back from break. Romney asked about Peggy Noonan’s Bush-bashing column. Romney defends Bush for war on terrorism. I watch with horror as Dems assert that getting out of Iraq is more important than winning. Romney assails spending, entitlements. Praises NCLB…Cooper cuts off answer…

9:01pm Eastern. LA Times lady asks Romney about McCain timetable charge. “Absolutely, unequivocally not…I do not support that. Never have.” Romney is tentative and nervous.

He should be outraged. He should look directly at McCain and make him apologize, and make him admit it was a lie.

McCain is smirking, blinking, smirking. He smells weakness.

Romney ends stronger by saying the smear falls in the kind of dirty tricks that Reagan wouldn’t have stood for. (Large applause.)

McCain stands by his smear. He has one of Romney’s quote in front of him.

Romney wakes up! He challenges McCain. “How is it that you’re the expert on my position when my position is very clear?’ (Large applause).

McCain tries to weasel out of his smear.

Even Cooper jumps on McCain for misinterpreting him.

Here’s the quote they’re talking about:

Mitt Romney, the Republican presidential candidate who sits atop the GOP pack in fundraising, appears to have grown comfortable with talk of “timetables,” in addition to talk of “milestones,” when discussing U.S. involvement in Iraq.

The former Massachusetts governor is quick to note, however, that these timetables should be private and not published.

Romney Supports Private Timetable in Iraq

When asked by ABC News’ Robin Roberts on “Good Morning America” if he believes there should be a timetable for withdrawing U.S. troops from Iraq, Romney replied, “Well, there’s no question that the president and Prime Minister al Maliki have to have a series of timetables and milestones that they speak about, but those shouldn’t be for public pronouncement.”

The former governor went on to explain, “You don’t want the enemy to understand how long they have to wait in the weeds until you’re going to be gone. You want to have a series of things you want to see accomplished in terms of the strength of the Iraqi military and the Iraqi police and the leadership of the Iraqi government.”

When asked a similar question on CBS’s “Early Show,” Romney responded, “Well, I wouldn’t publish [a timetable] for my adversaries to see,” advocating instead “a series of milestones, timetables as well, to measure how well they’re doing.”

“But,” Romney said, “that’s not something you publish for the enemy to understand, because of course they could just lay in the weeds until the time that you’re gone. So these are the kinds of things you do privately, not necessarily publicly.”

McCain challenges Romney’s capability of leading. (Audience boos)

Cooper turns on Romney for not taking position on surge while governor.

Repeats he does not support timetable withdrawal. McCain never raised this in any past debates before Florida. Romney is strong on challenging McCain. “The Washington Post gave you three Pinnochios on it.” (Laughter.)

McCain has the audacity to attack Romney as the negative influence in the campaign. Assails his money.

Paul gets in another anti-war rant. Gets some applause.

Huck complains about not getting questions that don’t involve McCain or Romney.

Waaaah.

9:15pm Eastern. McCain filibusters on surge. LA Times lady to Huck: “When you look at Vladimir Putin, what do you see?”

“Look at what they’re doing, not just what they’re saying….invokes Reagan - Peace Through Strength.”

Romney: “Putin is heading down authoritarian road and it’s very troubling.”

McCain is asked how he is more qualified to lead than Romney on the economy.

He served for “patriotism not for profit.”

More class warfare talking points.

Gag.

He repeats the timetable smear again. What does this have to do with the economy?

Gag.

Romney shakes his head.

He talks about his time in captivity.

What does this have to do with the economy?

Romney ignores the smears. Recites his executive leadership talking points.

At this point, he should have ditched his talking points and talked about integrity.

He should have said:

I won’t lie to you. I won’t smear my enemies. I won’t insult my friends. I won’t trumpet my “Straight Talk.” I’ll just live it.

Politico asks Romney how he is more qualified to run the military than McCain.

Romney: You don’t have to have served to run the military. Regrets he didn’t serve. Talks about lifetime of experience. Abe Lincoln wasn’t military expert, but turned out to be one of the best of the country.

Paul talks about freedom. Government not about managing people’s affairs. All good, but of course he comes back to EMPIRE!

Cooper asks McCain about Romney’s qualifications. “He’s a fine man. He bought and sold and sometimes people lost their jobs.”

John McCain Edwards strikes again.

Disgusting.

Romney laughs. He has so much more class.

9:32pm Eastern. Cooper asks if Reagan would endorse Romney. “Absolutely.” Talks about positions on life, the war, outsider independent status. And Reagan would have said no to McCain Feingold. (Applause)

McCain: “Ronald Reagan would not have approved of someone who changed his positions based on what the year is.”

McCain is saying this? Chutzpah.

Paul: Reagan campaigned for me in 1978.

Huck: Would have been presumptuous for me to say he would have endorsed me. But I endorse him.

Much as I dislike Huck, that’s a good line.

9:36pm Eastern. Debate’s done. McCain shakes hands with Romney.

Hope Romney brought hand sanitizer.

Posted in: 2008 campaign

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  1. No Runny Eggs » Blog Archive » The 20th and probably last Republican debate
  2. Michelle Malkin » John McCain vs. the Right: No easy peace; Update:McCain at CPAC
  3. Webloggin - Blog Archive » Anderson Cooper: Moderator, Debater or Simply a Liberal Hack?
  4. Riehl World View
  5. Flopping Aces » Blog Archive » » Medved On McCain & Conservative Anger
  6. Keith Burgess-Jackson » The Debate
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Comments

  1. #1
    On January 30th, 2008 at 7:24 pm, John Ansell said:

    Dollar says this is going to be the Hit Mitt Debate. McCant and the Huck up forget Ronald Reagan’s rules.

  2. #2
    On January 30th, 2008 at 7:25 pm, ajmontana said:

    This better not be a witch hunt for Romney to prop up the Dems choice ‘McCain. Blech. :mad:

  3. #3
    On January 30th, 2008 at 7:25 pm, ajmontana said:

    thinkin right with ya john….

  4. #4
    On January 30th, 2008 at 7:27 pm, Always Right said:

    Mitt better have a new series of talking points because this is probably his last chance to dent McCain’s armor plating.

    I dont wanna hear any more “Washington is broken” and “shuffling the chairs” talk, coz that aint getting it done.

    he needs to firmly but respectfully challenge McCain’s RINOism for all conservatives to see.

  5. #5
    On January 30th, 2008 at 7:27 pm, ajmontana said:

    Mitt can out debate em, he will show it tonight I sure of it.

  6. #6
    On January 30th, 2008 at 7:28 pm, Anton said:

    I’d love to see Glenn Beck moderate the debate, if we are going to stay within the CNN family.

    Naturally, we would all love to see YOU moderate the debate as well.

  7. #7
    On January 30th, 2008 at 7:29 pm, The Raging Republican said:

    Once again, Anderson Cooper will be moderating.

    aka Keith Olbermann in drag

  8. #8
    On January 30th, 2008 at 7:31 pm, ajmontana said:

    lol rage, thats a scary image. :shock:

  9. #9
    On January 30th, 2008 at 7:31 pm, John Ansell said:

    I hope Mitt cleans their clock. My vote’s already mailed in for Mitt. My wife’s as well. I’d love to see Huckabee take a shot at Huckabee and then for Mitt to shoot back “oh, are you still here?”

  10. #10
    On January 30th, 2008 at 7:32 pm, John Ansell said:

    Huckabee take a shot at Mitt. Sorry.

  11. #11
    On January 30th, 2008 at 7:34 pm, fourstringfuror said:

    Anderson CooperRepublican Party: Totally out of touch with conservative voters. Totally out of touch with conservative ideology and Republican politics.

    FTFY, Mrs. Malkin.

  12. #12
    On January 30th, 2008 at 7:42 pm, Blind_Mule said:

    Ron Paul will be sitting in the corner wearing his Heaven’s Gate T-shirt with a glass of Kool-Aid waiting on the mothership. :)

  13. #13
    On January 30th, 2008 at 7:43 pm, Valiant said:

    If Mitt can’t espouse conservatism aqainst McCainnedey and Upchuckabee, then it is SECOND LOOK AT RON PAUL when the GOP primaries come to my state.

    He may be the only one left and is certainly to the right of the other two.

  14. #14
    On January 30th, 2008 at 7:44 pm, Mookie said:

    I’d like to hear Huckabee ask Myth to define “weapons of unusual lethality” or what he meant when he said he was told by the “brethren” in the Mormon church to act like he was pro-choice in order to get elected in MA.

  15. #15
    On January 30th, 2008 at 7:45 pm, zorro said:

    Michelle, your poll above is very telling, 42% would vote for Hillary or stay home. I’ll vote, but not for president (if McCain is the nominee).

    I think Anderson Cooper will do his best to minimize Romney, to highlight the darling of left, McCain and that featherweight, the Huckster.

  16. #16
    On January 30th, 2008 at 7:45 pm, trailortrash said:

    wish it was just mitt and mccain tonight.
    huck is just gonna run interference for mccain and the most needed addressed issues will get lost in the bs.

    I dont wanna hear any more “Washington is broken” and “shuffling the chairs” talk

    agreed, if mitt starts into that again i swear im gonna change the channel or just turn the tv off altogether and play some stalker or something.

  17. #17
    On January 30th, 2008 at 7:46 pm, thirteen28 said:

    Haven’t we had enough liberal journalists moderating Republican debates, wasting time recycling the same old questions, and trying to play left-wing gotcha?

    Yes, yes, yes, yes, and YES!!! (because answering Yes! once wasn’t enough).

    Can we in the conservative movement (should one still exist in 2012) remember this next presidential election cycle and actually be pro-active to get conservative debates moderated by conservatives?

    I’ve been asking this question for months, glad to see you taking it up.

  18. #18
    On January 30th, 2008 at 7:47 pm, DBNinKY said:

    I haven’t watched cnn since the summer of 1992. At that time little Ms. Cathy Cryer was hosting some kinda crazy segment at one of the conventions and I was amazed at how openly biased her male co-hosts were towards Clinton , so I’ll just forgo tonight’s gab-fest and maintain my record.

  19. #19
    On January 30th, 2008 at 7:58 pm, The Raging Republican said:

    I think Anderson Cooper will do his best to minimize Romney, to highlight the darling of left, McCain and that featherweight, the Huckster.

    Bullseye!

  20. #20
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:01 pm, The Raging Republican said:

    why would ron paul be invited to this thing?

  21. #21
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:01 pm, olympian2008 said:

    An AWESOME video tribute to Ronald Reagan!
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ac5xFOC9otw

    Ronald Reagan’s speeches (audio and transcripts)
    http://www.millercenter.virginia.edu/index.php/scripps/digitalarchive/speechDetail/32

    Ronald Reagan Library and Foundation
    http://www.reaganfoundation.org/

    Official site for the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan, CVN 76
    http://www.reagan.navy.mil/

  22. #22
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:01 pm, ajmontana said:

    it’s Nancy! cool

  23. #23
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:02 pm, The Raging Republican said:

    WWRD?

    I like that.

  24. #24
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:03 pm, trailortrash said:

    hope none of them roll back to far and fall off the stage lol

  25. #25
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:04 pm, The Raging Republican said:

    CNN: Lets frame the debate around george bush.

  26. #26
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:04 pm, The Raging Republican said:

    anderson cooper is being a tool on Q #1

  27. #27
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:05 pm, Valiant said:

    The Reagan Library is an amazing place. Worth a trip out to Simi Valley.

  28. #28
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:05 pm, trailortrash said:

    omg here he goes with the broke washington bs

  29. #29
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:05 pm, backwoods conservative said:

    Stunning setting!

  30. #30
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:05 pm, zorro said:

    Michelle, the Reagan library is beautiful. Weren’t you just there? Do you have any photos we haven’t seen?

  31. #31
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:06 pm, Mr_Conservative_Cat said:

    I can see this is going to be a “bash republican” debate.

  32. #32
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:06 pm, The Raging Republican said:

    Heres your straight talk, McCain:

    John McCain vs. John McCain

  33. #33
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:06 pm, Mr_Conservative_Cat said:

    McCain trying to talk finance about which he knows nothing.

  34. #34
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:07 pm, The Raging Republican said:

    Anderson Cooper needs to stop interrupting….. He’s not being the hard hitting reporter he thinks he is.

  35. #35
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:07 pm, John Ansell said:

    Raging Republican, If Bill Clinton can have 3 terms Why not Bush? At least that’s what I think the Democrats are thinking when they constantly bash Bush. They think he is running again

  36. #36
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:08 pm, The Raging Republican said:

    Congress is the major problem in america….. good answer huck!

  37. #37
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:08 pm, Mr_Conservative_Cat said:

    Ha! Huck is going after “congress”, meaning McCain. Good. let them chew eachther up and let Mitt sit above the fray.

  38. #38
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:08 pm, The Raging Republican said:

    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:07 pm, John Ansell said:

    Raging Republican, If Bill Clinton can have 3 terms Why not Bush? At least that’s what I think the Democrats are thinking when they constantly bash Bush. They think he is running again

    Laura Bush in 2012!

  39. #39
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:10 pm, Mr_Conservative_Cat said:

    Mitt looks like Gulliver amidst Lilliputians. Apt analogy.

  40. #40
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:11 pm, John Ansell said:

    McCain, I don’t want straight talk from you, I want a straight Jacket for you.

  41. #41
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:11 pm, The Raging Republican said:

    CNN Plan B: Make McCain look as good as possible.

  42. #42
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:11 pm, Mr_Conservative_Cat said:

    Hooray, Mitt, just stop being so polite.

  43. #43
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:12 pm, The Raging Republican said:

    why would you put someone from the LA Times on stage???? Why not just put george soros up there?

  44. #44
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:12 pm, The Raging Republican said:

    Zing for McCain

  45. #45
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:13 pm, Mr_Conservative_Cat said:

    Fight back Mitt.

  46. #46
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:14 pm, dukebedevilment said:

    I will be voting in November. I won’t be voting for John McCain.

  47. #47
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:14 pm, Mr_Conservative_Cat said:

    way that damn LA times “lady” framed the question in a way that endorsed mcCain.

  48. #48
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:15 pm, The Raging Republican said:

    Michelle-

    Heard you on Glenn Beck….. instead of just sitting out a McCain/Hillary match up, why not just come out and make a public endorsement of Romney now and try to have a big impact before its too late?

  49. #49
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:15 pm, John Ansell said:

    Would it have been so hard for someone to just say: The problem is that we’ve abandoned fiscal responsibility and personal responsibility. As a Republican, I reject the liberal media/Hillary presumption that all borrowers are victims in this. We need to change the borrow-and-spend culture. We need consequences for poor choices and bad behavior. And if if we subsidize it, we’ll get more of it. That has to end.

    Michelle for POTUS

  50. #50
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:16 pm, Mr_Conservative_Cat said:

    YES! Go Mitt go.

  51. #51
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:16 pm, The Raging Republican said:

    Me thinks Huckabee is gonna be playing the Edwards role in this debate

  52. #52
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:16 pm, truthmattersfa said:

    could the audio be more out of sync????

  53. #53
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:16 pm, rightisright said:

    it’s a bash Mitt nite

  54. #54
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:17 pm, The Raging Republican said:

    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:16 pm, truthmattersfa said:

    could the audio be more out of sync????

    thats your cable company

  55. #55
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:17 pm, The Raging Republican said:

    Huckabee needs to shut the Huck up!

  56. #56
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:19 pm, The Raging Republican said:

    printed up envelopes…… now thats a waste of money!

  57. #57
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:19 pm, backwoods conservative said:

    I thought Mitt refuted McCain pretty well.

  58. #58
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:19 pm, Mr_Conservative_Cat said:

    someone needs to say, “JOHN MCACAIN HAS ZERO EXECUTIVE EXPERIENCE AS IS NEEDED FOR TH PRESIDENT.”

  59. #59
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:20 pm, rightisright said:

    I won’t be eating for sometime tonite…McShame makes my sick!!!!!

  60. #60
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:20 pm, The Raging Republican said:

    health insurance….. pander, pander, pander…..

  61. #61
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:21 pm, The Raging Republican said:

    McShame makes my sick!!!!!

    aka McAmnesty

  62. #62
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:21 pm, The Raging Republican said:

    socialism…. ding!

  63. #63
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:21 pm, Mr_Conservative_Cat said:

    McCain has zero executive experience.

  64. #64
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:21 pm, Mojamaiko said:

    Clinton vs. McCain: Two junkyard dogs whose November scrap I’ll sit out.

  65. #65
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:22 pm, The Raging Republican said:

    did McCain just try to make a joke?

  66. #66
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:22 pm, Mookie said:

    That’s BS. Either you buy insurance or you pay a fine. That’s a mandate, moron.

  67. #67
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:22 pm, Mr_Conservative_Cat said:

    That’s right, give McCain chance to say how Ahnold supported him, how proud he is, etc etc etc bla bla la

  68. #68
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:22 pm, Valiant said:

    #47- A conservative should find it very hard to endorse Mitt only because he is the lesser of two evils.

  69. #69
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:22 pm, ajmontana said:

    soft serve ice cream anyone?

  70. #70
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:23 pm, The Raging Republican said:

    you want to reduce green house gasses and lower gas consumption, then lower the speed limit back to 55 mph. And by the way, McCain, thats FEDERALLY regulated

  71. #71
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:23 pm, ajmontana said:

    is macain on ludes?

  72. #72
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:24 pm, Mr_Conservative_Cat said:

    I’m hoping Mitt reduces McCain to dust tonight - he’s already dry enough, so it shouldn’t be too difficult.

  73. #73
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:24 pm, rightisright said:

    McShame will cross the isle to submit to democrapic desires.

  74. #74
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:24 pm, Mr_Conservative_Cat said:

    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:23 pm, ajmontana said:
    is macain on ludes?

    It’s past his bedtime.

  75. #75
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:24 pm, Mookie said:

    Nancy looks fantastic for 86.

  76. #76
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:24 pm, John Ansell said:

    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:22 pm, ajmontana said:
    soft serve ice cream anyone?

    I’ll take a beer in about half an hour

  77. #77
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:25 pm, The Raging Republican said:

    watching mccain reminds me of watching those buckle up seat belt commercials with the talking crash test dummies

  78. #78
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:25 pm, The Raging Republican said:

    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:24 pm, John Ansell said:

    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:22 pm, ajmontana said:
    soft serve ice cream anyone?

    I’ll take a beer in about half an hour

    A beer float is a wonderful thing (use vanilla ice cream).

  79. #79
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:25 pm, Mr_Conservative_Cat said:

    Mitt is the only one who looks presidential.

  80. #80
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:26 pm, Mr_Conservative_Cat said:

    and he still looks like Gulliver in the long shots.

  81. #81
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:27 pm, Khyris said:

    #67
    “A conservative should find it very hard to endorse Mitt only because he is the lesser of two evils.”

    We’re big boys… we’ll swallow the bad medicine if the alternative is a POTUS who encourages Harry and Nancy to run amok.

  82. #82
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:27 pm, ajmontana said:

    quick hit the button for hucks chair to drop into the shark tank.

  83. #83
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:27 pm, The Raging Republican said:

    Huck and Romney gave great answers on that Q (But with very diff stances)

  84. #84
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:28 pm, BlameAmericaLast said:

    Why does McCan’t always sound like he’s at a funeral?

  85. #85
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:28 pm, Mr_Conservative_Cat said:

    Okay, Dr Evil

  86. #86
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:28 pm, The Raging Republican said:

    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:28 pm, BlameAmericaLast said:

    Why does McCan’t always sound like he’s at a funeral?

    one foot in the grave

  87. #87
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:28 pm, Boomer said:

    I may have to pull out the Glenfiddich to get through this entire thing.

  88. #88
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:29 pm, The Raging Republican said:

    LA Times lady: Bush, Bush, Bush…. how do you respond?

  89. #89
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:30 pm, ajmontana said:

    Their shutting out paul completely. sad actually.

  90. #90
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:30 pm, Mojamaiko said:

    Ah-nee’s plastic surgeon must have paid
    CNN to flash frequent mug shots…. the shaved-off jawbone line looks good.

  91. #91
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:30 pm, The Raging Republican said:

    Huckabee: Lets build a bridge to nowhere!

  92. #92
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:30 pm, Mr_Conservative_Cat said:

    McCain looks vulnerable, but someone is going to have to say, “mr senator, as a senator, you simply have no executive experience. the American people shouldn’t hire you to get on the job training as President of the United States”.

  93. #93
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:31 pm, Valiant said:

    #80 We’re big boys… we’ll swallow the bad medicine if the alternative is a POTUS who encourages Harry and Nancy to run amok.

    What assurances do you have that Mitt won’t.

  94. #94
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:31 pm, The Raging Republican said:

    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:30 pm, ajmontana said:

    Their shutting out paul completely. sad actually.

    Yeah, Paul got punked!

  95. #95
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:32 pm, rightisright said:

    Anderson Cooper…what a tool…insults Mr. Paul…won’t let him in the to reply to a point made…deckhead…what a farce.

  96. #96
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:32 pm, The Raging Republican said:

    Is that Ron Paul or Gravel up there talking???

  97. #97
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:32 pm, Mr_Conservative_Cat said:

    valient,

    you have to play the percentages.

  98. #98
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:34 pm, ajmontana said:

    he doesnt have an answer

  99. #99
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:34 pm, The Raging Republican said:

    Bad Credit = lower interest rates???

    What planet does she live on?

  100. #100
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:34 pm, Mr_Conservative_Cat said:

    McCain is spinning; he’s out of his depth on anything financial. he’s not answering the question.

  101. #101
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:35 pm, mngirl said:

    McCain proved himself incompetent and suffering from dementia when he said Romney’s Lt Governor supported/campaigned with him.

    Idiot. Who does his research for him and preps him? He hires idiots? Great, that will be a pretty cabinet.

  102. #102
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:35 pm, Mr_Conservative_Cat said:

    jeez, does anyone know what McCain is saying? all bs

  103. #103
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:35 pm, The Raging Republican said:

    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:34 pm, Mr_Conservative_Cat said:

    McCain is spinning; he’s out of his depth on anything financial. he’s not answering the question.

    McCain short answer: No.

  104. #104
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:35 pm, dukebedevilment said:

    It’s the “greedy people on Wall Street who need to be punished”!

  105. #105
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:36 pm, The Raging Republican said:

    Tax cut Flip Flop….. got him!

  106. #106
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:36 pm, Mr_Conservative_Cat said:

    Shills in the audience applaude for McCain. Sheesh.

  107. #107
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:36 pm, Boomer said:

    McCain is flailing badly on this one.

  108. #108
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:36 pm, Mojamaiko said:

    *80: I say let the NannyDhimmiFeatocrats take the full rap for the coming entrenchment of a NannyDhimmiOpenBorders
    government.

  109. #109
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:37 pm, ajmontana said:

    he meant pancho villa revolution…

  110. #110
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:37 pm, Anton said:

    I’m getting a little tired of the economic questions. They are a fair topic, but shouldn’t be the only topic on the debate.

    For example, does CNN know there’s a war on?

  111. #111
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:37 pm, truthmattersfa said:

    Finally, someone calls out McCain on his doublespeak regarding the Bush tax cuts…of course, he completely ignores the question…

  112. #112
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:37 pm, The Raging Republican said:

    well if you had a tax cut package in 2000, then I’m sure it would work great in 2009, Mr McCain. Good Grief!

  113. #113
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:37 pm, Valiant said:

    you have to play the percentages.

    There is a 95% chance Mitt has a woody for my guns and will “work with” the liberal legislature like he did in Mass. No conservative should endorse that. He has to earn respect which he is not doing tonight.

  114. #114
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:38 pm, Mr_Conservative_Cat said:

    103: very good point.

  115. #115
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:38 pm, mngirl said:

    Ah Janet Hook, tax cuts, someone finally does some research on McCain and calls him on his reasons for opposing the tax cuts.

    McCain is filibustering this debate, he knows he’s ahead in the delegate count and he knows he just needs to play it safe tonite.

  116. #116
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:38 pm, The Raging Republican said:

    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:37 pm, Anton said:

    I’m getting a little tired of the economic questions. They are a fair topic, but shouldn’t be the only topic on the debate.

    For example, does CNN know there’s a war on?

    Polls say it is the most important topic right now

  117. #117
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:39 pm, The Raging Republican said:

    McCain is filibustering this debate, he knows he’s ahead in the delegate count and he knows he just needs to play it safe tonite.

    Bullseye!

  118. #118
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:39 pm, Mojamaiko said:

    Pounding on the entitlements is good!

  119. #119
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:39 pm, Mr_Conservative_Cat said:

    Mitt, blame McCain’s voting record in senate!

  120. #120
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:39 pm, truthmattersfa said:

    Immigration….here we go…..

  121. #121
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:40 pm, The Raging Republican said:

    YES! Change the citizenship law!

  122. #122
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:40 pm, The Raging Republican said:

    when was this taken up by the supreme court?

  123. #123
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:40 pm, Mr_Conservative_Cat said:

    valient,

    Don;t suppose the 95% assumption is anywhere near a fact. (McCain supporter?)

  124. #124
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:41 pm, The Raging Republican said:

    Sorry Huck, bu the fence is to keep people out!

  125. #125
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:41 pm, rightisright said:

    Wouldn’t take the Israelis 18 months to build a secure fence.

  126. #126
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:42 pm, The Raging Republican said:

    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:41 pm, rightisright said:

    Wouldn’t take the Israelis 18 months to build a secure fence.

    Nice

  127. #127
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:42 pm, ajmontana said:

    is McCain going to speak on this? hmmm

  128. #128
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:42 pm, Mr_Conservative_Cat said:

    Body Language segment: Mccain looks like a kid in school who doesn’t want to be called on while they discuss immigration.

  129. #129
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:42 pm, The Raging Republican said:

    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:42 pm, ajmontana said:

    is McCain going to speak on this? hmmm

    tru

  130. #130
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:43 pm, The Raging Republican said:

    Body Language segment:

    Anderson Cooper wishes he was at the Dem Debate

  131. #131
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:43 pm, Boomer said:

    You are right Mr Conservative Cat he looks like he’s hiding behind Mitt.

  132. #132
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:43 pm, Mr_Conservative_Cat said:

    Yes Mitt! Going after McCain on immigration! Crowd murmers.

  133. #133
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:43 pm, rightisright said:

    Watch McShame ask “who will tell the soldier in Iraq his mother is being deported” sob…sob…sob

  134. #134
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:43 pm, truthmattersfa said:

    any chance they actually ask McCain this?

    The McCain/Kennedy Immigration Reform bill includes a “Z” visa that is renewable every 4 years assuming no convictions. With the “Z” visa, illegal immigrants can stay in the USA, work here, pay taxes and receive all the benefits from our governments except citizenship. If illegal immigrants want to retain foreign citizenship but live, work and raise their families in the US, how is that not “Amnesty?”.

  135. #135
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:43 pm, Mojamaiko said:

    #127: LOL! Don’t you love the “good little boy” folded-hands-in-front demeanor?

  136. #136
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:44 pm, ajmontana said:

    here we go!

  137. #137
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:44 pm, The Raging Republican said:

    I think McCain just crapped his pants…. Ooops!

  138. #138
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:44 pm, truthmattersfa said:

    Man, I love this lady..She is just nailing McCain

  139. #139
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:45 pm, Mr_Conservative_Cat said:

    This LA times lady looks like she’s going after Mccain. GOOD!

  140. #140
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:45 pm, rightisright said:

    Liar!!!!

  141. #141
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:45 pm, Mookie said:

    Go home for 90 days? Did he really say that?

  142. #142
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:45 pm, Valiant said:

    Don’t suppose the 95% assumption is anywhere near a fact. (McCain supporter?)

    McCain is a clear and present danger to the United States.

    None of these candidates is worth a bucket of steaming crap to the conservative movement.

    If the country is going to hell under liberalism, let a Democrat be at the helm.

    Mitt is a brilliant politician, but there isn’t a conservative bone in his body.

  143. #143
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:45 pm, The Raging Republican said:

    No, Mr McCain, you are not in agreement with the american people! STOP THE B.S.!!!!!!!!

  144. #144
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:46 pm, Boomer said:

    McCain is lying like a rug.

  145. #145
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:46 pm, rightisright said:

    He comes from a boarder state that is inundated with illegals…and he knows how to build a fence…huh?

  146. #146
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:46 pm, Mr_Conservative_Cat said:

    Ooooh, we’re all in agreement, McCain says. Someone should nail him on Hernandez!!!

  147. #147
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:46 pm, ajmontana said:

    what a crock!

  148. #148
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:46 pm, zorro said:

    Flip flopper McCain says he would not vote for his shamnesty bill. What a turd.

  149. #149
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:46 pm, The Raging Republican said:

    Too bad we had to waterboard McCain in the first place to get him to say that whole load of Crap he just said to the American People.

  150. #150
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:47 pm, The Raging Republican said:

    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:46 pm, zorro said:

    Flip flopper McCain says he would not vote for his shamnesty bill. What a turd.

    McCain says Romney is a flip flopper……. Kettle meet pot!

  151. #151
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:47 pm, Mr_Conservative_Cat said:

    Mccain is strating to take some body blows. He’s diminishing a bit. Mitt can finish him off if he wants to.

  152. #152
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:48 pm, Mr_Conservative_Cat said:

    148 LOL

  153. #153
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:48 pm, ajmontana said:

    anyone seen ron paul?

  154. #154
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:48 pm, The Raging Republican said:

    Why are they asking the paster the abortion Q???? did they expect him to flip flop (Pull a McCain)?

  155. #155
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:49 pm, Mr_Conservative_Cat said:

    McCain is proud of O’Connor.

  156. #156
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:50 pm, BlameAmericaLast said:

    I think McCain just crapped his pants…. Ooops!

    Has he fallen and can’t get up?

  157. #157
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:50 pm, Mr_Conservative_Cat said:

    Michelle, how the hell can you type so fast?! I mean, seriously!

  158. #158
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:51 pm, Boomer said:

    Wasn’t O’Connor the one that liked to site International Law in some of her decisions?

  159. #159
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:51 pm, rightisright said:

    I’ll admit Mitt may not be a hard nose conservative but you can bet he’s a he!! of a lot more conservative than anyone else offered this time around…and he knows money…not the give give give side either.

  160. #160
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:52 pm, Mojamaiko said:

    #145: Hernandez posing as a Republican consigliere is proof the Open Borders crowd have taken a leaf from the Jihadi “Taqqiya” handbook.

  161. #161
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:53 pm, The Raging Republican said:

    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:50 pm, Mr_Conservative_Cat said:

    Michelle, how the hell can you type so fast?! I mean, seriously!

    She does this for a living

  162. #162
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:54 pm, backwoods conservative said:

    Never thought I’d be rooting for Mitt in one these things, but he’s the only tolerable option left.

  163. #163
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:54 pm, Valiant said:

    Mitt could still win the respect of the conservative base.

    He is failing tonight in a target-rich environment and this may be his last shot.

  164. #164
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:54 pm, ShoreMark said:

    I’m not sure which is worse in this one, the questions or the stilted answers.

    I agree with other sentiments that it’s about time we stopped letting lefties moderate debates for the GOP.

  165. #165
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:54 pm, The Raging Republican said:

    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:54 pm, Valiant said:

    Mitt could still win the respect of the conservative base.

    Huck has to bow out first, or they will just be splitting the vote

  166. #166
    On January 30th, 2008 at 8:55 pm, mngirl said: </