September 5, 2007 3:17 PM
WE HAVE A WINNER: The Republican debate
Tonight, eight Republican presidential candidates squared-off in a You Decide 2008 debate on Fox News.
But the real action was here at the "Back Roads to the White House", where an all-star panel of instant analysts provided real-time commentary as the debate was unfolding.
The debate opened with a question about one of the absent friends, former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson, who enters the race for the White House on Thursday. But then it quickly shifted into some bread-and-butter topics: immigration, family values, taxes and the war in Iraq.
Go straight to the COMMENTS section and read from the bottom-up to see how our sometimes serious, sometimes silly discussion unfolded in real time.
Below are a few highlights:
* Kavon W. Nikrad, founder and managing editor of Race42008.com, focused on one of the debate's most prominent confrontations, when Rep. Ron Paul of Texas spoke about the need to bring troops home from Iraq and then was challenged by former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee:
"That exchange with Paul has been the most interesting moment in this race in months to be quite honest."
* From Brian of LibertyPundit.com.
"Final take? Hard to say. I think, as I said, that (former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt) Romney was playing it safe. I think that hurt him. Rudy (Giuliani) took a couple hits, as did (Sen. John) McCain. Huckabee, I think, exceeded my expectations. So did (Rep. Tom) Tancredo and (Rep. Duncan) Hunter. They did better than they have in the past. Winner? Not sure, but I'm leaning towards Huckabee. Loser? Easy. That was, once again, me. lol."
* From Allen Fuller of www.PolicyMedia.com:
"I think Frank Luntz' audience poll summed it up: This was not an inspiring night for the GOP. It was sort of bland. The bright light was Huckabee's great energy and passion. He's definitely feeling the big Mo... But as we all know, Republicans are like a bunch of kids on Christmas Eve waiting to find out what their big present is the next morning. Tomorrow morning we'll really start hearing from Fred Thompson publicly, and a lot of Republicans have him at the top of their lists."
* Chris Dorsey, Des Moines bureau chief for IowaPolitics.com.
" Rudy (Giuliani) takes another poke at Congressman Paul with his Ron Paul-Mike Gravel debate statement in the spin room. Huckabee and Giuliani continue to be strong in these debates. Huckabee told me that is why he believes he is surging in the polls."
It might take a day or two before the chattering class picks its debate winner, but we at the "Back Roads to the White House" are prepared to DECLARE A WINNER.
The BIG WINNER OF THE DEBATE scored a knock-out blow after Rep. Paul spoke about how he believes private airline companies, not the federal government, should be responsible for airline security.
As our big winner quipped:
"Right on Ron Paul. There is just something irresistibly hot about a stewardess packing heat!"
Congratulations to Ted Sporer, organization chair of the Republican Party of Iowa, chairman of the Polk County GOP, one of the winningest high school debate coaches in Iowa history and the opinionated voice of The Real Sporer blog.
He scored the politically incorrect line of the night.
IF YOU WANT TO SEE HOW THE DISCUSSION UNFOLDED IN REAL TIME, GO TO THE BOTTOM OF THE COMMENTS SECTION BELOW -- AND THEN READ YOUR WAY UP.
September 7, 2007
4:07 PM
JengoPop writes:
I think Fred Thompson can win. Who do you think will win the Republican nomination? Thompson, Giuliani, Romney, maybe Ron Paul? Vote today at http://www.pollicious.com
September 6, 2007
7:47 AM
david ricardo writes:
i agree with nikrad, the only spark of excitement was between paul and huckabee. i thought huckabee looked and sounded ridiculous in this "encounter". he was pretending he was top-tier. sorry, gov, but the results from ames have not catapulted you to a front-runner. aiiiie?
September 5, 2007
10:41 PM
Gary Halpin writes:
Ron Paul, hands down the winner again. Fox News tries to spin things he says, but he continues to educate the media and the American people.
And Rudy is just plain dumb. I didn't think anyone could be more stupid than Bush, but Rudy is proving me wrong.
September 5, 2007
8:52 PM
Chris Dorsey, IowaPolitics.com writes:
Rudy takes another poke at Congressman Paul with his Ron Paul-Mike Gravel debate statement in the spin room.
Huckabee and Giuliani continue to be strong in these debates. Huckabee told me that is why he believes he is surging in the polls. Thanks ME
September 5, 2007
8:50 PM
Allen Fuller writes:
I think Frank Luntz' audience poll summed it up: This was not an inspiring night for the GOP. It was sort of bland. The bright light was Huckabee's great energy and passion. He's definitely feeling the big Mo. McCain demonstrated a great depth of knowledge, but he's kind of become the Joe Biden of the GOP primary. Brownback was genuine and thoughtful. Giuliani just seemed like he wasn't really interested, but very straightforward. Romney was technically strong but struggled. Hunter would be a great SecDef or Homeland Security chief. Tancredo had a lot of energy, but he could have been better prepared.
But as we all know, Republicans are like a bunch of kids on Christmas Eve waiting to find out what their big present is the next morning. Tomorrow morning we'll really start hearing from Fred Thompson publically, and a lot of Republicans have him at the top of their lists.
Thanks, M.E. for setting this up! Really fun following the debate with you all.
September 5, 2007
8:45 PM
Brian writes:
Final take? Hard to say.
I think, as I said, that Romney was playing it safe. I think that hurt him.
Rudy took a couple hits, as did McCain.
Huckabee, I think, exceeded my expectations.
So did Tancredo and Hunter. They did better than they have in the past.
Winner? Not sure, but I'm leaning towards Huckabee. Loser? Easy. That was, once again, me. lol
September 5, 2007
8:44 PM
Roni Bell writes:
Wolf,
Sorry about the typo...re: are vs aren't.
Meant "aren't."
Tonight's winner? Probably Huckabee, although I still like Rudy.
Fred? The intermission between the first and second act is getting just a little bit too long. People may leave the theater.
September 5, 2007
8:41 PM
The Real Sporer writes:
Thanks for letting me play tonight fellas. Had a blast.
September 5, 2007
8:40 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
166 LIVE COMMENTS
Now, the debate is over. NOBODY LEAVES until you offer your final takes.
September 5, 2007
8:39 PM
Roni Bell writes:
Wolf,
None. Repubs aren't "bucked" up like the eventual "Clinton Obama" team.
September 5, 2007
8:39 PM
Roni Bell writes:
Wolf,
None. Repubs are "bucked" up like the eventual "Clinton Obama" team.
September 5, 2007
8:39 PM
Kavon W. Nikrad writes:
Thanks folks! It was a blast!
September 5, 2007
8:39 PM
The Real Sporer writes:
Another shining moment for McCain. I don't know why more of the candidates don't use the true depth of the Iranian evil to illustrate the potentially very harsh measures we need to take against them.
September 5, 2007
8:38 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
Allen: Is this a farewell roast?
September 5, 2007
8:36 PM
Roni Bell writes:
To Sporer,
Dutch? Deutch? What?
Are you implying Mike's wearing wooden shoes?
September 5, 2007
8:36 PM
Brian writes:
I was wondering if anyone else caught the "Soviet" remark.
September 5, 2007
8:36 PM
Mark Wolf writes:
If Democrats were watching tonight, which candidate scares them the most?
(Sorry I've been AWOL, son and girlfriend came over for Chinese takeout.)
Great posts, fun to read.
September 5, 2007
8:36 PM
Allen Fuller writes:
Let me amend that statement. If Fred's announcement (and Jay Leno appearance) doesn't provide the punch that everyone's been looking for, Huckabee very well has a lot to gain from his performance tonight.
All this love for McCain... they've clearly been looking at his trendlines.
September 5, 2007
8:34 PM
Roni Bell writes:
Humm Huckabee. Emerging as the surprise hit amongst the jawers.
Are you bloggers as surprised as I?
September 5, 2007
8:33 PM
The Real Sporer writes:
Huck totally ducked the question and sounded almost like Dutch.
Wow.
September 5, 2007
8:33 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
WHEN THIS DEBATE ENDS, pretend that you're locked in a cage at Guantanamo. Nobody wins his or her freedom until they offer their thoughts on this:
* Who gained ground?
* Who lost ground?
* What was the highlight of the debate?
September 5, 2007
8:32 PM
Allen Fuller writes:
M.E.: Let's say this - I don't think anyone who NEEDS to break through the Fred-o-rama has done so.
September 5, 2007
8:30 PM
Allen Fuller writes:
Ron Paul is still worried about the Soviets. Um...
September 5, 2007
8:28 PM
The Real Sporer writes:
"Can't we all just get along" President Tom.
September 5, 2007
8:28 PM
Allen Fuller writes:
Huck is the only one who appears both passionate and articulate thus far.
September 5, 2007
8:28 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
You'll see more of Fred Thompson all day, all night on Thursday. I wonder if anyone has done well enough here tonight to make even a dent in Thursday's wall-to-wall Fredness.
September 5, 2007
8:27 PM
The Real Sporer writes:
By the way, I am INADVERTENTLY double clicking-its part of my adult ADHD
September 5, 2007
8:27 PM
Roni Bell writes:
Yup! Huckabee scored big with his articulation on fair tax!
The IRS has turned thuggery into an art form.
It stands to reason that the guy who buys a Rolls will spend more on sales tax, than the person who buys a Chevy Impala.
Equitable. Simple.
September 5, 2007
8:25 PM
The Real Sporer writes:
Yes, Huck did a great job on the tax question. Scored big by explaining how Republican tax policy helps the true middle class.
September 5, 2007
8:25 PM
The Real Sporer writes:
Yes, Huck did a great job on the tax question. Scored big by explaining how Republican tax policy helps the true middle class.
September 5, 2007
8:25 PM
Allen Fuller writes:
These Freedom's Watch ads are powerful.
Speaking of ads, will we see more of Fred?
September 5, 2007
8:24 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
QUICK: At this point, is anybody in the debate performing better than Fred Thompson did in his commercial?
September 5, 2007
8:23 PM
Kavon W. Nikrad writes:
A Romney supporter rips Rudy's family... WHAT A SHOCKER... Truly sad. No one's family is anyone else's business.
September 5, 2007
8:23 PM
Roni Bell writes:
Rudy multi tasks well.
September 5, 2007
8:22 PM
The Real Sporer writes:
It takes a good Greek boy (like me) to get personal with Rudy. Good question.
Good answer for Rudy about the relevance of personal conduct and professional conduct.
I may blog this one.
September 5, 2007
8:22 PM
Brian writes:
Too bad he's wearing it on his head. lol
September 5, 2007
8:20 PM
Chris Dorsey, IowaPolitics.com writes:
Congressman Paul giving himself a hand
September 5, 2007
8:20 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
Huckabee gets a fairly hostile question re. the Fair Tax, defends it, and slips in some of the populist, middle-class references that he has been introducing into the Republican contest. (Usually, it's the Democrats who talk about the middle-class, working class, etc.) Does anybody think he scored?
September 5, 2007
8:20 PM
The Real Sporer writes:
I'll give him this, Ron Paul wears a double XL size cup.
September 5, 2007
8:18 PM
Anonymous writes:
Ted is right, you would have to sign a book the size of the code of Iowa if you signed a pledge for every group. Pretty decent response by Giuliani
September 5, 2007
8:18 PM
Kavon W. Nikrad writes:
M.E.
Should should taste my wife's cooking!
Bah-da bump!
I'll be here all week folks...
September 5, 2007
8:18 PM
Roni Bell writes:
Yes, yes, yes!!! FAIR tax!
Good for you Huckabee!!!
September 5, 2007
8:16 PM
The Real Sporer writes:
Rudy's answer was much stronger to the same question-his only pledge is to do right by us.
September 5, 2007
8:15 PM
Allen Fuller writes:
Wow - Rudy continues to refuse to sign a no new taxes pledge.
September 5, 2007
8:15 PM
The Real Sporer writes:
Terrible answer by McCain, his evasiveness only served to remind people of his very personal and nasty opposition to the Bush tax cuts in 01 and 03.
September 5, 2007
8:14 PM
Roni Bell writes:
Waiting for Huckabee's "fair tax."
September 5, 2007
8:14 PM
The Real Sporer writes:
Terrible answer by McCain, his evasiveness only served to remind people of his very personal and nasty opposition to the Bush tax cuts in 01 and 03.
September 5, 2007
8:14 PM
The Real Sporer writes:
Terrible answer by McCain, his evasiveness only served to remind people of his very personal and nasty opposition to the Bush tax cuts in 01 and 03.
September 5, 2007
8:12 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
Telephone call for Mr. Nikrad. It's the Department of Homeland Security offering an all-expenses paid trip to a sunny, island locale.
September 5, 2007
8:12 PM
Roni Bell writes:
The biggest pork barrel the federal government needs to get the hell out of, is the grant business!
September 5, 2007
8:11 PM
Chris Dorsey, IowaPolitics.com writes:
John McCain, will we hear the drunken sailor comment?
September 5, 2007
8:11 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
When will McCain take off the gloves, as some of the pundits predicted (on FoxNews) before the debate?
September 5, 2007
8:10 PM
The Real Sporer writes:
The first tax question at an hour and nine minutes.
September 5, 2007
8:09 PM
Kavon W. Nikrad writes:
Honey glazed chicken?
Hmmmmm.... Honey glazed chicken......
September 5, 2007
8:09 PM
Allen Fuller writes:
Hunter: "They have better healthcare than most HMO's" Classic.
September 5, 2007
8:08 PM
The Real Sporer writes:
Another great smack down for Dunc. Factual and contextual!!!!!
September 5, 2007
8:07 PM
Brian writes:
Yeah, Romney started off ok, but he's floundering right now. Seems like he's under the impression that he'll win the debate by avoiding saying something stupid that would lose it. Not much substance behind his answers.
September 5, 2007
8:06 PM
The Real Sporer writes:
Rudy is again the most direct. Where do you put the bad boys down in American Cuba?
September 5, 2007
8:06 PM
Chris Dorsey, IowaPolitics.com writes:
Interesting comment by Giuliani about closing Guantanamo
September 5, 2007
8:05 PM
Roni Bell writes:
I worked with Tancredo in `90. He's a serious, industrious, very intelligent, honest , good man.
Too bad he has some snippy kids running his campaign.
September 5, 2007
8:05 PM
The Real Sporer writes:
Romney bounced back well on the bugging of mosques.
Tancredo wasn't as great as he was with Jack Bauer but he continues to be on point on this torture issue.
McCain almost sounds like a typical Democrat child on the torture issue. The risk of torture from people who ritualistically decapitate???? Senator, please.
September 5, 2007
8:04 PM
Kavon W. Nikrad writes:
Mitt will not wiretap without the Dem controlled Congresses approval? Uhh.......
September 5, 2007
8:04 PM
Roni Bell writes:
I worked with Tancredo in `90. He's a serious, industrious, very intelligent, honest , good man.
Too bad he has some snippy kids running his campaign.
September 5, 2007
8:04 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
Mr. Fuller: In this case, Huckabee is wagering that there are more people in the Republican ranks who disagree with Ron Paul on the war. In that, it's a safe fight to pick, and one that I predict will land on all the talk shows tomorrow. Again, it's what Giuliani did earlier this year.
September 5, 2007
8:02 PM
The Real Sporer writes:
Its called "WalMart" in Arkansas.
September 5, 2007
8:01 PM
Allen Fuller writes:
That's a good point. It does win him face time and an opportunity to connect with the audience.
Meanwhile, Romney is getting skewered...
September 5, 2007
8:00 PM
Kavon W. Nikrad writes:
Mitt seemed a little flustered in responding to the question on his sons. A rare occurrence...
September 5, 2007
8:00 PM
Brian writes:
Exactly right. Ron Paul is a Democrats wet dream, and Huckabee's response to him will only raise his stock among conservatives.
I don't think Huckabee loses any points...Rudy did the same in the first debate and he received a lot of praise for doing so.
September 5, 2007
8:00 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
Interesting that Romney says Tancredo hit the nail on the head, then takes a direct shot at Huckabee saying, "this is not about broken pottery." I can't wait to see if there's a reply from the Arkansas Pottery Barn.
September 5, 2007
8:00 PM
The Real Sporer writes:
MItt----"ouch". He rarely makes a mistake, and the comments about his boys service was big one.
He seems to be avoiding the question-what is his plan for an end game.
Mine, FYI, is to simply kill all of the bad guys.
September 5, 2007
7:58 PM
The Real Sporer writes:
......... and finally Tancredo states the most important obvious fact with which every discussion of Iraq should begin-we are at war with radical Islam.
September 5, 2007
7:57 PM
Allen Fuller writes:
M.E. - agree that Huck wins points for defending American actions but don't you think he loses some for even engaging with Ron Paul?
September 5, 2007
7:57 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
Mr. Fuller, I think in hindsight you will realize that was a good strategic move for Huckabee -- just like Giuliani was widely considered the winner of one of the earlier debates when he went mano-a-mano with Ron Paul.
September 5, 2007
7:56 PM
The Real Sporer writes:
Duncan Hunter was also killer on this answer.
September 5, 2007
7:55 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
Huckabee v. Paul will be THE MOMENT featured in all the highlights shows. And Huckabee is smiling because, on this issue, and in front of a Republican audience, it's as if he's debating the Democrats.
September 5, 2007
7:54 PM
The Real Sporer writes:
Huck, taking a Rudy play, was just great!
I wonder how the elected administration can "hi-jack foreign policy"?
Huckabee was just great, very presidential just now!
September 5, 2007
7:54 PM
The Real Sporer writes:
Huck, taking a Rudy play, was just great!
I wonder how the elected administration can "hi-jack foreign policy"?
Huckabee was just great, very presidential just now!
September 5, 2007
7:54 PM
Allen Fuller writes:
Huckabee's giving mad props to McCain trying to pull himself into the top tier.
Oh wait. Engaging with Ron Paul just nipped that in the bud...
September 5, 2007
7:53 PM
Chris Dorsey, IowaPolitics.com writes:
Ding ding, the gloves are coming off
September 5, 2007
7:53 PM
Brian writes:
Yikes! Huckabee and Paul going at it.
September 5, 2007
7:53 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
Now Huckabee is using Colin Powell's material with the you-break-it, you-bought-it bit. He, too, compliments McCain, then tries to pick a fight with Paul (in his nice way). That could be a strategic choice of sparring partners.
September 5, 2007
7:51 PM
Kavon W. Nikrad writes:
That exchange with Paul has been the most interesting moment in this race in months to be quite honest
September 5, 2007
7:50 PM
The Real Sporer writes:
......... and now Ron Paul sounds like the ghost of the isolationists who said Hitler was no threat to the United States as late as the summer of 1941.
September 5, 2007
7:49 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
Paul v. Brit Hume.
That was the loudest "NO!" I've heard since Marcel Marceau in "Silent Movie." (Thought I'd show my age here.)
September 5, 2007
7:48 PM
Brian writes:
That split-screen of Rudy looking at Ron Paul while he gave his answer was priceless.
September 5, 2007
7:47 PM
Chris Dorsey, IowaPolitics.com writes:
Huckabee continues to be strong in debates. ME is right about Giuliani.
September 5, 2007
7:47 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
Didn't Tancredo used to be in this debate?
September 5, 2007
7:47 PM
Allen Fuller writes:
Wow - McCain smacks down Romney! Even while agreeing with him. First time we've seen emotion like that...
What is Fox News' formula for asking questions? Seems really random, but they do have a big field to work in...
September 5, 2007
7:46 PM
Kavon W. Nikrad writes:
FINALLY McCain comes to life defending The Surge
September 5, 2007
7:46 PM
The Real Sporer writes:
McCain's best moment and always on the same issue.
A clever way to display Mitt's tendency to nuance.
September 5, 2007
7:44 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
Giuliani sticks to his campaign strategy of ignoring criticism from fellow Republicans (in this case McCain) and focusing on his message. His compliment to McCain, saying he would vote for McCain if there wasn't a better candidate (pointing to himself), was an interesting way of trying to diffuse the conflict that McCain might need to revitalize his campaign.
September 5, 2007
7:44 PM
Brian writes:
Hard to say who's winning right now...we haven't heard too much from the 2nd tier, except for Huckabee.
Personally, I'm torn between Huckabee and Romney.
September 5, 2007
7:44 PM
Allen Fuller writes:
It seems most of the debate has involved the second-tier. Huckabee and Brownback are both doing well. Giuliani probably keeps the lead among frontrunners. McCain looks like he doesn't know where he is. Romney has technically strong answers, he just isn't connecting with the audience.
September 5, 2007
7:42 PM
Kavon W. Nikrad writes:
McCain really didn't touch Rudy's creds though you'll notice.
September 5, 2007
7:41 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
I wonder if others, like Giuliani, will jump on McCain for saying he opposed an initial war strategy that "caused so much needless sacrifice."
September 5, 2007
7:39 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
QUICK: During the commercial, which candidate is doing the best?
Who's the top-tier winner so far?
Who's the second-tier winner so far?
September 5, 2007
7:39 PM
Allen Fuller writes:
Brownback just had a really good answer on marriage. The delivery was genuine and personal too, engaging well with the audience.
September 5, 2007
7:39 PM
The Real Sporer writes:
That was a fabulous answer by Brownback in a fairly hostile audience.
Brownback addresses one of us Babyboomers greatest failings, exactly as the egocentric woman who posed the question illustrated, we thought every historically successful institution was fatally flawed because they were imperfect without recognizing that imperfection is natural and not the enemy of the good.
Sorry for the rant but we are on a commercial.
September 5, 2007
7:38 PM
Mark Wolf writes:
Since we're in commercial, let me make a plug for the Conference Center Hotel at the University of New Hampshire. We semi-stumbled on it a few summers ago and loved it. Nestled in the woods, very nice rooms, reasonable rates and college kids running the desk.
If you're ever in the neighborhood, check it out.
Now back to our regularly scheduled blogging.
September 5, 2007
7:37 PM
Brian writes:
Just don't ask for an extra bag of peanuts! lol
September 5, 2007
7:37 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
Ted Sporer is winning the debate so far -- for that one line alone.
September 5, 2007
7:35 PM
Kavon W. Nikrad writes:
LOL M.E.!
September 5, 2007
7:35 PM
The Real Sporer writes:
Right on Ron Paul.
There is just something irresistibly hot about a stewardess packing heat!
September 5, 2007
7:31 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
CONGRATULATIONS TO KAVON W. NIKRAD who was the author of the 1,000th comment in the short history of the "Back Roads to the White House" blog. Your prize is waiting for you at the Minneapolis airport.
September 5, 2007
7:30 PM
Allen Fuller writes:
Huck took less than 10 words to shake the question and get back on message. Wow.
September 5, 2007
7:29 PM
Chris Dorsey, IowaPolitics.com writes:
I am guessing Brownback really wants to follow Mitt on this issue.
September 5, 2007
7:28 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
Rep. Duncan Hunter scores the biggest laugh line so far, ripping Democrats by saying that when they have scandals in their ranks, they make the culprits chairmen of congressional committees.
September 5, 2007
7:28 PM
The Real Sporer writes:
Yeah Duncan Hunter.
Talk about gross hypocricy. Studds and that silly old Barney Frank are just the tip of the ice berg.
I will resist taking a more detailed shot at Ted Kennedy, this time.
September 5, 2007
7:28 PM
Allen Fuller writes:
Craig question was 24 minutes in. Did that take longer than you all expected? Looks like his attempt to generate some support by rethinking resignation has fallen flat.
September 5, 2007
7:28 PM
Kavon W. Nikrad writes:
Very true Dunc...
September 5, 2007
7:26 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
Brownback might be the only person on this stage who really wanted a Larry Craig question as the way to launch into the centerpiece of his campaign: family values.
September 5, 2007
7:25 PM
Brian writes:
Here come the Craig questions.
September 5, 2007
7:25 PM
The Real Sporer writes:
Mitt is killing McCain with this answer on immigration.
September 5, 2007
7:24 PM
Allen Fuller writes:
Re: Romney. There it is.
September 5, 2007
7:24 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
There it is, Allen. From Romney.
September 5, 2007
7:23 PM
The Real Sporer writes:
Newt's used that line for three years.
September 5, 2007
7:23 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
I think McCain wants to get past this line of questioning.
September 5, 2007
7:23 PM
Allen Fuller writes:
Surprised that employer requirements/ penalties haven't come up yet.
September 5, 2007
7:21 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
I heard the FedEx joke from Newt in May or June.
September 5, 2007
7:20 PM
The Real Sporer writes:
Tanc had the tonic on almost everyone's gross hypocricy on immigration.
Huck makes the flop seem palatable because it is grounded in a sense of decency that permeates his personality.
September 5, 2007
7:20 PM
Chris Dorsey, IowaPolitics.com writes:
Hunter said in Des Moines, ranchers build fence faster than the government. Thought he might use that. It is quite humorous.
September 5, 2007
7:18 PM
Brian writes:
Huck's used the same Fed Ex joke at about every appearance. He used it with me when I sat down and interviewed him last month.
September 5, 2007
7:18 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
Tancredo got big applause, but he might have missed a chance to single out any of the front-runners by name in his critique -- as he does in interviews and on the stump.
September 5, 2007
7:18 PM
Mark Wolf writes:
Good question about racism/immigration. Huckabee handled it straight up. Tancredo went into full evangelical fervor.
September 5, 2007
7:18 PM
Chris Dorsey, IowaPolitics.com writes:
Bill Richardson praised McCain for his stance on illegal immigration and the McCain-Kennedy bill during his campaign stop yesterday in Osceola.
September 5, 2007
7:18 PM
The Real Sporer writes:
McCain's answer on the first immigration question was over rehearsed.
Huck's has been good, he gave a straight short answer and then moved into his argument.
........ and now the Tanc with Tonic
September 5, 2007
7:17 PM
Kavon W. Nikrad writes:
I love Huck. Absolutely love him. However, he has perhaps made the biggest flip-flop of any candidate on the immigration issue. Let’s be honest.
September 5, 2007
7:17 PM
Allen Fuller writes:
Oh boy - here comes Tank!
September 5, 2007
7:17 PM
The Real Sporer writes:
McCain's answer on the first immigration question was over rehearsed.
Huck's has been good, he gave a straight short answer and then moved into his argument.
........ and now the Tanc with Tonic
September 5, 2007
7:16 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
Huckabee's FedEx joke (which he used at the Iowa Straw Poll) is one I heard first from Newt Gingrich earlier this year.
September 5, 2007
7:16 PM
Mark Wolf writes:
ME, that was me with the pinata line. Wrote before signing.
September 5, 2007
7:16 PM
Brian writes:
Notice how prior to the Straw Poll, Huckabee barely got asked any questions and now that he came in second, he's getting asked more?
Is Brownback even there? Haven't seen hide nor hair of him, yet.
September 5, 2007
7:15 PM
Kavon W. Nikrad writes:
Rudy is right on the immigration question. However, I believe that Romney's smooth delivery could win out over substance.
September 5, 2007
7:15 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
McCain's defense of comprehensive immigration reform is the same one he has been giving on the stump regularly. There was an interesting silence after he got done giving his answer, and then he was caught on camera turning his back on Romney. Interesting.
September 5, 2007
7:13 PM
Allen Fuller writes:
Rudy has come a long way on his immigration answer. Wonder if his abortion answer is improved as well.
Lively audience - that should play an interesting role.
September 5, 2007
7:13 PM
The Real Sporer writes:
The best answer possible for Rudy. Its a tough dilemma.
September 5, 2007
7:11 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
TIP TO OUR NO-NAME COMMENTER: Be sure to click the comments button to remember your personal info.
September 5, 2007
7:10 PM
Kavon W. Nikrad writes:
Rudy wins the Thompson question IMHO.
September 5, 2007
7:09 PM
Brian writes:
Wow...five minutes and no Craig. That's kind of surprising. Libs will say "of course, it's Fox!"
September 5, 2007
7:09 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
Tancredo is loving this tough immigration question directed at Romney.
September 5, 2007
7:09 PM
The Real Sporer writes:
..... and then Rudy goes right into a critique of the Ds in a contextually well timed way.
September 5, 2007
7:08 PM
The Real Sporer writes:
Great line for Rudy also. He and Huck have consistently been the best debaters.
September 5, 2007
7:08 PM
Chris Dorsey, IowaPolitics.com writes:
Thought Fred would come up, didn't imagine it would come out so soon.
September 5, 2007
7:08 PM
SamIAm writes:
As a (mostly) life-long Democrat, I think my party would be in trouble if Rudy were the nominee. He has the most crossover appeal for independents and middle-leaning Democrats. And that would be trouble if Hillary is the Democratic nominee because she is so divisive. Ideal for me: Obama (or Edwards) against Romney. I can't see the GOP winning that one.
September 5, 2007
7:08 PM
Allen Fuller writes:
How long do you think these guys have been practicing their shots at Fred? McCain had a good first jab then faded. Hmm...
September 5, 2007
7:07 PM
Anonymous writes:
Fred Thompson is there in spirit.
And as pinata.
September 5, 2007
7:07 PM
Kavon W. Nikrad writes:
Sometimes I just love John McCain. Other times...
September 5, 2007
7:07 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
Interesting that Paul opened calling himself the anti-war candidate. At the Straw Poll, he went out of his way to tout his more traditional conservative positions.
September 5, 2007
7:06 PM
Brian writes:
And here come the backhanded comments. lol
September 5, 2007
7:05 PM
Chris Dorsey, IowaPolitics.com writes:
Vintage Huckabee.
September 5, 2007
7:05 PM
The Real Sporer writes:
Great George Jones line for Huck! Very memorable, as he always does in the debates.
September 5, 2007
7:04 PM
Allen Fuller writes:
The first question is about Fred? That didn't take long...
September 5, 2007
7:04 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
We have a better panel right here at the "Back Roads." Let's rock!
September 5, 2007
7:04 PM
The Real Sporer writes:
Good start, questions about Fred.
This should mix it up.
September 5, 2007
7:04 PM
Brian writes:
Was that an awkward pause for Tancredo, or was the lack of applause on purpose? Curious.
September 5, 2007
7:04 PM
Kavon W. Nikrad writes:
Biggest cheers for McCain?
That's got to warm his heart in these darks times for him.
September 5, 2007
7:01 PM
The Real Sporer writes:
Fred and Brit are very well coiffed tonight.
Why do we need questions from restaurants?
September 5, 2007
7:01 PM
Kavon W. Nikrad writes:
Hello Everyone!
I am here and ready to roll.
September 5, 2007
7:01 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
Where's the snowman?
September 5, 2007
7:01 PM
Allen Fuller writes:
There will probably be more people watching, but mostly because it's the first one post-Labor Day. But seriously - what happened to a closely watched debate after Labor Day OF the election year? This'll be a long 14 months...
September 5, 2007
7:01 PM
SamIAm writes:
I just finished watching back-to-back Simpsons. The last one was when Homer joins the ancient Stonecutters society. The episode is a microcosm of today's elite Republican party: A small group secretists who meet in unmarked rooms to decide what's best for the rest of us. Hopefully that doesn't include bathroom shenanigans.
September 5, 2007
7:00 PM
Mark Wolf writes:
Bias? Me?
And how did I stiff Huck?
September 5, 2007
6:58 PM
Anonymous writes:
I think you are right on the money, M.E. You can see the candidates becoming a little more aggressive on the trail. Given this is a national audience, we could have a Balboa-Creed fight awaiting us.
September 5, 2007
6:58 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
It's probably not a good omen for Fred Thompson that his debut ad was immediately followed by Bill O's "Most Ridiculous Item of the Day" segment.
September 5, 2007
6:57 PM
Mark Wolf writes:
Just saw Thompson's ad. The keywords at the end:
Security. Unity. Prosperity.
Not that he's trying to echo Ronald Reagan.
Not at all.
September 5, 2007
6:56 PM
Brian writes:
I'm sure there will be a couple of backhanded remarks about Fred announcing on the Tonight Show and skipping the debate.
Speaking of Fred, they just ran his ad on Fox. Looks like he's lost weight.
September 5, 2007
6:56 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
And there he is: FRED.
September 5, 2007
6:54 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
Tonight could be a bloody debate. It's crunch time -- four months 'til the caucus. We all could name a few candidates who realize they'd better start moving in the polls. So I'm expecting the gloves to come off.
September 5, 2007
6:51 PM
Brian writes:
I meant that a lot of Republicans will be watching regardless of what network it's on.
But you're right, Matthews was a joke last time out.
September 5, 2007
6:48 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
Did anyone see Dick Morris on the Fox News preview, talking about once working for Fred Thompson? How many slurs against Hollywood-types do you think we'll hear in the debate tonight?
September 5, 2007
6:48 PM
Chris Dorsey, IowaPolitics.com writes:
Here's a thought, with Fred Thompson coming to Iowa tomorrow as a candidate, will the field take an opportunity to throw a jab at him for not participating in tonight's debate.
September 5, 2007
6:47 PM
The Real Sporer writes:
Worst, or perhaps best, Wolf's bias was, I am sure, entirely subconscious. I doubt if he intended to stiff Huck.
Look out for Rudy tonight.
September 5, 2007
6:45 PM
The Real Sporer writes:
Absolutely more Rs will be watching. The MSNBC debate was a joke, Matthews is just such a buffoonish caricature of a MSM running dog.
The Canis Lupus was a little better, although he showed a completely uninformed liberal bias by only asking Huck questions about "social" issues.
I think about half or more Iowa caucus goers are watching tonight.
Let;s get it on!
September 5, 2007
6:42 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
Thanks for launching the first analysis. We're going LIVE IN 10, 9, 8, 7...
September 5, 2007
6:30 PM
Brian writes:
I give them about five minutes (after the intros and stuff) to mention Craig. Just a hunch.
As for whether more will watch since it's on Fox? I don't think so, really...we'll watch the debates no matter what network they're on.
Funny thing is, though, Fox actually asks harder questions than the other networks. The last time they were on Fox, they were given some pretty tough ones, whereas when they were on the other network, it was all nonsense questions.
One other thing to look for, I believe: in the other network debates, more than half the questions were about Iraq and the war. I think Fox will probably try and give them time to answer other questions, say, about illegal immigration, taxes, the budget, etc. In the other debates, these topics were only briefly discussed.
September 5, 2007
6:29 PM
Mark Wolf writes:
Will Tom Tancredo try to make a citizen's arrest of the New Hampshire state lawmakers who he says are responsible for keeping local authorities from enforcing federal immigration laws?
September 5, 2007
6:18 PM
Mark Wolf writes:
Like the pundits to weigh in on this:
How important is this debate? With Republicans debating on the Fox News Channel do you think more Iowa Republicans will be watching tonight than if this was on one of the other networks?
September 5, 2007
6:04 PM
Mark Wolf writes:
What's the over/under on how long it takes the name "Larry Craig" to be uttered?
The early line: 7 minutes after the debate begins.
September 5, 2007
5:37 PM
M.E. Sprengelmeyer writes:
Welcome to our COLORADO COORDINATED COUCHBLOG for the Republican presidential debate.
The debate airs at 9 p.m. Eastern Time/7 p.m. in Colorado, on the Fox News Channel.
But the real action is here in the comments section. Read from the bottom. Post quick takes as the debate is unfolding. And for any technological glitches, feel free to call me at the home office in Des Moines: 515-244-2396.
HINT: Hit the POST button only once, then be patient. Sometimes there's a momentary delay. Refresh your screen very, very often. And have fun.