November 28, 2007 12:42 PM
Another 'frosty' gathering?
GO STRAIGHT TO COMMENTS and read FROM THE BOTTOM-UP to see how Wednesday's frantic live-blog unfolded in real time.
He was the unlikely star of the Democrats' CNN/YouTube debate in July.
But will the snowman return to face the Republicans when they debate tonight? (THIS SHOCKING VIDEO makes us wonder: Is he even alive?)
There are so many questions that should be answered
at 8 p.m. Eastern time
(6 p.m. in Denver)
when the do-it-yourself video producers from YouTube.com take over the CNN broadcast and pose questions to eight GOP candidates.
We're pulling out all the stops with LIVE, real-time analysis here, because there's an element of unpredictability on top of the usual suits-at-podiums fare.
Meanwhile, the accelerating election calendar practically guarantees fireworks among the top-tier contenders, the folks on the bubble and the also-rans, too.
In recent days, things have been getting downright nasty between former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. (UPDATE: Politico.com is posting a potentially-explosive new story about Giuliani HERE. For more, see the POST-SCRIPT below.)
The surging former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee has started coming under more frequent attacks from various parts of the conservative movement.
Maverick Rep. Ron Paul is never one to hold his fire.
And others, like former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson, Sen. John McCain of Arizona, Rep. Duncan Hunter of California and Rep. Tom Tancredo of Colorado all know they had better make some noise -- and NOW -- or else they can start pasting those bumper stickers into their scrap books.
In other words, if you're jonesin' for must-see TV since the national writers' strike began, then you might want to keep one eye on the television and one eye on this blog tonight to help take part in our cross-eyed, instant analysis.
Another all-star cast has been assembled for what we call...
The "COLORADO COORDINATED COUCHBLOG"
Frosty Wooldridge
A decidedly different sort of "Frosty" -- a journalist, educator and world bicycle traveler best known for his provocative writings on population control at www.frostywooldridge.com.
Jason Bane
A journalist who's one of the voices behind the ColoradoPols.com and State38.com political sites.
Chris Dorsey
The multi-tasking Des Moines bureau chief of IowaPolitics.com, who is often spotted taking notes, shooting video and recording sound simultaneously at campaign events in the Hawkeye State.
Mark Wolf
Host of Rocky Talk Live here at RockyMountainNews.com.
Elizabeth Blackney
Host of "The Media Lizzy Show" on BlogTalkRadio.com.
David Redlawsk
Political science professor from the University of Iowa.
Allen Fuller
A Republican consultant behind www.PolicyMedia.com.
Surprise Guests and YOU!
JOIN US at 8 p.m. Eastern time (6 p.m. in Denver).
* Watch the debate on CNN.
* Post instant analysis in the COMMENTS section -- read from the BOTTOM-UP.
(Hit "POST" once and be patient -- sometimes there's a brief delay.)
* Refresh your screen very often.
* Have as much fun as a snowman in February.
And while you wait for the real snowball fight to begin, watch this YouTube cartoon:
* * *
POST-SCRIPT: Before the debate, Politico.com posted THIS potentially-explosive story about Giuliani's time as New York City Mayor. The opening lines: "As New York mayor, Rudy Giuliani billed obscure city agencies for tens of thousands of dollars in security expenses amassed during the time when he was beginning an extramarital relationship with future wife Judith Nathan in the Hamptons, according to previously undisclosed government records." A Giuliani spokeswoman declined to comment to Politico.
November 29, 2007
10:18 AM
Brian writes:
On the Mars question, Tancredo really blew it and probably lost my vote. He turned it into a question about deficit spending, and that's just fiscally ignorant. The question dealt with national goals and policy. NASA doesn't need any extra tax-dollars to send people to Mars... they simply need policy makers to state the goal and stick with it. The current NASA budget already includes enough funding to make it happen.
I sure hope Tanc educates himself soon about space policy because I just can't vote for someone who is so ignorant in this critical area or is afraid to think big. Our nation needs strong goals and an optimistic vision of the future. It's important that our leaders possess these qualities too.
November 28, 2007
10:15 PM
K. Schweiker writes:
Tom Tancredo was great and showed reserve, yet he was on task under pressure, and with the limited number of questions he outshone the supposed top tier. This man's ideas have been hijacked by every candidate on that stage, with the exception of Paul and Hunter. Fred Thompson's illegal immigration plan is right from Tom Tancredo's desk. Tom has been at it longer than any of them. Look long and hard at this man and listen to him carefully. He does have the answers.
www.teamtancredo.org home page Stands
November 28, 2007
9:12 PM
Lynda writes:
Patrice, throughout our nation's history there have been times when "millions" of Americans held the wrong opinion. For instance, Loving v. Virginia. A lot of people believing something doesn't necessarily make it truth.
I say "undocumented" worker because I find it personally disgusting to refer to another human being as "illegal." I have no problem referring to individuals who come into this country illegally, but that is a reference to their action(s) and not to the person.
Undocumented workers are not the problem. They are a tangible symptom of a much larger problem that we've not even begun to address.
November 28, 2007
9:07 PM
Media Lizzy writes:
Just to be clear, Anderson Cooper just stated the press release mentioning Keith Kerr is some six months old - the latest mention is from November 14, 2007 - just two weeks old.
The truth is - the guy's question was a great one. He may not have told Hillary's campaign that he was submitting the question. And someone at CNN should have Googled the person, once they made a decision to air the video.
Ultimately, it will be a political football used by the right to attack CNN as the Clinton News Network. The MSM will go back to the "planted question" story.
The bruhaha may overshadow the real issue: are Republicans willing to stick to archaic rules, or join our allies - from Israel to France - in allowing openly gay men and women to serve. Our Armed Forces are not so fragile that they can't handle a change.
November 28, 2007
8:49 PM
Media Lizzy writes:
Keith Kerr, the decorated veteran who is now openly gay, is listed on the Hillary Clinton campaign website as a part of "LGBT Americans for Hillary"
And apparently, no one at CNN did a google search of "keith kerr clinton" - so, it wasn't disclosed during the debate.
The Clinton News Network moniker rears it's ugly head. And it's time for a re-run of the "planted questions" story.
FUNNER!
http://www.hillaryclinton.com/news/release/view/?id=4201
November 28, 2007
8:40 PM
Patrice from AZ writes:
Lynda - Calling illegal immigrants "undocumented" is hardly a difference of opinion - it's certainly a difference of law vs. lawless. Undocumented means "without documents". Illegal immigrants have plenty of documents - they all happen to be fraudulent or stolen! Makes for great policies, doesn't it?
In addition, most Americans are waking up to the fact that our "policies" are not decided by American voters, but by big-business, corporate elitists and those who don't give a d... about individual American citizens! Illegal immigration is simply a newer form of slavery! Businesses and individuals who hire illegal immigrants opened this bottomless pit and our government has allowed it to continue at the expense of tax-paying, law-abiding folks! Sounds like you support those "policies"??? Millions of American citizens do NOT!
November 28, 2007
8:38 PM
Media Lizzy writes:
Biggest disappointment: No questions on the rise of China (militarily)- Nothing on the genocide in Darfur. Antiretrovirals. December 1st is World AIDS Day. Republicans are seen as heartless because no one, in a debate, asks them the questions.
George Walker Bush walked the walked and talked the talk. He did more than Clinton. Especially those who were in Congress could point to the massive difference between the Clinton years and today. Oddly enough, there wasn't much about Hillary tonight.
CNN shook it up a bit, but not enough.
November 28, 2007
8:35 PM
Allen Fuller writes:
They are now saying it's possible that general who asked the gay question is part of a Hillary campaign coalition...
November 28, 2007
8:32 PM
Media Lizzy writes:
The format was definitely challenging for the candidates. While Rudy was a bit shaky - I give him a close second because - that is his schtick, and he's the cranky New Yorker.
The main winner tonight: the consultants. Expect negative ads, negative direct mail and independent expenditures to be on the rise in the coming days.
November 28, 2007
8:28 PM
Allen Fuller writes:
I agree with Mike. The user generated questions were terrific, but the traditional media weight gave it reach. Both combined to make these two YouTube debates significant.
November 28, 2007
8:21 PM
Media Lizzy writes:
WINNERS:
First: Rudy Giuliani. Strong, aggressive. With the explosive exchange with Mitt Romney - he scored a fatal blow with just two words: SANCTUARY MANSION.
Close Second place: Mike Huckabee. Even if you don't agree with him - he comes off as a nice, and thoughtful guy.
Third: John McCain - strongest in the second half. He owns the room when it comes to torture and foreign policy.
Fourth: Fred Thompson, strong in places - and weak in other. No magic moment. Like the rest of his campaign, it was uneven at best.
LOSER: Mitt Romney. He stumbled, stuttered, anD fought back - but did so poorly. He admitted that McCain has the "credentials" to hold his opinion on torture - essentially admitting that he does not have the credentials. Romney looked like a spoiled, entitled kid angry that he has to explain himself.
November 28, 2007
8:20 PM
John Wunderlich writes:
The top tier came away damaged. The second tier is rising. This election year will be unusual. I have no idea what will happen, but Americans are waking up. This was the best debate yet. Thanks CNN. We never would have expected this a few years ago that this network would do it better than Fox.
November 28, 2007
8:19 PM
Allen Fuller writes:
UP
Huckabee: personable, comfortable, the most Reagan-esque on the stage. He is now firmly in the first-tier group of candidates. Now he just needs to go raise some money.
Romney: Strong debate early, but stumbled late. But the first exchange will be the highlight. Recovery with the Yankees comment. But he still maintains the lead in a post-Giuliani race.
McCain: His momentary bursts of intensity were pretty strong.
DOWN
Giuliani: It's only going to get worse tomorrow. Plus, he was sweating like crazy at the end.
Thompson: His campaign ad was totally negative, which looked terrible. Huckabee is winning the voters he was supposed to get.
Overall, no one gave a cohesive, overwhelming performance. We don't have the perfect Republican candidate this year. In place of that, we'll have to look at money and organization. Both are in Romney's favor.
Was great to blog with you all! Thanks to ME for making this debate engaging and fun. Sorry you didn't get your snowman. Look forward to seeing you all down the back roads...
November 28, 2007
8:19 PM
mike soraghan writes:
The real winner was the format. These were real questions that were hard to prep for. But the MSM fared well too. Without a network like CNN, the YouTube debate doesn't matter.
November 28, 2007
8:19 PM
mike soraghan writes:
The real winner was the format. These were real questions that were hard to prep for. But the MSM fared well too. Without a network like CNN, the YouTube debate doesn't matter.
November 28, 2007
8:17 PM
M.E. writes:
Thanks to all our participants for making this the most active live-blog of the year here at "Back Roads to the White House."
Keep filing afterthoughts all night, and check back in the morning for an after-action report where we declare an official winner, as always.
November 28, 2007
8:15 PM
Dave Redlawsk writes:
What Lynda said.
It's been fun! Gotta go grade some papers now. (A professor's work is never done, or something like that...)
November 28, 2007
8:13 PM
Caree writes:
It takes a TANC to secure our borders.
Way to give em Tanc, Tom!
November 28, 2007
8:12 PM
Lynda writes:
Who was hurt by the debate?
Romney -- he was weak throughout. I can't remember one time when he stood out to me as being strong on an issue.
Giuliani -- but I don't think he's going to completely feel it until tomorrow.
Hunter -- He was completely and totally taken to task by the General. Given, he is so far off the Iowa radar due to lack of a ground game that it didn't matter too much.
Who did well?
Huckabee -- He shines in these group situations and continues to cater to the social conservatives. He's been playing well in Iowa and I didn't see any reason for him to drop support tonight.
Brownback -- Although he wasn't on the stage, I bet there are a lot of combination social and fiscal conservatives who are missing the Kansas Senator tonight.
Who really didn't matter?
Thompson -- All in all, he was uninspiring.
Tancredo -- For those who will be caucusing and voting in the early states, he offered nothing new, little of substance.
Paul -- My apologies to the revolution, but the truth is, Paul didn't speak enough tonight to have opportunity make a case for anything. He stood out on his opposition to the war, but I have to think that most are already aware of that stance.
McCain -- he had some good moments, especially on the torture question, but the spark seems to be gone. He only offers one thing that doesn't seem to be readily available in the others and that seems to be a moderate (and, in my opinion, logical) stance on immigration. Unfortunately, the Republican shoppers don't seem to be buying.
November 28, 2007
8:12 PM
mike soraghan writes:
Bloomberg made the Yankees lose?
November 28, 2007
8:12 PM
M.E. writes:
WHAT'S OUR UNCONVENTIONAL WISDOM:
WHO GAINED GROUND?
WHO LOST GROUND?
November 28, 2007
8:12 PM
Dr East writes:
Ron Paul ran once for President on the Libertarian ticket. He's always run as a Republican otherwise.
November 28, 2007
8:12 PM
genuine ricardo writes:
Winners: None, really. An embarrassing performance from the field. Perhaps Huckabee will get some play from his preacher moment. McCain wasn't dreadful. Rudy, Mitt, and Fred each had difficult spots (really difficult to be honest). Hunter and Tancredo need to drop out. Paul amuses me less and less.
November 28, 2007
8:12 PM
Tracey in MS writes:
I agree with Caree. A lot of people are clueless about illegal immigration in this country. This is a big part of how the terrorists are coming in to this country. There IS a North American Union being formed. Don't kid yourselves. And a revolution is coming. Tom Tancredo is warning you. You can choose to listen and be prepared or keep being the same old complacent America and sit back and watch your country be turned into a communist government and the people slaves.
November 28, 2007
8:11 PM
Caree writes:
If Tancredo doesn't win, America loses.
Tom is not playing the fear card with his new TV ad.
The only fear there will be is when the aliens take our country. Look up aztlan, laraza, These groups want to take our country over. We will be the minority.... it's coming.... Wake up America!
This is your culture , fight for it.
This is our flag, pick it up.
This is our country, take it back.
November 28, 2007
8:10 PM
Dave Redlawsk writes:
Yes they are.
November 28, 2007
8:10 PM
mike soraghan writes:
Ron Paul ran 10 times as a Republican? How many times as a Libertarian?
November 28, 2007
8:10 PM
M.E. writes:
Diamonds or pearls? Aren't they going to end with a tough question like at the Democratic debate?
November 28, 2007
8:09 PM
Dave Redlawsk writes:
An IOWAN with a question. It's about TIME. But it's for Ron Paul. Oh well...
November 28, 2007
8:07 PM
M.E. writes:
McCain just showed his veto pen: it's a Sharpie.
November 28, 2007
8:05 PM
M.E. writes:
Perhaps.
November 28, 2007
8:05 PM
Tracey in MS writes:
Ok, my thoughts on this debate...Tancredo did not get near enough of a chance to address a lot of questions. I think he got great audience response to what he did get to answer and if he had the chance to respond more, I believe he would be in the top part of this debate, but since he didn't, I would say that Huckabee, Romney, Hunter and Thompson were good in that order. The others were very lukewarm.
November 28, 2007
8:04 PM
Mark Wolf writes:
The Hollywood writers' strike seems to have taken its toll on Thompson.
November 28, 2007
8:04 PM
Jason Bane writes:
WINNERS
Mike Huckabee: He was folksy, sharp and answered the tough questions without ducking them. I think he really helped himself. "Hillary could be on the first rocket to Mars" was a great answer.
Rudy Giuliani: He was the consensus target tonight, and he defended himself well. He didn't knock any of them out of the park, but more importantly, he didn't get knocked out.
John McCain: He was ordinary at best until the issue of torture came up, and then he was more than strong. People like to see passion, and McCain's passion on the issue of torture cannot be denied.
LOSERS
Mitt Romney: Nobody who was truly undecided could watch this debate and support Romney. He offered nothing to distinguish himself from other candidates, and he was embarrassingly bad on several questions, most notably his stumbling on the question of whether he believes every word of the Bible. The wheels really came off tonight.
Fred Thompson: It wouldn't have mattered if he wasn't here, which is why he is one of the losers.
Tom Tancredo: He was clearly treated as a one-issue pony and ignored more than any other candidate. He never had a chance to win, but he was all but ignored completely. Even Duncan Hunter got a lot more time.
November 28, 2007
8:04 PM
Caree writes:
some of you people are clueless what the illegal aliens are doing to this country. soon we will not have a country to call our own. that is reality. There will be soon be bloodshed in the streets and the illegal alien gangs are going to take over. I bought a gun to protect myself. you all had better , too. don't say Tancredo didn't warn you.
November 28, 2007
8:04 PM
Dave Redlawsk writes:
When does this thing end?
Oh, an attack on John Edwards! (Who?) That's two (I think) about Hillary and one about Edwards.
November 28, 2007
8:03 PM
mike soraghan writes:
Did Romney just concede South Carolina?
November 28, 2007
8:03 PM
Media Lizzy writes:
Mitt Romney is having the Stepford Wives moment. Someone queue Christopher Walken. Or, with the "two Americas" language - get John Edwards.
November 28, 2007
8:01 PM
M.E. writes:
It's not over 'til the fat ice sings.
WE WANT THE SNOWMAN!!!
November 28, 2007
8:01 PM
Dave Redlawsk writes:
OK - Romney did not do well - did nothing to fend off the rise of Huckabee here in Iowa. I said I didn't believe the Rasmussen (can't spell) Poll that Huckabee's ahead - but I might believe the next one that shows it.
Huckabee was fine, looked good, responded well. And actually to a great degree folks have said he's done well in the prior debates too, but no one cared back then... Oh and a Hillary hit by him at the end!
Guliani - perhaps a push. But that's an Iowa perspective, we don't seem to care what's going on with him.
Thompson - didn't look so good, didn't really sound so good, still seems mostly like he's lumbering along rather than running hard.
McCain - great on torture, I don't remember much else.
November 28, 2007
7:59 PM
mike soraghan writes:
Plus, if there's people on Mars, they'd probably start coming here illegally.
November 28, 2007
7:59 PM
mike soraghan writes:
Tancredo takes a stand on something other than immigration. Maybe he fears that if there's people on Mars, they'd probably start coming here illegally.
November 28, 2007
7:59 PM
M.E. writes:
hUCKABEE scores the one-liner of the night after a DENVER RESIDENT, Steven Nielson, asks if the candidates will pledge to put a person on Mars by 2020.
Huckabee says it's a nice goal and he doesn't know... but if it is possible, Hillary Clinton can be the first person sent to Mars.
November 28, 2007
7:59 PM
Tracey in MS writes:
You GO TOM...We CAN'T AFFORD EVERYTHING FOR EVERYBODY!! The audience agreed with that!! This man is realistic!!
November 28, 2007
7:58 PM
Caree writes:
Tanc is the real deal!
November 28, 2007
7:57 PM
Caree writes:
give em TANC, Tracey!
November 28, 2007
7:56 PM
Allen Fuller writes:
Great answer from Huckabee on the gay question. I disagree, but we can have disagreements. Part of the reason he can say that is because he has the confidence that he is the social conservative's choice.
November 28, 2007
7:55 PM
Lynda writes:
Patrice, we just have a fundamental difference of opinion. Also, just for the record, I've lived in Arizona, Texas and Oklahoma. I'm more than familiar with undocumented workers, I just refuse to see them as the be-all, end-all. They are, above all else, a tangible symptom of failed policies -- foreign, trade, domestic, health care, economic and more.
November 28, 2007
7:55 PM
Tracey in MS writes:
They are not giving Tancredo hardly ANY chances to answer any of these questions.
November 28, 2007
7:54 PM
M.E. writes:
Lock box???? I smell an old Saturday Night Live skit with the Social Security trust fund question.
November 28, 2007
7:54 PM
Dave Redlawsk writes:
Good answer by Huckabee on Log Cabin R's - coming down to the end he's looking pretty good tonight at this debate.
November 28, 2007
7:54 PM
Tracey in MS writes:
I am one American who is sick and tired of the gay and lesbian issue being forced down our throats. SHUP UP AND DO YOUR JOB AND LEAVE YOUR SEXUAL PREFERENCES OUT OF IT!! AND LEAVE THE GOVERNMENT OUT OF IT!!
November 28, 2007
7:53 PM
Dave Redlawsk writes:
Wow, interesting... What a great way to come to the end of the debate - personalized the issue of gays in the military. And of course the general is right.
November 28, 2007
7:52 PM
Jason Bane writes:
Romney once again contradicted a previous position, refusing to say whether he still "looks forward to the day...when gays and lesbians serve openly in the miliary" as he said in 1994. Romney looks soooo weak.
November 28, 2007
7:52 PM
M.E. writes:
I wonder how many Democratic candidates are trying to find the general's phone number right now.
November 28, 2007
7:52 PM
Media Lizzy writes:
I haven't decided who won. But I can say without equivocation, that Mitt Romney LOST.
Many of our allies have fully integrated armed forces. Get with the program, Hunter. read something Colin Powell has said in the last 3-5 years.
November 28, 2007
7:52 PM
Mark Wolf writes:
The gay soldier makes all the guys who didn't serve VERY uncomfortable. Don't see Tancredo jumping into this one.
November 28, 2007
7:50 PM
Jason Bane writes:
If Duncan Hunter had been a serious candidate, he wouldn't have been after that answer about gays in the military.
November 28, 2007
7:49 PM
genuine ricardo writes:
I love the gay military guy! Duncan Hunter is a pig.
November 28, 2007
7:49 PM
Dave Redlawsk writes:
WOW! Good hard hitting question by the general - and he's THERE!!! OMG as the kids say.
November 28, 2007
7:47 PM
Lynda writes:
Although I don't personally like that ad (We believe in 'some things'?), cheers also to Huck for putting up something positive.
November 28, 2007
7:46 PM
M.E. writes:
In Iowa, a Huckabee ad on his values -- and opposition to abortion -- is airing on local television.
Oooh, it's followed up by a Barack Obama commercial on expanding early childhood education and calling on parents to teach their children...
November 28, 2007
7:46 PM
John Wunderlich writes:
McCain is like the energizer rabbit, he just keeps on balabbering and blabbering and blabbering. Why is he on the wrong side of important issues like immigration, terrorism, and trade?
November 28, 2007
7:45 PM
M.E. writes:
AS THE DEBATE COMES TO A CLOSE, REMEMBER THAT THERE IS NO GENEVA CONVENTION IN EFFECT HERE.
NOBODY LEAVES UNTIL YOU GIVE US A SUMMARY OF WHO GAINED GROUND, WHO LOST GROUND, AND WHETHER YOU THINK ANYTHING TONIGHT FUNDAMENTALLY CHANGES THE REPUBLICAN CONTEST.
November 28, 2007
7:45 PM
Allen Fuller writes:
I love Duncan Hunter but that ad = cheese central.
Hurry! Limited Quantities! The first 10 callers get an NRA membership for free!
November 28, 2007
7:44 PM
Dave Redlawsk writes:
Wasn't that Dick Cheney with a big GUN?
November 28, 2007
7:43 PM
Lynda writes:
Cheers for Duncan Hunter for having the only positive campaign vid so far!
November 28, 2007
7:43 PM
Patrice from AZ writes:
Lynda - FAIR estimates the number of ILLEGAL immigrants in Iowa to be at least 55,000. That is fifty-five THOUSAND who are living in Iowa who have entered illegally or overstayed their visas!
By the way, here in Arizona we have at least 500,000 illegal immigrants (half a MILLION). With our new employers' sanction bill taking effect in one month, many of them are headed to Iowa and other states to look for work, enroll their children in your schools, use your hospitals, loiter along your streets looking for work. etc. etc. Good luck!
November 28, 2007
7:43 PM
Jason Bane writes:
Thompson is really pushing the abortion issue, using the question about vice-presidential power to talk again about how the next President will select new Supreme Court justices.
November 28, 2007
7:42 PM
M.E. writes:
A cartoon version of Dick Cheney asks the candidates what powers they would give to the Vice President.
Interestingly, Thompson decides to compare himself to the man who has among the lowest personal approval ratings we've ever heard, saying: "I'm greatly relieved. For a second there I thought that was me."
Hmmmm.
November 28, 2007
7:41 PM
Lynda writes:
Well, if we don't get the snowman, at least we got Dick Cheney.
November 28, 2007
7:41 PM
Allen Fuller writes:
Rudy's 9/11 answer here confuses me... maybe he's just used to being on the defense lately.
November 28, 2007
7:40 PM
Dave Redlawsk writes:
Rudy - September 11 "2001". As opposed to some other September 11?
November 28, 2007
7:40 PM
M.E. writes:
A COLORADAN, Sam Garcia of Colorado Springs, uses a video (and a vague mock accent) to ask Giuliani about the charge that he is "using Sept. 11 to propel himself to the White House."
Giuliani touts the wonder of Giuliani and says he has been "tested" -- not just by 9/11 but by his record as New York City Mayor.
November 28, 2007
7:40 PM
Tracey in MS writes:
The audience loved Tom's response to keeping a military presence abroad. YES WE MOST CERTAINLY DO ALWAYS NEED TO MAINTAIN A PRESENCE ABROAD!!
November 28, 2007
7:38 PM
Caree writes:
Tancredo is right on about radical islam.
November 28, 2007
7:37 PM
Mark Wolf writes:
Hope this crowd had to pass through metal detectors.
November 28, 2007
7:37 PM
Allen Fuller writes:
Ron Paul just said "the people in the north are in charge in the north." Not the coherent message I want to hear from the President of the United States.
McCain had a stronger statement than I've heard him give in a long time.
November 28, 2007
7:37 PM
M.E. writes:
Rep. Tancredo hasn't been heard more than a few times tonight.
November 28, 2007
7:37 PM
genuine ricardo writes:
Ron Paul on Iraq isn't half bad. Sure he's scatterbrained and not terribly articulate, but he's in the right direction.
November 28, 2007
7:36 PM
John Wunderlich writes:
McCain wants to make the world safe for terrorists. When terrorists are worried about what could happen to them worse than death, we will begin to be safer. Tancredo's message on this is the right one. There are some things even terrorists wont risk.
November 28, 2007
7:34 PM
Lynda writes:
The scream from the folks around the room as Thompson answered the "long-term military commitment in Iraq" question: "I thought we declared 'mission accomplished'!
November 28, 2007
7:33 PM
Jason Bane writes:
The torture question really lets McCain shine. Agree or disagree, his passion is genuine and makes him look stronger.
November 28, 2007
7:33 PM
M.E. writes:
BOLD PREDICTION HERE: CNN won't allow this debate to end until after we see a triumphant return of the snowman. YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST!
November 28, 2007
7:33 PM
Dave Redlawsk writes:
Agreed - this hasn't been all that good a night for Romney.
November 28, 2007
7:32 PM
Media Lizzy writes:
Mitt Romney's answer mystifies me. One of his supporters is former Ambassador at Large for the Office of war Crimes Issues Pierre Prosper.
McCain really owns this issue. Romney's admission that McCain has the credentials - essentially means that he (Romney) does NOT.
November 28, 2007
7:32 PM
Jason Bane writes:
Thurl Bailey!
I remember when Michael Jordan dunked on you.
November 28, 2007
7:31 PM
M.E. writes:
The debate keeps shifting from one candidate's natural "turf" to another candidate's "turf."
And so too are they shifting from target to target to target.
Giuliani was targeted in the opening rounds on immigration.
Huckabee got targeted over taxes.
Now Romney is being targeted (when former POW McCain challenged him over his hard stand on interrogation tactics).
November 28, 2007
7:31 PM
Caree writes:
I actually agree with Romney..
November 28, 2007
7:30 PM
Allen Fuller writes:
Rough answer from Romney. McCain jumped on it hard.
November 28, 2007
7:30 PM
Jason Bane writes:
Boy, I really think Romney looks weak. He completely ducked the waterboarding question, he stumbled over the question about the Bible, and he was attacked again for his former pro-choice stance. I think this debate is really hurting him - if anybody is watching.
November 28, 2007
7:30 PM
Lynda writes:
Romney -- Trust us. We won't torture.
Someone bump the needle! I think the album's skipping.
November 28, 2007
7:30 PM
Mark Wolf writes:
Thurl Bailey,
Check this out for Mormon underwear:
http://www.mormon-underwear.com/
November 28, 2007
7:29 PM
mike soraghan writes:
Isn't the Mormon question for Romney whether he thinks the Bible is the ONLY word?
November 28, 2007
7:29 PM
Dave Redlawsk writes:
Does anyone remember the Canadian dude who did a hit "song" in the 70's (or was it the 60's) on how great the Americans were and how the rest of the world didn't appreciate them. Duncan Hunter was channeling him, you can look it up!
November 28, 2007
7:28 PM
posterchild writes:
did i hear that right? rudy wants to offend islamic terrorists? no! no! no! really bad idea!
November 28, 2007
7:26 PM
Media Lizzy writes:
Speaking of tailor-made questions. Rudy gets his first chance to talk about 9/11 in a real way.
November 28, 2007
7:25 PM
M.E. writes:
THE DEBATE HAS ABOUT 30 MINUTES LEFT.
* * * REMEMBER * * *
Before you leave for the night, and before you hear the CNN post-game show, let us know who you think GAINED GROUND, who LOST GROUND, and whether you think ANYTHING SIGNIFICANTLY CHANGED IN THE OVERALL RACE because of tonight.
November 28, 2007
7:22 PM
Mark Wolf writes:
Are the Bible folks going to go after Rudy for saying Jonah was swallowed by a whale instead of a "big fish"?
November 28, 2007
7:22 PM
Thurl Bailey writes:
Can someone tell me exactly what "Mormon underwear" is?
November 28, 2007
7:21 PM
Dave Redlawsk writes:
Clean coal. Hmmm.
A while back I actually was surveyed about this ad campaign - and what my response would be. Guess they ran the ad campaign anyway!
November 28, 2007
7:21 PM
Lynda writes:
Caree, with all due respect, you have no idea if my relatives were victims of the first terrorist attack.
Feel free to pass around that fear doobie, I'm just happily drug free and will wave it by.
November 28, 2007
7:21 PM
Media Lizzy writes:
Mitt stumbled on the "every word" in his answer about believing every word in the Bible. I wonder if he is afraid of the follow-up, Mormon question.
His campaign's ad there was interesting. Bringing up the need to compete with China is smart. A lot of folks are worried about the lead issue - and they want a leader who will keep toys safe.
However, I support Joe Biden's stance on China. Zero tolerance for poisoning our kids.
November 28, 2007
7:20 PM
Allen Fuller writes:
I'll be curious how many Christian group e-mails will quote this question and it's answers tomorrow.
Huckabee's starting to surge. These questions are tailor made for him.
Great ad from the Romney camp. National Media is so good...
November 28, 2007
7:20 PM
Jason Bane writes:
Romney really struggled with how to answer the question of whether he believes every word in the Bible. Huckabee was much better. Odd that Romney would not have already come up with a practiced answer to this question as much as the topic of faith has been raised in his candidacy.
November 28, 2007
7:19 PM
M.E. writes:
Do the candidates believe every word of the Bible?
Giuliani says he doesn't believe Jonah was gobbled up by a whale.
This could be quite controversial, opening up a whole new debate over whaling.
November 28, 2007
7:19 PM
Dave Redlawsk writes:
Let's see, a question about the Bible - is this a cupcake for the pastor?
November 28, 2007
7:17 PM
Tracey in MS writes:
Tom answered the question regarding what would Jesus do, that he would look to HIM for guidance to DO THE RIGHT THING.
November 28, 2007
7:17 PM
M.E. writes:
A questioner wants to know "What would Jesus do?" when it comes to the death penalty.
Huckabee defends his support of the death penalty.
Anderson Cooper follows up. "What would Jesus do?"
Huckabee's answer draws applause even from Giuliani, surprisingly: "Jesus was too smart to ever run for public office."
November 28, 2007
7:17 PM
genuine ricardo writes:
state-sponsored killing is civilized!
jesus will tell me when execution is just.
November 28, 2007
7:16 PM
Allen Fuller writes:
"Jesus was too smart to run for public office." Classic. Huckabee's great wit finally shows through.
November 28, 2007
7:16 PM
Dave Redlawsk writes:
Good response from the Pastor, Mike Huckabee!!
November 28, 2007
7:14 PM
M.E. writes:
Giuliani says he wouldn't sign a federal ban on abortion.
Romney: "I'd be delighted to sign that bill."
There's a pretty clear contrast.
November 28, 2007
7:13 PM
Dave Redlawsk writes:
Lynda - actually I agree with you on the use of immigrants as scapegoats - and that's really worrisome. Immigration is actually good for Iowa, I think. Some of it is illegal, no doubt. But we need people here.
Hey, on another front, I used to live right NEXT to Millstone NJ where the latest question came from. But I don't recognize the questioner, oh well!
November 28, 2007
7:13 PM
Allen Fuller writes:
Abortion: Thompson, who regularly talks about Federalism, turns the question to talk about nominating good Supreme Court justices. Nicely done.
November 28, 2007
7:12 PM
Jason Bane writes:
Thompson just said he thought overturning Roe v. Wade should be "our number one priority." Interesting strategic tact there.
November 28, 2007
7:12 PM
Caree writes:
Lynda, I pray that your relatives or friends are not the victims of the next terrorist attack in the US because of the open borders that they can so conveniently cross....
November 28, 2007
7:10 PM
genuine ricardo writes:
Let it not be said by the Iowa pundrity that Genuine Ricardo never showed up!
I have many guns! How weird is this? I know how to use guns. I mean, I know how to sue guns.
I thought this was a wayout debate before I started typing, but it keeps getting freakier.
By the way, aren't the production values of the Youtube videos horrendous?
Rudy seems like that kid in the water in Jaws, right before the ominous music starts.
I'm loving the entertainment value of this clown show, but I'm supremely depressed that so many amerikans drink it in.
November 28, 2007
7:10 PM
M.E. writes:
Paul: "We don't need a federal abortion police."
November 28, 2007
7:10 PM
Lynda writes:
No, I don't live in Postville or West Liberty, but I've visited both. I honestly and seriously do not see a problem at all in Iowa with undocumented workers -- although I'm sure there are some here.
It seems to me that a lot of people are worried about a lot of things, and undocumented workers have become a massive scapegoat for all of those worries. (i.e., health care, economy, security, etc.)
The fact remains, however, that undocumented workers are -- at least for now -- an integral part of our national economy. Just take a look at what's going on in Oklahoma since Nov. 1 to see that in action.
November 28, 2007
7:09 PM
Media Lizzy writes:
Great, unconventional question.
Romney does not understand the reality of life in poor neighborhoods. Rudy is a scrappy New York guy - that was almost too easy.
November 28, 2007
7:09 PM
Allen Fuller writes:
"I'm not a mayor, I'm not running for mayor, I don't have a police commissioner." Kerik strikes again!
November 28, 2007
7:09 PM
Dave Redlawsk writes:
Would that be "Police Commissioner" Kerik, Mitt?
November 28, 2007
7:09 PM
Jason Bane writes:
Tancredo looks like he's going to fall asleep. They trotted him out for his one issue, and then they put him back in the box.
November 28, 2007
7:09 PM
caree writes:
Hey Tancredo California (John) welcome. I've seen Tancredo shoot a gun at the gun rangers.. he is a straight shooter in more than one way....
November 28, 2007
7:07 PM
M.E. writes:
After Thompson and McCain gave one-liners on the question of what guns they own, Hunter gave a specific answer that average gun owners might relate to.
Giuliani is the only candidate who raises his hand to say he does not own guns. (McCain says he doesn't now, but he knows how to use a gun since Vietnam.)
November 28, 2007
7:06 PM
Jason Bane writes:
Did Hunter just say that he's owned a gun since he was 9 or 10?
November 28, 2007
7:06 PM
Dr East` writes:
Democracy, or even Representative Republicanism, is supposed to be a rowdy affair. Historically, healthy Democracy is full of boos and yays. People only shut up when they just don't care.
A quiet debate is an oxymoron.
November 28, 2007
7:06 PM
caree writes:
The Des Moines register promotes illegal aliens as well and run at least one major article per day promoting the same.. it sickens me... Ottumwa Iowa courier prints their newspaper in English and Spanish. Iowa is FULL of aliens!
November 28, 2007
7:06 PM
Dave Redlawsk writes:
Cause, if I tell you where my guns are the gubmint will come take them away...Boy these guys are real MEN, aren't they. They's got their guns!
November 28, 2007
7:05 PM
Allen Fuller writes:
Here's your specific question on guns, M.E.!
November 28, 2007
7:04 PM
Lynda writes:
My husband -- sitting beside me & watching -- is getting very ticked off at the audience. He can't believe how rude they are being.
I really thought it would be Huckabee getting hammered tonight. It's interesting to see that it's Giuliani -- of course, given the Politico, it might just be a preview of what's to come tomorrow.
November 28, 2007
7:04 PM
Tracey in MS writes:
People, don't vote for Giuliani if you want to keep your rights to own a gun. I don't trust him on that issue AT ALL.
November 28, 2007
7:04 PM
mike soraghan writes:
Is it me or is this light really rough on Fred Thompson?
November 28, 2007
7:03 PM
Dave Redlawsk writes:
Of course Lynda, you don't live in Postville, or West Liberty, or a number of other places... Or even Iowa City.
Immigration IS a reality here in Iowa, and it better be, or there will be no one left to actually work in this state. As a slow growth state we're in a lot of trobule down the road unless we develop a future workforce.
November 28, 2007
7:03 PM
M.E. writes:
QUICK QUESTION: One of the debate highlights so far was the Romney vs. Giuliani exchange from the opening moments.
DOES ANYONE REMEMBER who won? Who did win that?
November 28, 2007
7:02 PM
Caree writes:
Lynda, I live in Iowa and there are illegals in every county across the state..Our governor harbors them.... Wake Up America! Illegals are everywhere.
November 28, 2007
7:01 PM
M.E. writes:
The gun video is a perfect example of how the YouTube questions are entertaining but so vague as to allow the candidates to refer to their standard stump speech lines.
I spoke too soon -- Rudy gets a very specific gun control question. I wish more of these questions were specific.
November 28, 2007
7:00 PM
Lynda writes:
What will the GOP do if they don't face Clinton in the primary?
I just got a gun safety lesson from Duncan. Now I've learned two things tonight. :)
November 28, 2007
7:00 PM
Allen Fuller writes:
Great video from the McCain camp.
November 28, 2007
6:59 PM
Allen Fuller writes:
Fred airs a negative campaign ad as his video? I'm not sure if that's the best avenue to go on the attack. It says "I'm worried."
Romney - "I was wrong." That's bold. Good answer.
Huckabee - Nice twist, very on message. Continues to push the surging underdog theme.
At the first break, I'd say:
1. Romney
2. Giuliani
3. Huckabee
4. Thompson
5. McCain
6. Tancredo
7. Hunter
8. Paul
BTW, who the heck is this Brit spokesman for the Coors ad? They've come a long way from the twins eh?
November 28, 2007
6:59 PM
Chris Dorsey, IowaPolitics.com writes:
Need to run to another commitment. Thanks all for letting me join ya. Enjoy all!
November 28, 2007
6:58 PM
Anonymous writes:
Theisdebate is better than listening to Fosty on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
November 28, 2007
6:58 PM
Dave Redlawsk writes:
I'll be very surprised if the Politico story doesn't dominate tomorrow and down the road a bit. It reminds folks of Guliani's unfaithfulness as well as makes him look shifty. Hmmm...
Of course, Rudy is not even a factor in Iowa at this point, so around here no one may actually care much!
November 28, 2007
6:58 PM
M.E. writes:
At the one-hour mark, there have been 132 quips posted here. That's two -- count 'em -- TWO laughs per minute. That's twice what Phyllis Diller promises.
November 28, 2007
6:57 PM
Lynda writes:
Frosty? The "illegal invasion"? In Iowa? Please tell me where that is so that I can drive there and have a look. At the risk of adding to the whole "Iowa is filled with nothing but white folks" anti-caucus rhetoric, you'd be hard pressed to find people of color at my daughter's high school, much less an undocumented person of color.
November 28, 2007
6:57 PM
John R. Wunderlich writes:
What a debate, what a nigh! Tancredo looks great and Giuliani and Romney like squabbling idiots. The first half hour was on the most important issues , immigration and the North American Union was even mentioned. If all debatees were like this one, the front runners would be different.
November 28, 2007
6:56 PM
Jason Bane writes:
Romney saying he was wrong on the "policy" of abortion when he was "effectively pro-choice" just seems hollow to me, but it's really his only answer.
November 28, 2007
6:56 PM
Chris Dorsey, IowaPolitics.com writes:
Gloves came off out of the shoot, and seems to have toned down some until Fred's video.
November 28, 2007
6:56 PM
M.E. writes:
Huckabee and Romney both brushed aside Thompson's attack.
Huckabee even got to unleash YET ANOTHER folksy saying that a pastor told him -- something about a kick in the rear meaning you're out front. A month ago, he was using a line about how hunters don't aim their rifles at deer corpses.
November 28, 2007
6:55 PM
Caree writes:
Tom Tancredo does not waiver. Tom does not flip flop. He is the real deal. If you want made in China, vote Hillary.If you want made in AMERICA, vote Tancredo.
November 28, 2007
6:54 PM
Media Lizzy writes:
Great answer from Fred Thompson. Give them more airtime.
Romney also signed off on a $50 co-pay for abortion on demand, as a part of his healthcare package.
November 28, 2007
6:54 PM
M.E. writes:
Wow: Thompson uses his campaign video to highlight Romney's past support of abortion and Huckabee's past support of a tax increase in Arkansas (when, you might have noticed, he was 100 pounds heavier).
This is...wow, unusual.
Anderson Cooper: "Sen. Thompson, what's up with that..."
Thompson: "I want to give my buddies here a little extra air time."
November 28, 2007
6:53 PM
Dave Redlawsk writes:
Oh nice - it's so much more fun now that that they are attacking each other instead of Hillary Clinton!
November 28, 2007
6:53 PM
Lynda writes:
Damn... the Thompson video was brutal. LOL!
November 28, 2007
6:53 PM
mike soraghan writes:
Is it possible to buy toys that aren't made in China? It's not easy. I've tried.
November 28, 2007
6:53 PM
Tracey in MS writes:
Tancredo is for made in America, get China Out of the picture on trade!!
November 28, 2007
6:51 PM
M.E. writes:
Giuliani is answering the Politico story about security expenses. (IT'S COMPLICATED, SEE THE POST-SCRIPT TO THE PREVIEW ITEM ABOVE).
"First of all, it's not true..." Giuliani says, saying he had 24-hour security as mayor and that the expenses (and the way the records were handled) were appropriate.
"I had nothing to do with the handling of their records," which he said were handled as far as he knew perfectly appropriately.
SO IT'S POLITICO VS. GIULIANI.
This won't be the end of the story.
November 28, 2007
6:51 PM
Lynda writes:
How exactly can we even begin to slap China's hand when they hold the mortgage to our collective house?
November 28, 2007
6:51 PM
Caree writes:
You are right, Frosty.... I believe in Tom so much!
Thanks for joining us Tracey from MS!
November 28, 2007
6:51 PM
Allen Fuller writes:
Oooh... Giuliani just repeated Romney's answer on ag subsidies verbatim. Not a good answer from someone running as the mayor of NYC.
November 28, 2007
6:50 PM
Jason Bane writes:
Tancredo says he took on Geraldo and he can take on Hillary?
What?
When did it become some sort of great feat to outfox Geraldo?
November 28, 2007
6:50 PM
Chris Dorsey, IowaPolitics.com writes:
Not much applause for Tancredo's video after it aired
November 28, 2007
6:49 PM
Media Lizzy writes:
Here is the money question for Rudy, and he gives them a flat denial.
Lesson number one: Never issue a flat denial. Someone will find the flaw.
Rudy basically laid down the gauntlet to the press corps and opposition researchers. Stand by for incoming, DuHaime.
November 28, 2007
6:49 PM
Lynda writes:
I love the campaign videos... whoo!
I was wondering when Clinton was going to make an appearance.
November 28, 2007
6:49 PM
Dave Redlawsk writes:
ANDERSON!! - GUESS ALL Q'S ARE NOT FROM YOUTUBE!
November 28, 2007
6:48 PM
Frosty Wooldridge writes:
Quick reality check for candidates:
A little known mayoral candidate named Ed Clark unseated two term Mayor Selders this month in Greeley, Colorado. Why? Selders supported illegal aliens. Selders got trounced by Clark who promised to take illegals to task. The town suffers the most hit and runs in the state, drunk drivers, anchor baby costs, gangs and overwhelmed schools. Voters made a statement. That's why Tom Tancredo may surprise everyone in Iowa. He's smart, plain spoken, relates to Americans, stands with highest integrity, brings a compelling platform and All-Americans. The worse the illegal invasion grows, the better Tancredo becomes. FW
November 28, 2007
6:48 PM
mike soraghan writes:
Does Florida really count as the South?
November 28, 2007
6:47 PM
Dave Redlawsk writes:
Actually, corn is getting expensive! The focus on ethanol and thus the diversion of corn to ethanol production is increasing prices. Actually good for farmers, but bad for consumers (since corn is used to feed cattle, etc.)
November 28, 2007
6:45 PM
Lynda writes:
Question from Grover Norquist...
Veto all new taxes?
Tancredo -- Yes
Huckabee -- Yes
Romney -- Yes
Giuliani -- Yes
Thompson -- Maybe
McCain -- Maybe
Paul -- Yes
Hunter -- No
November 28, 2007
6:45 PM
Tracey in MS writes:
Tom's got the highest ratings for tax reform, so there you go America!! Tom's your man in every way!!!
November 28, 2007
6:45 PM
Media Lizzy writes:
Yuck. What a complete nightmare. Grover Norquist is an abomination.
The only pledge a candidate should make is when he takes the oath of office. The American people should come first, not Grover. Ick.
Thank you, Fred Thompson.
November 28, 2007
6:45 PM
M.E. writes:
Git 'R Done, Mark.
November 28, 2007
6:44 PM
M.E. writes:
McCain chooses an attack-Ron-Paul strategy that has helped Giuliani and other candidates gain attention in earlier debates by saying of his isolationist streak: "We allowed Hitler to come to power with that kind of attitude of isolationism."
Paul says he's not an isolationist, he's a non-interventionist. And he gets to say he gets more money from law enforcement and military personnel than others.
THIS, I predict, will be one of the leading highlight clips, regardless of its actual impact on the Republican race for the White House. It's called entertainment, folks.
November 28, 2007
6:44 PM
Dave Redlawsk writes:
Read my lips...
November 28, 2007
6:44 PM
Mark Wolf writes:
Is there an open bar in the hall? Rowdy southerners. Did they think this was a Larry the Cable Guy concert?
November 28, 2007
6:43 PM
Dave Redlawsk writes:
When is Anderson going to get tougher ont he audience. It's cute to hear them cheers, etc., but it sure takes up time and gets in the way of answers...
November 28, 2007
6:42 PM
Media Lizzy writes:
Let's see some combat, there is just a month to go. It is time to fight for the votes.
I can not believe John McCain just proposed a "commission" - he just demonstrated why republicans don't trust him on money.
His swipe at Ron Paul is going to play very well with military folks.
November 28, 2007
6:42 PM
Chris Dorsey, IowaPolitics.com writes:
Paul is just itching to respond to McCain
November 28, 2007
6:42 PM
Allen Fuller writes:
Looks like it's McCain's turn to take on Ron Paul...
November 28, 2007
6:40 PM
Jason Bane writes:
Huckabee wants to get rid of the IRS. I don't know why more candidates don't say this. Who would be against it? I don't know if it makes sense, but every average voter would love it.
November 28, 2007
6:40 PM
M.E. writes:
Oh, goodie. Cartoons!
November 28, 2007
6:40 PM
M.E. writes:
Oh, goodie. Cartoons!
November 28, 2007
6:40 PM
Frosty Wooldridge writes:
The reason illegal migration hasn't hit the big time in Iowa stems from the fact that they haven't suffered a taste of downtown Los Angeles with raging crime, gangs, trash, drunk drivers, diseases, anchor babies bankrupting their hospitals, stuffed prisons and schools turning into warehouses for third world poor who enjoy free breakfasts and lunches from taxpayer dollars. It's only a matter of time for Iowans to wake up to their accelerating dilemma. FW
November 28, 2007
6:40 PM
Lynda writes:
Thompson -- Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. If you're gonna say it, you ought to have enough guts to stand by it.
Paul -- "Washington did not change me." Dept. of Education, Dept. of Energy, Dept. of Homeland Security.
Huckabee -- IRS (plugs Fair Tax), Dept. of Homeland Security
November 28, 2007
6:40 PM
Allen Fuller writes:
Thompson and Romney taking on entitlement reform - this could be tricky come next fall.
National writer's strike... maybe that explains Thompson's opening statement.
November 28, 2007
6:40 PM
Anonymous writes:
I thought Paul would say IRS along with CIA and FBI
November 28, 2007
6:40 PM
Caree writes:
I know a bunch of Tancredo Florida blogger friends attending ...I can hear them supporting Tom....good job, Tancs!
November 28, 2007
6:39 PM
mike soraghan writes:
Good question. Which means no one will answer. If anyone says cut wasteful spending - "DRINK!"
November 28, 2007
6:39 PM
Anonymous writes:
FBI, CIA two cuts
November 28, 2007
6:38 PM
Dave Redlawsk writes:
You know, I wrote THAT BEFORE the question asking what you will cut was asked. I could be a YouTube questioner! :)
November 28, 2007
6:38 PM
M.E. writes:
Somebody -- "this just in" -- keeps posting unsigned comments. If you want your name attached to the comments, be sure that you click the "Remember your personal info?" button YES above.
November 28, 2007
6:37 PM
mike soraghan writes:
That debt question played right to McCain's strength. He's got a new "reformer with results" push going on. I was surprised to hear him talk about Abramoff.
November 28, 2007
6:37 PM
Dave Redlawsk writes:
Now we're into the boring part - they all pretty much sound the same on this kind of stuff. Cut government, but of course which services are they planning to actually get rid of that people want?
November 28, 2007
6:36 PM
M.E. writes:
On controlling spending, Sen. McCain repeats the old bear paternity joke. I've heard it on the campaign trail many, many times, and I believe he has used it in at least one prior debate. I think his repetition must be a product of the national writer's strike.
November 28, 2007
6:35 PM
Lynda writes:
Thanks, Mike. I didn't realize he was against all forms of immigration.
This was a really softball question for Ron Paul.
In contrast, I like this question about the national debt. It has to pang each of the Republicans currently involved in federal government to answer it.
November 28, 2007
6:35 PM
Anonymous writes:
This just in -- the Bear DNA study was a criminal matter, according to sources in Box Elder, Montana
November 28, 2007
6:34 PM
Frosty Wooldridge writes:
In the past 10 years, the rust belt lost five million industrial, manufacturing and car building jobs to oursourcing and offshoring. GM and Ford dropped 60,000 jobs in the past two years. All candidates need to state that they will no longer facilitate sending Middle Class jobs to China, Mexico and India. Our citizens come first. Tancredo, Paul and Hunter stand for middle Americans. They also stand against illegal migration because it steals jobs from America's working poor as well as degrades wages.
Frosty Wooldridge
November 28, 2007
6:34 PM
Dave Redlawsk writes:
I first learned of the 15 (or however many) lane highway from Mexcio to Canada on the Colbert Report. About time it appears in a debate!
Paul's got his supporters in the crowd.
November 28, 2007
6:34 PM
M.E. writes:
Sounds like we've got a disagreement on this board about who won the Huckabee vs. Romney rift on immigration.
Now Paul is being asked if he believes "all this stuff" his supporters believe. Kinda sounds like he does.
November 28, 2007
6:33 PM
Allen Fuller writes:
What the hell did Romeny have for dinner? Somebody showed up ready for Fight Club.
Huckabee's answer was probably not on message for this crowd... But he was earnest.
November 28, 2007
6:33 PM
mike soraghan writes:
Tancredo is grinning from ear to ear. This does look like Tancredo's debate.
November 28, 2007
6:31 PM
M.E. writes:
Lynda: that was slightly new from Tancredo earlier this year, but it's not new now. He has added a moratorium on LEGAL immigration to his call for ending illegal immigration. A "pause" he usually calls it. (Giuliani ripped him for it in one of the debates late this spring, as I recall.)
November 28, 2007
6:31 PM
Media Lizzy writes:
Wow. Nice job, Huckabee. Good for him.
GREAT LINE. Not going to punish children for what their parents did.
Mitt Romney is very condescending. Make him angry boys.
November 28, 2007
6:31 PM
Anonymous writes:
Thank goodness people don't hold my father's actions against me. I would be in a world of hurt.
November 28, 2007
6:30 PM
mike soraghan writes:
It's not new for Tancredo to say he'd stop all immigration until he thinks the problem is solved. He calls it his immigration moratorium.
November 28, 2007
6:30 PM
Dave Redlawsk writes:
28 minutes after and the L word appears. Romney IS taking it to Huckabee. Nothing worse than calling him a liberal, is there?
November 28, 2007
6:30 PM
Lynda writes:
Huck hit a high note by flipping that question to veterans and how he felt we treat them is a disgrace. That resonates in Iowa.
Interesting to see Mitt playing the fiscal conservative role. Does that mean he feels he lost the socon vote?
November 28, 2007
6:29 PM
mike soraghan writes:
It's not new for Tancredo to say he'd stop all immigration until he thinks the problem is solved.
November 28, 2007
6:29 PM
Allen Fuller writes:
We should do away with professional debate moderators. These YouTube questions are direct and tough.
I didn't see the Democrats' YouTube debate. How does it compare so far?
November 28, 2007
6:29 PM
M.E. writes:
Huckabee has got to expect a lot of opponents to try to rip his immigration answer. Here it comes...
November 28, 2007
6:29 PM
Dave Redlawsk writes:
You know, immigration is one of the most important issues for Republicans in Iowa, but it isn't THE most important - Terrorism, the Economy, and Iraq all outrank it in our polls.
Moreover, we find that about half of likely Iowa Republican caucus goers actually SUPPORT some type of earned citizenship for those already here. (I think that's what they are claling amnesty.) I keep wondering what those folks think about all these answers.
November 28, 2007
6:26 PM
Caree writes:
love Duncan, too! Tancredo/Hunter
November 28, 2007
6:26 PM
Anonymous writes:
Hunter has seen ranchers who can build fence faster.
November 28, 2007
6:25 PM
Lynda writes:
All I've heard is people trying to out Tancredo Tancredo. LOL!
Did Tancredo just say he was against all immigration? And, if so, is that something new?
November 28, 2007
6:25 PM
M.E. writes:
Tancredo accused the others of trying to "out-Tancredo Tancredo." Will they demand time to rebut that?
The video asked Tancredo: What's he going to do to HELP more guest-workers enter the United States?
That, I must admit, is a question I have never thought to ask him.
November 28, 2007
6:25 PM
Caree writes:
Tanc is the only one that makes any SENSE!!
Give em TANC , Tom!
November 28, 2007
6:23 PM
Mark Wolf writes:
McCain makes sense on immigration. Too bad that's a product nobody's buying.
November 28, 2007
6:22 PM
Allen Fuller writes:
Let's get back to Rudy vs. Romney. We've hit a bit of a valley after the initial fireworks...
November 28, 2007
6:22 PM
Caree writes:
and why are there millions of illegals in your state, McCain? What have you DONE to build a fence in your state.. compassion....for kids of alien terrorists? You must be joking.
November 28, 2007
6:22 PM
Anonymous writes:
I feel like I just become two years older waiting for the end of McCain's answer
November 28, 2007
6:22 PM
Jason Bane writes:
I actually hope they DON'T ask Tancredo about immigration. Everybody knows where he stands on that issue - make him answer questions about other issues.
November 28, 2007
6:21 PM
Lynda writes:
The audience thinks McCain is splitting hairs. Quite frankly, I think he's the only one on stage I come close to agreeing with on this topic.
November 28, 2007
6:21 PM
M.E. writes:
McCain jeered when he says "we never proposed amnesty..."
Earlier, Thompson used his time to mostly rip Giuliani. There was an inside-joke about how everyone had probably hired people in the past that they wished they hadn't hired. Did anyone else understand that as an obvious Kerik reference?
November 28, 2007
6:21 PM
Anonymous writes:
What's with the groan on Thompson's hiring comment. Is Kerik off-limits?
November 28, 2007
6:20 PM
Allen Fuller writes:
Rudy was booed by the audience. That's not something that happens to the frontrunner.
Fred's presentation isn't very strong for a professional actor... Where did these "uh's" come from...???
November 28, 2007
6:20 PM
Dave Redlawsk writes:
Oooohhh - veiled Kerik reference by Thompson! And the audience got it!!!
November 28, 2007
6:20 PM
Dr East writes:
Well, in the case of the constitution the partisans would be "Ron Paul" vs. "every other GOP candidate."
November 28, 2007
6:20 PM
Caree writes:
whoa.... the look Rudy give Fred....
November 28, 2007
6:19 PM
M.E. writes:
PARTICIPANTS: BE SURE TO CLICK THE "Remember your personal info" button above so that your name is attached to the comments.
November 28, 2007
6:18 PM
Anonymous writes:
I agree Lynda, I don't think the Founding Fathers intended the Constitution to be a partisan issue.
November 28, 2007
6:18 PM
Media Lizzy writes:
Immigration: Advantage Fred. (So far.)
November 28, 2007
6:17 PM
mike soraghan writes:
I just put my kid to bed, so I'm ready for some family values. Is everyone playing nice?
November 28, 2007
6:17 PM
Allen Fuller writes:
Hey folks! Sorry I'm running late. Didn't take long for the gloves to come off eh?
November 28, 2007
6:17 PM
Jason Bane writes:
Ooh, a charge about illegal immigrants doing contracting work. You can almost feel Tancredo willing them not to ask him about that.
November 28, 2007
6:17 PM
Lynda writes:
Was that Ron Paul asking to jump in during the Rudy/Mitt discussion?
Uh-ho... Rudy just got booed for not shushing up.
November 28, 2007
6:16 PM
M.E. writes:
ROMNEY VS. GIULIANI PART ONE:
"Sanctuary cities"
They've been going back and forth on this for the past two weeks. Giuliani coins the phrase "sanctuary mansion" to point at Romney, who said he presided over a "sanctuary city" and sued to maintain that status.
Now Romney is charging back, asking if he's suggesting that people like him who hire contractors should go up to people with funny-sounding names and challenge their immigration status.
I'm wondering when an old Tancredo story surfaces in this argument.
November 28, 2007
6:16 PM
Caree writes:
Let's get the only one in on this discussion that is true to the cause of fighting illegal immigration , Tom Tancredo.
November 28, 2007
6:16 PM
Mark Wolf writes:
Hi M.E. and crew.
The official over/under on the first Hillary Clinton mention is 6:24 p.m.
Mike Huckabee got the Ric Flair endorsement but Rudy and Mitt locked up early. Let's rassle!!
November 28, 2007
6:15 PM
Dave Redlawsk writes:
Cool, I take it back - this is going to be FUN!
November 28, 2007
6:15 PM
Anonymous writes:
Sanctuary mansion: "You know better than that." He's offended. Good jab by Giuliani.
November 28, 2007
6:15 PM
Media Lizzy writes:
Oooo. Sanctuary Mansion.
This is getting good. Take off the gloves, fellas.
November 28, 2007
6:14 PM
Dave Redlawsk writes:
Wonder how many restaurants in New York City would have to close if all illegal immigrants were deported?
November 28, 2007
6:14 PM
Caree writes:
NY was a Sanctuary City and Yes, Romney used to employ illegal aliens....so who is flip flopping now?
November 28, 2007
6:13 PM
Lynda writes:
We start with a question about immigration. Shocking.
I heard that Chris Dodd's question will not be used tonight -- that CNN felt it would be too partisan or something of that nature. Frankly, I'm not sure how a question about protecting and restoring the Constitution could be construed as partisan, but, hey, to each their own.
November 28, 2007
6:13 PM
Jason Bane writes:
Giuliani says he is pro-fence. That should be the quick immigration question from now on. Pro-fence or anti-fence?
November 28, 2007
6:13 PM
Frosty Wooldridge writes:
Ron Paul dominates because he addresses average Americans' concerns about the Iraq War as it has been proven to be the greatest fraud (WMD ruse) on our military and citizens since the "Gulf of Tonkin Resolution" that created the Vietnam War. That one killed 58,300 young men. Iraq keeps killing young men and women at 3,800 and counting. All for what? All for a lie. All deaths for nothing but big money pockets and callous, out of touch politicians.
Frosty Wooldridge
November 28, 2007
6:12 PM
M.E. writes:
A Brooklyn man asks Giuliani about New York being a "sanctuary city." So Tancredo, Frosty W. and friends get the topic they probably wanted -- right out of the gate.
Giuliani's answer is not new.
That's a danger of the YouTube format. In the Democratic debate, many of the questions -- even the most seemingly novel ones -- were vague enough that candidates often got a chance to revert to their standard stump speech lines on the topics.
November 28, 2007
6:11 PM
Media Lizzy writes:
That's SNOW-HOW-MISH, Anderson.
Funny song, the guy must be bored up there.
November 28, 2007
6:11 PM
Dave Redlawsk writes:
Well, I'm glad I don't have to stand there and watch while this lunacy happens! Oh, right, I have to SIT here and watch!
And they say we voters don't care about the issues in the good old USA...
November 28, 2007
6:10 PM
Lynda writes:
Oooo... we start with a cowboy. I like cowboys, but I don't think Fred shares my passion.
November 28, 2007
6:09 PM
M.E. writes:
It's that guitar player's American Idol audition, David.
November 28, 2007
6:08 PM
Anonymous writes:
Dodd submitted a question about restoring the Constitution. I am interested if Anderson poses that question.
November 28, 2007
6:08 PM
Dave Redlawsk writes:
OK, is this a Republican debate, or a CNN/Youtube commercial?
November 28, 2007
6:07 PM
M.E. writes:
Welcome unannounced guest Lynda -- our Essential Estrogen.
Woo-hoo: THERE'S OUR SNOWMAN!!!
November 28, 2007
6:05 PM
Dave Redlawsk writes:
I don't actually believe that Huckabee is in the lead in Iowa, no matter what Rassmussen says - but it's finally a real race here, much more fun!
November 28, 2007
6:05 PM
Media Lizzy writes:
Righto, ME! Lightning is cool. Would be funny if it happened twice.
November 28, 2007
6:05 PM
Lynda writes:
I'm looking for Huckabee to be a major target tonight. All the rest have to know that he is becoming the frontrunner of the social conservatives... if he could only get the fiscal conservatives in his corner, he'd be a real force.
Romney, I think, especially has to be on the attack tonight if he wants to win back support in Iowa. He also has to be a little nervous going into this debate. It could be that his Iowa spark has come and gone.
The rest just need to make a good impression and have no big mistake moments.
November 28, 2007
6:05 PM
Jason Bane writes:
Signs your campaign is in trouble: Charlie Crist mispronounces your name.
Poor Tom Tancredo
November 28, 2007
6:05 PM
M.E. writes:
The introductions, in order of appearance:
* Rep. Duncan Hunter
* Rep. Ron Paul
* Sen. John McCain
* Former Sen. Fred Thompson
* Former Mayor Rudy Giuliani
* Former Gov. Mitt Romney
* Former Gov. Mike Huckabee
* Rep. Tom Tancredo
Interestingly, the word "former" was never uttered once by Florida Gov. Charlie.
November 28, 2007
6:04 PM
Jason Bane writes:
Hey, look at that. Fred Thompson is still running.
November 28, 2007
6:04 PM
Dr East writes:
I dunno, Jason, how much do you look like Anderson Cooper's father?
November 28, 2007
6:03 PM
Jason Bane writes:
Is it just me, or does Crist look like Anderson Cooper's father?
November 28, 2007
6:02 PM
Media Lizzy writes:
Ladies and gentlemen, Ambition on a stick. Florida's Governor: Charlie Crist.
November 28, 2007
6:02 PM
Chris Dorsey, IowaPolitics.com writes:
Huckabee definitely could come under attack this evening as he continues to surge in the polls -- especially after Rasmussen has Huck in first over Romney today.
November 28, 2007
6:01 PM
Jason Bane writes:
I'm here watching with my 15-month-old daughter. If any of my comments seem particularly lucid, they are probably hers.
November 28, 2007
6:01 PM
Dave Redlawsk writes:
Anderson Cooper, tanned, rested, and ready!
Those Democrats, such slackers!
November 28, 2007
6:01 PM
M.E. writes:
Remember everybody. Some of us have very fast typing fingers. So if you want to keep up, you've got to keep your quips short and sweet -- and on topic of what's happening on the screen.
November 28, 2007
5:59 PM
Dave Redlawsk writes:
What about Mike Huckabee - isn't this the night he'll either solidify his position in the top tier (at least in Iowa) or he'll turn no heads and move back into obscurity?
Romney has to be watching his back in Iowa with Huckabee surging.
November 28, 2007
5:59 PM
M.E. writes:
To Media Lizzy: remember, lightning has struck during a Republican debate before. (It knocked out Rudy's microphone one night earlier this year, prompting us to declare "A Higher Power" one of the big winners of the debate.)
November 28, 2007
5:57 PM
Caree writes:
I'm voting for Tom "the Tanc" Tancredo.
Give em Tanc, Tom!
November 28, 2007
5:57 PM
M.E. writes:
Wow. So much to digest already. This is going to be fun.
November 28, 2007
5:56 PM
Media Lizzy writes:
Here is my pre-deabte thinking:
1) Will Anderson Cooper ask Ron Paul about the Bunny Ranch brothel owner's endorsement, and the coming "Hookers for Paul" PAC??
2) Will Anderson Cooper ask Rudy Giuliani about tax-payers funding his extra-marital activities during his tenure as "America's Mayor?"
3) Fred Thompson has to get it together. Lightning must strike if he wants to keep Huckabee from taking him down.
4) Mitt Romney has to demonstrate real, tangible depth. Being rich and attractive does not a president make. Can he handle Iraq? Iran? Palestinian/Israeli peace process? Putin? OPEC? North Korea? The rise of China? AND - will Cooper ask him about the "no muslims" comment???
5) McCain has to prove there is still a reason for voters to believe in him, and his candidacy this time around.
6)Rudy, Rudy, Rudy. He may be the frontrunner - but - his thin skin is starting to becaome a liability. The Politico's story may well be explosive. Every man (or woman) running for President HAS to give us a narrative on how they met their mate. George & Laura met on a blind date at a BBQ. Bill & Hill are college sweeties that wrote the Survivor's Guide to Public Marriage. Fred has a hot, younger wife he met at a Kroger on the 4th of July. Joe Biden's wife gave him new life, after he was widowed at 29 - and left to raise the 2 surviving sons on his own. RUDY HAS SOME 'SPLAINING TO DO. And that's before we get to real issues.
7) Ron Paul. Wow. Hookers for Paul PAC aside, if this guy raises $12 million this quarter, he can't be ignored any longer.
Pop that popcorn folks!!!!
November 28, 2007
5:55 PM
Frosty Wooldridge writes:
Fellow Americans:
What issue do all presidential candidates refuse to address in this race for the White House? Why won't they address it? How will future generations survive it? What causes it?
America's greatest dilemma in the 21st century: OVERPOPULATION! This country careens toward adding 100 million people by 2040. That number magnifies every environmental crisis and quality of life issue we face by a factor of 100 million. Since the average American female births 2.03 children, it's not Americans causing the growth. Our population crisis stems from unrelenting and unending legal and illegal immigration from a line that grows by 77 million globally annually.
It will prove a "Human Katrina" that once those added 100 million manifest; every American no matter what his/her race, creed or color will become victims or survivors in the years ahead.
It's time to move the immigration/population issue to the front of the line for every candidate. If humans don't solve it graciously, nature will solve it brutally.
Frosty Wooldridge
www.frostywooldridge.com
November 28, 2007
5:55 PM
Caree writes:
good evening from Iowa
November 28, 2007
5:52 PM
M.E. writes:
Welcome to our live-chat during the Republican presidential debate on CNN.
Before the snowball fight begins, who has the most to gain or lose tonight?
November 28, 2007
3:36 PM
M.E. writes:
Thanks for your comments. I hope you and supporters of other candidates, Republicans and Democrats alike, will join us here for the LIVE-BLOG later tonight.
November 28, 2007
3:04 PM
Cleaner44 writes:
There are only 4 Republican candidates that matter. Ron Paul, Rudy, Romney and Huckabee. McCain and Thompson are DONE!
Ron Paul dominates in straw polls, debate polls, fund raising, web traffic and grass roots networking. I have gathered the evidence and created a website to support this statement.
Please visit www.thecaseforronpaul.com and judge for yourself.