Four Thoughts on Wednesday's Republican Debate

re: Four Thoughts on Tonight's Republican Debate

smedleywasright — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 06:08:00 GMT

re: Four Thoughts on Tonight's Republican Debate

DenisL — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 09:21:23 GMT

We each seem to have our own major issue(s) that make their choice for President seem like the best one. The economy is a big one for me. McCain did not know about the "Working Group on Financial Markets" in the last debate. Romney and Huckabee think the stimulus package from DC is a great idea. Just unbelievable and VERY scary if they are elected! My question is: Would someone tell me why we should NOT elect Ron Paul??

Ron Paul has raised more money than the rest in the 4th quarter & is spending it! $20 million in the 4th quarter. $3.5 million so far this quarter. And it was all from individual donations averaging less than $100. No PACs. Unlike the others he is beholding to nothing but the Constitution.

The rest, with Richardson and Kucinich out, seem to be talking crazy talk (or did last week, who knows what the Democrats will say next week!) about our military adventures in the Middle East. Military spending is connected to our current economic mess. Additionally, no one else seems to understand the problems with the economy, inflation, and out of control deficit spending. Inflation is going to eat us alive, as it has already started to do so. Do you really believe that the REAL inflation rate last year, the rate that was used by the government for Social Security check increases this month, was 2.3%? Just look at the price of gold up 30% in 2007, now at an all time high and getting higher!

One can not talk about tax cuts without ALSO talking about cutting spending. We have a $9 trillion debt (nearly double since 2000) that must be paid so we can afford Social Security and Medicare. The interest payments will go sky high when we begin to fight inflation with higher Federal Reserve bank rates.

And we must stop inflation or everyone's life savings will go down the tubes, along with the middle class, like what has happened to the middle class in most countries south of our border. And do not forget Universal Health Care, which is coming down the tracks right at us, unless Republicans begin to understand the seriousness of runaway deficits and inflation. And start educating the country. A Democratic President will surely not fight inflation like Volcker and Reagan did!

Please vote Ron Paul and save the country from bankruptcy abroad and at home!

re: Four Thoughts on Tonight's Republican Debate

daydreamer — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 13:32:50 GMT

3 things

1.Had Ron Paul been a right wing nuts i wonder if the liberal media(especially cnn) would still give him that spot.

2.It's sad to see cnn resort itself to this kind of tactics to draw out a cat fight between the candidates to serve its liberal agenda (or may be to resucitate its rating), cnn used to have credibility,it used to report fact rather than a jerry spriger side show, it's a reflection of the quality of its CHARACTER and the quality of its productions. mcain was in this kind of fight with bush 7 years ago and he has not improved a bit, romney the president should tell those warlords in afganistan in his girlish tone that personal attacks are unfair.

3.And the worst thing is that the 2 man who were supposed to run for president actually did the cat fight, there is not much report on Huckabee on the net about his performance in this debate but i watched the debate and i read the transcript , he did best and i am going to vote for him next Tuesday.he showed us what character really means , if i had to trust someone , just one person to make the important decisions for this country he is the man

re: Four Thoughts on Tonight's Republican Debate

TILIS — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 13:55:59 GMT

That debate was a farce in that both canidates(McCain & Romney) are so out of touch with the American people its is sad. The economy is in the tank,the war in IRAQ is costings billions a day,our prestige with other nations (thnaks to our current president)is off the richter scale and neithert canidate(Ron Paul the exception) can look the American Public inthe eye and face up to the fact that the Republican strategy in the last 7 years is not workingAs an independent voter there is a definite need for change and this party is showing zilch.

re: Four Thoughts on Tonight's Republican Debate

benvictor — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 13:57:44 GMT

Ron Paul always makes the most sense to me. McCain is the perrenial politician. Mitt is smooth. Huckabee will take advantage of any edge between McCain and Mitt to gain the advantage. Only Ron stands his ground and true to his cause.

re: Four Thoughts on Tonight's Republican Debate

ReCreation — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 14:24:47 GMT

Okay, my only reaction is we may have to come to a painful truth if we are going to be honest. We have one honest man running for President, Ron Paul. He has gotten a good bit of support, but to date not enough to win first in a primary. I still hold out hope that Super Tuesday will prove me wrong but if that doesn't happen then we will know for sure that the average American voter is a turnip truck discard. I guess I can live with that but boy what a shame.

re: Four Thoughts on Tonight's Republican Debate

Republicae — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 14:37:54 GMT

Our poor, poor country! The American People are willing to blindly turned over our country to men like McCain and Romney who don't have a clue about what they are talking about or what they are going to do when they get in office. Unfortunately, it looks like we will have a President from the Democratic Party elected this time around and more of the same. The entrenchment candidates from both parties talk about change, but they all offer up heaping helpings of the same policiy mistakes that have created the mess we find ourselves in now.

Ron Paul is the only candidate that understands the real issues facing this country and has the solutions to those issues.

As Dr. Paul has said "TRUTH IS TREASON IN THE EMPIRE OF LIES"

re: Four Thoughts on Wednesday's Republican Debate

Republicae — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 14:58:36 GMT

Dr. Paul is the only candidate that even brings up the issue of our failing monetary system.

Consider this: a person making $32,000 per year today has the equivalent purchasing power of $5,907.40 1970 dollars. So, the same person making $15.38 per hour today is equal to making $2.84 per hour in real purchasing power in 1970 dollars. It is not the price of goods and services that have risen so much, but the purchasing power of our dollar that has been so drastically reduced. Our standard of living has been effectively reduced through fiat money inflation.

Is there any wonder that poverty is becoming rampant? The government has no other choice but enforce minimum wages in order to keep the working poor at some level of subsistence. At the current $5.85 per hour a person has the same 1970 purchasing power of $1.08 per hour, at 40 hours per week that person is effectively making $43.20 per week to make ends meet.

Now, do you actually think that McCain, Romney, Huckabee, Hillary or Obama understand what has happened to our money or how the policies of the Federal Reserve undermine our working men and women, indeed how it undermines our entire Nation?

VOTE RON PAUL BEFORE YOUR MONEY IS NO GOOD! WHAT YA WAITING ON, FOR A ROLL OF TOILET PAPER TO COST $5,000.00 PER ROLL WHEN HYPER-INFLATION HITS?

re: Four Thoughts on Wednesday's Republican Debate

RTGO — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:29:26 GMT

What I don't understand is why even bother inviting Mike Huckabee and Ron Paul if the moderators are going to disrespect them by not including them in the political discussion.

Mike Huckabee is right that Cooper didn't keep his word. Cooper promised to include Huckabee and Paul but didn't. He was too focused on the the dog fight between McCain and Romney which wasn't substantive nor productive for the American voters.

Even in Newsweek they speak gleefully of the McCain & Romney fight and nothing about the all important issues.

re: Four Thoughts on Wednesday's Republican Debate

daydreamer — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:29:35 GMT

Where is Dan Quayle!! i wish he was running!!!

re: Four Thoughts on Wednesday's Republican Debate

nrobyar — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:44:00 GMT

Mike Huckabe has every right to demand time to get his issues across. He is only 19 electoral votes behind Romney, roughly 1/3 of a states votes, so what makes you think he should not be heard. When McCain was behind he got to speak. When Romney lost to Huckabee in Iowa he got to speak. Huckabee is doing well in alot of the southern states going into Super Tuesday. He has given up a year of his life to live out of a bus, go without sleep, give up family time and put himself through the torture of national televised debates and public criticism that goes along with running for public office. He has EARNED the right to be heard. If you have read any of the blogs you would realize that the AMERICAN public was so angry with the lack of air time Huckabee and Paul received that practically nothing else was written about after the debate. If you are going to ignore them, dont waste their time asking them to sit there and dont waste ours. The only reason I watched was to hear Mike Huckabee and I was proud that he demanded some time. He was the hands down winner last night in every way...

re: Four Thoughts on Wednesday's Republican Debate

daydreamer — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:58:17 GMT

cannot agree more , i think huckabee is by far the best performer in the debate even so little time has been allocted to him in the past 2 debates and i think he cares about working class like you and me , and he has sound policy initiates to change this country.

I wished they at least would give huckabee and ron paul a fair go in those debates but instead they thought they were better than us and knew better and anoint the 2 other candidates as the only possible nominee for the republican party. They cat fight they initiated during the debate was disgraceful and the moderater should be ashamed for orchestrating a side show . I have lost all my confidence in cnn.

I just hope that he could put this thing out again next tuesday and come from behind to win the nomination

re: Four Thoughts on Wednesday's Republican Debate

kpage — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:58:50 GMT

re: Four Thoughts on Wednesday's Republican Debate

joyce123740@charter.net — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:00:59 GMT

YOU PEOPLE ARE MESSED UP IN THE HEAD ABOUT WHAT CONSERVATISM IS, AND ALSO ABOUT WHAT CHARACTER IS...MCCAIN DOESN'T JUMP TO THE TUNE OF OTHER MEN, NEITHER DID SENATOR FRED DALTON THOMPSON...WE DO NOT NEED TO SIT THE UNFIT LIKE THIS CULTIST ROMNEY NOR THAT FALSE PROPHET HUCKSTER...BOTH ARE VERY SHALLOW IN CHARACTER FOR THEY HAVE FLIP-FLOPPED ON STANCES IF THEY HAD ONE AT ALL, IN THE CASE OF THE HUSTLER, HE STOLE MOST OF HIS FOR HE IS TOO STUPID TO GET HIS OWN, AND THAT RICH KID IS TRYING TO BUY THE SEAT - IT WILL NEVER HAPPEN - HIS CHARACTER IS ROTTENT TO THE CORE FOR EVEN TRYING - IF HE WERE SUCH A HOT SHOT GOP GOVERNOR, WHY IS MASSACHUSETTS STILL A BLUE STATE AFTER ALL THESE YEARS WITH NOTHING BUT LIBERALS AND HORRIBLES JUDGES THROUGH AND THROUGH - IF THE CULTIST COULD MANAGE SO WELL, WHY DID HE NOT MANAGE TO GET THE PEOPLE IN THAT STATE TO BE DECENT AND NOT LIBERALS - IT IS BECAUSE THE FACT IS, ROMNEY IS A CLOSET DEMONCRITIC!!! STUFF HIM AND THE HUCKSTER ON A SLOW BOAT TO CHINA WHERE THEY WANT TO BE GLOBAL WITH THEM...WE JUST AIN'T HAVIN' IT...AND IF MCCAIN DOESN'T DO WHAT "WE THE PEOPLE" WANT, WE WILL SIMPLY GET RID OF HIM...WE HAVE HAD ENOUGH OF ALL YOU STUPID LIBERAL JERKS, THIS IS OUR NATION AND WE ARE GOING TO RUN IT OUR WAY. THIS NOTE IS FROM A TRIED AND TRUE RED-BLOODED MS. AMERICA. JVBYARS, WNC

re: Four Thoughts on Wednesday's Republican Debate

daydreamer — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:12:05 GMT

Hey joyce , we can disagree without throwinga hard right! than who do you want to be running for the job?

Nobody's critizing fred thompson for what he did , i think he was right in critizing others for their positions and i think mcaine is nowhere closed to any conservative even as he tries to rebrand himself and that's why i am calling out Dan Quayle .

However, given dan is not running i put my support on huckabee for his competancy and political skills. i think he has the best chance to out manouver any democratic candidates.

re: Four Thoughts on Wednesday's Republican Debate

pappala — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:33:04 GMT

It is evident from the debate, the media wants to project it as two man race. where as it is a three person derby. Huckabee exposed it when he asked the mod to involve in the "Conservative" debate. Liberal McCain and Phoney RoMoney have brawled like bullies. Huck conducted himself well and He highlighted the most important thing of human nature "Compassion"

Media can spin any way it wants, but HUCKABEE is the winner of the debate.

re: Four Thoughts on Wednesday's Republican Debate

daydreamer — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:41:36 GMT

According to your logic Obama certainly cannot do it because he's got all his neo con foreign policy advisers from the clintons !!! and that's why your hero kuscinich was not endorsing him.

And once again i hdon't like the media for controlling what we should see or hear.

re: Four Thoughts on Wednesday's Republican Debate

MK Chicago — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:41:37 GMT

Even a cursory look into Ron Paul's past will find his bigotry against blacks,Jews and gays. He raps himself in the Confederate flag. But he looks like a nice family doctor. Yes he is fun to watch. No matter what the question he will discuss the gold standard. He is "character" and "personality". A substantive understanding of the issues and realistic solutions are being sidelined in this primary with both parties. Americans are picking a president because he reminds them of their granddad or Ronald Reagan- but isn't that the same? Or his is like Jimmy Stewart-MLK-JFK-Gandhi. Who is to blame: celebrity obsession, 30 second media bites or the youth culture that feels it is their right to pick the next president but has yes learned to pull up their pants?

re: Four Thoughts on Wednesday's Republican Debate

number9 — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:58:42 GMT

re: "Even a cursory look into Ron Paul's past will find... He raps himself in the Confederate flag"

-------

yes, and you shoulda seen his break dancin' moves.

-------

http://zeromotivation.com/why_they_attacked_us.html

re: Four Thoughts on Wednesday's Republican Debate

AH1986 — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 17:18:38 GMT

Honestly Romano, I like Stumper, but I've seen how biased the media can be in regards to who their most liked, and most unliked candidates. I can understand why, but the whole thing about McCain=Character vs. Romney=Conservatives? Are you kidding me? Romney's record is one of the most sqeaky clean that I've seen in a long time. Now I'm not bashing McCain, and actulaay I like him a lot. The deciding factor for me is that Romney wants to help America move forward by becomeing my stable internally, while McCain is continuing the tradition of mongering fear. I know that there are poeple out there who want to kill us. i know that there are countries, even within the UN, that would like nothing more than to see us wiped out....but if we constantly market ourselves as war-makers, no one will take us seriously. We are the joke of the world. A man in heavy debt that thinks he's the king, have you will. Something needs to be done about that image or else America will fall. Not from terrorists, but internally. From new laws that are only promoting the self serving bias that we as a country suffer from, to our atrophied concience in regards to the real issues that plauge our nation, ( ie. giving all this praise and heartfelt appolgies to a young man who overdosed on something, while we turn our heads and slander the great men of this nation that have given their entire lives for serving their fellow man). I say stop the partaiism, take an honest look at the candidates, and vote honestly for the future of our country.

re: Four Thoughts on Wednesday's Republican Debate

Republicae — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 17:43:26 GMT

MK Chicago ...Unfortunately, you are way behind the news on the issue of racism and Ron Paul....all of that has been debunked. If you want to see the character of Ron Paul all you have to do is look at his actions and the last 30 years of writings to see that he is not a racist. In fact, I find it interesting that people throw the racist slur against a man who has numerous close friends of color over the years, a man who is on record as recognizing and sponoring resolutions touting the greatness and princples of Muhammad Ali, a man who has, through the years, express his personal admiration for Dr. Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks. He has also stated that he thought his friend Walter Williams, who happens to be an African American, would be a great VP on the Paul ticket.

Strange, does that sound like a racist to you? At several Ron Paul rallies I have personally seen Dr. Paul not only hug men and women of every race, religion and ethnic group, but can you imagine a true racist actually kissing a black woman on the cheek....Dr. Paul IS NO RACIST. That accusation is simply another attempt by the YELLOW NEWS SMEARBUND to discredit him and slur his good name. DON'T BUY INTO THAT CRAP.

re: Four Thoughts on Wednesday's Republican Debate

scrg1b2 — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 17:53:13 GMT

It was very clear that voting for McCain would be four more years of the same- lies, arrogance and completely ignoring what the American Citizen wants! His immigration policy would destroy America!! He sounds more and more like a left-Democrat.

I am a 22 year registered, voting Democrat who would love to vote for Mit Romney in November. This Tuesday I'm going to vote for the Democrat that would more than likely loose to Romney.

All Republicans that care about American soveriegnty-- please vote for Romney on Tuesday. All other votes for Huckabee and Paul unfortunately would only help McCain

re: Four Thoughts on Wednesday's Republican Debate

websmith — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 18:29:47 GMT

You get the feeling that, with all of the serious issues facing the country right now, the reason that McCain and Romney are running is not about being President of the United States.

Things are badly wrong. Foreign policy is wrong. The falling dollar is wrong. The economy is wrong. $9 trillion in debt is wrong. The Fed's manipulation is wrong. The continued attack on our freedom is wrong. The war is wrong. McCain and Romney are wrong. Hillary and Obama are wrong.

We don't need to hear these people squabbling like poorly raised children over what amounts to personal issues. We need to hear how someone is going to fix all of these wrong things.

re: Four Thoughts on Wednesday's Republican Debate

davidferdi — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 18:48:21 GMT

Knock Knock?

Who's there?

Republican?

What's a Republican?

Identity crisis BIG TIME

re: Four Thoughts on Wednesday's Republican Debate

15R8 — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 18:56:41 GMT

good artic le.McCain is what you see is what you get. He has worked with senator Clinton. The folly with Kennedy should be a lesson learned. NO ILLEGAS! Ifeel John would be a middle of the road president. Americans want the middle not the poles of to far either way. thats the change we crave a change from partisan ploiticks to the get it done middleof the road for middleclass Amrica

The Kennedy,Kerry Obamma ticket will never win the whitehouse.

The winds of getting something done have pushed many a president to the middle,Hillary has ridden these winds across the isle too.

re: Four Thoughts on Wednesday's Republican Debate

SinkingShip — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 19:07:54 GMT

Embarrasing...You need to rename this debate the” McCain - Romney” talk show. The obvious intentional neglect of the other two candidates is an insult to the people of this country, and an affirmation of the corruption which has taken control of the new media, this country and controls our government to their own ends. I have (...had) a lot of respect for McCain, not that I could ever vote for him as presidenthad, though. But after last night, the smirk on his face when Paul or Huckabee were given a brief window to speak, was extreamly telling for me. I wouldn't vote McCain for dog catcher, nor listen to the CNN stoolies...what a joke!

re: Four Thoughts on Wednesday's Republican Debate

misterharban — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 19:45:12 GMT

Ron Paul has one thing in common with his supporters . There is nothing other than his talk which can characterize his entire career with regard to government. Ideas and solutions to the world's problems are like belly buttons -- everybody has them. Ron Paul can point to no accomplishment whatsoever in government which has ever changed anything. His legislative career is undistinguished, devoid of accomplishment. He talks a good game. But talk is cheap. He's a whackjob from Texas where most people who know him would consider him to be all hat and no cowboy.

re: Four Thoughts on Wednesday's Republican Debate

DSisson — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 19:49:15 GMT

Andy:

The correct terminology is "toe the line", not "tow the line". You and countless other semi-literate "correspondents" constantly make the same mistake. To where would you "tow" the line? Across the room? Idiocy at it's most flagrant.......

You and many of the posters here seem to have the same affliction as a seven-term politician: You know what to say, but have forgotten how to dot the i's and cross the t's. "The devil is in the details" holds true across all spectrums of our government, and the abject failure to learn that is costing the average taxpayer, on a daily basis, his home, his wallet, and his ability to keep putting food on the table for his family.

We need a president who will a) get us out of Iraq in a face-saving manner, b) cut off financial relatrions with China until the Chinese allow their currency to fluctuate along with all other currencies, c) realize that the strength of the United States lies not with the rich people, but with the average guy on the street, d) by using the Executive power, make illegal any "earmark" that has more than $1.00 assigned to it, e) make nationwide health care for everyone a mandatory goal, f) stop illegral immigration in it's tracks, and start the long and difficult process of deporting all illegal immigrants back to their home countries, g) be able to pronounce "nuclear" without stuttering, and h) realize that he is a servant to, not a ruler of, the citizens of this country.

Until that point in time, we will all suffer from the arrogance and self-righteousness of those who wield the influence of money and power.

re: Four Thoughts on Wednesday's Republican Debate

Dan Maloy — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 20:51:05 GMT

So tell me, Andrew, why do you see McCain as having "character" and Romney as only being "conservative". If one has character alone, we all know that that personality trait will pull someone thru difficult times. But if one is "conservative", that description doesn't quite have the same connotation of strength, now does it? In essence you are saying do we want "strength" (McCain) or "weakness" (Romney). Wow....no taking sides there.

Does McCain have character? Yeah, I think he does at times. I admire how adamant he was over a year ago saying we needed more troops in Iraq. He took a risk in saying it and he was right. Does McCain have a conservative lean? Sometimes. However Romney is a person of character too. You don't point that out in your article at all. Good Lord!, Romney showed character by not punching the man who slandered him to win Florida 12 inches from him and all he did was get frustrated a time or two in Wednesday's debate. On the other hand, McCain's face was so full of snidefulness (watch the tapes) most Republicans would have punched his lights out. And is Romney conservative? Yes, and when you look at their records, obviously more so than Romney.

re: Four Thoughts on Wednesday's Republican Debate

joyce123740@charter.net — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 21:10:17 GMT

TO ALEX CARERA: YOU PROVED MY POINT, KIDDO!!! You coward liberals always sneak its that way...you have no offense, so you are always defense...you dish it out, but JUST CANNOT TAKE IT. SO, thank YOU, Newsweek, for allowing me this short comment to this wuss...this weasel named above sent me a nasty diatribe and blocked his email so I could not retort. So much for the left-wingers, always round 'n round 'n round in circles they go, never accomplishing anything, but further worsening their bad case of water on the brain. Don't bother, kiddo, delete file awaits you!

re: Four Thoughts on Wednesday's Republican Debate

SinkingShip — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 21:20:56 GMT

re:"Republicae (January 31, 2008 at 12:43 PM) . "MK Chicago ...Unfortunately, you are way behind the news on the issue..."

It's apparent that is MK's purpose for spreading this bs ...intentional and repeated unfounded character assasination...that's his assignment for today.

re: Four Thoughts on Wednesday's Republican Debate

chillfour@yahoo.com — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 21:28:04 GMT

It better be Romney if there is any hope for an improvement in this country. McCain has lost his mind and has become a war mongering want-to-be Bush. We need someone who will want to improve the lives of americans, not someone who has stayed too long in government. McCain and Lieberman holding hands is sickening. They both are has beens.

re: Four Thoughts on Wednesday's Republican Debate

SinkingShip — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 21:37:43 GMT

...and by the way, Huckabee clearly outshined the other three in that "debate", whether you admit it or not. I doubt any confirming polls would ever be published.

re: Four Thoughts on Wednesday's Republican Debate

trimm25 — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 22:01:28 GMT

you need to take a pill joyce, I read these commets to get peoples views, not listen to you wine.

re: Four Thoughts on Wednesday's Republican Debate

medialv — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 22:46:21 GMT

I can't believe American citizens have become so ignorant not to notice what is happening during these debates.

There is no doubt that if "Ron Paul" is NOT a threat to monied interests in this country (in receiving their tax sponsored corporate welfare.....why would they decide to exclude him?

It is obvious that Paul is a threat to their free corporate money & ability to then spend it with lobbyists to pass even more legistlation that benefits them directly.

If Ron Paul has such a low amount of support, why did the mainstream media have no problem pushing someone with no support ?

(Remember Guiliani was supposedly a wrapup for the Republican nomination at the start !)

Democrats are exactly the same as most republicans these days. Bought & paid for.

McCain & Romney have even resorted to looking at Paul like he is a crazy kindly grandfather.

That shows a lack of respect amongst men especially because Pauls ideas are not out in left field.

re: Four Thoughts on Wednesday's Republican Debate

Peaceful Warrior — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 22:55:08 GMT

Since we are not electing a Preacher of the United States, but rather a President, those who sit in the Huckabee corner ought really to re-evaluate how you cast your vote. THough Huckabee is an honorable man, there is no way he will win. THus, your vote will be wasted should you cast it for him. Perhaps you ought to better decide which of the two front runners most aligns with what you look for in a President. Unless the GOP wants to find their candidate to be a demorat, liberal in GOP clothing, it would be wise to take another look at Mitt Romney. Has anyone ever asked McCain about his personal wealth since that has been such an issue with Romney. Well, do your research folks---McCain married very, very well his second time around!!! Hmm. wonder why he doesn't believe enough in himself to invest a little of that fortune in his own campaign??? With twenty plus years in Congress---his closet is full of little scandals just waiting to be released once the final run begins between the two major parties. You GOP people are in for a BIG SURPRISE when all of that dirt gets laid before the public. Better take another look. How about rallying around one candidate that may have a chance to alter McCain's march? That candidate would have to be MItt Romney. So, love Huckabee if you will---he's a good guy. Listen to Ron Paul and appreciate his efforts, he's a noble man, but, if you want to come up with a candidate that can really defeat the Dems---better pull together behind Mitt Romney. The divisions in this party are killing us!!!!

re: Four Thoughts on Wednesday's Republican Debate

hcbrand — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 23:07:49 GMT

Thank you Andrew for a fair assessment of last night's debate. I was very dissappointed with Anderson Cooper's moderation of the affair and more so with the modiocrity of commentary spewing from McCain and Romney. Did either of them actually say anything substantive or persuasive?

Dr. Paul waits patiently, then speaks his mind. It's refreshing to hear a politician unafraid to express his own opinion, unfiltered and unchanging.

People have heard him and we won't forget.

re: Four Thoughts on Wednesday's Republican Debate

medialv — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 23:26:02 GMT

I just wanted to add to for people who are not aware Ron Paul supports:

People who make money by tips should be allowed to keep them untaxed.

Getting rid of the IRS & possibly switching to a sales tax that brings illegal aliens & corporate | individual tax cheats (who exploit tax loopholes) into the tax system.

Getting rid of corporate lobbying system that buys & pays politicians.

Revaluing our devalued dollar, by going back to having the dollar be backed by something of value (Gold like before 1974)

Why? Because right now....we just print more money when we need it....making the dollar worth less & less. That means when you buy something with your paycheck.. it doesnt go very far....because companies don't value your dollar very much in comparison to other countries money.

Making a foreign policy that makes a very strong military to defend America, without telling other countries how they have to live (Which only makes them hate us).

Making the government much smaller which allows the taxes to go down even further.

Getting the government out of our private lives, by telling us what to do & issuing 'sneek peek' warrants that allow the govt to go into your home | take a look & leave.

Democrats are the same as most Republicans....do not be misled.

Investigate Ron Pauls voting record. He stands now where he stood when he first took office as a congressman. All the others give typical election year opinion changing mamby pamby ness.

Telling you what you want to hear.

re: Four Thoughts on Wednesday's Republican Debate

number9 — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 01:24:40 GMT

re: (January 31, 2008 at 5:55 PM):

"...if you want to come up with a candidate that can really defeat the Dems..."

-------

sacrifice principle for victory and you will achieve neither.

never be afraid of doing the right thing. history will take care of itself.

re: Four Thoughts on Wednesday's Republican Debate

scoottheowl — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 03:13:31 GMT

P.T. Barnum said it all " There's a sucker born every minute" & that's why I LOVE America! Here you are bickering amongst yourselves whose the best choice for the oval office. Give me a break, do really think any of these candidates give a RATS A _ _ about what you do just to get by in everyday life! McCain now wants to build the wall on the border, not to keep the illegal aliens out but to keep them in! Yes Mr. McCain my fellow citizens and I in california want to pay for their medical bills as well as their education, hell we can't afford to pay for our own families bills so you might as well add 20 million illegal aliens and use our tax dollars to pay for it! Then there's Hillary! Hey I've got a question for you Mrs. Clinton please tell America how 23 people either refused to testify against you & slick willie, went to prison or just plain old died in the Whitewater scandal! Oh let's not forget how North Korea got those Nuclear Reactors now! Then there's Obama who wants to give health insurance to every American. Hey smart guy who in the hell is going to pay for it? Plus don't forget those 20 million illegals we need to take care of also. Then there's Romney. Hey we all have to hate him because he's a mormon and a rich mormon at that! Remember we live in America where we respect people no matter if they're a Mormon, A Jew, Black, Rich, Poor you know what I mean. You have the lobbyists, the marriage penalty, the tax loopholes and the Kennedy's who keep their trust fund in an offshore bank account! I hope by now you begin to understand that they're all corrupt in their own way and that they know how to play the game on both sides of the aisle. You want change (which I believe you don't) ? It's simple my friends. When you go cast your ballot, vote against every incumbent! That's right no matter if they're a Democrat or a Republican. My point in all this is Americans don't have the B _ _LS to do it so my advice to you is to shut up and quit complaining! You need to take care of yourself and your family because the government wants your money and nothing more! Hell they even tax the money you leave your family when you die! If you feel the need to respond in a negative way to my comment then I suggest you go look in the mirror because you're the person that P.T. Barnum is talking about!

re: Four Thoughts on Wednesday's Republican Debate

ward7098 — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 03:44:33 GMT

This election cycle has uncovered an new disorder. It is known as electile dysfunction, which is the inability to be aroused by any of the candidates of either party. If you suffer from this malady, please see Dr. Ron Paul. He has the cure.

re: Four Thoughts on Wednesday's Republican Debate

TommyB53 — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 04:37:37 GMT

>>...WE HAVE HAD ENOUGH OF ALL YOU STUPID LIBERAL JERKS, THIS IS OUR NATION AND WE ARE GOING TO RUN IT OUR WAY. THIS NOTE IS FROM A TRIED AND TRUE RED-BLOODED MS. AMERICA. JVBYARS, WNC<<

That's your problem. It's not your country. It belongs to all of us. Stuff your ego and deal with it. The authoritarian wing of the Rebuclican party tried to pretend it alone represented America fior the last seven years, and they showered mainstream America with incompentence and arrogance. They attacked the wrong country and still stand by it even though mainstream America is now wise to them. They are history. Toast. None of the Republican candidates will even embrace them save for Romney, and he won't win. No matter who wins in November, the neocon faction of the Republican party is in the dumster for good. They showed their colors and the people have responded with a resounding "NO!"

re: Four Thoughts on Wednesday's Republican Debate

political_historian — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 04:56:37 GMT

I don't understand Romano's comment about a "mano-a-mano" sprint to the finish. Is he implying that the candidates are running on their hands? It seems a very odd metaphor. If I remember my high school Spanish, the word "mano" means hand. Which means that mano-a-mano is Spanish for hand-to-hand. So the notion of a hand-to-hand sprint doesn't quite make sense to me. I will assume that Mr. Romano did not mean "man-to-man" and that his cleverness has exceeded my meager understanding of the language.

re: Four Thoughts on Wednesday's Republican Debate

fubeca18 — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 05:19:05 GMT

The reason Romney was fighting back"sniping" as you said is McCain lied to Romney's face about the timeline. I you don't know that, you shouldn't be writing anything.

re: Four Thoughts on Wednesday's Republican Debate

fubeca18 — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 05:20:48 GMT

Romney is the only candidate I trust. He's a Washington outsider with business experience. He saved the Olympics, and I wish he would push that more.

re: Four Thoughts on Wednesday's Republican Debate

ThomasJC — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 05:50:05 GMT

Mike Huckabee definitely won this debate -- hands down. McCain looked the worst. Romney had some good answers but sort of lost control in his bickering with McCain. Paul, when given the chance to speak and when not cut off, did quite well, at least on a few answers.

But Gov. Huckabee really shined -- especially when (1) he talked about his experience as governor (more experience than any candidate running for either Party) and how that prepared him to lead as president; and (2) his comments about Ronald Reagan in the closing question.

I remember seeing Pres. Reagan on TV and I've watch a documentary on his life. He had something that resonates deep within the hearts of those of us who love this nation for what it could be but know that we need to rise up from where we have fallen. Gov. Huckabee reaches my heart in the same way. His answer about Reagan, which closed the debate, brought tears to my eyes.

His viewpoints also resonate with my mind. He is very articulate, intelligent, and reasonable; and he made that very clear at this debate (when he was given a chance to speak). I invite readers to look at his Web Site under Issues, to see a long list of where he stands on specific points on key issues.

Gov. Mike Huckabee is, by far, the very best candidate running for president this year in either Party. In fact, in my view he is the best candidate who I've seen running for president in my lifetime since Ronald Reagan.

I am voting for Mike Huckabee when TEXAS has its primary.

re: Four Thoughts on Wednesday's Republican Debate

Republicae — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 14:05:44 GMT

For a real Side-by-Side Comparison on each Candidate look here...then decide who is the best Candidate for America, our families and our future:

http://www.knowbeforeyouvote.com/

re: Four Thoughts on Wednesday's Republican Debate

Republicae — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 14:20:20 GMT

misterharban, you said that Ron Paul has not accomplished anything in Congress, the fact is if you look at his proposed legislation you should be asking why Congress has not acted on such legislation?

If you view the last 40 years of legislation what do you see? The outcome of pandering, what passes as compromise and a Congress that has been effectively purchased by special interest.

I personally prefer the resistance to such practices by Ron Paul over the actions that Congress has taken through the years. I wonder, if we are so happy with the actios of Congress and the status quo then why even concern ourselves with those who seek to make substantial changes in the direction of this country, like Ron Paul.

If you veiw, side-by-side, all the candidates the only one that doesn't look like or line up with the rest of the cookie-cutter duplicates is Ron Paul.

Look for yourself:

http://www.knowbeforeyouvote.com/

re: Four Thoughts on Wednesday's Republican Debate

Republicae — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 14:51:24 GMT

Thomas JC....Here is something to chew on when thinking of Huckabee for President.

Mike Huckabee has a record of dipping into public funds and accepting improper gifts from supporters, something worrisome for a job like president where you control a trillion dollar budget. Most politicians use money as a means to get more power, even while living lives of near poverty (as Bob Dole has); surprisingly few actually enrich themselves through their work. Mike Huckabee has.

He was investigated 16 times and cited five times by the Arkansas Ethics Commission for violating ethics rules. Two of those citations were for cash that the governor or his wife accepted but did not report. Huckabee's gifts peaked at $112,000 in 1999, including $23,000 worth of clothing; over half of that was given by one businessman who Huckabee appointed to a state board.

At one point, Huckabee claimed that he personally owned $70,000 in Governor's Mansion furnishings donated by cotton grower Boe Adams, but was forced to disavow them after Adams said they were for the state, not the governor. After he moved out in December 2006 though, no one could find the furniture even after a state audit. Huckabee's wife insisted they must be there somewhere.

In 1999, his former administrator at the Goveror's Mansion sued him for abuse of state funds, claiming that Huckabee used state funds for upkeep of the mansion on panty hose, barbecue, a dog house, dry cleaning, boat fuel, and alterations to his clothes. Huckabee settled out of court, by agreeing that legal doubts existed over his use of the fund and that he wouldn't use it for these purposes in the future.

Huckabee also used state police airplanes as a personal transportation service for him and his family, flying scores of times each year, including trips to other states with early presidential primaries. He claimed this was legitimate for security reasons.

In 1994, when he was lieutenant governor of Arkansas, Huckabee formed a non-profit organization called Action America, which seemed to exist only to deliver money to him without donors having to report or limit their contributions the way they would a normal political contribution. In 2 and a half years, Action America paid Huckabee over $61,000 just for giving speeches at its events.

When he was getting ready to move out of the governor's mansion, bridal registries were set up at Dillards and Target for the governor and his wife, who had been married for more than 30 years. They registered for nearly $7,000 in housewares, as well as $1,000 gift cards.

State ethics laws prohibited the Huckabees from receiving gifts of more than $100 as a reward for doing his job. But there was an exception for wedding presents.

re: Four Thoughts on Wednesday's Republican Debate

hauleyhighlife — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 16:56:48 GMT

Ron Paul is so far away from winning, let's give another conservative a chance already!? And it’s obvious that Mitt Romney is more conservative than John McCain. If you want to believe what everyone tells you that's fine, be a lemming. But if you want to be a truly FREE American, then remember that you are free to learn/study what each candidate really believes, and vote your conscience! Don't vote for someone like McCain just because you think he'll win over Hilary. Don't vote for Huckabee just because you don't like Mormons. Does Romney seem like a bad guy because he's a Mormon? Look as his religious life and then see if there really is any credibility to attacking it. Huckabee is a great man, but even he is not as conservative as Mitt Romney, and the possibility that he is staying in to split the conservative vote makes me think a bit less of him as well. That, to me, does not represent a man who is looking out for us American’s, but rather his own opinion and power. We are the people who decide, so let US decide! Vote for the person who best represents your values. Discover who that is by listening to what the candidates themselves are saying, what they have done.

I personally will vote for Mitt Romney because for the first time in any presidential campaign, I can trust the man I'm voting for! I trust he will stand true to all his conservative beliefs and practices. I believe Mitt is a doer. I believe that he will do everything in his power to save America from this great debt that we are in, in more than one way. I believe that he will make other great decisions that will keep us American's free to do what is right and good, and that which ultimately saves us, our families, our freedom and our rights. His great personal values, work ethic, temperament, personality and support from his family helps me trust his character. And his great experiences and leadership skills I believe qualify him to run our country well, as he has done already with his family, with his life, with his past personal jobs and with his past nationally recognized positions in Massachusetts and in the Olympics.

re: Four Thoughts on Wednesday's Republican Debate

fubeca18 — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 20:48:01 GMT

Huckabee has sold out the conservatives, which isn't a surprise because he is almost as liberal as McCain. He's only staying in the race to keep Romney from winning. A vote for Huckabee is a vote for Hillary.

re: Four Thoughts on Wednesday's Republican Debate

fubeca18 — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 20:50:29 GMT

Next, if McCain is so honorable, why was he involved in the Keating Five? Come on Republicans, do your research!!!