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Jim Bourg/REUTERS
Republican presidential candidates (L-R) former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA), U.S. Representative Ron Paul (R-TX), Texas Governor Rick Perry, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, businessman Herman Cain, former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-GA), U.S. Representative Michele Bachmann (R-MN), and former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman stand at attentiond during the singing of the national anthem during the CNN GOP National Security debate in Washington, November 22, 2011. REUTERS/Jim Bourg
NASHUA, N.H.--Ron Paul will not appear at the NewsMax debate moderated by Donald Trump because it is "beneath the presidency" and not worth his time, he told NBC News today. Paul joins Jon Huntsman who yesterday declined an invitation to the December 27 debate.
"I didn't think it was worthwhile to go and I didn't think it was a real debate," Paul said after a town hall meeting in New Hampshire. Paul spoke to more than 150 supporters and undecided voters.
In a statement, the Paul campaign questioned the seriousness of the debate format. "The selection of a reality television personality to host a presidential debate that voters nationwide will be watching is beneath the office of the Presidency and flies in the face of that office’s history and dignity," campaign chairman Jesse Benton said in a statement this morning.
"Mr. Trump's participation as moderator will distract from questions and answers concerning important issues such as the national economy, crushing federal government debt, the role of the federal government, foreign policy, and the like," Benton added via email. "To be sure, Mr. Trump's participation will contribute to an unwanted circus-like atmosphere."
Trump opted not to run for president in May after a period of flirtation with the idea.
Paul -- who will participate in tonight's Fox News candidates' forum hosted by 2008 GOP candidate Mike Huckabee -- also cited Iowa-specific reasons for skipping the NewsMax debate. After he dropped out of the race for the White House, Trump bowed out of a keynote speech at a fundraising dinner hosted by the Manhattan County GOP in Iowa. He was eventually replaced by Rick Perry but not before extensive planning around his anticipated speech and printed invitations had been distributed.
"I didn't think we should honor Trump because he dishonored the Republican Party out in Iowa by stiffing them," Paul said in New Hampshire today. "And they lost a lot of money out of it. I think he ought to apologize to the Republican Party of Iowa and see if he can help them out for the money they lost."
The Paul campaign did leave the option open to later consider a debate appearance, but only if Trump apologizes to the Iowa GOP and "rectifies in full the situation."
Last night, Jon Huntsman declared he also will not attend the NewsMax debate.
"We have declined to participate in the 'Presidential Apprentice' Debate with The Donald," Huntsman spokesperson Tim Miller said. "The Republican Party deserves a serious discussion of the issues so voters can choose a leader they trust to defeat President Obama and turn our economy around."
"We look forward to watching Governor Romney suck up to Trump with a big bowl of popcorn," Miller continued.
GOP front-runner Newt Gingrich has confirmed he will attend, but the Romney campaign has yet to publicly accept or decline the invitation to the Trump debate.
Leave a Comment:
I never thought I would utter these words but; GOOD for Ron Paul!
Let's sit back and see who else has the testicular fortitude to tell 'the' Donald to SHOVE it!
It's too bad that Ron Paul had to bring Iowa into the conversation. Just bypassing the debate because of who the moderator is was enough of a reason not to attend.
I never thought of Paul and Huntsman as yes men to Donald Trump, which bodes well for the two of them. Gingrich and Romney are yes men. Especially Romney. He's desperate right now.
This would be a huge step for the Republican Party if both Paul and Huntsman stuck by their no to Trump. Because right now, there isn't much respect for any of these candidates because of the circus atmosphere.
Huntsman and Paul have handled themselves well. They're just not getting any attention from the media.
But then neither is the President. Whether you are going to vote for him or not is irrelevant. There are important things going on right now that the country should be aware of.
Anyway, good move by Huntsman and possibly Paul for turning down the invitation.
We can see which candidates have some integrity and which don't according to who will kiss The Donald's ring yet again. Gees Trump, you actually can take credit for this -- helping to further weed out the rejects.
Feisty, I totally agree. Now if Mittens does the right thing and bows out of this fake debate. that leaves the "peddler" Gingrich, (@)(@) Bachmann and Santorum.
As I replied to Jody yesterday: I am praying for two great blizzards for Iowa. The first will hit the evening of Dec 26, Trump and Gingrich will be snowbound on Dec27 in Iowa. Only Bachmann will be able to make it to the studio that evening all alone with no cameras etc.
The next great blizzard will hit on Jan 3, make every candidate still left in the race work for every caucus vote that day.
Dump the Trump! You're Fired.
Four years ago, I probably would have agreed.
But the reality is that we have a president who would rather go on Leno to explain wars etc. than go to Congress, would rather go on Oprah .... "The View" .... etc. than give real press conferences.
How is the Donald actually different than The View other than a really really bad hair do?
Feisty - Lawrence O'Donnell is tweeting that Herman Cain had to get out of the race because of what Ginger White revealed on his program the other night - that Cain always paid her in cash. So now the IRS isn't happy and evidently Cain's lawyers had to step in to get him to step out (of the campaign).
Very interesting info Pat!
With any luck the IRS will keep Herman squirming for some time to come!
What an arrogant SOB!
Dr. Ron Paul is a man of integrity, honesty and conviction. Please vote for Ron Paul in 2012.
Pat,
No it wouldn't.
Obama is clueless and utterly incompetentent on national security, but at least tries to fake it. Paul is crazy.
Huntsman would subjagate the US to poodle status with a pink collar and leash for China. Sorry libs, you don't get to pick a McCain for the repubs again.
Neither one has a chance - 5 on the stage is better than 8.
Like the media circus ... 25 Cain stories here at FR alone ....in ONE WEEK.
All over someone (Kraushaar) who never even said what Cain was supposed to have done ... even after the NRA waived / allowed her to tell all! All for someone who didn't file a charge .... and pulled the same stunt at her next gig!
Sharon Bialek, who traveled to another city, to get a hotel room, to go to dinner, to go for drinks ... for a job reference or whatever? She said Cain put his hand on her crotch ..... and what else .... she said no .... and he took her back to her hotel!
You kidding me?
And this coming from someone on the advice of her teenage son? A woman who has been involved in paternity suits, two bankruptcies and who happens to be in the process of being evicted from home?
Now Ginger White is the next contestant on this media game show. Another financialy troubled, twice divorced, unemployed, single mom, who has claimed sexual harassment in the past, declared bankruptcy, has been accused of stalking, has had a libel judgement entered against her and has nine liens against her property ..... and her proof is an autographed book by Cain!
Yea, wonder why it seems like a circus, especially given the treatment dems like Clinton got.
Bottom line.
Obama has nothing to run on. He is an EPIC FAILURE. The dems and media have to turn it into a circus.
They have no chance ... why would attention be wasted on them, unless they can be talked into going third party?
Duh. He doesn't even have to show up for work and no on knows - just campaign all the time.
And none of them are good for Obama ...
Anyway, thanks for your comments Pat.
It is refreshing to see an intelligent comment at the top of the thread accompaning the typical poster's obligatory mindless drivel / snark.
bob-1805084 -- We realize you tune into FOX Noise, which does not report on all the President's speeches across the nation in which he explains policy positions...repeatedly. But to compare an appearance on Leno to Trump turning a GOP/TP debate into another one of his reality TV shows is par for the course for you.
A celebrity propagandist you are not -- Watch Gingrich. Newt says poor kids should work as janitors in the schools so he can get an immediate push back by the media, so he can then play the victim of being attacked by that "bad old liberal" media, which conservatives LOVE. You are an amateur Bob, give it up.
You right-wingers know a free press that plays a watch dog role is a key element for democracy...don't you? That includes comedians, who often make the most insightful observations (Stephen Colbert), and late night talk shows to reach low-information voters like you who never watch real news.
Pat,
Can you help the guy with the jackass avatar make a cogent response?
Bob180....
How refreshing!
I was afraid I'd go through another evening on the'vine without reading some righties' argument that
(1) all of the media circus is the media's fault. Never mind that Cain has done a very good job of bringing all this upon himself. One accusation, benefit of the doubt. Two...most reasonable folks start to say "Hmmm". Five? Seriously, really?
(2) Bill Clinton cheated and nothing happened. Really? Did you not read the paper or watch the news back then? Daily reports. Impeachment. He screwed up, lied, got caught. 20 years ago. Herman screwed up, many believe he is lying, he got caught. Ends campaign. Making the constant argument that's OK for Hermie because Clinton did it is just silly.
(3) Because of the alleged "failures" by the President, nevertheless, this country should elect one of the clueless Norquist clones who are currently running. Sorry, Bobby, even if the President was the ignorant bufoon you portray him to be, that doesn't make the current cast of clowns any better. Your constant answer to someone pointing out that the Republican candidates are idiots is to declare the President a bigger one. Doesn't really help your brand, dude, it just distracts from the real argument.
But, you are amusing.
Personally, my respect for Ron Paul and Jon Huntsman just increased a thousandfold. Won't vote for 'em, but at least they don't see the need to kiss the ring of the Donald.
Did you see that? The 'Presidential Apprentice'????
** Pietro on the floor laughing **
Wow, I wish I had thought to call the Trump debate 'The Presidential Apprentice'. That is RICH!!
It's okay if only mitt shows up it can be a Mitt vs. Mitt debate that would be classic..
true - really???
President's speeches across the nation in which he explains policy positions...repeatedly
I have heard him talk a lot of rhetoric but have seen little of what he is willing to commit to when it comes to economic recovery. This year his only written plans have been his proposed FY 2012 budget released this past february and the American jobs act. Both of which have not met concressional approval as presented. Heck the senate can't even come up with their own idea for a FY2012 budget.
Sorry, his rhetoric on "fair", "balanced" or "if the rich would only give a little more" does not resonate with many of us on the right, and I am not in the top 5%. Based on the ineffectiveness and mismanged stimulas act of 2009 Americans are unlikely to see any type of long term economic growth from it that will justify its expense to the taxpayers.
The payroll tax reduction may help and I am not sold on the UE extensions as being effective, after all once the tier 3 or 5 dates (depending on the states UE rates are met the unemployment bennies are exhausted.
BTW - you really need to to stop making an azz out of yourself by assumming that everyone listens to fox news.
As a Democrat, I am looking for Huntsman to surprise everyone by coming from the rear and outside and winning the GOP nomination by a nose. He is the only GOP candidate I fear could give Obama a decent run (based on intelligence and experience), but he won't win the general election because the fundamentalist Christian base of the GOP calls his belief system a cult. It is nice that Paul has dignity, too.
Donald Trump is a bloated egotistical clown.. I think he makes a lot of sense when it comes to foreign policy and energy but ultimately he wants to sell himself which it his biggest flaw.. EGO... Ron Paul and Huntsman are the only 2 true Conservatives with a Country first mentality, all the rest are pandering and trying to sell books...
AWWWwwww.
Feisty
I never thought I could ever vote one of you comments up, but alas I must vote my conscience!
Hooray for you !!!!
Good Work Dr. Paul, Donald Trumps debate is going to be a circus. You and Huntsman should take this opportunity and cut Mitty to ribbons on all his flip flopping.
Agreed. All these ridiculous "celebrity candidates" stick together.
Selecting Newt Gingrich is the biggest hypocritical statement from the Tea Party yet! At least pick someone with character and ethics. Choose Ron Paul if you can't go with Romney..
Kudos to Ron Paul and Jon Huntsman obviously they could see the big top being set up and decided not to attend the circus.
Huntsman is running for the 2016 Nomination (should probably get it too) and Ron Paul bless his heart he does have some good ideas that I agree with but he has others which cancel the good out and he is too old for my liking. I do think as an elder statesman he would be a good counsel but don't think he would be a good Pres.
The rest are a circus act trying to get on the book signing and speaking tour, the Republican Machine are not backing any of them they are happy to concede this election and go for Congressional Seats and 2016.
Do you really think the GOP Establishment are behind any of these clowns, you have got to be kidding me they are happy to feed them to the lions. Do you think they didn't know about Cain? Do you think they would back Gingrich who was dismissed from Congress, Perry, Bachman, Sanitorium....come on, they are fodder.
Madeline, I am with you. I am not so sure if his Momon faith will be a stumbling block or not. The GOP as a whole has left the fundamentalist Christian ideas in the dust, and I also believe many people separate their Christian beliefs from their like or dislike of a candidate at the polls. Huntsman is very likeable and so far his integrity is holding up.
WOW Captain Wacko Ron Paul had a lucid moment!
I agree, lucid doesn't really describe this Republican bunch but Huntsman and Paul made the right choice. Of course Newt would accept - he's just as narcissistic as Trump, if not worse.
The "Presidential Apprentice" debates will probably do better in the medical marijuana states.
I can see the "flap" gearing questions towards "How will you allow me to make more money".
I am an independent and Mr. Huntsman and Dr. Paul are my preferred candidates in the GOP field and I am glad they rejected this media grab attempt by Donald the Clown.
Two of the smartest men on the Republican side passed on this debate. Either of those two would do better on the ballot against Barack Obama than Newt Gingrich ever could. Historian my ass! As for the rest of them, I can only assume that half of America is just addicted to watching dumb, narrow-minded never-gonna-happen candidates on TV. It's like a reality show, but with worldwide consequences.
The Narcissist Trump as President? Just what we need - the head 1percenter shoving more into the hands of the wealthy - uh, don't think so!
Bob-1805084
Anyone who thinks Ron Paul is crazy either does not really know what he is about (ie have listened to people that TRY to make him look crazy EXAMPLE: twisting the fact that he says the individual states should mandate laws on drugs to "so you would legalize heroin if Iowa voters wanted to?" and then constantly questions him on why he would legalize heroin when everyone knows no state would vote to legalize it. Or you simply dont have the capacity to interprit his stance on issues correctly. You called him crazy whan he said in 2006 there would be a financial meltdown...
Here is a list of predictions that you and everyone else like you called him crazy for:
First, we’ll start with the domestic predictions:
The Failure of the War on Drugs
The Dot-Com Bubble
The Bail-Outs
The Housing Bubble and the Collapse of Fannie and Freddy.
The Debt Crisis.
And now for his Predictions on Foreign Issues:
The 9/11 Terrorist Attacks
The War on Terror
The Patriot Act
The Military Commissions Act
The Rejection of Habeas Corpus
Legalization of Torture
The Iraq War would cost twice as much as the White House estimate…Paul was wrong on this one..... It has cost the taxpayers 16x the estimate!
Russia using Iraq as an excuse to invade Georgia.
The Middle-East Uprisings
I’m sure I missed a couple. But that’s a pretty good list if you ask me.
The question you need to ask yourself is, “If Ron Paul was smart enough to predict all of this, is he smart enough to fix this country or at least head us in the right direction?” You also need to ask yourself not why the media doesn't report on him but why they AVOID reports on him AT ALL COSTS! Look up Jon Sutart and ron paul Iowa debate for a good laugh in wich he got a statistical tie for first place and was never mentioned in the media...they dance around saying his name. If you look into who OWNS the media outlets (and most are owned by the same people) You will understand there is a good reason they keep his name out of the face of voters, they LIKE things the way they are rite now. (in THEIR control) They also know he can't be bought...they want someone like Gingritch who has proven over and over that he CAN be bought!
Being Nostradamus does not necessarialy make you Presidential Material.....Nostradamus did not provide any solutions or avoidance schemes for the pitfalls and only predicted disasters not fortunate happenings so Paul may be the Nostradamus (note I predicted most of those things myself at some point in time) of the 2000s but that still does not qualify him..... in fact it is his solutions that cause people concern not his predictions.
Glad Dr. Paul made the decision not to attend : ) I'm sure the only ones who will be at the Trump Circus are the ones who have met with him in person. We the people decide on our next president, not the media and not a host of a reality show.
Paul and Huntsman are tremendous Republican frauds if they will refuse this debate when neither have any reservations of participating in the late night circus circuit and appearances in Saturday night live.
My thought is they just can't stand up to a true Conservative debate and discuss the difficult conservative value questions....
txmom32
Please take TX out of your name! You are embarrassing me and all the other thinking people here.
Rico...silly...is that all you can say...no substance just a lame slam...try again...possibly with a lucid argument.
rico, you could say that txmom is a fraud since she? isn't willing to use her "real American" name to take ownership of her rant.
Odds are she? is a gay illegal alien just looking for attention.
Why is huntsman still running.. the GOP has no use for a common sense honest politician
Good to see Trump getting involved. The GOP clown car was a couple lite with Paul a no show and Cain out.
Rico do you have a point of view on Huntsman and Paul refusing to debate in a "Republican" debate? I think it is absurd.
It is delighted to know that they are still Republican Presidential candidates who still have some dignity left. Having Trump...the air bag host a presidential debate is disgusting to saythe least. Great for Mr. Paul & Mr. Huntsman.
See Huntsman on Saturday Night Live...
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1111/68760.html
So glad the candidate has any dignity left....I mean by all means let's hold on to dignity and take a stand on gratuitous exposure.
Then there is Ron Paul having no Problem with the stupidity of Jon Stewart...
http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/mon-november-21-2011/on-topic---gop-presidential-candidates---ron-paul
So good luck to both these "candidates" for keeping to the high road...sort of
txmom, if you want to be relevant, use your real name. Poultry is just another name for chicken.
Obtw, you don't have a clue.
Txmom, you don't see the difference? On late night, they are reaching an audience that is tired of seeing politicians. They can show a more human side of themselves. That's a lot different than pandering to Trump who made a mockery of the Republican party (before the others did). It would be fine if it was a "fake" debate just for laughs, but this is meant to be a real debate, although I'm sure there will still be many laughs.
And keep in mind, no matter who you are supporting, you are likely to see them on late night also.
Good for both Paul and Huntsman. They are still going with their conscience, even though they know it is getting them nowhere. And for some reason, people on the right seem to feel Perry and Cain were the honest ones. LOL
LA...Late night TV has very little relevance beyond comedy for the sake of entertainment....Saturday Night Live is a comedy show...why would a politician be taken seriously when they are pandering to voters on a comedy show?
The fact is this is the "Republican Debate" sponsored by conservative media ...this is a venue that any true Republican Politician should welcome... Trump is a reasonable moderator, he is familiar with cameras and speaking in public, he is decidedly conservative and has a personal vested interest in asking difficult and important conservative questions, which I am sure will be determined by Newsmax not the Donald.
You seem to miss the point...making an appearance on late night or a comedy show is one thing but then to stand on some contrived principal that appearing in the GOP debate is not worthy of their attendance, because Donald Trump is moderating, is just one way of saying they just can't stand on a stage with the true candidates because they just can't hang with the conservative message.
Thanks for the laughter....Perry doesn't stand a chance and if you read the news regularly you will find that Cain is out. It is a kick watching those on the left scramble to denigrate those running when they supported utter failure in Obama....ya'll should save your breath and start looking for a viable candidate to run for the DNC.
Tex please note at this point in time only Gingrich has accepted apperaing on the Apprentice Debate, not really sure why, it seems he is already an "apprentice" to Trump....not as many wives, not as much money but working on it.
Even Michelle Bachman is getting the message that these GOP Dog and Pony shows just continue to make all of the wannabes appear to be dumber than they really are (if that is possible).
Yank...so what is so upsetting to the left about the GOP debate? I get that Paul and Huntsman can't really expect to shine, although, they might be offered more opportunity than the debates preceding this to engage...Is it that the left of center media won't be controlling the action? Is it that a conservative led debate on conservative hot buttons might actually bring a clear candidate into view?
Not sure what upsets "the Left" I am not privy to that information, what does offend reasonable people is Trump "the pretender" big noting himself like he has some relevance to what the general pouplation believes. Would "the Right" be happy with a debate moderated by Ophra or would they think that would provide some level of one sidedness or perhaps too much like a "reality TV Show".
And then the reality show star (that puts him in the same class or classlessness as the Kardashians) makes himself look more stupid by making a statement that Paul and Huntsman aren't viable candidates anyway. Wait till he starts tossing all the toys out of the crib when no one, except Gingrich, accepts his invitation then the show will really be on. Said the candidates to the moderator......you're fired!!!!!!!!
Before he was a reality star he was successful in New York Real Estate and other interests....the point of a GOP debate is to discuss conservative issues for a conservative audience...there have been several other debates where moderators with liberal interests, such as Oprah, were asking the questions. Trump happens to be a noted Conservative. What is the difference in having Trump moderate a debate or John Harwood?
It was announced that Romney is not going to debate...I am very disappointed. It is supposed to be about substance and the candidates...not the moderator.
At least, these two have deflated some of the Donald brazen ego showboating. His capacity for self advertise and self celebrity only the Trump fantasizes about himself plus unlimited arrogance fit for a boffon will be downsized. He thinks he is a lord.
He thinks he is a lord.
Actually, that's a very important point. The Republican Party voters always need to have some sort of svengali for some reason. Big mouths, cold-hearted, venom spewing all over the place, etc. It's what they like. They need someone to put their faith into. And they put their faith in people who don't have their best interests in mind. They continue to fail to see that. They are being exploited.
The Democratic supporters on the other hand put their faith in the American people themselves. Everything they fight for isn't for any leader, but for the people themselves.
Republican supporters seem to me to spend very little time thinking about what is right for them. They get on the hate train with whatever candidate is their flavor of the mouth and then just follow their lead.
The bigger the mouth the better. Dignity, graciousness, maturity. They're just not into that. Nor are they into making people's lives better. Only their own, and that's if they have the money. They want it all, at everyone else's expense. If they don't make a decent living, they will blame the commies/unions. They have been programmed over a long period of time to think that way.
I'm still waiting for them to stand up against voter suppression.
Unac - what's a boffon?
___________— Party voters always need to have some sort of svengali for some reason. (Obama??) Big mouths, cold-hearted, venom spewing all over the place, etc. (liberals) It's what they like. They need someone to put their faith into. (again Obama?) And they put their faith in people who don't have their best interests in mind. (Definitely Obama) They continue to fail to see that.
Funny Pat - this is exactly correct concerning democrats/liberals!! We see it here on these very boards on a daily basis. I'm so glad you finally pointed that out.
Why thank you Brianb, I'm a big fan of our President who thought Iraq was wrong. He's an independent thinker, and that's what determined my vote for him. There was huge pressure back then to stand behind the invasion. He didn't.
I assumed Hillary was going to get the nomination. I think we all did. But I broke away from her when I began listening to Obama. I honestly didn't think he had much of a shot. And then he won Iowa, which surprised a lot of us.
Edwards was never my cup of tea. He seemed extremely phony to me.
President Obama is a good person in a country devoid of good people of late.
And perhaps you haven't been here for too long, but I have in fact gone after President Obama many times. I've gone after many Democrats many times, including Kerry and others.
Here's hoping President Obama continues to point our country in the right direction (which he's doing) and then another Democrat gets in after his two terms are over.
I don't see the GOP offering a thing to working class Americans.
Someone pointed out over @ The Obama Diary that there might be a casino going up here across the street from where the N.E. Patriots play. More jobs. I think it's still in the talking stages, but it appears that there is interest from Bob Kraft, who owns the Patriots and would be building the casino.
Trump is a bigheaded, egotistical turd, who has never been in touch with reality. I mean that in the most kind way, of course. Wouldn't want to add to the negative discourse....=]
Pat, I understand why you think Obama is an upstanding person. I sincerely do... I just disagree with you. I view him as a totally different kind of man. When I look at the big picture of how he operates and runs this country, I see a totally different outcome than you do. I don't hold anything against your viewpoint at all. We, of course, are free to disagree... Slicing the tomato, everyone sees something different.
So, brianb, how in the world can you stomach the insane posse clown show the republican candidates have put on? Is it that they all share some belief that you believe so absolutely, so totally, that you will put up with any amount of lying, any degree of stupidity (duh, what was my program again, uh, I'm gonna cut uzbekekebekestanstan, that's it), any degree of criminality? I know newt didn't go to jail, but for a crook to be fined *300 grand* by the other crooks in congress really takes some doing. If you're rich, I understand. But if not, what is it?
brinab-whatever
Our government was designed so that compromise and CO-OPERATION were key to proper functioning.
But, what with a t-GOP bunch of treasonous, criminal hacks, from even before dayone of President's Obama's start inmoffice, you had McConnell openly declaring that the number one priotiry for the GOP was to make President Obama a one-term-President!!!
OBSTRUCTIONISM IS A PPOLITICAN'S WORD FOR CONSPIRACY...
The t-GOP will be tossed out in droves in 2012 for this very reason -- they have fooled only the most ignorant..., and even thay can learn not to repeat the mistakes they made in 2010....
Tim, you were describing both Trump and Gingrich both are serial adultors, have oversized ego's, think they are God's gift to mankind and are ridiclous. I wouldn't cross the street to meet either one. Looks like I can watch an old movie and enjoy the evening.
What, No Faux Noise?
Very well put by Paul--beneath the dignity of the office of the Presidency.
I liked Huntsman's spokesman's comment about Romney sucking up to Trump.
What is with this silliness of Trump moderating a "debate," and candidates calling on him?
The Republican primary movement continues to be farcical.
.
Comfort - don't be fooled by Huntsman - he supports the Paul Ryan's plan of privatizing SS and reducing the rate for the 1% - Plus his "Bimbo" remarks on the professional women who accused Cain of harrassement - showed his colors to me another 1% priviliged person - sorry I want a man of the people and for the people
And Ron Paul - a hypocrite - represents Galveston - got the biggest payoff $108 million for the 2008 disaster - sorry hands were out - no covered wagons
"sorry I want a man of the people and for the people"
Barbara, I too will vote for Obama (I assume you meant him since nobody else fits that description). However, nobody will agree with everything someone stands for. I like Huntsman and, to a lesser degree, Paul because they are in it for what they believe is best for the country, as opposed to themselves. I feel they are good respectable men, which is why they are getting nowhere in their party. There are no others I would even consider out of the bunch.
Why am I not surprised that two republican candidates who make their arguments based on a reasonable assessment of the facts at hand while remaining true to their values decided to skip "Presidential Apprentice"? Will Rick Santorum follow? I have no doubt that the clowns will knock each other over to get the chance to suck up to the Donald.
Now if they just had the balls to say the hel- with the Pledge there would be a glimmer of hope.....
Ron Paul didn't sign Grover's "Pledge" not raising taxes is his own personal opinion on how it should be done.
Excuse me but I believe Ron Paul DID sign that pledge. The ONLY one who didn't is Huntsman.
I'm not sure about Ron Paul signing the Norquist pledge, but I remember reading that Huntsman definately has not signed it.
I admire John Huntsman his decision to forgo this particular debate was a wise one.
so was Ron Paul's.... And calling the trumpster and thief and a liar was icing on the cake, especially hearing the trumpster whine! (I wonder if he got his cheese with that whine);-)
I also heard the same, that Huntsman refused to sign it and that Ron Paul did sign. That's my one major disappointment with Paul, that he sold out on that one.
I don't think Ron Paul 'sold out' by signing the pledge. He wouldn't raise taxes even without the pledge. He believes the income tax to be unconstitutional. I think he signed the pledge because he agrees with it. Which is one of the reasons I can't vote for him.
Now we need to get Humpty Dumpty to drop out !
good for them! at least there's two candidates with enough class to turn down the trumpster's circus side show.
Good for Ron Paul.
I would love to watch a GOP debate moderated by Trump that had all of the GOP's pretenders dropping out except Bachmann. She could lose a debate with herself.
After Paul declined Trump's invitation, this is what debate moderator Donald Trump had to say:
He sounds like Hulk Hogan taunting an opponent.
Looks like Paul made the right decision. I hope the rest of the candidates decide to pull out of this shameful sideshow.
So, the Donald is a petulant little pouter.
Too bad more people won't tell him he's irrelevant.
Gingrich formally accepted - but that was no surprise. He has no class. With these two blowhards on camera, it should make for some interesting entertainment.
I have a strong feeling that both Huntsman and Paul will have a much better showing than the poll numbers indicate. I think, and hope, there are many out there who would rather see their vote go to an honest man then to go with the popular ones. They still won't win, but I really hope they do come on strong. It would give me a little more faith in Republican voters. I still think it will go to Romney (which at least is better than most of the others.
I must applaud Paul and Huntsman for refusing to join the circus. It's hard for a old bleeding heart liberal like me to say this, but this current crop of leading Republican presidential contenders make me yearn for the good old days of Richard Nixon. He did some bad things ( Watergate) and some good things (EPA, China) , but at least he was smart, experienced, and knew what he was talking about. I remember when the Republican party fully supported workers with middle class jobs and strong unions. They were not so radicalized and had reasonable statesmen like Rockefeller and Dole that you knew had every American's best interest at heart. This ended with Reagan and his cronyism. It seems like the GOP had to merge a coalition of radical fringe elements to reacquire mainstream political power. We are all now the worse off for this political gambit.
For you anyone who likes how things are "really going" not the BS the media buys into and promotes vote for Obama no questiones ask!!
But if you want the "free market" instead of government intervention and restrictions, if you want balanced budget instead of back room deals. If you want real non government jobs instead of mandatory unionization, If you want the US dollar to remain the world currency instead of inflating the money supply so the dollar has very little value and all commodities getting higher and higher. If you want a leader that has the interest of the american people in mind rather than sees them as a way to promote his agenda. vote republican no matter who it is!!
Obama is the only president to have worse poll numbers than Carter!! 77% believe he is taking the country in the wrong direction.
You might be more convincing, Shawn, if your post wasn't filled with lies.
Someone throw a bucket of cold water on Shawn and let him know Obama still leads Romney in the polls and he is miles ahead of Gingrich. It's not healthy for people of Shawn's kind to hold onto dark, bitter fantasies like that.
shawn,
--you cannot demonstrate the existence of the "free market." It's doubtful that you even know what it is in theory.
--what would happen under a balanced budget if all the homes in your neighborhood were destroyed?
--what was bush's energy policy if not a secret back room deal hosted by Commander in Thief Dick (Bang-Bang to You Face) Cheney?
--what is a real "non-government job without mandatory unionization." One where the guards in private sector prisons get paid even less than they do now?
--a currency's position as world currency has to do with a country's economic and military strength, not whatever you think it has to do with.
--the only republicker presidents in the last hundred years who ever had the interests of the american people in mind were - intermittently, rarely, but sometimes - TR and Nixon.
shawn is really too stupid to lie. At his best, he merely repeats the lies of Limbo and FuxNews.
shawn-whatever
You first need to understand basic math, and possess some basic reading comprehension skills to grasp what a poll states. You obviously lack both.
You might also want to read-up on what an OBSTRUCTIONIST CONGRESS is...
Shawn, there is only one candidate that has shown any poll numbers that match up with Obama head to head nationwide,
Ron Paul, The only one that can beat Obama.
Huntsman and Ron Paul...the only two Republican candidates to keep an eye on.
Shawn, are you serious? We haven't had any of that from a Republican president in the last 30 years. The only time the budget was balanced in all that time was with a Democratic President.
I always thought Reagan was overrated, but he is a star compared with this bunch.
And maybe Obama is driving this country in the wrong direction, but Bush is the one that gave him the map and started the drive.
Paul sounded like he had a backbone until he backpedaled and used Iowa as his reason for not accepting. He stated that he would debate with Trump as a moderator if Trump apologizes to the republican party in Iowa and reimburses them for their losses. How pathetic is that. No convictions.
what do you mean, sounded to me like the had the balls to call trump out on being a liar and thief.....In the national media no less.
How many other candidates do you see doing that?
You Don't, all you see is the other blow-hard's with the biggest blow-hard of them all....
Ron Paul Bitch-Slapped Trump in the national media, it was The Donald doing the whining.
haha, and how about Trump's response. Basically he said he really didn't want those two to play on his debate anyway. Hysterical. Gotta love the Trump.
ModerateIndy- how is it that Paul is backpedaling? Trump wasted peoples time and money. people donated a non refundable payment to attend just to be told to go home.. id be pretty pissed that someone took my money and ran. at least hes doing something about it.
hope no one attends Trumps debate, crony business practices. funded by the tax payer profited by himself and the networks associated with him.
no please for the love of god dont just vote for any republican shawn.. if your associated with goldman sachs you have special interests in business. look at who receives donations from them, democrat and republican doesn't matter. capitalist and corporatism are what people need to be aware of. free market is a capitalist, special interests is what obama, bush, clinton all have in common. gingrinch, bachmann, cain, perry, romney all alike. they will push for a private businesses agenda before the people.
The only real debate I watched with interest was the bloomberg - washington post (?) sponsered debate wholely oriented towards the economy. Screw more debates and let the state caucuses and primary's decide the frontrunners for next summers convention.
at least these 2 guys have a pair --the others are all a joke.
how in gods name does newt crawl out of his hole after what he did when he was speaker of the house and shut down the govt in the 90's
trump is worthy of reality tv only, it's all his ego!
Trump actually believes he's intelligent...
The Fox debate is on right now. I like the change in format.
Donald Trump hosting the Republican Presidential Debate makes the whold campaign look more and more like Reality TV. Does anyone beieve that Trump will not make the debate about himself? What would be appropriate is if Trump told the whole crowd "You're Fired" but I guess we will have to wait until the next election to tell them that.
Since Ron Paul voiced his decline to the Donald Trump hosted debate with the incredible whining reviewed in this news article, it seems to be quite a measure of the man.
Rude, crude, and not too shrewd.
It makes it easy for a Republican to ignore him on the ballot, let alone those Democrats who are increasingly reluctant to continue our existing administration. It's also interesting how Mr. Paul evidently appeals to some of those commenting here (not all, thank goodness).
His petulance and insults appear to be pulling up his mirror images of those qualities ... by their veritable roots.
All the Trump bashers might be in for a surprise. He won't be afraid to raise the subject of China and how the candidates will deal with biggest job and industry destroyer this country has ever had to deal with. It's about time somebody stood up to China.
Ed, then please answer why all Trump's logo products are made in China. Why does Trump support a communist regime over the United States and its citizens. Why does he favor slave and child labor over paying fair and decent wages in the US?
Huntsman billionaire chemical-are, Monsanto mean anything.
Please explain
Cain is out and now Huntsman and Ron Paul wont be joining the Republican/Trump Moderator Debate. The two Republican Candidates that make any sense are out, so what is that leave you, a reality show?
I have to ask what is exactly the point in that? To pull more viewers in to watch the debate, that seems to be the most logical explanation in my view.