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Subscribe to RSSOur initial takeaway from NBC/Facebook debate: GOP rivals pile on Romney… But then they later back off… Huntsman’s strong performance… Santorum starts strong then fades… And breaking down Gingrich, Paul, and Perry.
CONCORD, NH -- Talk about night and day -- or, more accurately, night and morning. At last night’s GOP presidential debate, Mitt Romney’s rivals largely took a pass at hitting the front-runner for the Republican nomination. But at this morning’s NBC/Facebook debate here, they piled on Romney in the first 30 minutes; the arrows were out from the start. As he has on the campaign trail, Newt Gingrich called Romney a “timid Massachusetts moderate.” Rick Santorum added, “If his record was so great as governor of Massachusetts why didn't he run for reelection?... We want someone who's gonna stand up and fight for the conservative principles, not bail out and not run and not run to the left of Ted Kennedy.” And Jon Huntsman took issue with Romney’s criticism of Huntsman serving as President Obama’s ambassador to China: “This nation is divided … because of attitudes like that.”
*** But the pile-on lost steam: But after those first 30 minutes, Romney’s rivals mostly stopped their criticism. In fact, the entire debate was a metaphor for the entire GOP campaign -- piling on Romney lost its steam. Collectively, the group just doesn't seem to know how to sustain the attack, and that explains why Romney is ahead now and why he is getting closer and closer to becoming a "de facto" nominee. (Romney also did a pretty good job of parrying the attacks that came his way.) The big exception to the polite second half came at the end, however, when Gingrich and Romney sparred over the Super PAC TV ads that attacked Gingrich in Iowa. Also, it was striking to us that Romney admitted that he never thought he’d be able to beat Ted Kennedy in 1994. And Romney struggled a tad in his exchange with Gingrich over his work at Bain Capital, revealing that this remains a real vulnerability for him in a general election.
*** Huntsman’s strong performance: It came during the 15th debate of the GOP campaign, but Huntsman delivered perhaps his strongest debate performance of the cycle. He summed up the rationale for his candidacy when he said he wanted to unify the country and restore trust. We have two questions, though. One, is that message of unity and trust what Republican voters want to hear? And two, did Huntsman’s strong performance come too late?
*** Santorum starts strong then fades: Santorum also did well, too. That said, he was forced to admit that he voted for the 2003 Medicare prescription-drug law without paying for it. And he also seemed to fade a bit down the stretch. It’s not that he did anything wrong, but he seemed an afterthought, especially after his first volleys at Romney. His answer that he would love his son if he were gay could be a moment that gets played on TV in the next 24 hours, and it was a strong moment for him.
*** Breaking down the others: Gingrich was calm in the attack and seemed happy to have the fight… Paul was mostly an afterthought and didn’t get the applause lines he normally does from his supporters in the crowd... And while Perry poked fun at himself for his past “oops” moment -- he was able to name all three cabinet agencies he’d cut -- he was a bystander for much of the debate. After his disappointing fifth-place finish in Iowa, did he give a rationale why he should stay in the race? It didn’t seem that way to these pairs of eyes.
*** On the trail: After the debate, Romney (along with Tim Pawlenty) holds a rally in Rochester and then holds another rally (with Chris Christie) in Exeter… Gingrich attends town halls in Manchester and Derry… Ron Paul (with son Rand) campaigns in Meredith… And Huntsman stumps in Bedford and Keene… Meanwhile, Santorum heads to South Carolina, campaigning in Greenville… And Perry also travels to the Palmetto State, hitting Spartanburg.
Countdown to New Hampshire primary: 2 days
Countdown to South Carolina primary: 13 days
Countdown to Florida primary: 23 days
Countdown to Nevada caucuses: 27 days
Countdown to Super Tuesday: 58 days
Countdown to Election Day: 303 days
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Just stopped watching the debate on-line, got tired of all of the lies being told. And it wasn't just lies, it was insults, misrepresentations, and out of context 'facts'. These guys aren't even trying to be truthful. If this is the best the Republican/TP Inc. party can give the country, it deserves to disappear, and the sooner, the better.
Hi, Matthew, now that's the truth! Nice to see you on FR this morning.
Those are politicians. They don't lie, they gaff. Just like Nut Gingrich didn't divorce his wife on her death bed, he changed directions.
Romney didn't ruin and destroy lives as a CEO while lives of the employees were being ruined, he was the steward of innovation. Had he not closed those companies when he did, they would have gone out of business and then nobody would have a job. Oops, that's what happened any way.
But Americans have voted stupid before.
Doncha just loveit when the Carnival Barkers( formerly known as the MSM) above, Chuck, Mark, Domenico, have the Gall to writeup a thread about how the participates in these debates, don't have Suistainibility, when trying to Attack Romney. These same Carnival Barkers are letting Romney & all the rest get away with the Palin, Angle version of running from the Carnival Barkers.
The 4th Estate's version of Professional Journalism is what led American's(Not Me tho) to be BamBoozzeled into believing Iraq(saddam)was a Threat to America & the World, with Weapons of Mass Destruction.
Talk about "Pious Baloney", right there it Is, by whats called Journalism from the writers of this Thread.
There is No substance to Any of Americas Carnival Barkers, when they allow these Candidates to Deflect answers of Importance, & let them get away with calling the President of the United States of America, a "Socialist".
Occupy SoggyBottom!
"AMERICA" Let's not make another "Mistake" like "W", Vote the Koch paid Bums out. I am very saddened by the GOP Tea-Retards for what they are doing to this Country. They are a dishonor to this Nation.
re: Bain Capital: this is advantage Romney imo and should give opponents pause in attacking. Venture Capital is at the heart of a strong economy. When you start questioning it you end up questioning capitalism itself! This would also be a somewhat dangerous strategy for Obama given the still bad state of the economy..
Much more questionable and controversial are the millions made by Santorum and Gingrich after their public service, peddling influence and lobbying...
As I've said before Huntsman is the only viable contender for Nominee in this GOP cast of clowns. They'll never select him. That's their failing. He's the only candidate who could even debate with President Obama. Not that he'd win the election, but at least he'd be a legitimate candidate.
The other guys are just a gift to our President.
Obama in 2012.
Newt, unfortunately that may be the ultimate failure of today's extremist, anarcho-capitalist Conservatives. They are destroying the faith of Americans in capitalism. Once faith in the ability of anyone to get ahead, or even get a fair shake in the market disappears so does capitalism.
A real shame. The sooner we return to our historical basis of fairly regulated capitalism the better. It's the genius that made America great and Conservatives are working hard to destroy it.
Very good points today. I am a Dem. but I have to say that Huntsman is the only one of these that have one once of Credibility. But as you can see he is getting no ware with that. Santoram wants someone to fight for conservatism. Well is that really where this country is. I don't think so. But the Rep's which really are not conservative at all, but use that word just so it draws the truth from what they are really up to. I talk to people that call themselves Conservative Christians. They are neither Christians or conservative. The two are a counter diction in terms. If these so called Christians ever read the bible, they would know that JC was no conservative, He loved all people, and most of all the pour people. He helped the needy, The new Christians wouldn't help a baby if it was starving right in front of them. But opps, That is why the killed Christ isn't it.
Sorry, couldn't get past your spelling and grammer. "Counter diction" ? HAHAHAhaha
Talk about a credibilty problem. Get some education.
Absolutely! The Tea Party has become an extremist faction, lies and extreme position seem to be all they're interested about.
Mitt Romney can't hide the fact he made money destroying jobs in the United States and shipping them overseas. Romney is out of touch, and full of hot air, he can't even answer an question straight. Sending jobs overseas may be fine for an investor, but sure as hell it ain't right for a President. Government is not just about the bottom line, it's also about people, not just investors.
It was sickening watching them debate, crooks and flip-floppers and radicals, what a shame what the GOP has become.
Certainly enough with the "pile on" and man on dog stuff - Ha.
California Tom -- Huntsman or Roemer, but when your Party goes so far to the Right it's gone off the cliff, and add to that the Teapublican requirements for candidates to have $$$ to be in debates, well there ya have it. The anti-democracy and ironically anti-capitalism folks (good point John B) must return to Rule of Reason or be shut down.
I caught some of Schwarzenegger in End of Days last night and LMAO about 666 really being turned around to 999. Hermie pretends he wants his 9-9-9 plan to continue. Hmm...and we thought he got the idea from the Sims game.
It will be interesting to see if a third-party candidate will run, and who the winner will be partnered with -- Not just VP but First Lady (thankfully Marcus need not apply now).
Open Range - How do you fell about Jeffrey Immelt - On Obama's job council- Head of GE- Sending jobs to China?
But you'll vote for Obama right?
Obama voters: why not critically analyze your own party as well? I'm sick and tired of seeing all this bias against the GOP [or scathing them due to their faults] when the Dems won't even recognize any faults in their Party members, or their President.
(For the record, I'm an independent.)
I wonder if Obama uses the methods he uses as President in his private life. Borrow, spend, borrow, spend, borrow, spend. Wow! Sounds like such a winning strategy. Do you think his checkbook looks like the U.S. checkbook?
Our 'capitalism' has become diseased. It has been infected by financial parasites. People, such as Mitt Romney, have been diligent at introducing the disease into our capitalism - and - profiting by incubating the infection.
Capitalism is NOT about rewarding risks. That is the disease that is killing our capitalism. The parasites decry socialism because socialism does not reward work. However, socialism does reward risk - many socialist despots took risks to gain power.
Capitalism is supposed to be about rewarding WORK. Our 'capitalism' no longer rewards work - it rewards risk - just as a socialist economy does. Work has become a disposable commodity of little value.
Mitt Romney is a parasite. He promotes the privileged socialist value of risk instead of the capitalist value of work. Romney's entire view is that we can gamble our way to prosperity - instead of working toward prosperity. Romney represents the disease - not the cure.
get educated calm conservative as you always say ge's growing market is in brazil 60% of ge's total....oh fights are you one of those republican that say there fiscal conservatives then how come in the last 60 years congress has only handed two budgets to the president that where balanced....is that all democrats for 60 years like 2001 2007 bush with both houses of congress if you cant deliver a balanced budget with bush and both houses how can you call the dems tax and spend.....when youre just the same....you conservatives are f.c.i.n.o fiscal conservatives in name only ....pretenders don't bull@!$%# the readers here you vote rep. and pretend you something your not ....fiscally conservatives this is the gop's biggest lie....
Aleithia -- First off, the article is about the GOP/TP circus, er uh, primary thus not an analysis of Democrats. Second, I've always been registered Independent and used to vote a split ticket, and if anything, the problem with "liberals" is the lack of lock-in-step unity and the 11th Commandment not to criticize their own that the Teapublican Borg adheres to.
The GOP/TP has a lot of problems, one of which is conservatives' failure to be critical of their own Party, let alone analytical -- mostly because they are too delusional. This last debate was so full of lies it was a waste of time.
Regardless of polls, and how the debates and primaries turn out, no Republican or Independent will vote to re-elect Barack Obama. Rather, they will vote for any candidate running against the President.
Obama will have to rely on all the jobs that he has provided for Americans between the age of 18 and 35, the group he promised jobs in 2008.
Hey Scott, I think those people will look at the record the Republicans have for creating jobs and go with who they trust more to look out for their interests rather than who promises the most. That will leave the Republican candidates out in the cold. You can't keep fighting every effort to address the job issue and then say you have the magic answer.
Well, you can SAY it...unfortunately for the GOPTP the American people are starting to connect the dots on that point.
Romney IS the nominee...very little if anything can change that now.
The rest of the GOP field has had their chance to derail his campaign by directly challenging him but they keep missing their opportunity. Instead they would rather fight for the scraps off of Romney's table.
It's over...the rest of the candidates just won't admit it yet.
Problem:
ALL the tea/gop candidates, including Willard Mittens, look like deer caught in headlights - don't know and can not grasp the true issues and situation and therefore are unsure how to behave and respond.
America certainly can NOT afford such indecisive confusion from our Head of State at this point in time; thus, each and every one of these Republican Presidential candidates is a LOSER.
VOTERS: DO NOT LISTEN TO NOR FALL FOR THE GLITZY, HOLLYWOOD PACKAGING AND SPIN! None of these people is Presidential material.
Period.
No, you forget NH and IA have sane people living there.
They have yet to go places like SC, LA, TX, OK, AZ, FL, etc. You know America's trailer park capitals. Places where people can hardly afford the next beer or gas for their 1980 truck, but yet vote for multi-millionaires.
Oh, and let's not forget those are states who profess such strong allegiance to the United States of America while flying the flag of a failed would-be 19th century nation that killed some Americans and fought to own others.
I live in Florida and once I would have argued that we are not as bad as you describe. But then, I have watched election after election where republicans won and finally, in 2010, we elected the worst excuse for a legislature and governor you could imagine. I truly fear for when they go into session again next week. More horrible garbage being passed that will further destroy Florida and this country. But I do love the weather here, so I'll have to stay. But my heart is somewhere else, somewhere where the insane don't get to vote.
Jon Huntsman upped his standing in New Hampshire with his politely stated smackdown of Mitt Romney's criticism about serving as Obama's Ambassador to China--"this nation is divided, David, because of attitudes like that." Wild applause and cheers from the audience. Romney looked like Richard Nixon vs JFK once again.
Unfortunately, it won't get Huntsman anything. This GOP wants to win more than anything. They'd rather their ideology be right than do what's right.
Huntsman is by and far the superior candidate...
Further proving the once Grand Old Party have collectively lost their minds!
I used to think Willard would be the most formidable opponent against President Obama...
Now I'm convinced the majority wouldn't buy a used car from this creep!
Jon Huntsman is the only one of these people on stage that I respect.
Seriously! Every time I listen to Jon Huntsman I believe he sounds as if he is talking and educating children. It's offensive. He is so jealous of Romney he can't believe it. Huntsman, is last night's debate, spoke in Chinese, because he can. But it was just silly and off-putting. He is to the left of Romney and can't climb out of that spot regardless of anything he does. He talks about trust, but is so petty it is not even manly. MSNB did their usual. You can tell they fear Romney and begin with questions to tarnish Romney. Way to go lefties! Watching the follow up with Chris Matthews demonstrates why Chris wasn't chosen to replace Tim Russert. NBC is no longer the type of network that gave us Huntley and Brinkley. Perhaps if they want viewership they would realize their bias and get out of their own way.
Da Noid, I didn't say Huntsman would win but I do think he improved his numbers both last night and in this morning's debate.
While Hunstman may not have had the money, he should have spent some time in Iowa because he lost press coverage whether at the IA State Fair or the lead-up to the caucus.
You know, L, I don't think Huntsman is left of Romney. Well, maybe when we look at this current iteration of Romney. But when we look at the whole of Romney's career and his positions, Huntsman is certainly not left of Romney.
As a liberal, and a proud liberal, I disagree with a lot of what Huntsman says, but I could tolerate him being president because he is intelligent, and he doesn't presume to offer simple tagline solutions for complex problems.
In spite of what the right believes, it is important to have smart, engaged, responsible, ethical people in high office regardless of party. There are only two candidates running for president who have those credentials -- Jon Huntsman and President Barack Obama. They should be the two nominees.
LThompson, seems to me there are a good number of childish folks in the GOP who need educating, who need reminding that social issues and religious values do not pay the mortgage, feed the family or pay for medical care when needed.
I believe Jon Huntsman has those credentials (smart, engaged, and responsible). However, Obama has been a major disappointment and in my eyes has been the opposite of those qualities as well as an egotist and a spend thrift (on himself/Michelle and for his pet supporters).
I am just so glad the Bachman, Perry, and Gingrinch are out of the picture. I would prefer Huntsman but could stomach voting for Romney or Paul. My first choice of course would be Hillary but BO will not get out of her way. My vote is NObama.
The funny thing about that Feisty? He's using all the things that Dr. Paul has been saying for years, actually most of the candidates are, yes I'm partial to Dr. Paul that's never been a secret ;)
OH and I figured something else out today! Santorum, yeah he's Bachmann with a penis, just sayin.
LOL!!
So THAT is what keeps Todd around... always wondered.
I thought Bachmann claimed she had a penis, it was a Titanium one as I recall, that's the best kind.
You oughta know Grumpy. Less friction on the ole bunghole huh?
LOL...........
No I was thinking along the lines of it solving your problem it never rusts or corrodes.
Uhhhh, job1, could it be because you're an OBAMA lover? Just saying....
Fights, most likely it is because Huntsman is the only candidate on the stage that is grounded in reality. This is also, most likely the reason he won't be the Republican nominee.
I totally agree Brent,
I'm no repub by any means but I honestly feel Huntsman was the only repub in the debate that had half a brain. He also was the only one that seemed genuine. Oh and I just loved how he handed old Mitt his A$$ for trying to criticize him for serving his country. The fact that he was able to serve under a democratic President in the capacity that he did, shows real character. Something that is totally lacking among the other nominees.
Wake up Repubs Huntsman is the way to go...
as for myself....Obama 2012
How would Perry make Republicans uncomfortable as President?
By doing 2 things that he does not have the authority to do as President.
1. Make Congress a "part-time Congress", insitute term limits, cut Congress' pay and shorten the length of Congressional sessions. Unfortunately, the President does not have the authority to enact any of this.
2. Create a balanced budget amendment. Fine, but the amendment must first be passed by Congress and then ratified by the states. Again, the President can't amend the Constitution on his own.
Oops!
Perry thinks the Federal Government, the Nation can be run like State Governments. It worked back in the late 18th century but would never work today.
The thing is Jody Perry doesn't even know how to run a state Government, he's a Texas Governor, they have very little power, hence the reason Da Noid is correct, Mr. Perry should just come home so we can (as TexasFighterGal would say) duct tape his mouth shut for the next few months.
Again, the President can't amend the Constitution on his own.
Unless your Obama.......then the sky's the limit.
calmconservative,
This is what you wrote about Chuck's thread in post #1.9:
And then you wrote in #4.3 above:
Maybe you're the one who needs some education. "Your " is possessive, while "you're" is an elision of "you are". Do you see your mistake? Do you, do you?
I don't know, First Read staff. Still feels like they are being way yonder more polite than one would expect.
The thought I had, NewDay, while watching these 6 middle-aged (or more) white men be so polite with each other and referring to each other by their "titles" was to wonder where is any diversity? No women on stage, no one of color, no Hispanics (I don't think Romney counts there). They are of an age and time that got us into the mess we were in 2008 and I wouldn't trust any of them not do to the same thing again.
So those were your First Thoughts?
Nothing about the sanctomonious POS Georgie Boy?
Just another Democrat Operative.
Can't wait to see how the questions change when Obama is up there. Wonder if they will make false premises bases on unamed sources with questions for our President?
An editorial by MSNBC about the work done by an anchor of another network would be poor form.
Never stops WCA from bitching about First Read...
If he has a problem with 'Georgie' boy, I would suggest he head on over to ABC!
WCA you had to have known that the liberal "thoughts" would work that way, I actually welcomed them though, though I 100% agree with you when it comes time for President Obama's turn it'll all be touchy feely and he won't have to answer for anything.
Noid you have got to be kidding.
So now media outlets can't criticize each other?
I guess I'll remember that the next time NBC calls FOX a liar.
I now need a hot soapy shower for the brain.
God help the GOP if they run Romney......you'd think that on his record, he'd appeal to indies, and more Dems than most of the others, but he does not wear well....the more I hear from him and see him, the less I like him...in fact, he's the last one on the podium I'd be willing to vote for, up to and including Santorum.
Huntsman, on the other hand, is tempting.....he is very soft spoken and low key, but the guy is smart.....it is extremely difficult to learn Mandarin, and he plainly can hold his own against Romney. He is so much more appealing in so many ways....
Gingrich is always at his most amusing throwing bombs.....he just isn't up to the job.....too divisive..
Santorum is so far to the right of the American people....Paul is just too far out there period....Perry is now irrelevant....
Gregory probably the best moderator so far, by far....I would have liked to see him engage on the subject of gay rights more aggressively, because the GOP is going contrary to the trend of the public, especially Santorum....and they were not asked to address the issue....
We may all need to learn Mandarin soon the way this President is trashing our currency.
Moonbats sit back and watch the show we are busy nominating your next President.
Are you guys really gonna fall for the "no new taxes" thing again?lol
Are you guys gonna fall for that " Hopey Changey" thing again?
i don't understand clammyconservative that you have the guts to trash obama when your field newt,,,paul mitt, perry, santorum you guys don't even like your canidates ,,,,,,,,,and that funny because this is what you nutballs want....crazy...that the only way to win a reppublican primaries and be nominee yeah that kills the canidate for the general . you guys have no room to talk because you say you want to win but you don't do what you have to to win...which is grow up be realistic and act like adults...yell a little more about obama but i don't see how that fixes the problems the gop has with this field....
The Best choice is President Obama.
Obama / Biden 2012
For me, it's either him or Huntsman. I mean, Huntsman sounds good, and I would have a hard time choosing between him or Obama. Both make me feel like we're gonna make it. The problem with Obama is what he didn't do, and the problem with Huntsman is that he panders to the right. I like that Obama is going tough now and hope that if he is elected he will offer a debt reduction package to the new Congress. As for Huntsman, I like how he is going tough on reforming the tax code.
Obama/Biden 2012
The name calling? Kenyan, half baked, I'm ashamed to read this. You can call Obama any names, at least he wasn't a damn war criminal like Bush!
The typical Lib logic:
Both make me feel like we're gonna make it.
Obama counts on emotional suckers like you to "feel" like everythings gonna be OK.
Hope and Change ! Hope and Change ! Felt great didn't it? What did it get us?
5 trillion more in debt and unemployment over 8%.
Whoopee!
Hell, we wouldn't have $5 trillion more in debt if your old boy Bush didn't engage us into 2 unnecessary wars, put 2 unnecessary tax cuts on the American people, and turned us into a tyrannical imperialistic monster. So before you go brandishing opposing views as "Lib logic," try looking how your "Con logic" has ruined America. And didn't Obama at least offer Hope and Change? He did that hundreds of times, with compromises on debt reduction, the payroll tax cut, on a lot of stuff. But the damn GOP didn't want it, preferring to get this president out by 2012 instead of cooperating to get things done. I love Lib logic. I love it to the bone. At least it makes sense. So does "Tax and Spend." At least when you tax people you make money so you can spend it. It is a helluva lot better than the "Borrow and Spend" ways of idiot right-wingers. 2012 can't come any sooner. I hope the American people make the RIGHT choice by re-electing Obama, taking back Congress, and kicking the GOP/TP's ass. They need a good whooping right now, and who better to do it then the American people. We've been brainwashed for too long with right-wing propaganda. It's time to seek the truth. For the truth shall set you free...
Obama Biden 2012
Democrats 2012
GOP/Tea Party Extinct 2012
America 2012
Sorry conservatives, but your 40 years in the sun are over. It's time for good ole' fashioned progressive ideas to restore our nation's integrity. So long, GOP!!!! Oh how we knew thee... Go to hell, GOP!!!!! And give my regards to your old buddy So Damn Insane and the late Osama bin Laden...
Wow, this guy is living in a time warp. Who's borrowing and spending? Not Obama? 40 years in the sun? Dems have most of the control for the last 50 years. Where have you been. Anyone can offer anything to the American people, it's what you deliver without blaming everyone else for your shortfalls.
Those darned Republicans messed everything up. HAHAHAHAHAHAHaa..........You looney lefties had the whole shooting match to yourselves for the the first two years and what did you do? Obamacare. Had to get that done before anything. Now jobs are a priority? Please.
This President is a collasal failure. 5 trillion spent on his watch as he ramped up the wars. You can't blame Bush forever. Or maybe you 3rd graders can, but it doesn't fly with the adult public.
Old fashioned progressive???? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAaaaa.........OMG!
Obama is borrowing and spending because he HAS to. He doesn't have a choice, unlike your buddy boy Bush. And for your info, we did do something for jobs in our first 2 years in office. It's called the stimulus. But unfortunately, your party is unable to give credit to anyone but themselves. And Obama is NOT a colossal failure. Bush was. And I will keep on blaming him until you Rethugs admit that Obama has done some good for this country and stop demonizing him. Unfortunately, I think that is a bit too hard for you. So I guess we liberals can keep using the Bush argument, and when you complain about how Bush isn't prez we can say that we offered you a chance to end the Bush-bashing until you stop demonizing the current Prez. Oh, and at least Obama spent the $5 trillion on AMERICA, with the stimulus and Obamacare. So shut the hell up and go back to your right-wing propaganda outlet where Fox brainwashed you. And I never said Repugs controlled stuff over the past 40 so years. I said CONSERVATIVES. Conservatives can be both from the Dems and the Reps. Man, even conservatives don't know that conservatives aren't a party; they are a philosophy.
OBAMA BIDEN 2012
STOP THE RIGHT WING EVIL MACHINE 2012
AMERICA 2012
c alm conservative dems in control of this what about bush 2001 thur 2007 gop controlled ...can you answer that mr. it's only dems that raise the def....60 beanbrain this has been going on and if im not mistaken there has been a bunch of republican presidents that could veto the budget ...none have so much for your argument...of this only being democrats...
Don't these candidates get it ? " They "....not the nation want to see Obama as a one term president ! Obama has done more without their approval ..then any other president has done with congress/senates approval...
What i learned this from last night and this morning
#1 Romney is not the front runner and is not a man of the people.
#2 Santorum is a total pervert .the minute the conversation turns to gay marriage his fantasy's run wild about orgies and animal sex ..This guy is a freak
#3 Huntsman has what it takes to be president ! I listened to every word he says
#4 ..Newt is typical Washington..one day your a peacock ..the next a feather duster !
#5 Ron Paul ... he is just pissed and yells at the clouds !
#6 Perry.. was present !
Um that's kind of the problem *shakes head* wow, just wow.
The Real Reason Mitt Romney Has the Lead
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2012/01/07/the_real_reason_mitt_romney_has_the_lead_112677.html
The Many Accidents That Produced Romney's 'Inevitable' Nomination
http://www.tnr.com/article/politics/98942/kilgore-iowa
Romney got less votes in 2012 than he got in 2008. In addition, everything you heard last night from the professional class of political pundit was bull crap.
http://www.redstate.com/erick/2012/01/04/everything-you-heard-last-night-was-bull-crap-rick-perry-might-want-to-stay-in-and-prepare-for-a-newtlear-attack/
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Three takes on the nominating process from three different perspectives...all with merit.
Man, if I have to hear the lies about how opening up the US for unrestricted oil drilling will drive down prices again, I will puke. Folks, there is NO shortage of oil in the world today and will be none for many years. The reason for high prices is the relentless price speculation, which more oil on the market will do zero to stop. All more drilling will do is to make the speculators and big oil companies even richer than they already are, not to mention, further bespoil our environment. Stop with the lies already. But the saddest part is that his little speech of lies got applause from the crowd of fools watching this "debate". However, I will say kudos to David Gregory, who did the best moderator job I have seen yet.
To Chris Matthews: I have been watchig the postgame debate. You have no standing talking about anyone's credibility. That's why you are are with a fifth rate network (if that). No one is watching you anymore. You could have sat in the Meet the Press chair, but your pettiness gets in the way of any success. It's not working for you anymore. It used to be fun to watch your program, but you are in the pocket of the liberals and it shows.
LOL. No one is watching according to you...except you, right? Why are you even writing here then?
L t and you watched Chis...how? MSNBC is a ton more believable than Fox. LOL You are just mad because THE only one on stag that has a brain is....Huntsman. I would vote for him, if not then it will have to be obama.
Thats kind of where I am too, as a republican who voted for President Obama, I would love to be able to vote for Huntsman. All the other GOP candidates are just not willing to work both parties to the country's advantage.
You may be Republican, but you're no conservative.
Thanks for giving us the disaster in the WH.
I think you mean the disaster in Congress. And I believe that is your fault, "calmconservative." Can't wait till we all become Keynesians again!!!
Oh and Sheila, I am with you. I wish Huntsman and Obama could team up, you know. But I have to side with Obama, because at least he's moderate. I like Huntsman, but he panders too much to the right. Obama talked about lefty ideas, but at least he was a moderate. I think Huntsman will be a moderate Prez, but with the Tea Party controlling Congress that is highly doubtful...
40 people out of 185 in one house of congress and they control everything.
HAHAHAHahhahaahaha..........that's funny.
Technically, the GOP has 242 people in the House; I may not know how many people are Tea Party supporters in the House, but what I do know is that the Tea Party controls the GOP. And they do so because they are a large bloc of voters in GOP primaries, forcing candidates to adhere to their ideas and play ball with them, so to speak. And because the GOP controls the House with its majority and the Senate due to the filibuster powers (and the Tea Party controls the GOP), the Tea Party practically influences everything. Every bill that goes thru the Senate must have some range of Tea Party ideals in order to be passed without the filibuster being used, and every bill that comes from the House must garner the support of some Republicans (and usually they are tied to the Tea Party). Your naive attitude is what's funny, my dear friend. And if you think that the GOP brainwashed by the Tea Party doesn't control Congress than tell that to the minority in the Senate who filibuster everything that the Dems put on the table and the the majority in the House led by their leader Boner who catered to the Tea Party and withdrew support from the summer debt deal plan because his TP overlords pulled the strings. I hope that you will regain your wits before the election, lest you be pulled down by the sinking of the SS Republican Party to the bottom of the sea. Free yourself and seek the truth, for the truth shall set you free....
All the candidates, except Huntsman, talk as if they are running to replace Congress, not to be president. The Constitution should be mandatory reading and they should be called out when they say, "I will...". The voters need to be informed about policy issues, not one man government - demagogues on parade.
This so-called "pile-on" was more like a gentle pillow fight between BFF's. The GOP claim to want anyone but Mitt but sooner or later they'll feign support by locking arms around him (and each other) while at the same time holding their noses with one set of fingers and using the index finger on the other hand to elicit barfing. All the while they are using middle fingers on both hands to give the American electorate one giant, collective, "f**k you!" The Twister visual is typical Republican pretzel-mania at election time that passes for unity! Wait for it...wait for it...wait for it...
The rest of the candidates finally splashed some cold water on themselves andtook a good look at the polls. Mitt was bloodied this morning. Romney was finallyforced to face some tough questions and disturbing truths about the kind of manhe really is. Mitt's character took a very big hit today. Romney is a corporate elitistwith a bad case f the political bug. He is only a political "outsider" because he lostto Ted Kennedy in 1994 and decided to run for president instead of go afteranother term in Massachusetts. These storylines won't do much in the primary,where Mitt is likely to prevail rather easily, but it could be devastating against Obama in the summer and fall. www.sunstateactivist.org
What a BIG disappointment the NBC so called debate turned out to be. The original premise was to allow some on facebook to participate, unbelievable how few of the public's question's were allowed.
As usual the participant's were allowed to dance around most questions. The public want to know about the economy and how we can dig our country out of this mess that we have been in for many years and will continue to be in. Perry created low paying government jobs in Texas is that his idea of creating jobs in the country? They talk about smaller government, closing tax loop holes, how to close them. What about the line item veto? Santorum was great at taking the pork home to his district, is he willing to stop the pork barrel spending that takes place country wide?
The moderator is suppoesed to control the time and keep everyone on track, it just doesn't happen on the televised debate's.
Allison -
In case you hadn't noticed they have stopped pork barrel spending...which is probably why nothing much is getting through congress these days.
What makes you think it's been stopped?Nothing was getting done anyway my friend, remember the bridge to nowhere? Santorum voted for that because he was able to get more pork for his district.
By the way, the bridge to nowhere was "I'll scratch your back if you scratch mine" that's called "pork barrel spending". One was in Ak the other Pa
I agree, I saw some FB questions that were wonderful and should've been asked, I'm tired of all the coddling of not only the candidates but also the President himself
The real disappointment is that NBC, CNN, etc. consider Facebook not only an acceptable sponsor but an acceptable debate sponsor.
Few FB questions were asked, probably because they just wanted to make a trivial effort to make FB look like a useful communication tool. God help us if the people get to ask questions of their future Presidents...wouldn't want them to have any power over their lives and fates or anything like that.
I was glad to see Huntsman come on strong. I have liked his message all along and think he is the most electable of the group. As an independent, I could easily vote for Huntsman, I don't think I could vote for any of the other GOP nominees based on what I've seen.
Inde- look at Huntsman's "words" then google Dr. Paul's "words" you will see they're one in the same.
Good to see you take the DNC talking point so seriously. So far, there have been plenty of regurgitated "I could vote for Huntsman" posts.
Why don't you give it a rest? Nobody is taking you seriously. The talking points are so patently obvious my cat isn't fooled by them.
We in Utah saw first hand Both Mitt And Huntsman.....I would vote for anyone before I voted for Romney. We saw first hand the behind the scene deals he pulled off in the 2001 Olympics. He can Not be trusted. He was saying one thing and doing the opposite. When he was called on it, he cried foul.
Huntsman on the other hand was the best leader Utah has Ever had. He listens to the people, reviews All side before making a decision, and is as honest as they come. (something unique for Utah) He is a Mormon, but Never let that sway his decisions. He is the only chance we have. Mitt would turn on everyone, BUT big money.
no joe - Sorry to disappoint you but I missed getting my talking points. I like Huntsman. I believe that's my prerogative. Used to like Paul as well, until the nasty side of him came to light.
Huntsman is smart, he's practical, and he's not on the same page as Paul although there is some overlap. More than anything else, he is the only person on the stage I felt respect for. Perry's a moron, Newt's a crook, Santorum is a religious nut, Paul is impractical and a racist, and Mitt is, well, Mitt.
If you figure out where to get those talking points you'll have to let me know. I hate to be missing out.
First of all this was not a poltical debate America! This was another GOP Clown Debate with no new ideas, no new polices, and no new plans of thier own. They sounded like a bunch of Johny Bee "Dumb" Tea Beggers. The record of "Romulian Romney" is very clear at Bain what a "Pain" Capitial. The "Romulian" has destroyed more jobs than he ever created. The "Romulian" has a clear record of destroying jobs with good wages, health care benefits, and no other benefits were ever offered. "Nutty Newt" has no idea of what it means to create jobs in America however, the "Gross Odd People" (GOP), and the "Really Not Competent" (RNC) sure know how to destroy them. "Sanitiarium Santorum" is so very intolerent of others, and has no problem destroying the Civil Rights Act of 1964. His intolerance of of others who are different ethnically, religiously, and socially are not entitled to protections under the US Constitution. Now the real GOP "Johny Bee Dumb" GOP Clown is "Scary Perry!" This Tea Begger is a very culturally dangerous Right Wing Religious Radical. This GOP Clown has NO ideas of his own, and he will never be able to think of any on his own. Hey! Hey! HO! HO! The Party Of NO has got to go!!
Number of questions asked and time allotted for each candidate seemed directly proportional to their standings in the latest NBC poll. Once again, it seems the media will decide our next president.
You're right when you say that again the media will decide who will run against the President, that's why in all of this time we didn't hear much about Huntsman. Out of the herd he (once he threw his hat in the ring) was the better choice.
All of the GOP candidates, well in fact, all of the GOP remind me of the classic line in the movie, "Dog Day Afternoon", when the police officer is telling Al Pacino that if he lets all the hostages go and turns himself in,that he will be treated well. Pacino says, "Kiss me!" The officer asks him why, and Pacino then says, "Because I like being kissed when I'm being F'd." I wonder how many kisses we can get from these "candidates" who tell us they know what the american people want. LOL!
I wish we real "fact check" flags and dingers on all the statement all the politicians make.
The lies, obfuscation missed representation is staggers
just one example -- Gringrich paraphrased -- 2011 had the highest gas prices in US history -- really -- charted graph for last 6 years shows highest prices peaked over $4 average in summer of 2008.........
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Next question.. Much talk on welfare reform from the late 9o's where welfare was moved to "transition help - time limited" etc.. What has really changed in this area??? Most issue in last few years is not the "classic" welfare stuff, but extending unemployment in in the recession.
Much talk on food stamps or SNAP.. I hope most realize this assistant is tied to income level and lots of folks lost there jobs and increased the poverty levels and even more demand on the assistance programs......
Then talk on making states run welfare with "block grants" -- not all of welfare is block grants, but nearly all the welfare programs are administered by each state and they created their own rules in most of the programs as well
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Do you understand what an average is? Think really hard- you learned about it in third grade.
See, if for eleven months, the price of gas was about two dollars a gallon, with a one month spike to four dollars, the yearly AVERAGE will be lower than in a year where gas was over $3.75 for all twelve months.
Liberals really scare me sometimes. How is it possible to be that ignorant?
no joe, no bo, nj
I will not throw insults at you in a uncivil manner, but you do not me or my education level (typos not withstanding) - actually I'm a DVM with a master in epidemiology and statistics plus a few other degrees earned over time - so I think I do fully understand average/mean, median, mode, variance, and many other ways of looking at data.. I'm neither a democrat or republican, but independant and recently retired from the military after 22 years of service and still work for the DOD at the Pentagon.
So to be precise -- and their are several places to go look at the various gas price data - one is gasbuddy and it's history charts.. What I gave was point source average gas price as taken at multiple point over "years" - which did top $4 dollars in summer of 2008 - dropped sharply and increased again over parts of 2009, 2010, and 2011 and dropped again this fall until the recent rise following the same mesaure.. obviously - peak price in any given area or grade of fuel may be higher or lower than the average value
But anyway you look that the data the price of gas was not the highest it has ever been in 2011 at noted in the debate by Gingrich.... Very likely not even if you adjust the numbers for inflation although I did not search out those numbers.. take a look at some reason price chart for the last serveral years and see what the picture worth a thousand words demostrates.
I simply do not like obfuscation and lies from any of the politicians
Shame people can not engage in civil discourse and factual discussion
Dr. T
BTW - the average US gas price exceeded $2 per gallon for all of 2006, 2007, nearly all of 2008. Dropping to below $2 only roughly about December of 2008 and going above $2 again roughly around March April of 2009.
Most of 2008 the Average US gas price exceeded $3+ dollars per gallon
Easy to see in graphs of the same price method kept overtime at gasbuddy and other sites.
BTW -- the most precise way to compare block of time on this type data would be calculate the area under the curve by integration using same 2 date point in each year of comparison or other methods that ensure you are analyzing the same data sample for like period of time to proper compare..
Cheers
They lie, and lie, and lie, and lie. One of them wants to go back to Iraq? Give a break!.
Carlos,
You might want to check your facts, it was Obama who wanted to keep our troops in Iraq past the Dec 31, 11 deadline set by President Bush. Obama was forced to leave Iraq because he could not negotiate a SOFA. Further, there are a few thousand troops still in the area, just across the border in Kuwait.
sfcet, you should have listened to the debate. Perry said, this morning, he'd would send troops to Iraq now. That has nothing to do with Obama, who indeed was not able to negotiate a longer presence that all the Republicans wanted.