Here’s CNN’s preview:
Lots at stake in first GOP debate in nearly a month
Twenty-seven days. That’s how long it has been between the 19th and 20th Republican presidential debates.
But that ends Wednesday, when former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, former Sen. Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and Rep. Ron Paul of Texas face off at a debate hosted by CNN and the Republican Party of Arizona at the Mesa Arts Center.
A lot has changed in the battle for the GOP nomination since the last debate, a CNN-Republican Party of Florida showdown in Jacksonville on January 26. Romney went on to win big in Florida and Nevada, while Gingrich, who had just scored an impressive victory in South Carolina, faded fast.
Then Santorum surged in state and national polling after sweeping the February 7th contests in Colorado, Minnesota and Missouri.
The debate Wednesday is the last time the candidates will share a stage before primaries in Arizona and Michigan on Tuesday, before Washington state holds a contest on March 3, and before 10 more states hold primaries or caucuses on March 6.
You can watch the debate live on TV on CNN or view it online at CNN.com/Live and the CNN mobile app.
And as always, have at it in the comments!
February 22nd, 2012 at 6:31 pm
Yay! Thanks Kavon.
February 22nd, 2012 at 6:37 pm
I’m hoping for a strong standing tonight.
February 22nd, 2012 at 6:37 pm
Here’s what’s at stake in the debate tonight…
Here’s my bold prediction:
If Rick Santorum wins the debate tonight, he’ll go on to win at least one of Michigan and Arizona. The primary will continue on for months, Santorum and Romney will continue bashing on one another, and whoever emerges will be severely weakened and lose to Obama. With 4 more years of Obama, our debt problem continues to get worse and the hyperinflation begins by 2015 at the latest.
If Mitt Romney wins the debate tonight, he’ll win Michigan and Arizona and within a month or so, he’ll be generally regarded as the presumptive nominee. If that happens, he’ll go on to beat Obama and, with Republican majorities in the House and Senate as well, the nation will make significant progress on its debt crisis. It won’t all be solved in 4 years, but we’ll be on a path to sanity rather than a path to Greece.
That’s the stakes tonight as I see them. No pressure, Mitt.
February 22nd, 2012 at 6:42 pm
I expect CNN to give Santorum some easy question to defend his religious statements which he will use to try and have a Newt moment. It’s a sit down debate, and it’s John King, again, so it’ll be interesting to see if it works. You know that emphasis is going to come.
The only 3 questions I have are the following:
1) how does Santorum respond to the onslaught?
2) does Newt go negative and gang up on Romney?
3) one liners and gaffes or surprise attacks
I’m pretty sure the candidates will get under Rick’s skin, it’ll just be a matter of time. I’m also sure Newt can’t resist his whore whale.
The only thing that’s truly mysterious will be what sound bytes come out and if Mitt has an attack up his sleeves against Santorum that he hasn’t used yet…especially the lobbying. It’ll be interesting.
I suspect no matter what happens Erickson et al will proclaim Newt and Santorum the winners. I hope Paul smacks Santorum down to size, toi.
Go Mitt!
February 22nd, 2012 at 6:42 pm
Grateful this debate is in Mesa, Arizona. I doubt we will see a repeat of a standing ovation should Santorum decide to lash out at John King.
February 22nd, 2012 at 6:44 pm
Mitt’s bold new plans celebrated with a chorus of Bronx cheers:
http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/291745/romney-whiffs-income-taxes-kevin-d-williamson
Oh, well. At least he will prevent the GOP from being labelled right-wing extremists. It’s something we right-wing extremists will no longer have to fear: being associated with Mitt. And his credentials will be sufficiently burnished to secure him a nomination to be Tim Geithner’s replacement in the second Obama administration…
February 22nd, 2012 at 6:44 pm
What time does it start?
February 22nd, 2012 at 6:46 pm
Mitt was on Hannity today. I actually thought Hannity was pretty fair with him. Mitt seemed very relaxed and I think had a good interview. Hope this bodes will for tonight.
I have mixed feelings on the sit down forum. I think it makes everyone more relaxed but possibly less likely to strongly attack because they are facing each other.
Mitt, finish the deal tonight !!!!
February 22nd, 2012 at 6:47 pm
8 PM EST
February 22nd, 2012 at 6:49 pm
8 — When then that’s good news for Mitt because Santorum will not be up there trashing about and acting like a bully against Mitt (“Your time is UP Governor!!). He’s going to have to act more civil — something that Santorum incapable of doing in a debate setting, unless he is neutered, such as sitting down.
Hey Santorum, here’s some asprin! HOLD IT BETWEEN YOUR KNEES!
February 22nd, 2012 at 6:49 pm
I agree with #3
February 22nd, 2012 at 6:54 pm
This sit down format should favor Governor Romney; he dominated the Bloomberg debate, which was this cycle’s only other sit-down debate. It should also keep the attacks down. Gingrich promised (for the umpteeth time) not to go negative in this forum; it’ll be about “big ideas”. We’ll just have to see if Newt will be true to his word.
February 22nd, 2012 at 6:56 pm
“Senator Santorum, is Obama a Muslim?”
“Senator Santorum, is birth control bad?”
“Senator Santorum, is Satan targeting America”
If any one of these is asked, Santorum “wins” the debate. I’m already angry, and the dang debate hasn’t even started.
February 22nd, 2012 at 6:58 pm
i hope John King leads off with a question about Newts ex-wife
February 22nd, 2012 at 6:59 pm
3
Yes, I agree. Good assessment.
February 22nd, 2012 at 6:59 pm
#12:
John King felt like an idiot after he let Newt do what he did to him in South Carolina. I highly doubt that King will let another candidate walk over him again.
February 22nd, 2012 at 6:59 pm
2 minutes…appears to be a pro-Romney crowd inside debate here. Being banned from using phone. Have fun guys!
February 22nd, 2012 at 6:59 pm
King will ask Santo if he and Satan are brothers.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:00 pm
17. Enjoy, Mr. Ilfigo!
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:00 pm
MarqueG,
Within minutes of Mitt’s new economic package being released this afternoon in a stump speech Mitt had in AZ today, I pointed out the class warfare BS Mitt was doing, and was called clueless by some of my Romney supporting friends. I went point by point in the old Debate thread..so I won’t do it again…but the plan is just getting crushed all over by every conservative (except Jennifer Rubin)blogger, think tank…yadda..yadda.
I have no idea what Mitt is all about….now more than ever before. This plan is being sold with President Obama’s class-warfare assumptions…I don’t know what else to say…it is a triple goof.
As for the debate…I have no hopes for Newt and Rick to be nimble enough to attack this horrible plan (politics & Policy) by tonight……….their teams I don’t think are smart enough either.
My only choice is to drink my beer tonight in complete and utter depression.
For the man who is about to become our nominee to come out with that triple goof is enough for me to jsut give up and sit back and watch the train wreck.
What a horrible day for our party…for our country.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:01 pm
Please Mitt don’t let Santorum get on your nerves!
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:01 pm
Kavon, you are so prepared. It’s beautiful.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:01 pm
I do have to say, a part of me is going to miss the ridiculously over-the-top CNN introductions.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:01 pm
In the quiz portion of the debate, the candidates will be asked to identify each cactus presented to them. If they’re wrong, they get stuck with it.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:02 pm
Give em hell, Mitt!
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:02 pm
I know some will bash this post but it explains my thoughts on what is happening to Romney. Have at it…
http://www.anncoulter.com/columns/2012-02-22.html
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:03 pm
25. Better yet, give ‘em prickly pear! Ouch!
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:03 pm
20
What, are you conceding that Mitt is going to be the nominee? Interesting. I give him a 70% chance, what do you give him, 90%?
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:03 pm
“I pointed out the class warfare BS Mitt was doing”
Whether it is or not, Romney is the last candidate to engage in anything that could or might be labeled as class warfare. And those who are dismayed that Romney might be making a play for the little guy are likely the same people who spent a considerable part of the last year somewhere OTHER than the pro-Romney camp.
Just file it as one more item of blame to lay at the feet of those who ran around for months trying to find a perfectwhitenightdemigodsendsaviorconservativehero.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:04 pm
Man, Mitt and Newt really don’t like each other.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:04 pm
Well, Romney easily got the most enthusiastic applause coming in.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:04 pm
Very pro-Mitt turnout! Funny how things just worked out that way…
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:05 pm
Love the cheering crowds
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:05 pm
So other people noticed the disparity in applause too, huh? =-D Love it!
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:05 pm
28. I give him approx 99 percent chance.
Very nice choral group, btw.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:05 pm
#32:
Yeah, the guy who’s been in the lead in every poll in Arizona has more supporters there than the other candidates. Who would have thought?
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:05 pm
Play Ball!!!!!
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:06 pm
Awesome chorus! Just typing with my left hand…
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:07 pm
I thought they would be sitting around a table facing each other.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:07 pm
No ashes for either of the two Catholics
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:07 pm
Ron Paul just gave us his super-hero name: “Defender of the Constitution”
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:07 pm
Dunno. Maybe the bus drivers who brought them there?
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:08 pm
Paul looks like he means business today.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:08 pm
I thought that guy in the audiance during the National Anthem was Mikael Gorbachev then realized it was Ash Wednesday.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:08 pm
“Yeah, the guy who’s been in the lead in every poll in Arizona has more supporters there than the other candidates. Who would have thought?”
Oh, its the way it should be, to be sure.
Its just that the irony is satisfying. Gingrich complains about the lack of a debate crowd, so they allow a crowd – that turns out to be hugely pro-Mitt. He talks about how Santorum should drop out and back him, only to collapse in the polls and have Santorum take his turn at the top. He talks about how home states are “must wins”, and about how Romney should drop out if he loses Michigan…only to find out that Romney is only running two points behind Gingrich himself in GA.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:08 pm
Of course it’s a very pro-Mitt turnout. Mesa, Arizona has the largest LDS population of any city in the United States. GO ROMNEY!!!!
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:08 pm
Mitt: “Hi”
Audience: “WOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!”
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:08 pm
Looks like Mitt may have taken the “vision” advice pretty seriously.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:08 pm
41 I’m just glad he didn’t show up in the outfit.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:08 pm
What’s the sound of one hand typing?
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:09 pm
Matthew Kilburn,
“Romney is the last candidate to engage in anything that could or might be labeled as class warfare”
Well, since he is the last…he sure made up for it by going all in on the class warfare BS.
Mitt does equal boldness on this one.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:09 pm
Now Newt is promising gasoline prices….and that sums up his presidency?
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:09 pm
Smart move by John King to have the audience ask the questions. Like to see Newt attack members of the audience!
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:09 pm
Lame intro by Newt
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:09 pm
“No ashes for either of the two Catholics”
Technically not a Holy Day of Obligation…but actually, Some Baptists (Paul) and Mormons (Romney) also observe Ash Wednesday…so theoretically, all four could have had them on.
…and it took a grand total of ten minutes, by the way, for someone to inform me of the “smudge” on my forehead this AM.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:10 pm
Audience questions will keep the “gotcha” questions to a minimum.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:10 pm
Santorum seems really nervous.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:11 pm
48.
>>Looks like Mitt may have taken the “vision” advice pretty seriously.
Pretty sure restoring traditional American values has been the theme of his campaign since day 1. Good that people are starting to hear it.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:11 pm
fight time
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:11 pm
Strong first answer by Santorum.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:12 pm
How does Mitt expect to do that without a line-item veto? Can someone educate me?
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:12 pm
Can’t speak to Baptists, Matthew, but you’re wrong on LDS. You’re correct on it not being a Holy Day of Obligation. It’s the next best thing, though.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:12 pm
Home run Mitt!
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:12 pm
The Guv throwing out a Senfeild reference solidifies his standing
! He’s a real guy!
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:13 pm
true without the line item veto or elimination of the filibuster all this talk is meaningless until the market forces it 2008 style
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:14 pm
Mitt sets the record straight!
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:14 pm
Santorum screws up with admitting fault on something that hadn’t even come up
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:15 pm
Gingrich now speaks for the founding fathers.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:15 pm
Santorum should get over himself. All he knows what to do is attack.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:15 pm
Love that Romney “is it worth borrowing from China to keep it?”
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:15 pm
Mitt is sounding like he did in Florida. I like it!!
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:16 pm
The only thing that Mitt missed on rebuttle was he did not raise taxes in Mass.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:16 pm
Professor Newt is keeping Supervillian Newt under wraps at least on question one.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:16 pm
#67 moms – I caught that too.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:16 pm
Newt largely holding off on attacks as promised, so far.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:16 pm
romney right back in santorum’s face….so sweet.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:16 pm
Newt just comes across as pathetic now that no one gives a rip what he has too say. Oh well.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:16 pm
line of the night
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:17 pm
I love RP’s answers
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:17 pm
Gingrich back to Normal? We’ll see.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:17 pm
Go Paul!
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:17 pm
Because he’s a fake….LOL
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:17 pm
Santorum shouldn’t have admitted that it was a mistake in what he did. He’s right, but the base likes the “I’ve never done anything wrong and Im not going to apologize for it.” rhetoric.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:17 pm
Rick’s losing his cool.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:17 pm
Gingrich – Name dropper trying to pick up Rick Perrys supporters. All 10 of them.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:17 pm
I ask again, out of honest curiosity: how does Mitt plan on going “line-by-line” and measuring spending against the “China test” without a line-item veto?
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:18 pm
Go Ron Paul!
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:18 pm
Santorum’s hating this.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:18 pm
Ron Paul is great. Best libertarian candidate I’ve seen. He’s good for the cause.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:18 pm
I can’t stand a lot of Ron Paul’s policy positions, but damn Romney is going to have to give Ron Paul a post in his Administration for the work that Paul is doing for him in this debate.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:18 pm
Loved Paul, he is such a darling sometimes.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:18 pm
Paul is crushing Santorum and there’s not a damn thing Santorum can do about it.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:18 pm
Santorum looks like he just crapped his pants, from RPs attacks.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:18 pm
86
He’s not suggesting he will eliminate it unilaterally, just for the process of developing a budget.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:20 pm
Paul’s keeping up with his end of the secret Romney-Paul alliance. When will we find out the terms of the deal?
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:21 pm
I think could listen to Paul all night.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:21 pm
When legislators get into it with each other, it really does get into the weeds for most people. Talking about ratings and subcommittees does go over the head of most people.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:22 pm
newt seems to be really enjoying not talking.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:22 pm
Mitt is nailing it on his Conservative record. Awesome. Setting the record straight.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:23 pm
99. Mass, did you see this?
http://www.anncoulter.com/columns/2012-02-22.html
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:23 pm
I hate how these candidates routinely refer to their rankings or grades by outside policy groups as evidence of their conservative bonafides. They’ve probably all done it at some point in these debates, and it always strikes me as a lousy way of responding to attacks on certain votes or stands they’ve taken in the past.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:23 pm
Newt looking like a jerk on Mitt’s plan.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:24 pm
Gingrich’s going to get rid of the current government.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:24 pm
yeah, go newt, rewrite the rules
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:24 pm
94,
But doesn’t he have that “line-by-line” analysis as a pivotal piece of his spending proposals? Seems rather risky to depend so much on a tool that may have limited practical value.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:24 pm
That Coulter article is amazing
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:25 pm
“Instead of suing AZ, helped AZ”…fantastic Gingrich line!
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:26 pm
102. Don’t know if he is looking like a jerk. He can’t say it is a great plan…sitting for him is not a good look though. Looks like he is missing a bucket of chicken wings.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:26 pm
Newt gave a pretty solid answer. If he stays as Professor Newt instead of Evil Newt, he might help himself tonight.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:27 pm
Mitt needs to remind people it was after 911 and was needed for security.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:27 pm
Rick looks like he’s got squishy in his seat and has that sour-puss face.
Welcome to the big time, Rick.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:27 pm
105 – The way to get de facto line item veto is to get balls and veto the entire bill. then, take your argument to the people and get them to force their representatives to remove that line from the bill.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:27 pm
Horrible answer by Santorum. Lol.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:27 pm
Rick stinks tonight.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:28 pm
That was a one rambling answer by Santorum.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:28 pm
“I didn’t follow all that…”
LOL
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:29 pm
Santorum doesn’t know what’s going on.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:29 pm
its prickly time
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:30 pm
BOOOO RICK!!!
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:30 pm
This is getting painful.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:30 pm
Santorum’s problem is that he hasn’t mastered the art of giving a defensive answer without sounding defensive.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:30 pm
line of the night so far, “Mitt: “While I was fighting to save the Olympics, you were fighting to save the Bridge to Nowhere!”
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:30 pm
Why did Romney go after Gingrich? Cripes sakes!
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:30 pm
While I was fighting to save the Olympics, you were fighting to save the bridge to nowhere….
LOL
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:30 pm
Romney opens a two front war. Not a great idea. Leave sleeping Newts alone.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:30 pm
I like CNN Debates and I like this format…good times
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:31 pm
Santorum is defending earmarks???!!!!
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:31 pm
Earmarks just became the #1 issue of this debate.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:31 pm
santorum defending earmarks = his waterloo
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:31 pm
No wonder Obama is kicking our ass!!!!
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:31 pm
Partial credit to John King for spending the first half hour on economic topics with no references to social issues or religion yet.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:31 pm
This debate is descending into a trench war with no ammo and blunt bayonettes.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:31 pm
santorum can’t look anyone in the eyes ala newt in florida
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:31 pm
I think it was unnecessary for Romney to lob a shot at Gingrich; don’t get him pissed off when he doesn’t need to be.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:31 pm
If Rick Santorum is going to be the ultra-conservative, Tea Party approved alternative to Mitt, then “There are good earmarks and bad earmarks” isn’t going to cut it.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:31 pm
Is Newt really staying positive?
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:32 pm
132,
Apt description.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:32 pm
Mitt really needs to take care with the scorched-earth tactics.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:32 pm
131
A-FREAKIN’-MEN! Don’t make it a discussion of stupid topics that don’t have national importance.
I have a feeling, though, that the second hour will be about social issues.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:33 pm
No way I’ll ever vote for Romney after seeing how he is. I’ll vote for Obama before I vote for Romney.
I don’t want him to be my boss as Commander in Chief if he’s such a hypocritical jerk.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:33 pm
This isn’t about Congress or the executive branch deciding how funds are spent. It’s about spending being attached to an unrelated bill.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:34 pm
OHMGoodness, this reminds of that one debate long time ago that had a contentious spirit. Not good.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:34 pm
Sorry Econ… I disagree. Rick, Newt, and Mitt are all throwing snarky political jabs back and forth. No one in this debate has been more a hypcritical jerk than the others.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:35 pm
140. LOL…you obviously don’t understand the difference between what Romney did with the Olympics and what Santorum has done in a lifetime in congress. Romney is saying money out should not be earmarked but should be put in a bill to vote up or down. No hypocrisy. Geez
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:35 pm
Rick threw the first jab in this debate…… Mitt jabbed back…. Newt jabbed…
Not a good way to debate, but all are in it.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:35 pm
Santorum is lying about Mitt again.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:36 pm
That earmark debate was getting painful towards the end…
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:36 pm
Bad idea Senator Santorum; Romney knows the auto-industry better than you. Don’t fight your opponent on turf that they know better.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:37 pm
Nice to know Econ Grad is an Obama sympathizer I thought he was but now he’s come out of the closet. I can see not voting for Romney if you really think he is that bad but voting for Obama? At least now we know.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:37 pm
There is a big difference between the auto bailout and the wallstreet bailout. If we would not have bailed out the financial sector we would be in the deepest depression in American history. What is Santorum Smoking.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:37 pm
140
You are an idiot at the bottom of the barrel. There’s nothing hypocritical about asking for security money for the Olympics. Piss off.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:38 pm
Romney is exactly right on Wallstreet. Santorum’s comment was completely ignorant.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:38 pm
Santorum’s faces make him look childish.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:38 pm
Mitt VERY strong on defending his position on the auto companies.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:39 pm
It was the Government that screwed the banking industry.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:39 pm
Ugh, this debate has only served to make the party look worse in the eyes of the average voter.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:39 pm
I live in Michigan- I love Mitt- I love his position on the auto industry. BOOM
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:40 pm
TARP was a necessary, sloppy evil. You simply can’t have the collapse of the nation’s financial system and think that everything will be okay.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:40 pm
Santorum is stupid as a rock. Santorum knows nothing about the financial sector. We would all be unemployed right now if it wasn’t for the Wallstreet bailout.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:40 pm
Prickly Rick is back
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:40 pm
Newt and Mitt looking kind of friendly….
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:40 pm
newt has a romney halo instead of horns
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:41 pm
Newt: “Yeah, what Romney said.”
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:41 pm
Newt’s good side (politically speaking) has begun to poke its head out of its hole.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:42 pm
Nobody likes bailouts, but when your entire economy is going to explode, do we expect government to do nothing? Is that what you are saying Paul?
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:42 pm
Without TARP, we would have had an unemployment rate of at least 20%. It’s easy to oppose the bailout once it’s done. But I bet you all my life that had TARP not passed, the candidates would be running on how we should have passed TARP.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:42 pm
Oh, joy, take what I said in 156 and magnify it.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:43 pm
#151 Glad to hear you’re working on your anger problem. Have you stopped beating your wife yet?
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:43 pm
Mitt did himself a lot of good in the bailout answer, he was clear and strong, without looking like he was taking both sides.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:44 pm
The best argument in favor of TARP that I’ve heard involves political considerations: imagine what kind of leftist legislation the Dems could have pushed if the banking system really had collapsed, or at least significantly retracted?
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:44 pm
Rick is not liking the spotlight he’s craved for so long. Not so easy being in the barrel instead of taking shots from the cheap seats, huh Rick?
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:44 pm
#164:
Agreed. Romney needs to leave Newt alone. It doesn’t help him at all to turn this into a Romney-Gingrich slugfest. Newt wants to be Professor Gingrich right now, so Romney should let him. Tear Santorum apart, but Newt is not a threat now.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:44 pm
Immigration and faith:
The theology of people moving here from elsewhere.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:45 pm
observations so far:
1. Rick is prickly, peed off Rick tonight. The spotlight hurts when you’re made of wax.
2. Newt did NOT come to fight. He came to be positive. He’s agreed with Mitt MULTIPLE time. Thank you, Mr. Adelson.
3. Mitt is in his groove, especially on economics. He is outclassing everyone, and has his Rick attacks down pat. They’re like quick little jabs that Rick doesn’t know what to do with.
4. Rick going into a huge defense of his crappy voting record has been embarrassing. Earmark champion? Wow.
5. Paul is an assassin. Pointing out that Rick is a fake in an ad and then backing it up in his face? Awesome. Then Rick going off and mentioning the acronym supporters’ grades? Weak.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:45 pm
Santorum is getting riled up…very pro-Romney group here. Paul is doing well since it hasn’t gotten to forreign policy
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:45 pm
Commercial break. So far, I think Mitt and Newt are doing well. Santorum needs to control his facial expressions better.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:45 pm
Santorum looks snotty while he listens. I just tuned in.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:46 pm
170.
I agree with amplification. The best argument for TARP is the Great Depression. If you liked that you would have loved what would have happened without TARP.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:46 pm
#170:
Back during the Great Depression, there were serious proposals by Democrats in Congress to nationalize the nation’s banks, but FDR in the end decided not to. President Obama is far less prudent than Franklin Roosevelt.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:46 pm
So far, no winners…
Newt is doing the best, but he has so little air time (and is not really under attack), that it is irrelevant.
Both Mitt and Rick are treading water…neither is particullarly likeable in their delivery (although it is a stacked Mitt crowd)
And Paul makes random good points, put it is clear he is not a real contender..
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:47 pm
Here we go, good Newt is back.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:47 pm
I’m tired of Gingrich getting opportunities to complain about the questions.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:47 pm
Oh, no. Birth control and boos from the audience. Good for Newt. He grabs the mike and talks of BO and infanticide and BO as extremist. Good for Newt.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:47 pm
170. I don’t think people understand the magnitude of the Housing bubble. We are only at 8% unemployment, it could have been 30 without bailing out wall street.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:47 pm
Newt seizing the moment…he is good at that.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:47 pm
Good on Newt for his response to the birth control question.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:47 pm
Well, here we’ve got a birth control question, and not even one based on public policy.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:48 pm
Mitt grabbing the mike for attack on religion by BO. Good on Mitt.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:48 pm
Props to the audience for booing this dumb-ass question.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:48 pm
Mitt still making these attack on religion case. Good. Good. Good.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:49 pm
Mitt is killing it. It is smart to make this about Obama and religious liberty. I would completely ignore birth control.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:49 pm
Good answer by Mitt.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:49 pm
Newt and Mitt both nailed this; stole the positive part from Sant. Now we’re talking about the “dangers of contraception” and out of wedlock births. Kind of an oxymoron.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:49 pm
I love this audience for a myriad of reasons.
Also, 2 of our own commenters are there!
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:50 pm
Mitt and Newt killed on this issue. Too bad we’ve heard the exact same thing from Newt at EVERY debate.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:50 pm
190 playing on this is very important for Romney. I think he did great!
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:50 pm
Mitt is so smart to get into the religious issue. It’s a good way for him to reach religious folks.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:50 pm
Rick is not doing well so far, Mitt has been good.
But it really doesn’t matter because after-debate analysis will never favor Mitt.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:50 pm
Wall Street didnt have to be bailed out like they were . It has been shown where they could have let people pay for their crazy risk instaed of rewarding it by bailing them out. It s a long read but could have been done while letting the players fail.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:50 pm
193
agree…Mitt jumped in, and they both took the oxygen away from Santorum. No home run tonight, Rick.
Mitt had a great answer and redirected it greatly at Obama.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:50 pm
Children have children therefore we need to ban contraception!!
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:51 pm
Sant turning the “anti-contraception” topic to out of wedlock debate. And nobody calls it.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:51 pm
If liberals were smart they’d ask Santorum his stance on older women using birth control since older age dramatically increases the rate of down syndrome.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:51 pm
#201: Exactly.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:51 pm
Great Santorum answer on not legislating morality- I just wish he had never said that sodomy laws are great and should never have been overturned. Kind of makes me wonder where he actually stands here…
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:51 pm
Exactly Ron! This is symptomatic of the government being involved in and largely controlling medical care.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:51 pm
Santorum is the Huckabee of 2012, except without the charm or humor. He’s sincere in his beliefs, no doubt, but he is not nearly as good as Huck was at articulating the needs for social conservatism.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:52 pm
Paul, has been the voice of sanity so far in this debate. That’s very very bad for the GOP.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:52 pm
Hey, this section has turned into a debate…. against the Dems… nice. Here is teh unity we will see against Obama no matter who is the nominee.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:52 pm
#203: Exactly: Causing increased medical costs. Good point by Paul: The pills don’t cause immorality.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:53 pm
while Rick makes a good point, the breaking of the family being more important than the economy and jobs ain’t going to play well
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:53 pm
Romney is spot on, but it is dangerous ground with which the Libs will sound bite and use against him. Love his answer though.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:53 pm
207. I understand your point but Huck actually has executive experience, Santorum none.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:54 pm
207,
Huck has some of the greatest natural political skills of any candidate I can recall in recent memory.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:54 pm
Great job setting the record straight by Mitt
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:55 pm
207
Huck is far better than Santorum. No comparison.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:55 pm
Now that was Newt being a jerk…”nice try” with a smug little look on that chubby face.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:55 pm
Nice response by Mitt…so smooth.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:56 pm
213 – this is actually a huge difference that many forget…Rick has ZERO executive experience
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:56 pm
Nasty look by Newt.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:56 pm
Newt: “Inevitably move towards tyranny” — Exactly.
This is the best Newt has sounded in a long time. I still can’t stand him. But he is making some good points tonight.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:56 pm
Newt found a way to drop Romney care in there (nice sly negative attack) to such the air out of Mitt’s previous answer. Newt knows how to be a politician. Good move on his part. He is truly the most professional politician on the stage.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:56 pm
#213:
It’s not just the executive experience. Huckabee was a charming, funny guy in 2008. He would talk about social conservatism, but with a positive face. Santorum has almost the same positions as Huckabee on social issues but he enforces it in a negative fashion.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:57 pm
paul is kicking santorum’s satan butt up and down the pews tonight…WOW
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:57 pm
Paul slamming Santorum…
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:57 pm
“He is truly the most professional politician on the stage.”
Is that a compliment?
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:57 pm
Santorum looks like a bobble head doll.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:58 pm
#224 ROFL – witty comment
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:58 pm
Santorum is terrible. Attacking Paul on something other than foreign policy is not wise, I feel.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:58 pm
Paul and Romney Vs. Santorum and Gingrich
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:58 pm
santorum’s answers defending his votes are HORRIBLE…”it always got pushed through” “yeah, it got abused” “things I wish I could have back”
…is this the ANTI-ESTABLISHMENT candidate? He didn’t fight, he wouldn’t fight.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:58 pm
You know what’s sad? We’ve been talking about the morning after pill for about 20 minutes, but there hasn’t been a single question about Greece or the Eurozone.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:58 pm
I <3 Ron Paul.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:59 pm
Boo
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:59 pm
well Santy is toast!!!!!!!
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:59 pm
Santorum is losing big so far. Wow, talk about meltdown.
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:59 pm
Goodbye Santorum, nice knowing you…..
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:59 pm
That was the 2nd worst answer ever. What was Santorum thinking?
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:59 pm
Santorum TANKING!!! So TANKING!
February 22nd, 2012 at 7:59 pm
Santorum getting booed.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:00 pm
ouch that hurts. i didn’t support it but I voted for it.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:00 pm
Love Rick’s positive non negative approach here….lol
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:00 pm
The economy is in the toliet and we have spent how long on birth control?
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:00 pm
Funny tweet by Jim Geraghty:
jimgeraghty During Paul’s answer suggesting he funded abortion, Santorum writes down, ‘NOTE TO SELF: PUSH RON PAUL DOWN STAIRS ON WAY OUT.’
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:00 pm
Romney supporters in the Mesa crowd are as rude as Gingrich supporters were in SC crowds.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:00 pm
Romney should bring it back around to Santorum’s horrible answer. It was horrible.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:01 pm
Mitt points out the endorsement! YES!!!
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:01 pm
rick is crashing and burning before our eyes
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:01 pm
Lesson: Running for President from the Senate really stinks. You don’t manage anything and you have to vote on stuff you don’t like. I’m having an attack of Santorum sympathy.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:01 pm
245
Crawl in a hole.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:01 pm
I’ve been waiting for Romney to bring up the Santorum 2008 endorsement. It was a greater counter-punch.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:01 pm
Arlen Specter!
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:02 pm
Oh – face.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:02 pm
Mitt is destroying Rick.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:02 pm
Santorum is down to 6.4 on Intrade. So how are you enjoying your trip to the desert, Rick?
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:02 pm
mitt is kicking santorum in his aspirin place!
wow!
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:02 pm
Ouch
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:02 pm
New line of the night “Look in the mirror”
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:03 pm
Santorum looks like a babbling idiot.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:03 pm
The Specter is BACK!!!
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:03 pm
Econ – come on.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:03 pm
Ouch. Rick. Grasping.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:03 pm
I love this crowd
And Santorum is defending himself on dumb things way too much. That’s why he’s losing.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:04 pm
And this is what a political strangling looks like…
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:04 pm
Would like to have had Mitt explain Romneycare though. He seems to be skirting his involvement in it. He just needs to discuss that it is a free market approach to fixing health care in his STATE. State’s should have the right to impelement solutions they see fit.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:04 pm
Who’s buying Santorum’s explanation?
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:04 pm
Shut that loud mouth up.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:05 pm
Can Santorum ever shut up?
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:05 pm
Wow this ship just hit a iceberg.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:05 pm
Romney, put your gloves on.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:05 pm
Ugh, they are both taking it too far and are hurting itself.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:05 pm
Santorum actually won that exchange…
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:05 pm
And he voted for Obama care and now he is a democrat. Good call Santorum.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:05 pm
Santorum really looking whiney and bad.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:05 pm
255. Where was intrade before the debate started?
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:05 pm
I’m sorry, I just don’t see Santorum losing so horribly. To the average Republican primary voter, he looks impassioned and viscerally committed to the conservative cause.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:05 pm
I think Santorum’s still talking – they just turned down his mic.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:06 pm
276
Totally disagree. Santorum’s supporters are the “base” – none of whom approve of Arlen Specter or his big government policies.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:06 pm
272 – LOL!!! LOL!!! Take off the rose-colored glasses…Rick is MELTING before your eyes!
His mannerisms, his horrible defenses of his bad votes, his getting killed by Paul and Romney…wow, a complete annihilation!
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:07 pm
Santorum looked like a liar on Title 10, and on his support for Specter. There’s nothing he can say to turn this into a win.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:07 pm
272 – hahaha…you are hilarious. Blustering about and yelling and interrupting makes one look desperate, not a winner.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:07 pm
#265… Romney has explained all of that numerous times in past debates, but Santorum keeps bringing it up. Might as well turn the table on Rick.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:07 pm
272…Uh, I don’t think so. He was defending Arlen Spector…he is a defector from the R party.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:08 pm
Mitt looking like Eddie Haskell in his exchanges with Santorum.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:08 pm
10%? What is he going to use child janitors to build it?
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:09 pm
279 – Stop smoking crack…both are doing mediocre (neither I want as president)…Santorum just happened to win that exchange and overall he is coming across as much more sincere (even if with the best style in the process)….
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:09 pm
Sounds exciting
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:10 pm
tonight santorum has defended, perhaps emotionally, but stupidly, ALL his bad decisions…which no one had ever brought up before because he was a blip
he will return to a blip after this debate and the primaries…
…absolute MELT DOWN by Santorum
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:10 pm
Cincinnati – Interesting perspective. You’re an ABR, right?
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:10 pm
Is it just me or is this the most real and sincere that I’ve ever seen Romney? He’s feelin it!
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:10 pm
286 Santorum gave 2 answers that nobody can believe. He’s not coming of as “sincere”.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:11 pm
Anyone think Newt’s tie resting on his gut makes it look like Dillbert’s tie, how it sticks up? LOL
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:11 pm
It’s about time someone mention Santorum’s votes on e-Verify.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:11 pm
Did Santorum just oppose E-verify in the middle of a debate?
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:12 pm
CNN sets up every question so there’s a brawl.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:12 pm
292. It is bad form to LOL yourself.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:12 pm
286 – not smoking anything…rick is blustering, round about arguments to defend his horrible past mistakes. this is what happens when you’ve NEVER, EVER been vetted before. Santorum didn’t win the exchange…he was defending Arlen Specter that DEFECTED to the democratic party! Holy crap! How can he win that?
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:13 pm
What’s happening tonight is the best thing that could possibly happen.
Santorum is imploding, and Newt is staying mostly above the fray.
Santorum’s wishy-washy supporters will jump ship, giving Romney wins in both AZ and MI. This is great.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:14 pm
As a romney supporter I am feeling really good about this debate and the effect it will have in pushing romney over the edge in michigan.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:14 pm
Since Rick Perry went to all the trouble to go to the debate they should toss him a question just for a comic interlude. I miss those deer in the headlights moments.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:14 pm
Some of Rick’s supporters might jump back to Newt.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:14 pm
I know what Romney’s one word is. PRESIDENT
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:15 pm
275.
Not sure exactly where Santorum was before but Romney was at 70 to win in MI before the debate and he’s up to 75 now.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:16 pm
I know what Santorum’s is: Sweater-vest. It’s a compound word.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:16 pm
Pretty awful debate, mostly because of moderator going over same old stuff.
And why is Ron Paul even in the debate? I think he brings down the stature
of the debate. Indeed they all seemed small tonight (literally and figuratively).
I couldn’t watch it anymore.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:16 pm
Gingrich’s word? I read it somewhere here: BUCKET O’ WINGS
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:16 pm
302…yep…right on the money
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:17 pm
Ron Paul’s word: anarchy
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:17 pm
My oft quoted Roger Hedgecock was reporting today: Mitt is the only one NOW usuing everify for employees in his campaign. Rick is not; Newt claims he “knows” none of his people are illegals.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:17 pm
Rick can’t explain his positions because he’s had Rush, Hannity most of FOX doing it for him.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:17 pm
305 Ron Paul is a dear. He has become essential.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:17 pm
Rick’s debate highlights: I made some mistakes, stuff I’m not proud of/ I like earmarks and Arlen Specter/ Birth control is bad m’kay/ when I’m losing I bring up Romneycare
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:17 pm
Santorum must be losing BIG because Killjoy – who declaring victory for him this morning – is no where to be found.
Will watch when I get home on DVR.
How is Romney faring?
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:17 pm
update on how things are going so far:
1. Rickplosion before our eyes. He is arduantly defending his bad votes, bad decisions, and gaffes. He’s sticking to his guns, but this is part of the vetting process. When Mitt and Paul point out how stupid/fake/contradictory those things are (I’m against contraception but for Title 10 only to the point that it was always pushed through but just with Title 20 but yeah, I was for Title 10 to show that I’m not publically against contraception…? WTH?). Also, his mannerisms and emotion are very, very irritated and negative.
2. Mitt is jabbing and hitting Santorum with some haymakers. Paul got in a few, too. They’re not looking angry, either. It’s more of a playful, “Welcome to the bigs, kid.”
3. Happy Newt is back. No raging attacks. No spinning. Big ideas, history, blah blah blah. Too bad for Rick. He was expecting to tag-team and when he stuck out his hand…ol’ Newty said “nope.”
4. The crowd, the questions, the conversations, are ALL being hit out of the park by Mitt. Far and away the winner.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:18 pm
Did they ask Santorum about his being Pro-Choice most of his young life? I want to see him deal with that one.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:19 pm
#305 No one who isn’t a fanatical supporter of a candidate can watch this debate and think it does anything but diminish these candidates and make them appear like the worst sort of hypocritical conniving politicians.
The winner of this debate is Obama. I’ve come back from the ledge a bit, I’ll not vote Obama but at this point I couldn’t imagine watching any of these guys on the evening news nights when I’m stateside.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:19 pm
Romney and Newt are having a good debate. The difference Mitt gives real facts, figures and plans. Newt’s are pie in the sky; they just sound good. Sant is awful. Blathering and defensive. Paul, irrelevant at this point. Although I did like his info on the “morning after” pill is the same as a birth control pill.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:19 pm
289 – I don’t like any of the candidates that much…nothing today is changing that….they all are doing poorly – Romney included…The only exception maybe Newt, who has historically looked much worse and not the person I want either…
I still think a brokered convention may be our best chance…Romney would probably lose, Santorum would probably lose, Newt would probably lose…
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:20 pm
In spite of Mitt absolutely killing, the media will spin this as a Newt win for the simple fact that NOBODY is attacking him and he’s staying positive.
I hope Mitt finishes up positive, but he’s doing great.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:20 pm
OMFG, CHEERFUL?
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:20 pm
Newt won that one.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:20 pm
BTW…even the fat tub of goo Erick Erickson says Santorum looks bad defending Arlen.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:22 pm
320 His mouth said cheerful, but his expression said swanky.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:22 pm
The audience laughed when Newt said that he was cheerful.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:23 pm
To his credit Newt finally got a haircut and a girdle.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:23 pm
#320 ‘Cheerful’ like a puppy humping everything in sight.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:23 pm
319
Yes, but it’s fine. He’ll steal some of Shanty’s folks.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:23 pm
A newt win tonight is a Romney win.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:23 pm
I’ll hand it to Newt…that was a good way to break the tension.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:24 pm
Kindly pacifist grandpa Paul is.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:24 pm
Erick Erickson = the loser who always bets on the slowest horse even after the gate has opened.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:25 pm
I don’t want any fighting or death, anywhere. Just unrestricted drug use and accessible prostitution.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:26 pm
So…does Santorum secretly think women are dumb? Anyone heard his wife speak ever?
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:26 pm
“I have concerns”
“didn’t think it was wrong”
-Santorum
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:26 pm
Which of those guys has served as anything besides a politician?
Ron Paul. His view is the one predominant among the active duty.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:27 pm
Why does Newt always get such softball questions?
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:27 pm
Does anyone believe this debate is helping the candidates with independents?
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:27 pm
Rick didn’t answer the question about women’s role in war..He just says they have their place.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:27 pm
Newt doesn’t understand the difference between policy and bluster.
And he’s supposed to be a genius?
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:29 pm
Newt von Gingrich is a master of real-bluster-tik.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:30 pm
I think Santorumn just admitted he was going to vote for Romney.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:30 pm
Raise your hand if you think Ahmadinejad wants The Islamic Republic blown off the map?
Now, I’m not saying Iranian nukes would be a good thing, or even an okay. but saying that Iran nukes will…. be….. used is stupid jingoism.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:30 pm
Santorum just re-endorsed Romney?
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:30 pm
Ron Paul is a career politician like everyone else up there exCEPT….ROMNEY.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:31 pm
Career politicians, I mean a couple of decades or more: SANTORUM, PAUL, GINGRICH
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:31 pm
$100 million in aid to Iran?
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:32 pm
Santorum talks too long and I lose interest in what he is saying.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:32 pm
MWS Don’t know. Ever since suicide bombers I’ve lost some confidence in “rational actor theory”.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:32 pm
Santorum has no clue–have you noticed how often he references how much money he spent.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:32 pm
#342 MWS – I don’t know the answer…what would Iran do with them?
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:32 pm
#347 Me too. Public speaking isn’t his strong suit.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:32 pm
Santorum is frothing.
Paul is in denial.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:33 pm
With the news cycle lately maybe Santorum should have left that “Great Satan” comment out.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:33 pm
Why is Paul so hung up on form? A little substance if you please, doctor.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:33 pm
Man, a lot of bans since last debate, tonight I different on here
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:33 pm
Newt can try to act nice again, but I’m not going to forget who he was a week ago. Hopefully no one else will either.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:34 pm
GGGOOONNNNNNNNNNNNG!
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:34 pm
*is
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:34 pm
342.
>>Now, I’m not saying Iranian nukes would be a good thing, or even an okay. but saying that Iran nukes will…. be….. used is stupid jingoism.
Perhaps you should tell that to Bebe Netanyah, He says it all the time.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:34 pm
Why does listening to Rick make me sleepy..
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:34 pm
Ignore the bad guys and they won’t want to fight you…. Hmmmmmm Gengus Kahn, Hitler, Stalin, Napoleon…. glad they ignored them so they wouldn’t take over any of their country….
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:34 pm
Santorum is showing that even when the spotlight is on him, he can’t win a debate.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:35 pm
Ron Paul is the only person up there who has served in the military and not simply as a politician. His views are very common among the active duty. Republicans ought to trend carefully on the jingoism.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:35 pm
Santorum is a hot head I don’t want him controlling our armed forces nor my tax dollars. There. I said it.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:36 pm
Ron Paul is just a tad bit anti-American. His sympathies lie overseas. He comes across that way.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:36 pm
I didn’t hear anything Santorum just said in the last minute.
Same for everyone else? Give me a +1 if so.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:36 pm
Rick isn’t a good debater, but he is sincere and that makes up for some of that. He has not had a good debate, but he didn’t lose any of his base. I don’t think he did much for independants though. It will be interesting to see how they come out of this.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:36 pm
361 Case there’s no use arguing with them. They’ll just point to some earlier event and claim we created Hitler, Stalin, and yes Gengus Kahn and Napoleon through our foreign policy.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:36 pm
we need a declaration of war first for sure
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:36 pm
Hey everyone my plane just landed, Update Please!
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:37 pm
cataclismic prolific proliferation
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:37 pm
Call me crazy, but I think Ron Paul talks some sense on foreign issues, not everything. But I am vehemently opposed to going to war with Iran.
I don’t think escalating that rhetoric is helpful, and we were able to take down the Soviet Union through covert means, without war.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:37 pm
Aspire. I am not arguing, I was just responding to Ron Paul’s answer. The most evil leaders benefited from people ignoring them.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:38 pm
Gingrich paused for applause, and his supporters weren’t on the ball.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:38 pm
370 – Mitt is giving em severe hell!!!
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:39 pm
370
Santorum lost big. Very defensive and weak.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:39 pm
373 You’re absolutely right on that issue.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:39 pm
http://i42.tinypic.com/33uzihk.jpg
This really needs to be captioned
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:39 pm
this second hour is very happy-go-lucky, no fighting, all agreeing…
I think the first hour really damaged Santorum. It’ll be interesting to see how Limbaugh, Hannity, Levin, et al defend this “true conservative” after his strong defense of Specter, earmarks, debt ceiling increases, etc. he came off as contradictory, easy to offend, hard to defend, etc.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:40 pm
i love paul
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:40 pm
Assad is the defender of Christians and other non-Muslims in Syria. When Mubarak was toppled hundreds of thousands of Egyptian Christians fled Egypt in terror. I’d rather we not make things tougher on Middle Eastern Christians.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:41 pm
Mitt gave a good answer on Syria, particularly regarding the Alawites. If we can get the Alawites to turn against Bashir al-Assad, then his regime would be toppled. They are the only ones inside Syria who are genuinely supporting the Assad dictatorship.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:41 pm
Santorum couldn’t have answered that question on NCLB any worse. LOL. “Sometimes you have to take one for the leader”
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:41 pm
Good, we’re getting to the domestic issues now.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:42 pm
sad santorum
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:42 pm
Is that the second or third time Santa has admitted voting for something that violated his principals?
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:42 pm
Against the principles i believed in? Uh, really bad statement…coming soon to a commercial near you. Oh and nice that Rick scolded the audience.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:42 pm
Wow, Santorum is just not a smart politician. Why is he using his time to explain how bad his decision was to vote for NCLB?
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:42 pm
please tell me santorum will fade
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:43 pm
Mom,
” I don’t know the answer…what would Iran do with them?”
Same thing as everyone else who developed nukes- leverage.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:43 pm
#382 Most Christians in Syria are backing Assad after seeing what happened in Tunisia and Egypt. Better a secular dictator who protects you than Muslim extremists who try to kill you.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:44 pm
387
Yes, a horrible answer. Almost as bad as Perry’s “heartless”
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:44 pm
#386 He;s trying to pre-empt the obvious hypcrisy label
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:45 pm
381. Strong argument. Sometimes Middle East conflicts aren’t what they appear to be.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:45 pm
390.
Matt-
>>Same thing as everyone else who developed nukes- leverage.
So you’re willing to bet that the most prolific state supporter of terrorism in the world would share every weapon in their stockpile with terrorists but not nuclear material? Not me.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:46 pm
390 – Matt, you’re a mom?
Lol, I take it was your wife, your kid was talking to.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:46 pm
It’s hard for Santorum to say he’s an outsider when he says “politics is a team sport” and he took one for the team on No Child Left Behind.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:46 pm
i didn’t like Gingrich’s answer. There should be standards, and there are proven methods for teaching.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:47 pm
Grades:
Romney A-
Newt A
Paul B
Santorum C-
Winner: Romney.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:47 pm
Watch,
I just read the end of the abortion thread. Thanks again.
As to rational actors and suicide bombers…….
Rarely do leaders rise to power in countries as dangerous as Iran without having some guile, cunning, and common sense. Such actors know the consequence of using nukes is a whole different thing than a loony with C4 strapped to his chest.
Are their people crazy enough to set off a nuke, knowing it would guarantee the annihilation of their country? Yes.
Are any of those people actually ruling a country that could get annihilated? No.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:47 pm
Thank you Ron Paul for pointing out how Santorum says he has to go along to get along.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:47 pm
If Newt Gingrich comes roaring back how long before Romney’s SuperPAC calls him a cross between Nancy Pelosi, Nosferatu, and Charlie Sheen?
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:48 pm
I understand that we need to reform our education system, but our school systems aren’t 3rd world for God’s sake. I went to both public and private schools and I had good classes and teachers and learned a lot in both. I know nuance doesn’t help you score a political point, but things are usually not as black and white as that.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:48 pm
jaaron,
No, I’m a dad. I was addressing “SixMom” by using the nickname, “Mom.”
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:48 pm
Romney – A-
Gingrich – B
Paul – C
Santorum – F
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:49 pm
“Better a secular dictator who protects you than Muslim extremists who try to kill you.”
An act of (understandable) self-interest, unfortunately. The problem is this: real democracy and freedom are as possible in the middle east as anywhere else. But the path to that almost certainly lies through leadership by Islamists. MassCon is quite right in asserting that civil institutions are critical for the survival of a democracy – the problem is that these things will never develop under a hereditary dictatorship.
So, we either accept short-term rule by islamists, and do our best to ensure that elections remain free, or we accept perpetual tyranny.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:49 pm
397 – that answer by Rick will kill his campaign…it’s what killed the republicans and created the Tea Party…WOW. He stepped in it, big time. I’m glad Paul hit him hard, though Mitt could’ve killed him by pointing out how much of an insider he was for that mentality. He can no longer claim he fought the establishment, he just admitted he WAS the establishment.
Goodbye, Rick. The spotlight melts when you’re made of wax.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:49 pm
No winners. I once supported Mitt b/c I thought he’d be great. I now support him b/c he’ll do the least damage in losing. What an epic fail for this party.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:50 pm
Romney D+
Gingrich B-
Paul XXX
Santorum D-
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:50 pm
Boomer,
“Perhaps you should tell that to Bebe Netanyah, He says it all the time.”
I used to, but we haven’t spoken since I smoked a better Turkey than him last Christmas.
He will never forgive me for that, and he doesn’t even celebrate Christmas.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:50 pm
So true…
guypbenson RT @philipaklein: Santorum said the word “courage” describes him, then said he voted against his principles to be a team player.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:50 pm
I wish Romney said the feds should get out of the education/child extortion racquet. He doesn’t draw fire prematurely though.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:51 pm
Two comments will hurt Sant: “Team sport” and “While I was saving the Olympics you were voting for the bridge to nowhere.” And oh yeah, No Child Left Behind.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:51 pm
“Paul XXX”
Lmao. you might not want to use “XXX”…that carries VERY DIFFERENT Connotations.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:51 pm
409.
Couldn’t agree more. And the worst news, IMO, is that Newt is no longer viable.
It’s just a lose all the way around.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:51 pm
405 – pundits I’m reading so far are giving it to Newt. He did well. I think he gets an A-. I give Mitt a B+ or A-. He should’ve killed Santorum for that horrendous answer on NCLB. I give Paul a B and Santorum a D-. He can get an F after the primaries.
So, Rick says he was courageous but toed the party line against his values and beliefs? Wow.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:51 pm
410.
Matt – Heh.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:51 pm
Newt reminds me of Sybil, you never know which Newt your going to get.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:51 pm
One poll for Paul – who cares?
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:53 pm
#418: Good one!
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:53 pm
Mitt pulls a play from Newt’s playbook there.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:54 pm
Romney – I don’t care what the question is I’m going to give you my stump speach, again.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:55 pm
It worked!
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:55 pm
#382:
The difference between Egypt and Tunisia and Syria is the nature of the dictatorship. The Tunisian and Egyptian dictatorships were not as universally brutal as the Assad regime. Essentially, Tunisia and Egypt both had one long-term opposition; the Islamists. When the dictatorships were toppled, the Islamists were the only game in town. That isn’t the case in Syria; there is no hard-line long-term Islamic opposition to the Assad regime. In fact, by co-opting Hezebollah, Assad has undermined some Islamist criticism of his regime.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:55 pm
This was interesting insight into what these guys think of themselves. Santorum has trouble expressing himself.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:55 pm
Rick said his negative comment against Mitt in such an inefficient manner. That is why Newt is so loved in debates, he knows how to say the zingers.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:55 pm
Santorum – Don’t vote for the guy that can raise money vote for me because I don’t have any money.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:55 pm
Considering gains, damage taken, and damage done, this is how I rank them for tonight.
Romney B+
Paul B
Gingrich B
Santorum C-
IMHO, Romney damaged Santorum pretty bad on 2 occasions, which is what put him to the top, and Santorum to the bottom. Gingrich said some things I really didn’t like, but I don’t think others will feel the same way.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:56 pm
#415, I wish we had someone running that was more pleasant and optimistic than a colonoscopy.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:56 pm
odd way to answer for romeny, didn’t like it, but overall a great debate.
bottom line: rick absolutely sucked tonight. no way to defend it otherwise. he may have flamed out faster than anyone else.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:56 pm
#421… But Romney doesn’t pull it off near as well as Newt does. That was a little awkward.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:56 pm
Romney’s a total nerd at heart, I love the guy, nerds make the world go round and we need one in the White House ASAP!!!
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:56 pm
Romney’s not coming off 3 defeats. Romney won Maine.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:56 pm
Do they even pay attention to the race?
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:57 pm
Jonathan,
I also have a hard time getting over the fact that every time a dictator falls in the name of “democracy,” Christians get shot up.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:57 pm
Mitt – B+
Newt – B
Paul – C+
Rick – C-
Nothing amazing, but solid out of Mitt and Newt
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:58 pm
#432: Nerds not nuts!!!!
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:58 pm
Ron Paul has personality, but his whole schtick is limited to two or three notes. He’d veto everything day one, bring the troops home, open the borders, legalize all vice….then what does he do for the remaining 4 years?
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:58 pm
CNN panel killing Santorum for his performance
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:58 pm
433
I know… that pissed me off.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:58 pm
Even Donna Brazile is saying Santorum did poorly and Romney did well.
I… never… thought… I’d… see… the… day
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:58 pm
#439: Santorum wasn’t very good.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:59 pm
Offer free healthcare from the East Wing.
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:59 pm
Mitt – A
Newt – B
Paul – C
Rick – D
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:59 pm
#432 Urkel for President!!!
You voted Obama last time right?
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:59 pm
Why didn’t Romney say the misconception is that I am not conservative. In 2008 I was endorsed and supported by ………………… as the conservative candidate. I am conservative. I governed conservatively and I have a conservative platform. Today I unveiled a supply side tax plan …..
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:00 pm
Does Santorum have any women in his campaign? I’m just wondering. Women are people too, dude.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:00 pm
441. That’s hard to believe. I can’t listen to her…
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:00 pm
Gloria Borger: “Rick, attack Romney with impunity”
Rick: “Okay”
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:00 pm
Amen 446.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:00 pm
My 9 year old just asked why Santorum gets to speak first….. nice opening to talk about the media and an Obama win.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:00 pm
Romney up to 79.9 to win MI. Santorum down to 16.1.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:00 pm
Since Hussein fell, somewhere between 1/3 and 2/3 of Chrisitans in Iraq (a sizable minority there) fled. Many of them went to Syria. I suspect many will be fleeing again. To where, I don’t know. I presume Lebanon.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:01 pm
National Review’s Rich Lowry, Jim Geraghty and Jonah Goldberg all say Santorum lost. If the conservative commentariat goes against Santorum, he’s in trouble.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:01 pm
Now they’re giving Sant a chance to do a re-debate–unchallenged.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:01 pm
445 ? We haven’t had a nerd in office since…..Thomas Jefferson.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:01 pm
#438 What did Calvin Coolidge do? Get out of the way and let the good times roll.
The twenties were like Mardi Gras and the Depression was like Lent.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:01 pm
Romney shined on the Syria. Newt was just nodding. It was substance, not rhetoric and everyone knew he meant it. That was THE moment. AZ and Mich will remain Romney country.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:01 pm
Rick is smart to be talking social issues right now… that’s his wheelhouse… he needs to distract from how bad he did in the debate.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:01 pm
Santorum’s an idiot. The issue is tying earmarks to other bills. Romney didn’t ask for the security and transportation for the Olympics to be tied to another bill. If that’s what congress did, then it’s their own fault.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:01 pm
SMACKDADDY GRADES:
Newt A
Mitt B
Rick C
Ron C
Newt did great.
Mitt did very good except for final answer..very odd…bad moment.
Rick was way to defensive. “Team Sport”..horrible moment.
Paul was Paul.
Overall good news for Mitt because Newt did so well.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:02 pm
I missed most of the debate but it sounds from all your comments that Mitt did well
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:02 pm
#453: I thought all the Iraqi Christians were living down the road from me.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:02 pm
446 – Have to agree with that comment I think it would have been much more affective than that “I’ve spent my life in the private sector” line again.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:02 pm
454. Wow…that is surprising that they would admit that.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:03 pm
#460: Exactly.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:03 pm
I don’t think Rick can keep himself from whining even in the post debate interview.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:03 pm
461 that’s fair. I had a rare moment where I was disappointed in Mitt’s answer. He should’ve agreed publicly that the feds should get out of the education scam they’re in. No matter.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:03 pm
Mitt definately wiffed on the final answer, but solid debate otherwise. He showed some emotion and passion in some of his answers which he is doing better now….
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:03 pm
418. I know which Newt you’re going to get. When he is not a front-runner, therefore not under attack, he will do well. When he is a front-runner, therefore under attack, he is angry.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:03 pm
Ron Paul has a good little ego there. I saw it poke through a bunch tonight. Ideologue.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:04 pm
Mitt is going to win Michigan and Arizona on Tuesday. Love it.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:04 pm
I think Romney’s answer was good. If he gets elected, there will be a huge change in the white house, something we have never seen before. Most people, even his own supporters, do not understand that. And that is why it is so hard for him to win this thing. Good change does not come easy.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:04 pm
Romney A-, the misconception question should have been knocked out of the park that he’s a career DC politician or that he isn’t conservative enough.
Gingrich B+
Paul C
Rick C-, couldn’t explain away his record as a career DC politician.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:04 pm
SMACK. You may be right about Newt doing the best. I don’t like some of his positions and everything he says is tainted for me because of his personal life, but do you really think Ron Paul did that bad?
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:04 pm
Holy crap. Every post debate question to Ric is ..HOw big of a lying lier is that Lier Mitt. and why does he lie so much.. Wow talk about in the tank.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:05 pm
Newt maintained his overly positive angle he has been trying to take. He had solid answers. I think he benefited from the debate and a few may awaken from their Rick stupor and move back his way.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:05 pm
Yep I liked that Romney said we needed to fundamentally change…..Washington D. C.!!! He knows where the real problem lies.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:06 pm
No doubt 474, Romney is the ONLY one up there that is NOT a career politician. Yet they project the opposite on him all the time. So fake.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:06 pm
476 – Exactly…such a narrative in play isn’t it?
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:07 pm
Mitt saying the biggest misconception about him not being a conservative would have been a mistake. It’s a highly subjective judgement, in practice, and would actually reinforce the notion by highlighting it.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:07 pm
Save a pretzel for the gas jets is in the spin room for Newt. I miss his stupidity.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:07 pm
I wish you all a penitential Ash Wednesday. Raise your hand if you’ve got a sooty forehead?
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:07 pm
“Significant win” for Romney against the poor performer Santorum.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:08 pm
481
Exactly. If Mitt actually answered the question, the entire focus of the media would be on proving that he really IS what he said he wasn’t. It’s pretty predictable. He was smart not to answer it.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:08 pm
I’ve got to say (as a Romney supporter), I don’t think this debate was as significant as CNN is trying to make it out to be, but I guess they want their debates to be considered important. Since they want their debate to be important they need to pick a winner between Romney and Santorum and play it up…and Santorum was poor.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:08 pm
#484: According to CNN. Newt might have helped himself.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:09 pm
Everyone on CNN said Romney did very well. I think I’m going to faint.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:09 pm
481. Agreed. He could have said the misconception about him being the establishment candidate is wrong and then go into his experience like he did. He whiffed on how to begin the final question.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:09 pm
Although Rick did poorly, the ABR crowd doesn’t have anywhere really to go, so he won’t lose much from this debate. Where he missed his chance though, was in picking up some of the undecideds. The people that are not ABR or pro-Romney. They are still looking and will now go towards Mitt or Newt.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:10 pm
aspire,
I don’t think you should pay any attention to my grades on Paul (or any of my grades…I drink too much during debates). My grading scale attenae goes out everytime Paukl speaks. If you want to give Paul an “A” I will no problem with that.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:10 pm
My grades:
Romney- A: He came out strong and knowledgeable. He was also relentless against Santorum. Really, attacking Romney as insufficiently conservative doesn’t hurt as much since the meme is that Romney isn’t that conservative anyways.
Gingrich- B: Professor Gingrich always plays much more effectively than Supervillian Newt. He probably secured the state of Georgia on Super Tuesday because of tonight.
Paul: He’s in a category all by himself, but his relentless attacks against Santorum certainly helped his friend Mitt.
Santorum- D: He was nervous, defensive and hit really hard on his voting record. He admitted at least twice that he made a mistake and defending supporting for Arlen Specter really hurt him. Overall, Santorum probably wishes tonight never happened.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:10 pm
#488 ERik Erickson was choking as he was forced to admit Romney did well
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:10 pm
This is how Romney should have answered the misconception question:
“The biggest misconception about me is that I can’t beat Obama…
…
…
Psyche! Everyone knows I’ll beat Obama.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:11 pm
481.
>>Mitt saying the biggest misconception about him not being a conservative would have been a mistake. It’s a highly subjective judgement, in practice, and would actually reinforce the notion by highlighting it.
I agree. It would have been really bad to end the debate by opening the topic himself. His answer wasn’t great but it didn’t hurt him.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:12 pm
#446, #461
Romney was smart not to answer the last question. As soon as you talk about “misconceptions about you”, people are left with the impression that the misconception is actually what defines you. He could’ve found a less abrasive way to answer John King, otherwise it was the right thing to do.
David Gergen on CNN just said Romney cleaned Santorum’s clock.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:13 pm
It was fun. This whole primary has been fun since it’s been so unpredictable. High entertainment value. Now, lets get to super Tuesday, get someone to take a big clear lead and turn this thing towards Obama. Good night all!
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:14 pm
491 This is the second debate I actually listened to Paul (after the first time I knew I didn’t have to again). Maybe Paul’s wearing me down, to where I accept a few crazy statements from him in every debate. I did like some of his early answers though.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:15 pm
Mitt as usual comes away as the most presidential. Newt, most professorial. Paul, most principled. Santorum, most nervous and defensive.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:15 pm
I’m not going to bother with letter grades because tonight was really about 2 candidates, Santorum and Romney. Whomever had the better night gets all the MO going into AZ and MI where they are the only candidates in contention.
Romney was the clear winner and it wasn’t even close.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:15 pm
Romney knocked Santorum hard in his argument about Obamacare as Romneycare with the Arlen Specter endorsement. Without Specter we wouldn’t have had Obamacare…OUCH! Santorum’s pivot to choosing Specter because of judges is wrong.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:15 pm
The Grand Rapids Press endorses Mitt: http://www.mlive.com/opinion/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2012/02/grand_rapids_editorial_mitt_ro.html
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:16 pm
What Santorum really wants is a debate with Romney where Romney doesn’t get to talk.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:18 pm
Rick’s gonna be on FOX in a few..Is it possible for a candidate to be overexposed, especially when all they do is whine and attack.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:18 pm
481- agreed. The question requires a defeatist answer. It sets up a soundbyte that sounds weak. I can see the headlines. “Romney: I’m human.” “Paul inissts that he really is electable.” “Santorum say hes not really angry.” “Gingrich: I’m not the Angry Bird Owl!”
Romney took the Gingrich media back hand and pimp slapped. Good for him.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:18 pm
Can anyone tell me if CNN will be replaying this debate tonight?
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:19 pm
#506:
It’ll be on again at 11:00 pm EST.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:19 pm
Romney A
Newt B
Paul B
Sanatorum C-
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:20 pm
Thanks Johnathan!
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:20 pm
506 yes an hour later.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:21 pm
My grades:
A+ CNN
A Barrack Obama
A- Newt
B+ Mitt
B- Ron
C Rick
C- Fox News
F – minus – negative below zero – minus – The United States of America
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:21 pm
Sorry, one more thought. She just mentioned on CNN that Rick said he is against contraception, but wouldn’t legislate against it. Sounds like a Mitt moment when he said I am personally against abortion but won’t change legislation in Massachusetts.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:21 pm
CNN replayed BOTH clips where Romney really damages Santorum. I think we have a narrative coming out of this debate.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:21 pm
Here’s a little media bias: Yahoo’s headline for the debate:
“The candidate (Romney) targets Rick Santorum in an aggressive bid to retain his flimsy status as the frontrunner”.
The only word they left out was “pathetic” before “frontrunner”.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:22 pm
It will be interesting to see what happens to the polls. I have no doubt that Santorum will go down a bit (we will see how much), but the question will be whether those voters go to Mitt, or actually go back to Newt…If it is the latter, this could actually result in an even stronger liklihood of a brokered convention.
Specifically, in order to get a brokered convention, each candidate needs to get 100+ votes on Super Tuesday. Newt definitely solidified GA tonight…If he can get TN, that would enable a true split of the delegates, and would put the race into uncertainty…We will see…
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:22 pm
I was too chicken to watch tonight. This roller coaster of a campaign is killing me. I am way too emotionally invested in Mitt. Having said that, it looks like he did well tonight, so I am proud of Mitt for fighting.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:22 pm
Someone stick a fork in Santorum! He’s done!!! ROMNEY IS THE MAN!!!!!!!!!!
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:23 pm
How can CNN say this HHS thing has morphed from being an Anti-Catholic thing to a reproductive rights thing? There hasn’t been a Sunday since this happened that there isn’t a condemnation of this crap at Mass. The media may think that there has been a “compromise” but the Catholic Church sure as hell isn’t accepting this “compromise”.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:24 pm
CVG, you’re whistling past the graveyard
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:24 pm
Rating: Performance/ Substance
Romney B+/A+
Gingrich A/C
Paul C/C+ (foreign policy tanks him)
Santorum D/C
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:27 pm
Might have been Newt’s final debate.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:28 pm
EGS,
” Raise your hand if you’ve got a sooty forehead?”
Here! Except not now. I usually wipe it off when I’m home for the evening, in case I forget or fall asleep first.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:28 pm
According to CNN it’s Romney’s to lose is so little words…
CNN is alking about different candidates coming up and getting in the “hot middle seat”. There has only been one other sitting in the other “hot middle seat” and that has been Mitt Romney from the very beginning. It’s not easy going against Romney and they’re now seeing it. He is eating them up and spitting them out. How many people has Romney had to battle now?
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:28 pm
“Santorum D/C”
How Ironic
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:29 pm
524
Lol.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:29 pm
“” Raise your hand if you’ve got a sooty forehead?””
ME! ME! ME! PICK ME!
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:30 pm
So I’m just getting home you guys, what are all of the talking heads saying about who won and who lost? Was Romney’s performance really that great? Can’t wait to watch the replay!
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:31 pm
“Might have been Newt’s final debate.”
um………
and Romney’s
and Santorum’s
and Paul’s
…there isn’t another one scheduled, is there?
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:32 pm
527 – Romney should be titled the king of debates considering how many people come to the top that get swatted back down…even and especially Gingrich.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:33 pm
#528:
We can only hope. 10 debates is too many, much less the 20 we’ve had to deal with.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:33 pm
ConGlad,
This whole primary has always been Mitt’s too lose, ever since the heavyweights all passed. He’s the heir apparent, and most of his competitors, are/were grating, incompetent, or insane.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:34 pm
Romney should now ask for one in each state right before they vote. It will save him a lot of money.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:35 pm
Grades:
Williard: A- -The last question was average. His education answer was kind of eh to me. Mitt bringing up Santo’s 08 endorsement and Syria were great.
Newt: B+ -Newt did well, not in centerstage. His immigration answer was great.
Ron Paul: C+ -Usual funny demeanor was good. Struggled as usual on foreign policy.
Santorum: D – Seemed nervous, flailing attacks hoping one would land. Arlen Spector was terrible for him. He really missed a golden opportunity to establish himself at the top. Did not like how he dodged the steel industry bailout charge of Mitt.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:35 pm
I liked Trump’s take: Romney won the debate and Santorum missed a golden opportunity to get back in the game. Romney did extremely well, while many of Santorum’s warts were exposed. Meanwhile, Gingrich and Paul were essentially relegated to the sidelines, as in thanks for playing.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:35 pm
anyone seen Drudge? lol!
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:36 pm
That hasn’t been the narrative about him in the debates. He’s just somehow been there. Gingrich is the one that’s been titled the master debater (hehe) and all I’m saying is that I think it’s time to call Romney the king of debates.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:38 pm
I don’t think Santorum did what he needed tonight to win Michigan. The momentum, and early voting weren’t on his side, and now he compounded his problems with a debate loss. He took two serious hits. Right now I’d give Romney a 70-75% chance of winning Michigan.
Romney shot up on Intrade for Michigan during the debate. He’s at 81.2% there now.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:39 pm
528. Yeah, but Newt needs debates like nobody else, and he isn’t going to get them.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:39 pm
I am seeing a lot of clips where Santorum says the word “earmark”. That can’t be good for him.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:39 pm
535 – Yes that’s what I’m talking about!
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:39 pm
Dave,
“I liked Trump’s take”
You’ve got to understand- even if Trump uttered the greatest profundity since the passing of Mark Twain- that’s no way to start a comment you want people to take seriously.
Attribute the quote to Justin Bieber, or Lady Gaga, or someone else people respect.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:39 pm
My grades would be:
Romney A-
Gingrich B
Santorum C-
Paul D
I like Paul better than Santorum or Gingrich, but he was even more rambling than usual tonight. He didn’t look like a leader. Santorum was a little less so, but far from satisfactory. Gingrich looked like he knew he wasn’t a player.
Romney was the real deal.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:40 pm
Newt could indeed rise again. Santorum is a weak candidate, but there needs to be a conservative alternative to Mitt…I think Newt will make a resurgence, but in the end Mitt will probably win this thing.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:41 pm
Erik Erickson has small man syndrome. His look is just annoying.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:42 pm
Romney walked right over to Ron Paul to shake his hand when the debate was over
As a Mitt supporter i like Ron Paul for the job he did tonight. The way he took
Rick apart on the planned parenthood was great. Rick looked completely out of
his league. I also noticed later in the debate how Rick kind of hid his face
when on the women in combat issue he said I agree with what Mitt and Newt said
about women should be allowed in combat. Then once again tried to explain away
why he had attacked the idea of women in combat.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:42 pm
Teledude…Newt again? Serious?
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:42 pm
Telly,
Newt’s negatives are sky high again- which is really his equilibrium- so I don’t think he’ll be making any kind of recovery.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:42 pm
There needs to be a Conservative alternative to Mitt? Why not the most Conservative candidate out there? Mitt Romney.
In any case, here is a post from Romney’s FB page. I thought it was interesting: [q]I had not realized until tonight that in essence Arlen Specter was the deciding vote for Obama Care and that Rick Santorum supported him, I have some thinking to do now![/q]
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:43 pm
Matt,
I’ve never been much of a Trump fan, but he was right on target tonight in his analysis. He wasn’t mocking toward the others….he thought everyone did at least reasonably well. But he was insistent that Santorum didn’t do what he had to do, and that Gingrich and Paul didn’t look like contenders.
He also thought Mitt was on his game….in every respect.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:44 pm
Teledude…CNN pundits are agreeing with you again. And Erik Erickson is a douchebag.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:44 pm
543 Newt will still do well in the South. Right now… well as of this morning, Santorum was surging, but that’s about to end, and Gingrich will lead in many Southern states again soon.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:44 pm
528
There is supposed to be a debate on march 19th in oregon on PBS sponsored by the washington times. This is the last scheduled debate and the media says romney hasn’t committed to it yet but reading more it seems like a lot of the candidates haven’t committed to it yet.
It would be weird timing as Oregon’s primary isn’t until may I believe and march 19th is the day before the illinios primary. Originally Romney was planning on giving a general election speech in chicago on march 20th the day day of the primary targeting obama but with him fighting for his life in michigan I read that was put on hold at least for this week. Romney had last year tweaked obama with the pizza delivery in chicago. I don’t see santorum or paul wanting to have this debate either so my guess is it will probably be cancelled. PBS is selling the idea of reaching more voters by public broadcasting for a reason to have the debate.
I guess there might be more pressure for another debate if it comes down to just romney, santorum or paul but this might be the end.
Remember in 08 the dems only had a debate in Pennsylvania I believe after march so there isn’t much precedent to have these late debates.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:45 pm
(oops, silly bbcode vs html)
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:45 pm
I think everyone in the republican party is more liked than newt. Bad newt killed both newts.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:47 pm
I hadn’t seen Drudge, but the comments have it right.
Fabulous!
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:47 pm
Newt will not rise again. Where would he do it? How?
He’s barely ahead in Georgia of all places. And there’s reason to believe that’s the only state where he’s ahead. There are no more debates until Super Tuesday. There are no contests he could win before Super Tuesday. So there will be no real momentum.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:47 pm
So who did everyone at CNN think won the debate tonight?
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:47 pm
548 The irony is that by getting elected Governor, and helping Brown get elected, Romney nearly stopped Obamacare. Mass democrats had to chance the law (again) to shamefully defy the voters of Mass to get Obamacare passed.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:48 pm
Erik Erickson on this CNN panel is a BIG looking douche.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:48 pm
According to Erickson, Romney needs to win every state he previously won by more than he previously did, plus extra states otherwise he’s weak.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:49 pm
557 I’d say they thought Romney won, but mostly they just thought Santorum lost.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:50 pm
558 – Romney fought for Brown to get in and stop Obamacare and Santorum fought for Specter to stay in and he voted for Obamacare…OUCH!
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:51 pm
Erickson moving the goalposts on Michigan. Now Mitt has to match or exceed his ’08 vote total in order to be truly credited with a win. That tells you how badly this debate was for Santorum. And I didn’t even watch. ABRs are truly desperate. Every time Mitt comes out on top. There was a reason Santorum was the last ABR. We went from Mike Huckabee to crazy eyes Michelle to the Texas governor to the pizza man, to the recycled speaker to a backbencher and part-time talk radio host.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:51 pm
eric erickson: If Romney seems to be doing well, don’t be fooled, my capacity to move the goalposts is greater than his ability to run fast.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:52 pm
#556:
If Romney wins both Arizona and Michigan, I think he needs to make a play for Tennessee. It’s not an ultra-hard right Southern state; both Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker are pretty moderate and so is Governor Haslam. It’s not a terribly expensive state to play in, so dumping some money and doing some campaigning could win Tennessee for Romney.
Winning 2 out of 3 Southern states would be a huge win for Romney; at that point he would’ve won more Southern states than any other candidate in the race.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:52 pm
563 Forget that Romney lost Arizona 4 years ago. Who cares that Romney’s picking up a winner-take-all state. If Romney doesn’t win Michigan by more than 4 years ago…blah…blah…blah.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:52 pm
Asparagus, bring them ALL on. I’m confident in Romney’s ability to swat them all down.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:53 pm
And to what end? What is the point? He needs to pick a side and stick with it. You can’t be a Republican and go on TV and bash all your candidates for no reason.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:53 pm
On intrade Romney went up by about 15% and Santorum went down by about 12% today. I think it’s fair to say Santorum lost. I think Romney’s going to win both Arizona and Michigan.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:54 pm
#557 Florida,
The winners were Mitt and Newt
The loser was Santorum
Nothing gained, nothing lost goes to Paul
If Newt picks off some of Santorum’s support, that helps Romney so Newt having a good night (or a Good Newt night)is exactly what Romney needed.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:55 pm
Masscon…Palin and Rush and the like will move the goalposts again and we’ll be heading back to Newt. Gingrich conservatives should start stretching. The ABR’s are calling your number.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:55 pm
To quote the Democratic CNN lady
“Welcome to the big leagues Rick”
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:58 pm
The endorsement by the Grand Rapids Press, added to The Detroit News, and the papers in Oakland and Kalamazoo will really help Mitt in the state….and the first and last of these are in areas less hospitable to Mitt than the other 2….so they should get more credit.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:58 pm
Intrade to win the nomination:
Romney – 79.2%
Santorum – 6.0%
Gingrich – 4.7%
Paul – 3.0%
Christie – 1.2% (zero equivalent)
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:00 pm
Santorum dropped 7.3% today on Intrade to win the nomination. He’s at less than half what he was yesterday. The race will go on, but I think we all know how it’s going to end.
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:01 pm
I liked Carville’s characterization of Santorum tonight. He said he is the “Ninth choice” of the anti-Romney crowd. I think Santorum is actually their fourth choice but the point is still valid, the anti-Romney crowd has gotten behind several other people before now. Santorum has been on that stage the whole time and only now when everyone else has imploded have they been forced to settle for Rick.
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:01 pm
How much early voting was there in Michigan ?
Here in Arizona over 40% of Republicans have
already cast a vote.
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:03 pm
It was funny when Greta tried to assert that Santorum was ahead in Michigan and Trump had to inform her that we now have polls where Mitt is beating Santorum there, and moving up.
She couldn’t say anything.
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:05 pm
#578 Dave,
And that’s how Trump helps Mitt. He is always on Fox and he can call them out on their bias. I like how lately they only cite the polls where Santorum is ahead. They seem to somehow miss the ones that show Mitt ahead.
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:05 pm
aspire,
“According to Erickson, Romney needs to win every state he previously won by more than he previously did”
Well……. there’s some logic to that, considering Mitt didn’t get the nomination last time.
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:05 pm
#576: Let’s count ‘em: Trump, Pawlenty, Bachmann, Perry, Cain, (Christie), Newt, Santorum. We can’t count Paul–or Romney himself.
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:07 pm
The problem with these career DC politicians is that they have nothing to back up their claims other than grading here and there. They get caught up in the process and doing deals here and working for the team there. There is no gravitas behind that kind of a job. You are part of a larger group and taking credit for something that is largely done as a group, even if you are chosen as the leader does not work unless you were 1) effective and 2) consistent and neither Gingrich or Santorum are such. Another factor is that Washington DC is no better off than it was when they were there for 70+ years combined (with Paul).
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:08 pm
State of the race in Michigan:
Virtual tie in polls.
+ Romney leads by a large margin in early voting
+ Romney has momentum in Michigan
+ Romney just won this debate, and Santorum lost
+ The news cycle won’t be kind to Santorum
+ Romney just released a new tax plan
+ Romney has the money advantage in Michigan
I think Romney’s going to take Michigan by 4-10%. I think Romney will get the states he’s expected to get on Super Tuesday, and steal one or two more. After that, the distance between him and #2 will slowly get bigger until he puts it away.
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:09 pm
577
Michigan doesn’t have early voting but they do absentee voting, which should favor Romney heavily, just not sure how much of a percentage of the vote those voters represent
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:10 pm
580 Yet he got more votes that time than he had ever before. He lost last time because he didn’t get the most delegates. This time he is getting the most delegates – that’s what it’s about.
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:11 pm
KG
You forgot Huntsmen
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:12 pm
Santorum is doing really well for being a blowhard big-government type. The question is, is Ron Paul ready to be the next ABR?
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:12 pm
What debate was this dude watching?
http://www.forbes.com/sites/tjwalker/2012/02/22/who-won-the-arizona-republican-presidential-debate-on-cnn/
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:12 pm
The Fat Lady just walked on stage in Michigan.
Romney is going to win by double digits.
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:13 pm
Don’t talk about Donna like that.
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:14 pm
Thanks Aspire and Florida Conservative
Didn’t realize no early voting in MIchigan.
Here is Arizona about half the people vote early.
I go election day to the polls always and usually
only 2 or 3 people are there.
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:14 pm
588 LOL, did he write that before the debate?
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:15 pm
#586: What? The unforgettable Huntsman? How did THAT happen?
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:15 pm
Rick Santorum took down his web page defending his No Child Left Behind vote. So much for “courage.”
http://www.therightsphere.com/2012/02/santorum-campaign-removes-web-page-defending-no-child-left-behind/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:15 pm
#581 KG,
I was only counting Bachmann, Perry, Cain, and Gingrich. I didn’t count Trump since he was never in the race although he did lead in the polls for a while nor did I count Pawlenty. He was essentially out before it started and never lead in the polls as I recall.
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:16 pm
591 Sorry, I meant “absentee votes”. There was a poll that showed Romney leading by a large margin among absentee voters.
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:17 pm
So what do you guys think will be the final vote in Michigan?
I think at best Romney will win by 5 points, but how knows after tonight and many polls that are coming out all are within the margin of error
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:17 pm
aspire.
“Yet he got more votes that time than he had ever before.”
He never ran for President before.
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:18 pm
588 That was like some extremely low budget 700 Club guy. He made no sense at all.
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:18 pm
594 They must have taken that page down after or during the debate. It’s just too much of a coincidence.
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:18 pm
aspire,
Anyway, I’m not going to argue the point that Mitt needs to do better than his last losing effort.
I think that’s kind of obvious, don’t you?
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:19 pm
Let’s face it people. There is a sizable portion of the GOP electorate that has looked at Mitt and decided – no thanks.
I don’t think Santorum is a sustainable candidate. He was just the last notRomney standing. I don’t think he will survive the upcoming “vetting.”
But I also do not think those supporters will move to Romney…where will they go?
It is my contention they might move back (home) to Newt.
The night of the Living Newt might rise again.
if you know what I mean
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:19 pm
598 More than zero. How did you not get that? Next time I’ll use a
.
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:20 pm
Last losing effort? Romney is the only guy that can afford to lose stuff anymore. The others have all burned through their get out of jail free cards.
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:21 pm
They. Have. To. Win. Something.
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:21 pm
This thing was over after Florida. That’s been my thinking.
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:21 pm
#595: Ci: You’re right. But look at the heads on the masthead here: TEN! But no Pawtlenty: Christie and Palin. Crazy primary. I keep thinking if Mitt can just get past this one more hurdle, he’ll have it. But alas……….
He really made Santorum look bad tonight (with some help from Paul and Santorum himself). I guess we’ll see if it matters that much now that Sant, however many there were before him, appears to be the last of the line up.
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:21 pm
EVEN if Palin gets in.
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:22 pm
teledude.. You could be right about Newt picking up some votes and not wanting to go to Romney, but most women still think Newt is disgusting.(except in SC)
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:22 pm
#602 Tele,
Palin isn’t working anymore. If they are looking for an alternative, she fits the bill perfectly.
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:23 pm
That 2 delegates for each of the 14 congressional districts won
Plus 2 delegates for statewide totals split between those
over20% statewide means the delegates could go more to the
loser then the winner in Michigan.
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:23 pm
I mean, it ain’t over ’til it’s over, but this has been over. At least since Florida. Romney is the one dude in America with a work ethic, some skills, and can count fingers and toes and that is willing to run for the presidency, balance his campaign spreadsheets with NO debt….I don’t know why he does it but there has BEEN nobody else. And we’ve had plenty of time to scrutinize and squint at them, airbrush over some warts, and realize………………it’s over.
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:25 pm
newt might do well on super tuesday but he would do better finding a university to let him teach a class and leave the scene… As for the non roms, they will move on to finding a vice president pick for romney.
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:25 pm
Newt Gingrich is very lowgrade in his personal life. I would vote Santorum over Gingrich. Problem with Santorum is he has no executive experience, and he rambles. He’s got too many small kids that seriously need him. He needs to mature a little bit, too.
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:26 pm
aspire,
“More than zero. How did you not get that? Next time I’ll use a
”
It’s Ash Wednesday. I’m a little low on calories today.
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:26 pm
601 Romney is doing better – he’s winning. I know you know he’s winning, and that he’s won states he didn’t win before. The idea that this race has to be a carbon copy of 4 years ago, except Romney improving in every state is a completely manufactured idea. As soon as somebody passes Romney in delegate count then we can talk. Romney’s lead in delegates from day one, and will lead every day until he gets the nomination.
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:26 pm
594
I guess Rick Santorum’s web page is ‘taking one for the team’ sinking his NCLB support down the memory hole.
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:28 pm
615 I’m not doing great today either. Yesterday was stressful for me, so I’m really unfocused today.
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:28 pm
There is no one else. And shine a flashlight behind Ron Paul and he’s got so many holes it looks like a famous Van Gogh. This has all been formality, as patches of America and the media work out their demons. But there is no meaningful choice at this point, and I’m good with that. Because Romney is the cleanest, most skilled, disciplined, competent candidate we’ve had for YEARS. He is going to get the American Motors fired up and producing once again. He is going to cut waste and fraud, streamline, and drive out corruption because he’s Mr. Clean. Let it happen, let it happen this year.
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:29 pm
I don’t like the idea of delegates getting allocated by Congressional district. There are many districts in the country where Republicans only get 10-15k votes, and are 90% Democrat. There are others where we get over 150k votes, and are 70% Republican, and both districts get the same representation at the convention?
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:29 pm
It’s been Romney pretty much from day one. I don’t mind the formalities, they are tradition. But there is no one else.
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:31 pm
Could Santorum blow his huge edge in Ohio?
That looked like Mitts worst state for Super Tuesday.
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:31 pm
620
I don’t like the process, no matter what it is, so there’s that.
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:32 pm
This poll was released today but it polled from Saturday thru Tuesday and many respondents still say they could change their minds, but Romney is within the margin of error in this poll as well frm Michigan.
http://www.freep.com/article/20120222/NEWS15/120222050/Santorum-clings-37-34-lead-over-Romney-Michigan-Free-Press-WXYZ-poll-shows
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:33 pm
Matt
I agree. In a election some guy could get 30% of the vote
while another got 70% and still get more delegates if they
carried the rural and heavy democratic congressional districts.
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:33 pm
That my friends, is what we call ‘rick rolled’.
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:34 pm
aspire,
Mitt’s still the favorite, thanks to a pathetically weak field. As for whether he’s doing better than ’08? It’s a mixed bag. As I recall….
He was marginally better in Iowa and South Carolina. He was much better in New Hampshire and Florida. About the same in Nevada. He was much worse in Colorado, Minnesota, Missouri, and Maine. He’s poised to do worse in Michigan, and in Arizona, considering he’s not going up against a favorite son there.
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:35 pm
619 I really think Romney will be the first president to actually make government more efficient (like he did to some degree in Mass which nobody ever hears about). I think he’ll be the first president in a long time to make our market more competitive. Lowering spending and taxes is great, but it’s not the answer to everything.
If I got to host a debate (never happen). I’d want to ask involved and specific questions about regulations and the economy, and I wouldn’t mind giving the campaigns the questions first. They wouldn’t be the kind of questions you can answer with, “lowering taxes”, or “deregulation”.
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:36 pm
My impression is that Mitt’s the only one who prepares for debates. The others just wing it. It works OK for Paul and Newt because whatever they say, people kind of go for it because of the way it’s said and we expect both of them to be out there. Plus no one attacked either of them.
Santorum really, really, really needed to prepare–and he didn’t.
One more ABR not ready for the center ring.
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:37 pm
If you’re playing the delegate game, you’d be better off finding 1000 votes in some 90% Democrat district in Detroit, than chasing the same number of delegates, but needing 30x the votes to get them, in some heavily Republican district.
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:39 pm
aspire,
I thought Rick Warren did a great job with an unconventional format last time. He asked McCain and Obama more philosophical, first principles sorts of questions, that weren’t readily answered with canned responses.
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:41 pm
Oh, c’mon now, KG. Even a homer like yourself has to admit that in the 40 or 50 debates Mitt’s done, he’s thrown in a clunker or three.
I could show you the YouTube if you’d like…..
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:47 pm
#632: Did I say he’s never thrown a clunker? Of course he has. It’s my impression he prepares; it’s my impression the others just wing it. Are you disagreeing?
Newt always says he doesn’t prepare: He talks to his grandchildren and takes a nap. He has all this stuff in his head. Same with Paul. Do you think Paul sits down and plans what he’s going to say?
Do you believe Santorum had prepared for what would be coming his way tonight? Didn’t look like it to me.
If you go back, I believe Bachmann and Huntsman prepared.
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:57 pm
627 IMHO, you need to look at this as a completely new race. At the beginning of the race I thought Romney would win Colorado & Minnesota due to his organization there. Turns out it wasn’t about organization, it was about who shows up to caucuses in those states. 4 years ago they picked Romney because they viewed him as the conservative alternative. This time around they saw Santorum as the conservative alternative.
Here’s how I break the race down:
Each has their own region where they’re strong – I’m not an expert on that, but Romney probably will dominate in the NE & West, Gingrich in the South, and Santorum in the central states (Midwest).
However, Romney will also have the advantage in the larger primary states, and Santorum (as of now) in the caucus states.
Any state that has a very high number of politically active evangelicals will be tough for Romney, and any state that has a relatively large LDS population will be easier (not because of LDS votes, so much as tolerance because people have LDS friends).
Romney showing he can still win Michigan, and can still win Maine (a caucus state) shows me the avenue for Santorum to win is getting smaller and smaller.
I can’t picture Santorum winning Texas, California, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Michigan, Massachusetts or Virginia for example.
The biggest states I think he’ll win are Pennsylvania, maybe Ohio, maybe Indiana.
I think he needed a game-changer to solidify the momentum he had, and he’s not going to get it. He also needed to clean up in the smaller, and caucus states, and I’m not so sure that’s going to happen either. He sure didn’t handle the spotlight very well. IMHO, the race is shaping up nicely for Romney despite the fact that this is going to be a longer race (4 years ago Super Tuesday was crazy), and Santorum’s surprise caucus wins (which shouldn’t have been a surprise at all).
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:59 pm
631 It’s been a while, but I’d have to agree. However I thought I remembered being disappointed that he didn’t ask more follow-up questions. BTW, remember Obama’s horrible “pay grade” answer?
February 22nd, 2012 at 11:04 pm
Santorum just does not have the character of a statesman or executive. He can never concede cordially or accept that he has been bested, while prepping for the next battle. Always an excuse. He has too many hills he is willing to die on, and that was proven tonight. He is a poor sport in the minor league. I heard someone mention immature. I thnk that is true, as well.
He gives great rousing speeches (many of which I agree), but he has been shadowboxing for the big fight and does not take his punches well. This is the first debate where Romney “Mitt Slapped” him. Once Gingrich fell, there was no reason to let him drone on. He had it coming. TKO.
February 22nd, 2012 at 11:07 pm
633 Poor Bachmann, of course she prepared, did you ever notice how she always had something she was trying to make into a saying? Remember “Newt Romney”? It was hard for me to watch because it was so obviously contrived, that it didn’t catch on. I think (and I know this is going to sound horrible) she’s too used to talking to children. I swear that’s not a real criticism. I think she has strong family values, and loves children, but it made her to predictable and obvious.
I watched that Youtube where that kid tells her that his mommy’s gay and doesn’t need fixing, and I wondered who else would practically lay on a table to listen to the whispers of a child. I thought that was impressive, but watching her try to sell a new line during a debate was painful.
February 22nd, 2012 at 11:11 pm
#637: Yup, I totally agree. And it didn’t work for Huntsman either. Looking back to 2008, I think the candidates were better, more natural debaters. Huck was great; Fred Thompson got in some good things; Rudy wasn’t bad; Mac and Mitt. Pretty good.
February 22nd, 2012 at 11:11 pm
Rick’s team said in the spin room that Mitt offered Ron Paul the VP or cabinet position to get their truce.
Totally floundering and now obstinate whining from Team Rick.
February 22nd, 2012 at 11:13 pm
Paul did, indeed, help keep Santorum off balance. When he wanted to focus in on Newt or Romney, there he he is liek a “Mr. Burns eccentric brother” coming out of the bushes to poke Rick in the side with a stick repeatedly. Mitt was taking him anyway, but Ol’ Rick got punked by Mitt and bush whacked by Paul.
February 22nd, 2012 at 11:14 pm
I would grade the debate
1st – Gingrich B+
2nd – Paul B
3rd – Mitt B
4th – Santorum B-
there no memorable moments, and it will be quickly forgotten. Nobody probably gained anything from this honestly. Whatever trends were happening before this will continue.
February 22nd, 2012 at 11:18 pm
639- LOL! Always some excuse. He is done. All the defending he will have to do in the next week will drain time and money. He redefined his own narrative – “I will defend everything I have said.” Go ahead, but how did that work out for ya tonight?
February 22nd, 2012 at 11:22 pm
Killjoy,
CBS calls Mitt a winner and Newt a winner and Rick a loser.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-57383304-503544/gop-presidential-debate-winners-and-losers/
February 22nd, 2012 at 11:23 pm
641:
Pretty wishful thinking, all the “professional graders” had Santorum losing to Romney by a grade or grade+ at least.
February 22nd, 2012 at 11:29 pm
MWS (620):“I don’t like the idea of delegates getting allocated by Congressional district. There are many districts in the country where Republicans only get 10-15k votes, and are 90% Democrat. There are others where we get over 150k votes, and are 70% Republican, and both districts get the same representation at the convention?”
I don’t like that either. But, oh my, how wonderful it would be if that were the worst thing about our nominating process!
February 22nd, 2012 at 11:29 pm
Come on; there are enough sound bites for anti-Sant ads to last for the next 10 years.
February 22nd, 2012 at 11:31 pm
#615 I have a lot of respect for the idea behind Ash Wednesday.
February 22nd, 2012 at 11:51 pm
I have to wonder if Newt wouldn’t be doing worlds better by now if he had behaved as well as he did tonight. But then again, it’s better to know what his true colors are.
#2 No matter how you slice it, Santorum’s mannerisms are really hard to stomach for long. I had to stop watching when he spoke after a while.
#3 I really like Paul. Not as a POTUS, but as a messenger. That one line, “Because he is fake” was priceless. We’ll all remember that line next week.
I didn’t know about the 9-0 Supreme Court decision. Made me angry when I heard the story. One thing we haven’t talked about much, Romney keenly knows law. He is a lawyer. Which is really handy with all the messed up red tape in Washington DC.
I’m very happy because it’s Romney’s now. Good night now.
February 22nd, 2012 at 11:58 pm
I just listened to Mitt’s new stump speech in Chandler, AZ today just now. More solid stuff about the economy, taxes. NOTHING about any competitor but Obama. Just vote for him, people. He proved tonight: Head and shoulders above the others.
Like Dennis Miller said to O’Reilly: Mitt is a good man and he will make a good president. Duh!
February 23rd, 2012 at 12:15 am
KG
Romney was great in Chandler !!
February 23rd, 2012 at 12:44 am
For the silly folks who claim a “large” number wont’ vote for Mitt…that number is about 5% in the last poll I saw… and that is probably high, during the heat of the campaign.
Mitt exposed Santorum for the fake conservative that he is… and Newt was exposed in Florida.
This was an amazing take down and I don’t see how Santorum ever runs for anything again. He said politics is a team sport… pretty much he makes under the table deals against his principles, he flip flopped on at least two major things… in front of everyone… and he lied.
So this was a good night for America. Mitt is our only chance to get this country back on track.
Thank Heavens this is nearly over.
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:40 am
Paul hates Rick. Thinks he is a nasty person. Difficult to work with. Its personal. He thinks Newt is digusting. Likes Mitt on a personal level.
February 23rd, 2012 at 2:08 pm
652. Also Rick is avowedly anti Libertarian ‘and works to fight it.’ Shows he is a conservative statist. Not a winning combo for the TP:)