I was reading yesterday's New York Times and came across some interesting articles:
From Canditate to Corporate Lawyer: Rudy Giuliani is no longer a candidate for the presidency, having dropped out two weeks ago. But at least he has a law firm bearing his name to return to.
That would be Bracewell & Giuliani. Giuliani made $1.2 million from the company, that was $1 million base salary and 7.5% of the profits of the New York office. (Wow, that's kind of a nice salary.)
I thought this one was kind of funny since Huckabee was zinging Romney on the Caymans.
Huckabee Offshore's His Speeches: The reporters following Mr. Huckabee asked him if this might present a conflict for him, to be picking up some cash in a place that he criticizes.“OK, first of all let’s get something straight: I’m not gonna be taking money and parking it in the Cayman Islands,” ABC News reported, describing his tone as “a little combative.” “I’m gonna get enough money to come back and pay about 40 percent in taxes on what I earned. There’s a big difference.”Mr. Huckabee said he has to give speeches to earn money and “make sure I can make my mortgage payments, just like everybody else has to do.”He also noted: “I’m the only person who doesn’t get paid by the taxpayers to campaign. Senator Obama, Senator Clinton, Senator McCain, they campaign every day and I’m paying for their campaigns. I’m paying because I’m a taxpayer, and I have to pay for their Senate salaries even if they are not on duty.” (Compared to Giuliani's salary Huckabee's got to bring in dough some how.)
This next article is titled Fresh Start Conservatism by David Brooks and encourages Republicans to gather around the "spirit of reforms". A brief highlight is:
1. Policies that foster two-parent families.
2. Policies for early-childhood education.
3. Policies to loosen the grip of the teachers' unions.
4. Encourage national service for 20 somethings and prepare and emotionally engage future college students.
5. Policies encouraging worker security like portable health insurance and retraining accounts.
Republicans believe positive government can help prepare people for the rigors of competition, so they can have an open field and fair chance.
The article in its entirety is below.
Fresh Start Conservatism
By DAVID BROOKS
Published: February 15, 2008
In the 19th century, industrialization swept the world. Many European nations expanded their welfare states but kept their education systems exclusive. The U.S. tried the opposite approach. American leaders expanded education and created the highest quality work force on the planet.
That quality work force was the single biggest reason the U.S. emerged as the economic superpower of the 20th century. Generation after generation, American workers were better educated, more industrious and more innovative than the ones that came before.
That progress stopped about 30 years ago. The percentage of young Americans completing college has been stagnant for a generation. As well-educated boomers retire over the next decades, the quality of the American work force is likely to decline. Mitt Romney captured the consequences in his withdrawal statement: “I am convinced that unless America changes course, we will become the France of the 21st century — still a great nation, but no longer the leader of the world.”
Americans feel the slippage every day.
If I were advising the Republican nominee, this is one of the places I’d ask him to plant his flag. I’d ask him to call for a new human capital revolution, so that the U.S. could recapture the spirit of reforms like the Morrill Act of the 19th century, the high school movement of the early 20th century and the G.I. Bill after World War II.
Doing that would mean taking on the populists of the left and right, the ones who imagine the problem is globalization and unfair trade when in fact the real problem is that the talents of American workers are not keeping up with technological change.
Doing that would also mean stealing ideas from both the left and right. Liberals have spent more time thinking about human capital than conservatives, who have tended to imagine that if you build a free market, a quality labor force would magically appear.
Doing that would also mean transcending economic policy categories. If there is one thing we have learned over the bitter experience of the past 30 years, it is that per-pupil expenditures and days in the classroom are not sufficient to produce superb information-economy workers. They emerge from intact families, quality neighborhoods and healthy moral cultures.
Finally, doing that would mean laying down lifelong policies. Human capital development is like nutrition — you have to do it every day.
The first group of policies would foster two-parent families. If all American families looked like the intact middle-class ones, we wouldn’t have nationally low education outcomes. Married men earn 10 percent to 40 percent more than single men with similar skills, and their children are much more likely to graduate from high school. But among the lower-middle class, there is a poisonous spiral of economic stress and cultural decay.
A new working class tax credit applied against the payroll tax would reduce some of the stress. So would a larger child tax credit and increases in the Earned Income Tax Credit. The federal budget should bestow less on seniors and more on young families.
The second group of policies would involve early-childhood education. There could be nurse-home visits for children in chaotic homes so that they have some authority in their lives. Preschool should be radically expanded and accountability programs put in place.
Third, the next president has to loosen the grip of the teachers’ unions. Certification rules have to be radically reformed to attract qualified college graduates. Merit pay has to become the norm. Reforming superintendents need the freedom to copy the models — like KIPP Academies — that actually work.
Fourth, Democrats like to talk about college affordability, but that’s the least important explanation for why so many students don’t complete college. The real reasons are that students are academically unprepared and emotionally disengaged. National service should be a rite of passage for 20-somethings, and these volunteers could mentor students through high school and college years.
Fifth, portable health insurance and retraining accounts would give adult workers security. Income taxes are not going to be coming down, but they need to stay where they are. As Edward Prescott has shown, higher taxes mean less work, and less work means less worker development.
The agenda could go on, but the point is this: Democrats believe in fine-tuning the economy.
They believe in intervening in a thousand little ways to address problems. Republicans believe these thousands of little Band-Aids hinder movement and distort productivity. But Republicans do believe, or at least should, that positive government can help prepare people for the rigors of competition, so they can have an open field and fair chance.
That’s the conservatism of the fresh start.
Showing posts with label Giuliani. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Giuliani. Show all posts
Republican Debate January 24,2008 MSNBC
MSNBC Republican debate January 24, 2008
Just got home and the debate is thirty minutes in. Here are my comments and thoughts so far.
Romney "Get out or win?" Democrats say get out. "Not to General Hillary Clinton" (lots of applause, and I thought it was a pretty clever line)
Paul War is not worth it. Al Queda wasn't there. They are now. (Paul so now that Al Queda is there do you just run away and leave it to them?)
Huckabee Weapons of mass destruction just weren't found, like all the Easter eggs. (I think most Americans think there was not WMD in Iraq, oopsie Huckabee)
Romney War not well managed, under planned, understaffed. Now we are in the phase we are in now. Now we have to make sure Iraq does not become a safe haven for Al Queda. (I like that he realizes there were troubles, but that America can make changes to win.)
Second Segment: Questions from candidates to other candidates, going left to right
Romney Giuliani how do we level the playing field with China. What kind of economic.
Giuliani I told you I wasn't going to answer your question. More engaged in trade the better, get to know them better. Ability to sue in China (that will be a very tough one to every make happen). What can we sell to China - energy independence, technology.
McCain Huckabee proponent of Fair Tax, how do you answer the criticism wouldn't cause more pain to lower income Americans? How do you account the resonance.
Huckabee People would love to see the IRS abolished. (Look at this conversation I had with a Pro Huckabee supporter here.) Prebate, every American would get a check (dang that is going to require a ton of administration). Wants Pimps, drug dealers, etc to be brought into the tax (this is a tiny population. Huckabee goes on in rebuttal to discount 30% - although because of the method of determining the 23% tax it comes out as a true 30%)
Paul Sunlight on group running money policy in the US.
McCain Rely on secretary of treasure to run money policy. He would rely on his group of friends (basically those who he owes favors to).
Huckabee Second Amendment ban on so called assault weapons. Do you support Brady and assault weapon ban,
Romney I do support second Amendment. I would have signed the assault weapon ban. Both the pro and anti gun lobbies came together. People have the right to carry a weapon.
Giuliani People have difficulties getting property insurance. McCain does not support a national catastrophic fund. Do you have a position on the national catastrophic fund?
Romney The answer is Yes. We had the problem in Massachusetts. So we will do as you just indicated. I am not in favor that Iowa should subsidise the people in Mass or Florida. How do we build a policy in each state. I brought together industry experts to solve health insurance.
McCain This is a terrible problem. Spread insurance across state lines (wow, that is radical). Call regulators, congress together (opps left out industry experts).
Russert Global Warming in Florida, but you are against green house gases.
Giuliani Invest in new technology. Nuclear powerplants, increase hybrid vehicles, more clean coal, incentives for new industries and biofuels. Wind, solar, etc. National project like getting man on the moon. This is the best way to fight green house gases. Positive way.
McCain Joe Lieberman and I proposed credit market on green house gases. Nuclear power, out of foreign oil, climate change is real (wow, that is almost anti-republican). Suppose we are wrong and climate change is not real, at least we will hand our kids a cleaner world (I agree with that).
Third Segment:
Giuliani Romney asked me a nice question, we've lulled them into a false sense of security. Everyone has a chance. I believe I'll get the nomination.
McCain Proud of my record on judges. Most republicans thinking about threat of radical Islam (not so my friend). Stewardship of our planet. Keep Israel independent. Very, very conservative record, but there are times when Rumsfelds strategy is wrong, Jack Abrahmoff (McCain's third largest lobbiest is the group that Jack worked for).
Romney The idea of Bill Clinton in the White House with nothing to do. (That is funny) I'll run against Hillary. 110 billion more every single year for her health care plan. Get out of Iraq, she is what is wrong with Washington. Look sending the same people back over and over will not change the results.
Romney How much money of your own wealth. There is nobody that can call me and cash in a favor. I am consiHow America works, I am giving my all. Loved his answer on his religion. I don't believe for a minute that Americans will impose a religious test. I believe individual freedom is what makes America great. (His answer here was more inspiring than his speech on religion! I was duly impressed with his response. Wow, what optimism about Americans, even though we all know we have our scum bags. Very Presidential and spoken with such great conviction. WOW!)
Huckabee Specifically do to change social security. Huckabee to Romney, you have five exceptional sons. If the country will elect me, your sons will get to keep your money. (The guy is
Everybody keeps talking about unlikely the Fair Tax is, we need to be talking about what we can do (Let me note NO COUNTRY IN THE WORLD HAS EVER RUN GOVERNMENT USING A FAIR TAX).
Romney Will you do for social security what Ronald Reagan do? I will not raise taxes. The four ways to solve the method 1. Raise taxes (worse way); we will need to sit down with Dems/Reps 2. Personal Accounts that do better than government bonds, 3. Innitial benefit calculation based on wage index, 4. Change the retirement age. Let's not scare anyone listening to me, it's not going to change people already on social security.
Giuliani Why is your campaign airing an ad in Spanish? America is built around english language. If you know other languages that is a good thing. Stop illegal immigration at the border. Tamper proof ID Card. Question Wet foot dry foot: why special policy for Cuba? Presumption that if fleeing Castro then fleeing politcal persectuiong.
Huckabee Chuck Norris said at 72 McCain too old. I didn't disagree with Norris because I was standing right next to him. I don't think that McCain lacks the rigor. He has the capacity to run.
McCain Now that Sylvester Stallon has endorsed me I'm sending him right over to take care of Norris.
Giuliani Question about NY times article. I never did anything the NYTimes suggested, if I did I would not be a convervative. I moved people from welfare to work. They wrote how mean I was. There is serious ideological differnces.
Romney Charge about you changes positions with the wind. Haven't paid your dues. I'm not going to Washington to make friends with politicians. Look at my record at Governor. Every issue I dealt with as Governor. Awarded by Citizens for life in MA on pro-life. Clear record on taxes. I am proud of where I stand and show my record to show I've been consistent.
McCain Question about temper. I don't see it as an impediment. I've dealt with friends and colleagues and wouldn't have their support if we didn't have a good. Endorses Giuliani (now why is he doing that?). All these people are good people and I intend to respect them.
Huckabee Question about quesy feeling. Solid core, faith grounds me, sense of purpose. Never use auspices of government to push my faith. They will have to deal with it. Respect people who have faith or don't.
Paul Won't stick to your party, would you launch a third party? I think they haven't stuck to our party. I've been elected 10 times as a Republican. It has a problem because we don't act like Republicans. Used to be against the department of education. We stopped wars, and here we are starting them. Why should the strict constitutionaists be removed from the party?
The end.
Just got home and the debate is thirty minutes in. Here are my comments and thoughts so far.
Romney "Get out or win?" Democrats say get out. "Not to General Hillary Clinton" (lots of applause, and I thought it was a pretty clever line)
Paul War is not worth it. Al Queda wasn't there. They are now. (Paul so now that Al Queda is there do you just run away and leave it to them?)
Huckabee Weapons of mass destruction just weren't found, like all the Easter eggs. (I think most Americans think there was not WMD in Iraq, oopsie Huckabee)
Romney War not well managed, under planned, understaffed. Now we are in the phase we are in now. Now we have to make sure Iraq does not become a safe haven for Al Queda. (I like that he realizes there were troubles, but that America can make changes to win.)
Second Segment: Questions from candidates to other candidates, going left to right
Romney Giuliani how do we level the playing field with China. What kind of economic.
Giuliani I told you I wasn't going to answer your question. More engaged in trade the better, get to know them better. Ability to sue in China (that will be a very tough one to every make happen). What can we sell to China - energy independence, technology.
McCain Huckabee proponent of Fair Tax, how do you answer the criticism wouldn't cause more pain to lower income Americans? How do you account the resonance.
Huckabee People would love to see the IRS abolished. (Look at this conversation I had with a Pro Huckabee supporter here.) Prebate, every American would get a check (dang that is going to require a ton of administration). Wants Pimps, drug dealers, etc to be brought into the tax (this is a tiny population. Huckabee goes on in rebuttal to discount 30% - although because of the method of determining the 23% tax it comes out as a true 30%)
Paul Sunlight on group running money policy in the US.
McCain Rely on secretary of treasure to run money policy. He would rely on his group of friends (basically those who he owes favors to).
Huckabee Second Amendment ban on so called assault weapons. Do you support Brady and assault weapon ban,
Romney I do support second Amendment. I would have signed the assault weapon ban. Both the pro and anti gun lobbies came together. People have the right to carry a weapon.
Giuliani People have difficulties getting property insurance. McCain does not support a national catastrophic fund. Do you have a position on the national catastrophic fund?
Romney The answer is Yes. We had the problem in Massachusetts. So we will do as you just indicated. I am not in favor that Iowa should subsidise the people in Mass or Florida. How do we build a policy in each state. I brought together industry experts to solve health insurance.
McCain This is a terrible problem. Spread insurance across state lines (wow, that is radical). Call regulators, congress together (opps left out industry experts).
Russert Global Warming in Florida, but you are against green house gases.
Giuliani Invest in new technology. Nuclear powerplants, increase hybrid vehicles, more clean coal, incentives for new industries and biofuels. Wind, solar, etc. National project like getting man on the moon. This is the best way to fight green house gases. Positive way.
McCain Joe Lieberman and I proposed credit market on green house gases. Nuclear power, out of foreign oil, climate change is real (wow, that is almost anti-republican). Suppose we are wrong and climate change is not real, at least we will hand our kids a cleaner world (I agree with that).
Third Segment:
Giuliani Romney asked me a nice question, we've lulled them into a false sense of security. Everyone has a chance. I believe I'll get the nomination.
McCain Proud of my record on judges. Most republicans thinking about threat of radical Islam (not so my friend). Stewardship of our planet. Keep Israel independent. Very, very conservative record, but there are times when Rumsfelds strategy is wrong, Jack Abrahmoff (McCain's third largest lobbiest is the group that Jack worked for).
Romney The idea of Bill Clinton in the White House with nothing to do. (That is funny) I'll run against Hillary. 110 billion more every single year for her health care plan. Get out of Iraq, she is what is wrong with Washington. Look sending the same people back over and over will not change the results.
Romney How much money of your own wealth. There is nobody that can call me and cash in a favor. I am consiHow America works, I am giving my all. Loved his answer on his religion. I don't believe for a minute that Americans will impose a religious test. I believe individual freedom is what makes America great. (His answer here was more inspiring than his speech on religion! I was duly impressed with his response. Wow, what optimism about Americans, even though we all know we have our scum bags. Very Presidential and spoken with such great conviction. WOW!)
Huckabee Specifically do to change social security. Huckabee to Romney, you have five exceptional sons. If the country will elect me, your sons will get to keep your money. (The guy is
Everybody keeps talking about unlikely the Fair Tax is, we need to be talking about what we can do (Let me note NO COUNTRY IN THE WORLD HAS EVER RUN GOVERNMENT USING A FAIR TAX).
Romney Will you do for social security what Ronald Reagan do? I will not raise taxes. The four ways to solve the method 1. Raise taxes (worse way); we will need to sit down with Dems/Reps 2. Personal Accounts that do better than government bonds, 3. Innitial benefit calculation based on wage index, 4. Change the retirement age. Let's not scare anyone listening to me, it's not going to change people already on social security.
Giuliani Why is your campaign airing an ad in Spanish? America is built around english language. If you know other languages that is a good thing. Stop illegal immigration at the border. Tamper proof ID Card. Question Wet foot dry foot: why special policy for Cuba? Presumption that if fleeing Castro then fleeing politcal persectuiong.
Huckabee Chuck Norris said at 72 McCain too old. I didn't disagree with Norris because I was standing right next to him. I don't think that McCain lacks the rigor. He has the capacity to run.
McCain Now that Sylvester Stallon has endorsed me I'm sending him right over to take care of Norris.
Giuliani Question about NY times article. I never did anything the NYTimes suggested, if I did I would not be a convervative. I moved people from welfare to work. They wrote how mean I was. There is serious ideological differnces.
Romney Charge about you changes positions with the wind. Haven't paid your dues. I'm not going to Washington to make friends with politicians. Look at my record at Governor. Every issue I dealt with as Governor. Awarded by Citizens for life in MA on pro-life. Clear record on taxes. I am proud of where I stand and show my record to show I've been consistent.
McCain Question about temper. I don't see it as an impediment. I've dealt with friends and colleagues and wouldn't have their support if we didn't have a good. Endorses Giuliani (now why is he doing that?). All these people are good people and I intend to respect them.
Huckabee Question about quesy feeling. Solid core, faith grounds me, sense of purpose. Never use auspices of government to push my faith. They will have to deal with it. Respect people who have faith or don't.
Paul Won't stick to your party, would you launch a third party? I think they haven't stuck to our party. I've been elected 10 times as a Republican. It has a problem because we don't act like Republicans. Used to be against the department of education. We stopped wars, and here we are starting them. Why should the strict constitutionaists be removed from the party?
The end.
Rudy Down and Out according to Wall Street Journal Political Market
Wow, Rudy Giuliani is counted down and out by the Wall Street Journal. By skipping the early primary states Giuliani missed out on a ton of publicity. From a high of 45% chance of winning the GOP nomination, Giuliani has plunged to just 16% today. This makes him the biggest loser among the GOP candidates.
The overwhelming consensus from the early states is that Giuliani is not viable. He ended up lower in all of the races than anyone would have suspected. Looks like his wait till Florida strategy back fired on him. With Romney and McCain vying for first in both Florida and California, Giuliani may have missed his chance.
The overwhelming consensus from the early states is that Giuliani is not viable. He ended up lower in all of the races than anyone would have suspected. Looks like his wait till Florida strategy back fired on him. With Romney and McCain vying for first in both Florida and California, Giuliani may have missed his chance.
New Hampshire Fox Debate 1/6/2008
These are my notes from the debate, the times may be off, but if you watch the entire thing, this is what I noted:
12:00 Huckabee uses "Political Speak" to avoid saying he raised taxes. He totally avoided the question and Romney asked him straight up FOUR TIMES. Definition of Political Speak.
20:45 Huckabee claims his comment "the CEO who laid you off" is NOT directed at Romney. Ask any of his supporters and they say it does refer to Romney. Huckabee's double talk is revealed, besides Huckabee is talking about firing 115,000 employees right off the bat. For comparision the U.S. only brought in 43,000 jobs in November 2007.
23:46 Huckabee misspeaks and says he will "get rid of death" (he meant to say death tax), to which Thompson pipes in and says that is something they can both agree on. Funny exchange.
(Note: Throughout Huckabee continually interrupts moderator. The moderator tells him to be stop talking until he can finish his question.) Huckabee continues about taxes and reveals his link to special interest groups concerned with firing 115,000 federal employees and giving a tax increase to middle class Americans, for me it amounts to 16%. The New York Times says.
29:00 McCain says, "I am an agent of change..." Hilarious, since just last night McCain was railing on Romney for being the agent of change.
31:10 Romney says Washington insiders will not get things done, if people keep sending the same people back to Washington in "different chairs."
46:05 Interesting Romney comments on qualities required to be President.
47:20 Huckabee marvels that his Democratic state kept "electing him" back into office. It's no wonder though; the guy is practically a Dem with his class warfare statements.
50:07 McCain does a hilarious funny face at Giuliani, not sure where that came from. He did it yesterday as well.
53:00 Thompson speaks about whether it is better to elect Executive or a Senator... took to long to get to the point
My DVD recorder stops suddenly, I put in new disk and restart count (hey, DVD-Rs are like politicians, they must be changed regularly):
2:00 Huckabee on immigration. Huckabee supports letting illegals go to school, and is slammed on his "don't punish the children" statement because his new immigration policy sends everybody home within 120 days. Romney chimes in and asks doesn't sending the children home punish the parents? Huckabee says he is not talking to Romney, but that he is talking to the moderator. The moderator says, "I was just about to ask the same question." And does so, "Doesn't sending the children home punish the parents?" Funny moment, Huckabee looked like a cornered politician on that one.
4:35 Amnesty vs. non-Amnesty is all nonsense says McCain. Huckabee mimics McCain's position.
5:55 Thompson says, everyone sitting as this table "including Ronald Reagan". Opps, that's not Ronald Reagan, it's John McCain dude.
15:00 Huckabee on negative ads. Moderator says, Huckabee you have said, Romney is running a "desperate and dishonest campaign", he is sitting right next to you, what do you say? He then says people can distort anything, but he doesn't call Romney dishonest to his face. McCain then talks about the negative ads he has received. Romney comes back by saying he compared their records with his to emphasis differences in their positions. He says McCain's ad was tough (and I agree, it was a personal attack by the Concord Monitor and had nothing to do with the campaign, unless the word "phony" was used on all candidates). Romney then points out Huckabee's campaign has been using personal attacks. For instance, Huckabee's campaign manager Mr. Rollins said he wanted to "kick Mitt's teeth out". Huckabee jokes that Chuck Norris is waiting outside and Thompson chimes in saying if John Wayne were here he would kick Chuck's butt.
20:00 Romney explains that he has only changed his position to pro-life. But that the media and his competitors have tried to mislabel him as if he had changed all of his positions. He says, I would rather change my position to the right, than stubbornly remain in the wrong.
27:13 Thompson says he should be President because "I've never lost an election, although I haven't been in very many."
28:25 Huckabee uses a quote by Abraham Lincoln that he used a couple hours earlier with the same moderator.
30:00 Mitt Romney's closing arguments were to the point, talked about his concern for his children and his grandchildren, he says he knows how to make America a better place for future generations
34:00 McCain's closing arguments - the guy just looks tired.
Hats off to Fox News for a debate that actually allowed the candidates to go beyond just little sound bites in other debates. I was surprised Ron Paul wasn't there, but the table did look crowded. Seriously, Rudy Giuliani looked like he was about to fall off the table. I enjoyed the debate and saw a side of the candidates I had not seen before.
I declare Mitt Romney the winner as he was the most coherent about his positions and what he would do as a President of the American people. Although Thompson didn't say a lot, I thought he actually did pretty well in this debate. McCain seemed out of touch, Huckabee was exposed as a slick talking politician. Giuliani can't move past 9/11. A vote for Mitt Romney is a vote for a leader with a proven track record and the abilities to make a better tomorrow for our children (at least after this debate).
12:00 Huckabee uses "Political Speak" to avoid saying he raised taxes. He totally avoided the question and Romney asked him straight up FOUR TIMES. Definition of Political Speak.
20:45 Huckabee claims his comment "the CEO who laid you off" is NOT directed at Romney. Ask any of his supporters and they say it does refer to Romney. Huckabee's double talk is revealed, besides Huckabee is talking about firing 115,000 employees right off the bat. For comparision the U.S. only brought in 43,000 jobs in November 2007.
23:46 Huckabee misspeaks and says he will "get rid of death" (he meant to say death tax), to which Thompson pipes in and says that is something they can both agree on. Funny exchange.
(Note: Throughout Huckabee continually interrupts moderator. The moderator tells him to be stop talking until he can finish his question.) Huckabee continues about taxes and reveals his link to special interest groups concerned with firing 115,000 federal employees and giving a tax increase to middle class Americans, for me it amounts to 16%. The New York Times says.
29:00 McCain says, "I am an agent of change..." Hilarious, since just last night McCain was railing on Romney for being the agent of change.
31:10 Romney says Washington insiders will not get things done, if people keep sending the same people back to Washington in "different chairs."
46:05 Interesting Romney comments on qualities required to be President.
47:20 Huckabee marvels that his Democratic state kept "electing him" back into office. It's no wonder though; the guy is practically a Dem with his class warfare statements.
50:07 McCain does a hilarious funny face at Giuliani, not sure where that came from. He did it yesterday as well.
53:00 Thompson speaks about whether it is better to elect Executive or a Senator... took to long to get to the point
My DVD recorder stops suddenly, I put in new disk and restart count (hey, DVD-Rs are like politicians, they must be changed regularly):
2:00 Huckabee on immigration. Huckabee supports letting illegals go to school, and is slammed on his "don't punish the children" statement because his new immigration policy sends everybody home within 120 days. Romney chimes in and asks doesn't sending the children home punish the parents? Huckabee says he is not talking to Romney, but that he is talking to the moderator. The moderator says, "I was just about to ask the same question." And does so, "Doesn't sending the children home punish the parents?" Funny moment, Huckabee looked like a cornered politician on that one.
4:35 Amnesty vs. non-Amnesty is all nonsense says McCain. Huckabee mimics McCain's position.
5:55 Thompson says, everyone sitting as this table "including Ronald Reagan". Opps, that's not Ronald Reagan, it's John McCain dude.
15:00 Huckabee on negative ads. Moderator says, Huckabee you have said, Romney is running a "desperate and dishonest campaign", he is sitting right next to you, what do you say? He then says people can distort anything, but he doesn't call Romney dishonest to his face. McCain then talks about the negative ads he has received. Romney comes back by saying he compared their records with his to emphasis differences in their positions. He says McCain's ad was tough (and I agree, it was a personal attack by the Concord Monitor and had nothing to do with the campaign, unless the word "phony" was used on all candidates). Romney then points out Huckabee's campaign has been using personal attacks. For instance, Huckabee's campaign manager Mr. Rollins said he wanted to "kick Mitt's teeth out". Huckabee jokes that Chuck Norris is waiting outside and Thompson chimes in saying if John Wayne were here he would kick Chuck's butt.
20:00 Romney explains that he has only changed his position to pro-life. But that the media and his competitors have tried to mislabel him as if he had changed all of his positions. He says, I would rather change my position to the right, than stubbornly remain in the wrong.
27:13 Thompson says he should be President because "I've never lost an election, although I haven't been in very many."
28:25 Huckabee uses a quote by Abraham Lincoln that he used a couple hours earlier with the same moderator.
30:00 Mitt Romney's closing arguments were to the point, talked about his concern for his children and his grandchildren, he says he knows how to make America a better place for future generations
34:00 McCain's closing arguments - the guy just looks tired.
Hats off to Fox News for a debate that actually allowed the candidates to go beyond just little sound bites in other debates. I was surprised Ron Paul wasn't there, but the table did look crowded. Seriously, Rudy Giuliani looked like he was about to fall off the table. I enjoyed the debate and saw a side of the candidates I had not seen before.
I declare Mitt Romney the winner as he was the most coherent about his positions and what he would do as a President of the American people. Although Thompson didn't say a lot, I thought he actually did pretty well in this debate. McCain seemed out of touch, Huckabee was exposed as a slick talking politician. Giuliani can't move past 9/11. A vote for Mitt Romney is a vote for a leader with a proven track record and the abilities to make a better tomorrow for our children (at least after this debate).
New Hampshire Republican Debate 1/5/2008
What is up with the Republican Presidential candidates? McCain endorses Huckabee for Iowa. Huckabee endorses McCain for New Hampshire. And Giuliani endorses both Huckabee and McCain for both Iowa and New Hampshire. I personally am astonished at the pathetic display of wolf pack tactics used by the Republican Candidates against one of their own! My respect for McCain, Huckabee, Giuliani, and Thompson has dropped. They acted like jackals. Only their prey got away. Romney emerged stronger.
The bottom line is they are all afraid of Mitt Romney. He is a true leader, his family is good, he has proven experience and demonstrated results, time and time again.
Just like the water buffalo in this video, Romney kept his poise, and showed an indominable spirit. (The action starts at minute 2:00. First the lions attack, then the crocodile, and finally those truly opposed to personal attacks arrive - the New Hampshire voters!)
Reasons Romney won the debate:
The bottom line is they are all afraid of Mitt Romney. He is a true leader, his family is good, he has proven experience and demonstrated results, time and time again.
Just like the water buffalo in this video, Romney kept his poise, and showed an indominable spirit. (The action starts at minute 2:00. First the lions attack, then the crocodile, and finally those truly opposed to personal attacks arrive - the New Hampshire voters!)
Reasons Romney won the debate:
- Romney got one third of the face time during the debate.
- He was able to explain why he was in the race: strengthen families, improve education, strengthen the economy, and build a strong military.
- The visible disdain by his fellow candidates was disgraceful CNN stated
- They blather and cry about comparision ads and then they wolf pack Romney at this debate
- CNN calls it "go after" - I call it "jackals attacking"
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