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Thursday, January 24, 2008
"General Hillary Clinton" and "They're Doing It In Europe Now."
Posted by: Hugh Hewitt at 10:03 PM
Mitt Romney should send a thank you card to Tim Russert and Brian Williams.  They threw hard balls at the former Massachusetts governor and he hit them all, many out of the park.  Romney's allocation of time had to be disproportionate, but that was the Williams/Russert choice, and Romney made the most of it.  Democrats watching tonight have to be very worried that Mitt Romney will be the GOP nominee.

Strong performances tonight as well from Giuliani (getting attacked by the New York Times is a bonus of great value) and Huckabee, but a troubling one on the issues from John McCain.  Senator McCain's defensiveness on his ability to run the economy and his denial of a widely attributed quote about his lack off understanding of the economy was a wobbly start for him, and his invoking of Europe's approach to global warming as well as his assertion that "violent weather patterns" are linked to global warming are huge red flags for center-right voters.   Questions repeatedly also underscored McCain's distance from the GOP base, reminding the huge audience of the senator's estrangement from his own party on many occasions.  The discussion of his age was also an unwelcome moment for the senator, and it was from Huckabee's friend, Chuck Norris.

But it was the series of questions directed at Romney 70 minutes into the debate --on his personal spending and on the Mormon issue-- that allowed Romney to dominated a long stretch without a stumble and to display his passion and convictions, as well as to again confront the Mormon issue in a very persuasive fashion.

Romney's slam of "General Hillary Clinton" and subsequent attacks on Hillary's "old Europe" beliefs was a memorable and effective display of the sort of energy and tactics the GOP candidate must make every day for the next eight months.  Romney and Giuliani both displayed the ability to take on both Clintons as well as a command of every issue that came their way.  Romney's question to Rudy about China was a superb use of the moment to underscore the complexity of the issue and to display a graciousness and seriousness that was attractive, one that was also effectively noted by Rudy.  I was less impressed with McCain's softball about the fair tax to Huck, and Huck's Second Amendment "gotcha" attempt to Romney.  Rudy's question on the National Cat Fund was another excellent question and helped both Romney and Rudy with Florida voters.

The debate demonstrated that with November in mind, the GOP would be extraordinarily well served by either Romney or Giuliani at the top of the ticket, and made Huck a very tempting choice for Veep given his abilities to communicate.

But Romney won the night, and perhaps the nomination as well.

View in ascending order View in descending order
Reggie1971 writes: Thursday, January, 24, 2008 10:48 PM
Claude Rains
Re: Hugh's positive review of Mitt's performance.

It really did remind of Claude Rains in Casablanca. I'm shocked!
Joe writes: Thursday, January, 24, 2008 10:52 PM
McCain won by a draw?
McCain needed to look and sound like a frontrunner. As a guy who would rather take a ball-peen hammer to his own knuckles than vote for McCain, I’m forced to admit that he did just that. For any other candidate, that would be a draw. But in McCain’s position, a draw is a win.

http://vodkapundit.com/?p=9392 Stephen Green on the Debate tonight.
bigkam writes: Thursday, January, 24, 2008 10:53 PM
Really felt...
like Rudy and McCain would go harder after Romney. But they didn't, and they let Romney skate through the debate. Almost seemed like McCain was hoping that his performance was more important than attacking Romney. He was very strong all night, probably one of his better debates. We'll find out Tues. if it was enough.
bovertine writes: Thursday, January, 24, 2008 10:53 PM
As long as Rudy loses
fine by me. I won't vote for him period. But this is so comical. Anybody could have written this for Hugh before the debate. Romney wins, Rudy a close second, and McCain dead last. Anybody who thinks this is not what Hugh was going to say is completely full of it. And remember, I am going to vote for Romney in the California primary, despite this bozo Hewitt.
MikeS writes: Thursday, January, 24, 2008 10:55 PM
Hugh is right
This is coming from someone who can't stand Mitt Romney, but he was terrific tonight. He's going to win Florida, and win the nomination.

Sigh...


I will NEVER vote for this man, but he's going to be the nominee.

I predict he'll get creamed in November...
crescen7 writes: Thursday, January, 24, 2008 10:55 PM
Hugh's position no surprise - but . . .
The Intrade folks seem to agree. Mitt jumped 5 points through the course of the debate. McCain moved up one, Rudy dropped.

Mitt now has a 55 - 39 advantage on intrade. Big swing since he won Nevada and began running hard in Fl. Strange, wasn't Mac that was supposed to have the momentum?
itninja writes: Thursday, January, 24, 2008 10:58 PM
ANYONE ELSE HEAR MITT BEING FED ANSWERS
Tim Russert asked Mitt "Will you do for social security what Ronald Reagan did for it" There is a pause, and you can hear a low whipser that says "raise taxes" Mitt then begins his answer by saying, "No I will not raise taxes"

Methinks Mitt was being fed.
bovertine writes: Thursday, January, 24, 2008 10:58 PM
By the way
Romney did do very well. He even came up with a good zinger on Clinton. Of course he had that one planned and was just waiting for an opportunity to use it, but all these guys do the same thing. The trick is making it sem spontaneous, which is usually Huck's forte. But Romney did that well tonight.
mrmurph writes: Thursday, January, 24, 2008 10:58 PM
Huckster on the ticket
Hugh,

You have got to be kidding--Huckaby on the ticket!

Being the quipster does not make up for being a total phoney.
Songsmith in SC writes: Thursday, January, 24, 2008 10:59 PM
Romney Won
That's all there is to it.

He was flummoxed a bit by Huckabee's 2nd ammendment question, and seemed a little ill-at-ease for even the following question, but he shined in the beginning, and he shined at the end.

(That, by the way, was one of Reagan's chestnut's about giving a speech or any kind of performance.)
Joe writes: Thursday, January, 24, 2008 11:00 PM
I was frankly bored with the debate
I watched for a while with my nine year old and then we started to play King's Corner. She kicked my butt when I missed a move when I was trying to pay attention to...heck I forgot. I have to say everyone sounded okay, even Ron Paul (with some exceptions). Mitt was good on economic issues, but Rudy and McCain were hardly bad. Huckabee was a bit awkward at times. Even Ron Paul said a few good things and a few interesting things (I thought his veiled threat of running third party was interesting but not necessarily good).
one hot minute writes: Thursday, January, 24, 2008 11:00 PM
this nickname must catch wildfire !

"General Hillary Clinton"

Songsmith in SC writes: Thursday, January, 24, 2008 11:02 PM
Mike Huckabee, welcome to the VP Derby
Indeed. i was almost warming to him when he didn't take the obvious bait to go dirty early in the debate, but then toward the end... that comment about Mitt's sons.... just tacky.

Carlos writes: Thursday, January, 24, 2008 11:03 PM
McCain and Rudy...

2 nitwits who are happy to abolish the right to self-defense for every citizen....

I think some folks really may sit it out if either one gets the nod.

Hillary can fire up the Republican base just as good as these liberals.

neoconphile writes: Thursday, January, 24, 2008 11:03 PM
Joe: Ball-peen hammer to McPain
Joe,

Bad comment. McPain probably got smacked with hammers in the Hanoi Hilton.
Joe writes: Thursday, January, 24, 2008 11:03 PM
Fair Asssessment
One of my GOP candidates had an expression: "WOT." Waste of time.

Did this debate accomplish anything, other than to remind us that Tim Russert is the most overrated journalist in television?

I'm trying to imagine what Florida voter watched that and went—"OK, now I'm ready to vote!"

The conventional wisdom is that Romney owns the economy as an issue. But Rudy has a real plan, and a significantly different approach, that he and Romney could have debated. Someone could have pointed out that, if McCain had gotten his way, we probably would have had a real recession in the first part of this decade. How about Gov. Huckabee's $500 million net tax increase?

There's plenty to discuss, and instead the "highlight" film that will make the nightly news will likely be either Huckabee's Chuck Norris joke; or the vicious NYTimes "Rudy Sucks" question, followed by a tiny snippet of Rudy's answer.

Who was protecting a lead? Why were they so timid? Why were the questions so lame?

Where can I go to get my 90 minutes back?

http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=MWJiNDIzN2FmZDcwYT RjYjRjOGU3YjhlYTMwMjhkYzQ=
Joe writes: Thursday, January, 24, 2008 11:04 PM
casadchata
Blame Stephen Green at Vodkapundit, I just quoted him.
Songsmith in SC writes: Thursday, January, 24, 2008 11:07 PM
So Funny watching liberals talk GOP
MAtthews is getting wierd. i think he's bored and becoming something of an artist.
Scarborough was right to be peeved at Mitchell's comments.

This feels almost as good as the night Mitt won Michigan. MITT! MITT!

MITT!
LibertyJaw writes: Thursday, January, 24, 2008 11:08 PM
Civilized debate . . .
my general opinion of all the candidates is up; i appreciated acknowledgements on points of agreement and the contrasts with Hillary. Romney wins, but I don't think the others hurt themselves tonight . . .
crescen7 writes: Thursday, January, 24, 2008 11:10 PM
Surprisingly tame
I was sure wrong about the tone of the debate. I expected a real "throw down". It was a love fest.

What the heck was McCain doing using half his time at the end to tell us how great Rudy is? Of course Huck continued his man crush on McCain. They all seemed to act like they had a big lead in the polls and were playing it safe - go figure.

McCain sounded foolish on his answer to Ron Paul's question - probably didn't hurt him though. The questioin was so rambling nobody understood it anyway.
whacker writes: Thursday, January, 24, 2008 11:10 PM
Surprise, surprise
Hugh Romney, I mean Hugh Hewitt, as usual goes to the extreme with his lame comments. Ken doll performs well and Harriet Hugh Miers gives him the nomination. Fat chance based on this debate.

The simple fact is even if Romney wins Florida, it's not going to change the results in New York, California, and other states. If anything, these primaries have shown their is no bounce. McCain will win those states on Super Tuesady. The ranting and raving of Rush, Hugh, and the National Review aren't going to change that.

I have no beef with Romney other than he can't win the general election. I have not seen one poll which suggests he can come close to Hillary in the important states. He's way behind in Ohio, Florida, and even Kentucky. On the other hand, McCain has leads in four of five Kerry states.

If you want purity, support Romney and lose. If you want to win and save the Supreme Court, choose McCain. He puts Hillary on the defensive in Kerry states. Hillary puts the empty suit on the defensive in Bush 2004 states.

Hillary will win 370-168 in the electoral college.
TC86 writes: Thursday, January, 24, 2008 11:12 PM
I followed the debate on various blogs
The recurring theme I see was that no candidate got in a knockout punch against an opponent although many commented on Romney's strong answers and how he appeared poised and sharp. They felt he gave good answers on Iraq, the economy and his religion.
Mostly mixed reviews for McCain. Some said he did well, others said he seemed tense and still others said he sounded uncertain with some answers. He might have hurt himself with the Global Warming nonsense. It was stated that he and Huckabee had the best laugh moment about Stallone going after Norris.
Rudy is getting mostly positive reviews for his debate performance, especially on the war and on taxes.
Not much chatter about Huck's performance and that leads me to believe that he was underwhelming. I think he is fading as a candidate after most Republicans got a look at his progressive record on taxes and illegal immigration.
Guess we will see on January 29 who the GOP voters in Florida liked best.


just me writes: Thursday, January, 24, 2008 11:13 PM
The new Great Communicator.
Huck for VP! :^)
Indolent Dolt writes: Thursday, January, 24, 2008 11:15 PM
Reminds me...
>McCain...reminds me of a President.

McCain reminds me of this old guy I saw who was trying to find his house.
Dwayne Horner writes: Thursday, January, 24, 2008 11:16 PM
I know Hugh is always right, otherwise
one cannot be trusted as an analyst... of course Romney won, he's won everything in Hugh's eyes.

What others who cannot be trusted are saying:

Michelle Malkin writes "Conservative voters in Florida are the big losers. This debate gave them nothing."

Jonah Goldberg writes "What a Lame Debate, I really thought Russert and Williams did a shoddy, dull, job."

Bryan Preston at Hotair writes "To be honest, this debate has been a snore."


inchdeep writes: Thursday, January, 24, 2008 11:17 PM
Great Job Mitt
Mitt hit the Mormon question out of the park, along with many other questions. Giuliani was great, but second to Mitt. Huck is definitely in the VP hunt. He and Thompson can fight it out in the ally out back, to see who runs with Mitt. I think the Huckster would be best because he knows the Clinton's best. McCain continues to run on anything but his record. His performance was stiff and boring. I will still hold my nose and vote for him if necessary, but heaven forbid I have to do that.
CDubber writes: Thursday, January, 24, 2008 11:17 PM
Huckahuh???
Huckabee is going to kick-start the economy by...building a freeway???

I guess if it worked in the 30s, it'll work now, right Mike?

And enough with the melodrama, Huck. Try to state your positions without sounding like a car salesman. Sheesh.

Huckabee is a smooth, smooth grifter.
HNAV writes: Thursday, January, 24, 2008 11:17 PM
MITT ROCKED AGAIN
They thought they could get him, but he was strong.

Romney nails it again.

Very impressive.

His comments on the Clintons was golden, and would not doubt could help Obama...
TheChair writes: Thursday, January, 24, 2008 11:18 PM
The win order:
1. Romney, for two reasons: his mastery of economic answers (e.g., Social Security answer), and for the answers Hugh mentioned... the intended hardballs that he hit out of the park on his faith and on spending his own money. He needed to outperform McCain, and he did.

2. McCain. He firm on some things and soft and incoherent on some other things, but he presents his views with an aura of conviction. His supporters and leaners were surely pleased, but I agree with Lincoln's maxim here: that's the sort of thing you'll like, if you like that sort of thing. And I don't think "that sort of thing" will win Florida this time. For many conservative voters, global warming is a hoax because the earth hasn't warmed in 7 years, Kennedy-McCain Z-visa bill was gasoline on the fire, McCain-Feingold curbed free speech, opposition to marriage amendment is inexplicable, his visceral dislike of tax cuts..... etc., etc.

3. Giuliani. On substance I agree with Hugh... he did fairly well. My number two. But he didn't look or sound like he was grabbing the bull by the horns to wrestle it down. I fear his lack of charisma ruined his chances.

4. Huckabee. Too cute by half. His tag-team with McCain was obvious. McCain asks Huckabee a FairTax softball, then Huck returns the favor with an intended 2nd Amendment gotcha to Mitt. Sorry, didn't work. What do you want a bet it was his campaign that faxed the "Mormonism" worry to MSNBC. Charisma aplenty, but the show is over for the bigoted circus clown and his cockamamie fair tax.
Pasadena Phil writes: Thursday, January, 24, 2008 11:19 PM
Cognitive dissonance
How can someone be for BOTH Romney AND Giuliani? I just don't get it. It certainly can't be on issues or character.
Merlin the Magician writes: Thursday, January, 24, 2008 11:21 PM
Russert Williams et al scare me....
Yes, I'm a Mitt supporter but these two swooning over him after the debate after the softball questions to him during the debate is as reasuring as an endorsement of a Republican by the New York Times.

We'll know its real when tomorrow's NYT headline is Mitt's quote about Bill Clinton wandering around the Whitehouse with nothing to do!!!
CDubber writes: Thursday, January, 24, 2008 11:21 PM
Jack Amano
"McCain reminds me of this old guy I saw who was trying to find his house."

Best comment of the night. :)
LibertyJaw writes: Thursday, January, 24, 2008 11:21 PM
General "Match Up" Polls are irrelevant
most of the country is still learning who these new guys are . . . with respect to Romney's electability, the religion question is relevant but not decisive . . . he's every bit as electable as McCain . . . i just don't see the country going for the old man.
inchdeep writes: Thursday, January, 24, 2008 11:25 PM
Just need add one thing.
Jack Amano writes: Thursday, January, 24, 2008 11:15 PM
Reminds me...
>McCain...reminds me of a President.

McCain reminds me of this old guy I saw who was trying to find his house.

Lock himself out without his pants on.
GOPsaver writes: Thursday, January, 24, 2008 11:27 PM
One thing shines though
The worse Republican tonight would be light years better then the best the socialist DNC has to offer.
Knight7 writes: Thursday, January, 24, 2008 11:27 PM
Romney by Knockout!
We will look back on this debate in Florida as Mitt Romney's nomination clinching performance. Romney was sharp and witty, and he tackled all of the issues from the economy to foreign policy, to facing the Clintons in November in the general. We saw governor Romney give his best debating performance of the campaign. He was very substantive and in command of this entire debate. The debate moderators gave Romney more air time in hopes of tripping him up. But he looked as in command of things as Nolan Ryan on a night when his fastball was jumping. I also thought Rudy was sharp tonight as he tackled the questions about the New York Times and CAT insurance. Governor Huckabee was witty tonight also. He had a very good night as well. Ron Paul and John Mc Cain were so-so tonight. I can't point to any one thing that stood out in my mind about those two guys tonight. Mc Cain played tonight not to lose. And I am not so sure that will convince any undecided voters in Florida to vote for him. All in all, Mitt Romney won the nomination tonight. His Ronald Reagan unite the party answer was superb. He needs to rally the economic and social conservatives together. And tonight he hit a home run that will be talked about for a long time.
Dwayne Horner writes: Thursday, January, 24, 2008 11:31 PM
Tucker Carlson
picked Huckabee as the winner, add another person to the "cannot be trusted as an analyst" list.
Joe writes: Thursday, January, 24, 2008 11:37 PM
How many times have I heard this...
Mitt Romney was incredible, what a knockout, wow, he has clinched the nomination...

I heard Hugh and others say this before Iowa.

I heard Hugh and others ay this before New Hampshire.

No one changed positions tonight.

Let me by fair. I think Mitt Romney was fine tonight, but so was McCain, so was Rudy and so was Huckabee (in parts). Mostly it was boring, mostly it was mirroring Democrat talking points, the moderators sucked, and I thought overall the debate was boring.

I miss Fred.
Reason writes: Thursday, January, 24, 2008 11:37 PM
Clinched? Knockout?
Come on. Romney has "clinched" this so many times before, I've lost count. One group of voters that I would never attempt to judge is Florida Republicans. I don't think McCain, Romney, or Huckabee hurt themselves tonight. I think Giuliani was completly uninspiring.

The fact that Hugh always puts Romney and Giuliani together is a red flag that his analysis is a bit out of whack.
just me writes: Thursday, January, 24, 2008 11:37 PM
Hugh's gotta board the MacC train, now!
Well, guess the issue is settled.

--Due to the fact that the NYTimes thinks that flip-flop "Mitt Romney’s shape-shifting rivals that of Mr. Giuliani," The Grey Lady likewise has "shuddered at Mr. McCain’s occasional, tactical pander to the right" . . . yet loves the fact that MacC "was an early advocate for battling global warming and risked his presidential bid to uphold fundamental American values in the immigration debate.... He has been a staunch advocate of campaign finance reform, working with Senator Russ Feingold, among the most liberal of Democrats, on groundbreaking legislation, just as he worked with Senator Edward Kennedy on immigration reform."

All of which, say the NYT, makes MacC the "best choice" for the Repub nomination.


Western States writes: Thursday, January, 24, 2008 11:38 PM
Joe
>> I was frankly bored with the debate

I watched the debate with my nine year old. He was bored. My 76 year old mother chewed me out when I burst out with "Well lets all hold hands and sing Kum Ba Yah!" when McCain used part of the time of his closing remarks to say, "Rudy Giuliani is a great..."

Was it just me, or did anyone else get the sense that there were two coalitions formed in that debate. A Romney/Giulini and a McCain/Huckabee coalition. I almost got the fealing that we were seeing an indication of the two President/Vice President tickets most likely to come out of the Republican convention.

Joe, I had to chuckle when you took a little friendly fire from casadchata. I don't really blame him for missing your point. Despite knowing that you are a charter member of McCain's Hellrazors, I was confused at what I thought was an out-of-character post by you. It wasn't until I read that post for the second time and noticed the link at the bottom.
KGK writes: Thursday, January, 24, 2008 11:38 PM
Debate and afterward
One had to watch the material laid out by Matthews et al to see how the debate just could not be analysed with anything pro-Republican. Joe Scar was among wolves while Chris kept trying to kick Rudy out of the Party by saying.......well, you know, those yahoos over there, how can you stand it? If voters watched that and how Rudy hung in there, he may have gotten more votes than from just his pretty good answers during the debate. But, Mitt was the star tonight. McCain looked settled in but he may not do as well as his confidence portrays. Huck and Paul did make some good points but they look to slide from now on in the upcoming primaries. It will be interesting to see if early balloting favored anyone. The MSNBCers were not going to allow their questions to give Pubs a fair ride after the crying jag by Hillary put them in such a wussy position. Nope. One can trust the lefties to pile on and frankly, all 5 of the guys stood up to the bums!
Bambi writes: Thursday, January, 24, 2008 11:38 PM
debate
There will never be a Mitt/huckster ticket. The huckster has made it quite clear he hates everything Romney stands for including his hair, his face, his money and most of all his religion. Jealousy anyone? Mitt will choose someone with much foreign policy experience. He is smart and always has been, and he knows where to build up his position.
I hope you all heard Buchanan just now on mnsbc.

Go Mitt!!!!!
Mike writes: Thursday, January, 24, 2008 11:39 PM
The WMDs are in ...Jordan
according to Huck. Most didn't see it - he said it after the debate - Matthews even gave him a chance to take it back but he stuck to his guns - he is not ready for prime time.

He should ask Chuck - he would have corrected him and said they are probably in Syria.
deef writes: Thursday, January, 24, 2008 11:40 PM
McCain
One thing I would cherish about a McCain presidency is the first time the old man saluted the military aboard a carrier somewhere. But then after that I'll take Mitt (and then Rudy).

If McCain had just been a staunch Bush tax cut supporter...just that one thing!... (and maybe cut the global warming claptrap) this primary would belong to the old man.
Joe writes: Thursday, January, 24, 2008 11:44 PM
Can we all agree
MSNBC sucks. I miss Frank Luntz and his meters. If I had one I would have turned down the dial so far Chris Matthews' head would have collapsed into a black hole.
Songsmith writes: Thursday, January, 24, 2008 11:44 PM
Did Tucker really say that?
I hardly pay attention, but then I guess he is the anti-Colmes. Or something like that. Scarborough is the only rational republican on that network, and he suffers from exposure to the left at times..


back to topic: Romney rocked, true.

Huckabee reminding someone of a Presidet......the wormy president on 24, maybe.

I agree that that fax about 44% and Mormons was beyond loaded and smelled very fresh.


I consider it an honor to have the chance to vote for someone so highly qualified to run the largest enterprise in the world. If only there were 5 other people of Romney's credentials in the race on either side, well, that would be a much better America.

I'll be sleeping better tonight.

azcita writes: Thursday, January, 24, 2008 11:44 PM
Did we watch the same debate?
Pap- that's what I heard most of the dreary hour- pure pandering pap!McCain to Huck- "please take my time to remind the folks how they hate the IRS and the grand plans you have to get rid of it." (Which plans will never be adopted by Congress nor state legislatures, since they require both a bill to pass Congress and a Constitutional Amendment. More pandering.)
Softball questions to each other, why??? Are they supposed to be clarifying their differences, or pimping for each other?

Let's pray no one gets enough delegates and it goes to a brokered convention, where some as yet unknown true conservative will rise to the top!
Virginia Patriot writes: Thursday, January, 24, 2008 11:45 PM
They All Did Well
Boring at times, but I forced myself to watch anyway. I thought they all had good answers, even to the dumb questions. If I thought they would actually uphold the oath and enforce the laws, I could vote for any of them.

Too bad some of them think it's impossible.
DickVotes writes: Thursday, January, 24, 2008 11:46 PM
Debate
Romney won the debate. He looked much more knowledgeable and the adult in the group. Huckabee's lame joke of saving the money for the kids was pretty pathetic. He should not be thought to be a running mate for Mitt. Bad idea there. Maybe you did not see the example that Matthews himself understood. On a question about WMD, the Huckster surmised that the weapons were moved to Jordan!!!! ha ha ha As our great ally in the region, no one has ever suggested JORDAN as being the unknown recipient of Saddam's materials. If you saw the interview, you would have noticed that Huck looked completely clueless. I hate Matthews, but he did draw this lack of knowledge out. Scarborough must have been listening and understand what Rush has been saying...that the left wants McCain and will continue to promote him. And he rightly surmised that Andrea Mitchell was playing the role, rather unconvincingly. A great catch by him. Those radical PSMSNBC'ers really looked uncomfortable from the conviction displayed by Romney. I've become a Mitt man....Go MITT!
Joe writes: Thursday, January, 24, 2008 11:48 PM
Bambi
I agree Huckabee will not end up as a VP.
Reggie1971 writes: Thursday, January, 24, 2008 11:51 PM
Joe
Fred got in the race too damn late. If he had gotten started a couple of months earlier he would have raised more money, become more organized, and sharpened his debating chops in time to unify the party.
Joe writes: Thursday, January, 24, 2008 11:52 PM
Obama Won Tonight
Mary Katherine Ham sums it up well:

I'm rather bored. No one went after anyone. What's up with that?

Romney did fine, as he often does.

Rudy didn't do what he needed to do to distinguish himself.

McCain did fine. He probably didn't lose a lot of ground.

Obama wasn't mentioned tonight, but they mentioned Hillary because Hillary gets people out to vote; not necessarily because she's the fund raiser.

Tucker Carlson says Huckabee wins?

He's charming, but I'm not sure he wins.

http://www.townhall.com/blog/g/fe7468dc-e0a2-4750-8995-2d21 41cec943

Obama won tonight. The GOP highlighting how much they dislike her promoted Obama. Let's face facts, most of us are torn over Hillary. We know she would be easier to beat than Obama. But her losing the nomination would be a good thing too. I like Obama has a man, but his policies are even worse than Hillary's.
LibertyJaw writes: Thursday, January, 24, 2008 11:54 PM
Joe, dead on: MSNBC sucks . . .
I'm amazed what Chris Matthews has fixated on . . Romney's comment about Bill in the White House . . . . I remember when he used to pretend to be a conservative . . . anybody else remember that? now he's just a bitter old man.
llee writes: Thursday, January, 24, 2008 11:54 PM
Romney did a great job tonight!
I was impressed with Romney tonight. I believe he has steadily improved in the debates. I think they were hoping to trip him up, but it didn't work. They are probably pretty disappointed that the debate didn't provide any fireworks for them to brag about.

I'm sorry, but I disagree with those who thought Huckabee did well. He looked weak and rambling several times. And what the heck does he mean that he is the only that had to take on the Clinton machine. I live in Arkansas and the only good thing about Clinton going to Washington, was getting rid of him and all his buddies here in Arkansas. Huckabee basically stumbled into office as when he inherited from Jim Guy Tucker who went to jail. Clinton took his machine with him. Their goal was power through Clinton. They went with him and didn't stay to fight Huckabee several years later.

And get off of Hugh's back. Of course he supports Romney. It shows he has excellent instincts, and learned early on what a great President Romney would make. There is nothing wrong with supporting someone that you truly believe will make a great President. Go Mitt, Go Hugh.
Reason writes: Thursday, January, 24, 2008 11:55 PM
Worried Democrats?
As for "Democrats being worried" about Romney, I think Hugh is showing that he doesn't understand the political landscape...at all. Democrats are like bulldogs right now. They don't care what the Repub Party is doing right now. I have heard countless Republicans proclaiming that they won't vote for one reason or another in November. I haven't heard a single Democrat - anywhere say anything close to this. On the contrary, they say they will be out no matter what. Primary turnout figures prove this serious GOP problem.

I know this crowd doesn't care about (or respect) moderate and liberal Republicans and Independents, but you can't win without them. I've seen moderate Republicans in my own life already abandon the party over the last few months. I've heard one even say..."even if it's Hillary!" Conservatives have gone out of their way to drive these people out of the party. Casting out life-long Republicans as RINOs is crazy. Not as crazy as pretending that there are enough sympathetic Independents to make up for those lost votes.

Western States writes: Thursday, January, 24, 2008 11:57 PM
2nd amendment answer
As a recovering FredHead, I am still trying to decide between Giulini and Romney. One of the main things that I have had as a concern about Romney is 2nd amendment rights. Understand, when it comes to 2nd amendment, I stand somewhere between Chuck Hestons cold dead hands and the Motor City Manman's fully armed hands.

I have two questions I want to throw out:

1. How did Romney's response on his position on 2nd amendment come across?

2. Does anyone know a web site (preferably an official Massachusetts) where I could get a copy of the leglislation that Romney referred to signing as a govenor?
Joe writes: Thursday, January, 24, 2008 11:58 PM
The question that should have been asked
Imagine Russert asking this: "If Hillary Clinton did win the presidency, do you think she would give Bill Clinton a choice job in her administration or would she rip his head off and eat it at the Inaugural Ball like a praying mantis or black widow spider?"
Jack writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 12:04 AM
Dream Ticket
Mitt-Newt.

G'night.

GB writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 12:05 AM
Joe
I never agree with anything you say, but the Matthews thing -well you hit that one right out of the park. Kudos.
Joe writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 12:10 AM
The Boca, Boca Cabana...
I thought McCain and Huckabee were on very good form, and Romney did better than he has in the past - largely because he was not attacked. But again, when I hear him lambasting Hillary Clinton on healthcare as if she were far out on left field, I recall the extreme similarities between her vision and Romney's mandated individual, government-enforced private sector insurance policy in Massachusetts. Now I know there's a difference between federal and state policies in this regard, but Romney's ability to treat his own policies as if they were utterly anathema to him is ... how to put it? ... unsettling.

http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2008/0 1/the-boca-debate.html
Reggie1971 writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 12:12 AM
Re: The Q that should have been asked.
"If Hillary Clinton did win the presidency, do you think she would give Bill Clinton a choice job in her administration or would she rip his head off and eat it at the Inaugural Ball like a praying mantis or black widow spider?"

Joe if I could be assured that Hillary would pick the latter of those two choices, I would vote for her and dance at her inaugural ball!
B2slim writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 12:15 AM
Hillary is a cake Walk for ROMNEY::::::
Lawdy

Romney will wipe the floor with dumber than
utterly stupid Hillary

SHE::::: said SHE WOULD FREEZE interest rates for 5 years:

1. NOT A PREZ POWER
2. WE:::: citizens:::: shareholders OWN those Banks and Mortgage backed securities:
WE Invested in them to get a specific rate of return:
HILLARY HUGO CHAVEZ Clinton cannot take over the Banks: WE THE SHAREHOLDERS OWN THEM:::

Lawdy:

She also a year ago stated she would confiscate our dividends and gains from our investments in Oil Related Industry Stocks

HILLARY:::::: WE OWN THOSE COMPANIES as shareholders in our IRA's 401-K's Mutual funds
kids' college funds:

AS PRESIDENT you have NO POWER TO STEAL our investments and give those earned profits to the lazy slobs; the irresponsible, the brain fried druggies and the illegals: PERIOD::::::
Joe writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 12:15 AM
Rich Lowry--NRO
Given all that, though, the advantage had to go to Romney and McCain who are probably tied at the top in this state and now seem mostly content to present their strengths to voters and have them vote on that basis. Rudy presumably had to make something big happen, and didn't.


http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=MmI2YjQ5YTI3ZmI5MT Y4NjFkNjE4ZGEzZmQxMDU4MzU=
poyman writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 12:19 AM
All did fine....
I thought that all did well.... The majority of the debate centered on the "hot issue" of the day... The Economy" and that is Romney's strength, although I thought that he did well on the Non-Econ questions as well....

I am becoming more and more impressed with our field of candidates... I, like Hugh, am partial to Romney and Guiliani, but I thought that the others did well also....

I hate to admit this, but Paul didn't even sound all that bad either, except on the Iraq issue...
B2slim writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 12:20 AM
Utterly stupid Q from Media:

1. LAW OF THE SEA TREATY ???????

2. EDUCATION ????????????

3. DRILLING DRILLING DRILLING:::: aka Energy:::

4. Hillary's plan to take over the Banks and our investments: her plan to freeze interest rates and confiscate our dividends from oil related industry stocks: to steal our wealth:

5. IMMIGRATION:::: the plan to throw out the illegals and BUILD THAT FENCE:::::::
Joe writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 12:24 AM
The Nice Boring Debate
John McCain went out of his way to praise Rudy Giuliani immediately after the mayor was asked about the New York Times editorial criticizing him. He tossed a relative softball to Mike Huckabee on the Fair Tax. Even Mitt Romney mostly escaped criticism from McCain. In the course of his answer about Iraq, McCain said: "There were others that called for a phased or secret withdrawal." That was a reference to Romney, though few probably understood that.

One of McCain's best moments came when he twice proclaimed: "I'm proud to be a conservative." He then ticked off a list of examples of the times that he has challenged his own party, finishing by restating his commitment to put "my country above my party." This was effective. Now he needs to flip the formulation. McCain would do well to give a speech in which he reminds people of the issues on which he disagrees with his party, but speaks at some length about the many issues on which he agrees with conservatives. He would win points for "straight talk" and, at the same time, would reinforce his conservative credentials.

Romney did well. His answers on the economy seemed well-informed and the brief outline of the options for Social Security reform will sound reasonable to most voters. I don't think his answer on spending his own money will hurt him much, but it wasn't very good.

The nice debate will not likely move many voters in Florida.

http://www.weeklystandard.com/Weblogs/CampaignStandard/defa ult.asp#4222
B2slim writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 12:25 AM
Hillary needs go cry another river
Hillary should just go cry another river

Hillary is best at starting and perpetuating a race war

Hillary is best at enabling her demented Husband

Hillary shows her communist agenda:

Any dumber than utterly stupid woman voting for Hillary because she crys a river and is truly and utterly dumber than stupid ::::::::::::::::::::nd
and totally incompetent, must have been lost her brain somewhere along the way:
nparga23 writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 12:29 AM
mitt up intrade
after the debate, Romney went from 52 to 60.

It is over for McLame.NYT endorsed you...another blow..and you are for amnesty and a member of gang of 14...we will never forgive and forget.

Go Mitt ! You will have the nomination locked up after winning Florida.
B2slim writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 12:30 AM
Media avoided McCains disasters
NOTICE the LIBERAL media failed to
ask:

AMNESTY McCain Kennedy
MCCAINS massive proposed energy tax hike
McCain Lieberman
WHY NOT DRILL IN ANWR

etc.

NOT ONE OF McCains anti FREEDOM policies
"Ani Success" Hostility to Business
were not asked:
Joe writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 12:31 AM
The McCain Nightmare...for Dems
http://www.weeklystandard.com/Weblogs/TWSFP/TWSFPView.asp#4 219

And I suspect the NYT endorsed McCain to hurt him. The NYTs likes Mitt Romney
Reggie1971 writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 12:31 AM
Romney & McCain
Romney admittedly did very well tonight, and will almost certainly see his numbers go up in Florida.

However, McCain held his own, and considering that Guiliani may continue to lose support in FL, you have to consider which candidate those supporters jumping ship will go to? My guess would be McCain. Something tells me this is still going to be very close.
B2slim writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 12:38 AM
We said::: Beware the sleeping dog:
Wonder

just Wonder what BUBBA is going to
scream about tomorrow

"GENERAL HILLARY CLINTON" or ?????

Joe writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 12:38 AM
Medved positive about Mitt and McCain
McCain was McCain, using mostly familiar lines and stressing, on three different occasions, the prominent Reagan conservatives who’ve endorsed his campaign. He also did a solid job in explaining and defending his approach to global warming – a position which surely puts him closer to the Florida mainstream than the insistence that the whole problem is merely a hoax that safely can be ignored. Above all, the Arizona Senator seemed to be enjoying himself, and looked and sounded conspicuously vigorous. Compared to his grumpy, uncomfortable demeanor in previous, more contentious debates, he came across as ten – maybe twenty – years younger, a big plus for his campaign. Above all, listening to him talk about winning the war, cutting government spending, and cutting taxes, and watching the appropriately respectful treatment he received from his colleagues, he probably helped to undermine the charges by many voices on talk radio that he’s actually a wild-eyed leftist.

http://michaelmedved.townhall.com/blog/g/42602926-7418-4434 -ac9c-995627fe18b7
CDubber writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 12:43 AM
Joe
"And I suspect the NYT endorsed McCain to hurt him. The NYTs likes Mitt Romney"

You win most hilariously ridiculous line of the night.

So it's a vast Romney-NYT conspiracy, eh?

Hey Joe - the NYT loves McCain. So do Democrats and Independents. Does any of this tell you *anything* about your candidate, or do we need to spell it out for you?
fatherinoklahoma writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 12:48 AM
McCain hurt himself when he couldn't
answer the economics question. "I have people who have answers" isn't an answer, its an admission McCain didn't know the answer himself. The liberal media wouldn't let any of the other candidates get by with that answer on any subject.
GOPsaver writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 12:49 AM
JamesB
At what age did you become a West German type socialist like Billie Whoe, Hillary, and the others in the DNC party?

Do you Socialist (d) have a special comrade hand shake now?

All Bill Clinton ever did in 8 years was take credit for Newts ideas and gift China with our Nuke Tech.

I understand what makes Hillary hate America. What is your problem? Not enough free stuff?
just me writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 12:51 AM
After Boca,
McCee Florida futures on Intrade fell four points to 31.5, while Rom Florida futures jumped five points to 56.
Rob writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 12:52 AM
Highway to hell
How can anyone take a candidate whose solution to the nation's problems is to build a really looonnnng highway? And then follows it up with an extremely tasteless joke about Mitt's sons? Was that a boo from the audience? Coming fresh from calling Romney a "pig", McCain looked squirmy when Romney took the high road by offering his respect. Huckmobile and McCain have always been blowing kisses. They would make a good team. In some other country. The sudden warming between Romney and Guiliani was notable.
CDubber writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 12:52 AM
NYT and the Kiss of Death
"Still, there is a choice to be made, and it is an easy one. Senator John McCain of Arizona" - The New York Times

"Clinton, McCain win big endorsements - Candidates grab coveted nods from The New York Times" - MSNBC

"McCain sending Stallone after Norris" - CNN

The MSM love John McCain and slather him in sloppy wet kisses. Meanwhile, true conservatives with any working brain cells add 2+2 and flee for the exits.

Good night John. Hey, you'll still get Joe's vote.
Dan writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 12:57 AM
Even Medved Admits...
That Romney did very well.

Word is that the debate had a ton of first time viewers to this election, and if that's the case, Romney won a whole lot of support tonight.

As he said, "I have the economy in my DNA." McCain, rather, had to lie and deny his quote about not really knowing anything about the economy.

All in all, Romney has the clear momentum and will carry Florida.

Romney in '08!!!!!!!
Merlin the Magician writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 12:57 AM
Makeup artist
While tonight's makeup room used enough pancake to fill all of John's wrinkles (hiding 20 years) and accentuate all of Ron Paul's they applied enough bland top coat to make you think the choreographed stump speech slices were being done in mime.

Chauncey Gardner writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 12:59 AM
MITT / NEWT Ticket
I agree with Jack, except for the fact that the Dinosaur media would tear Newt apart. I would love to see Newt on the ticket. He has an incredible grasp of the issues and also brings a historical perspective to every challenge. I still remember what he said about the North Korean missle tests. He said he would blow them off the launch pad to show that The United States Of America would not allow North Korea to test missles capable of reaching our country. That, to me is the reaction of a statesman, not a politician.
I just cast my early primary vote for Mitt Romney today.
just me writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 1:04 AM
Thaaank you, Neeew Yooork Tiiiimes!
Your kiss of death of Johnnie just time for maximal effect on the race for the nomination!

P.S. Go Mike Huckabee for V.P.!
Dwayne Horner writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 1:06 AM
did you catch Hugh's Romney
impersonation? "Mitt Romney should send a thank you card to Tim Russert and Brian Williams. They threw hard balls at the former Massachusetts governor and he hit them all, many out of the park." Hugh even flip flops... He Hit them All, he hit many... he hit them All, he hit Many...He Hit them All, he hit many.

Hugh certainly learns from the best.
mas writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 1:09 AM
That is strange...
I don't understand Hugh's statement that the "dems should be worried that Romney will be the nominee." That's just not realistic on a couple of levels. First, by any measure of any poll, not that polls are always believable, the only Republican who weighs in against Hillary or Obama is McCain. Every other match up has the dems winning the white house.

Secondly, I don't think that Mitt Romney was soooo good tonight that he "knocked it out of the park." He wasn't bad--but, gee whiz, he certainly wasn't that good. He didn't change my mind--and I'm still truly undecided here. But, I have to say--I do not share the strong support of Mitt.
Dan writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 1:10 AM
McCain is a Terrible Debater
Another important lesson to take from this debate is that McCain is terrible at debating. It's certainly related to the fact that he's not a very smart man (check his Naval Academy records to prove that).

We can't afford to put up an old guy who can't debate for the election next November. Hillary would run circles around McCain and the media would love it.

Romney is smart, well-prepared and thinks well on his feet. He would make Hillary look really bad.

Romney in '08!
Craig writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 1:11 AM
Missed the debate
I missed the debate, so I thought I would switch to the Hugh Hewitt blog for insight. You mean Romney won? McCain lost? Hucks still an idiot? Guiliani a good guy?

Thanks. I got it.

By the way I did read the NYT endorsement, but why should you trust them. They did bring up some unsightly negatives. the Bratton affair in New York and Bernie Kerick (Why W. Bush didn't punch Guiliani in the face for recommending his felon friend for homeland secutity chief is beyond me) as well as his shameless us of 9/11 ot make a mint in security consulting. Of course the social issues are no picnic by he gets the Times support on that.

It seems to me that this is my Hugh Hewitt's spin on this entire race:
1. Romney - A corporate guy with good family values
2. Guiliani - A corporate guy with bad family values, but OK in my book (Screw the religious zealots!)
3. Thompson - A corporate guy with a hot wife, but in a coma.
4. McCain - Loose cannon: Distrusts business, hates corporate subsidy, but supports the war. He will go on my show, but I can't finish his sentences.
5. Huck - Religious Zealot
6. Duncan Hunter - Never heard of him (Need both names to identify)
6. Paul - Loonytoons

VoiceOfReason writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 1:12 AM
Uh Hugh....
Isn't this the same thing you said after Romney's faith speech?
JoanH writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 1:19 AM
on McCain beating Hillary or Obama
The MSM is in a love-fest for McCain right now, but as soon as he gets the nomination? The gloves will come off, and they will be vicious towards him. His age, the possibility of his melanoma recurring, his volatile temper -- all of that will be put on an endless loop, convincing independents that voting for the Crazy Old Man would be stupid. They'll play up his support for the war so that he looks like a war-monger, and they'll stoke fears that he'll nuke Iran or something.

And just wait till they go after Cindy. It won't be pretty. McCain will lose it spectacularly on camera, or within earshot, at least a few times, and then no one will feel comfortable voting for the guy who can't control himself. If he can't reign in his temper, why should we trust him with the bomb?

I happen to think that McCain is petty and vindicative, and has done a lot of what he's done these past 7 years just to get back at Bush for losing the 2000 primary -- so much for conservative principals.

Say what you want about Romney, but IMO he is better able to withstand everything that will come the way of the GOP nominee, whoever he is.
Dave writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 1:20 AM
Mitt Just Won Florida
Mitt was up by 4 points each in the Rasmussen and Mason Dixon Florida polls that came out earlier today. These are, historically, the best pollsters in the nation. Tonight's debate was a home run for Mitt, and should seal the deal. Rudy did ok, but he needed to stand out, and he didn't. McCain needed to do ok, and he didn't. Huckabee isn't playing for keeps in Florida and Paul is a fringe candidate. Mitt will now have the momentum to carry on and win convincingly in Florida, opening the way to a major victory in the Super Tuesday states.
Joe writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 1:21 AM
CDubber
The hard truth is this- Mitt probably won't swing any of the blue states, and he will have problems holding many of the Red States, where our current base of power is. He will stick out like a stuck pig in the South, trying to convince rock-ribbed conservatives and cynical southerners that a Massachusetts executive-type moderate Republican who is a recent convert to pretty much his entire political platform is either reliable, credible, or trustworthy.

http://www.blogsforfredthompson.com/mitt-romney-more-likely -not-general-election-loser

Hate to break the news to you.
Joe writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 1:26 AM
Dave--were you drunk
Mitt did ok. I would give him a slight edge on the economy issue. McCain was fine. Rudy did okay, but for him that was definitely not enough. Huck hurt himself (perhaps) to those of us who follow the issues, but stylistically was okay.

Here is the bad news for your guy: http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2008/president/us/ general_election_romney_vs_clinton-230.html (mitt v. hillary)

Here is the good news for McCain: http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2008/president/us/ general_election_mccain_vs_clinton-224.html

Shannon writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 1:28 AM
russert/williams
well that was a lovely debate. everyone was nice and did well. russert and williams gave romney a good platform to demonstrate is superb economic knowledge. ron paul used his opportunity to try to knock mccain down. huck and rudy are now in the vp running. i learned NOTHING from this exercise that i didn't already know. just how many more debates are there going to be...i blew off my homework for that!! can't we just vote already and be done with it!
CDubber writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 1:36 AM
Joe - puh-lease
Do you *really* believe that national polls have any relevance at this stage of the process? Geez, throw Tom Brady's name in there and he'd probably draw 40%. Hey, maybe you should vote for Tom Brady since he'd poll well against Clinton nationally!

McCain only does well nationally at this early stage because he's a fossilized part of Washington politics and everyone knows his name. Surely you know this. Then again...

By clucking about national poll numbers before there's even a nominee from either party shows you're either terribly naive or simply disingenuous.
CDubber writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 1:37 AM
Correction
"Geez, throw Tom Brady's name in there and he'd probably draw 40%."

I meant to say 60%, but you got the drift.
Trista writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 1:42 AM
Taking on Hillary
Romney's clearly the hands down choice for taking on Hillary. McCain is distinguished, yes, but playing nice is not going to work. The Republican nominee needs to launch witty, memorable, and powerful criticisms her direction.

Romney's "General" and "Bill in the White House with nothing to do" remarks show that he is up for the spar that would inevitably ensue in a Clinton match up. All other candidates were lack luster in this regard. Who's even going to remember what they said about Hillary in the weeks to come?
Aubrey writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 1:47 AM
EXCELLENT JOB FOR MITT ROMNEY
Impressive!!! We couldn't ask for more! Go Mitt Romney!!! - from the Christian Conservatives in Southern California
CollegeRepublican writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 1:51 AM
Romney Won
I'm a Giuliani supporter, but Romney clearly won tonight's debate. I thought Giuliani did well, but I don't know if it will be enought to propel him to a win in Florida.

- Nick
http://www.theminefield.blogspot.com
bryce3 writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 1:56 AM
Guys..PLEASE Nominate Romney!
In these days when ordinary working Americans are genuinely concerned about the economy, hearing Mitt defend his days presiding over Caribean tax shelter havens will be a very welcome gift to this liberal.
Thomas writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 1:57 AM
Ha Ha
Hewitt's mancrush got caught cheating at the debates--
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NlIMQ31EjY

(I don't know if he was really cheating but it's pretty bizarre)
laborlawyer writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 1:58 AM
Mitt won
And Democrats everywhere are cheering:)

One thing: Why does Romney get a pass when he strays from the right-wing reservation? He did it on guns tonight, saying he would sign an assault weapons ban. If McCain said that, he'd be knocked from stem to stern.

No need to respond, I already know the answer:)
laborlawyer writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 2:03 AM
One thing I will say....
Romney gave a very good answer to the religion question tonight- much better than in his "faith of our fathers" speech. He seems to have read up on Art. VI. Better late than never.
Reggie1971 writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 2:05 AM
Careless whisper?
The whisper "raise taxes" is real. I remember hearing it during the debate wondering where it came from. I don't know if it was being fed to Romney or not. I would imagine it was someone whispering to Tim Russert. More to come.
CDubber writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 2:07 AM
Thomas
"Hewitt's mancrush got caught cheating at the debates"

Yes Thomas, Romney *obviously* had a Lilliputian hiding in his pocket spitting out answers for him, which happened to be picked up by Romney's microphone. Uh huh.

Put your tinfoil hat back on - the "mysterious whisper" sounded like one of the moderators to me.

I'm getting flashbacks to the "mysterious bulge on GWB" in the last election. Are you a moonbat, or are there really nutty, paranoid conservatives too?

The desperation for a Romney scandal knows no bounds.
bryce3 writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 2:23 AM
CDUBBER on Romney and scandal
None is needed. All the Dems have to do is run commercials showing a distraught young single mother explaining how she lost her job when Bain Capital took over the company where she was employed.
PC writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 3:18 AM
Why, oh why
Does Hugh keep talking about Huck as VP? Romney would NEVER choose him. He's dumb as a post and hates Mormons and Romney.

Huck blew it big tonight. The nasty, out of place comment about Romney's wealth, his thought that WMD is in Jordan, and his nutty highway plan. Can we please just come out and say that this man was never ready for prime time?
Shannon writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 3:19 AM
bryce3
all of you please take note of these posts. he has a point. romney is the guy that comes in and restructures the company and you loose your job. i'm not sure if hillary will bring up the tax shelters though, since she and bill have several of their own. plastic man might win the nomination, but he cannot win the white house.
bryce3 writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 3:34 AM
Shannon, not to rub salt in the wounds
But...I also have visions of Romney explaining why the millions he earned managing other people's money should be taxed at the capital gains rate of 20% max, while your earnings(I presume) and mine are subject to the income tax rate of 35% max.

Oh yeah, PLEASE give us Romney!
Shannon writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 4:04 AM
bryce3
he does it because he can and he would only spin it (somehow) to make himself look better. i don't trust romney and cannot in good conscience vote for him.
bryce3 writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 4:19 AM
shannon
First off, even if you can't vote for him, please vote, even if it's write-in. I am truly distressed by the number of conservatives who say they'll pass this time around.

As far as Romney spin goes, I personally see the whole hedge fund issue as his achilles heel. He will be on the defensive big time, and with a Democratic electorate that is poised to vote for whichever candidate wins the nomination, this could well prove to be the kind of distraction that kills campaigns.
reaganfan1982 writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 4:59 AM
Romney The Gun Grabber
It is actually surreal how fast the Republican Party is disintegrating. A gun grabbing Massachusetts liberal is now being held up as a "conservative"
News Flash--
Mitt Romney is not a conservative.
just me writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 5:01 AM
In the words
of Andrew Sullilvan:

"If Romney wins this, one small consolation will be the immense pleasure so many of us will draw from the continued insights and brilliance of Hugh Hewitt."

http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2008/0 1/the-boca-debate.html

just me writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 5:13 AM
And also:
"John McCain is Bob Dole minus the charm, conservatism and youth," - Ann Coulter, Human Events.

http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2008/0 1/malkin-award--7.html

reaganfan1982 writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 6:09 AM
Why Are We Voting For Romney Again?
Aubrey writes:
"EXCELLENT JOB FOR MITT ROMNEY
Impressive!!! We couldn't ask for more!"

Uh yeah we could. Like a candidate who didn't support gays in the Boy Scouts.
But I guess it's okay, the Republican Establishment has redefined "conservative" as gay-loving, gun-grabbing Massachusetts liberals.
11th Commander writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 6:58 AM
I guess it may be over
Over for the nomination. Over for the election. I am afraid Romney is the persumptive nominee. He will not go beyond a Bush type run. He will do a little worse than Bush. He will loose Ohio, Iowa and New Mexico. He will not win any other Kerry states. At least two Senate seats will fall - Minnesota and New Hampshire.

I am afraid that McCain did not handle the economic issues well.

I know I am pessimist. At this time in 2004 I knew Bush would win. My Democrat friends rediculed me. I told them they were wrong and that Bush would win.

This year is just the opposite. The winds are blowing Democrat. They will not change, unless the Democrats implode on the race issue. I doubt that as I believe the black votes will return to Hillary. If Obama wins the touchy feely Democrats will win. Even if Romney pulled a surpise and won Ohio, the Senate seats are still history.

I have not been so low, since the morning after Goldwater's defeat and Nixon flew away in the helicopter. The Dems can do real damage in 4 years.
Joe writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 7:14 AM
The sad hard truth for Mitt Romney
McCain beats Clinton: http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2008/president/us/ general_election_mccain_vs_clinton-224.html If you check the Real Clear Politics average, virtually all the polls show that (RCP averge 2.3+ in favor of McCain).

McCain also beats Obama: http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2008/president/us/ general_election_mccain_vs_obama-225.html
(RCP average 1+ in favor of McCain)

Clinton beats Romney (Badly): http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2008/president/us/ general_election_romney_vs_clinton-230.html (RCP Average 11+ in favor of Clinton)

Obama beats Romney (Badly): http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2008/president/us/ general_election_romney_vs_obama-231.html#polls (RCP Average 18+ in favor of Obama)


The hard truth is this- Mitt probably won't swing any of the blue states, and he will have problems holding many of the Red States, where our current base of power is. He will stick out like a stuck pig in the South, trying to convince rock-ribbed conservatives and cynical southerners that a Massachusetts executive-type moderate Republican who is a recent convert to pretty much his entire political platform is either reliable, credible, or trustworthy.
http://www.blogsforfredthompson.com/mitt-romney-more-likely -not-general-election-loser
rockerisback writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 7:35 AM
Romneys snide expression
Romniacs, answer me this. whats with the constant snide look on romneys face. seriously he always looks as if he is talking down to the audience. there isnt a "real" bone to his body.
11th Commander writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 7:35 AM
Arkansas
I forgot in previous post to mention Arkansas. If Hillary is the nominee, she will carry Arkansas. She would carry it against Huckabee. I live in Arkansas. I know where of I speak.
Bambi writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 8:15 AM
fab cunc & Buck
DON'T YOU GET IT, THIS IS HUGH'S BLOG. Geez if you don't like it go somewhere else, or better yet get your own. Every one listening and those moderating the debate puts Romney ahead.
Rock: He does not have a snide look. He tries to keep an even smile on his face, so he doesn't look like mccain - sneer, snide etc.
"JORDAN"? - man is he ready to step in - something. But then he always does. Then eddy or kung foo man can step in and hit someone in the teeth.
11th: let's just wait a bit until there is a contrast mano eh mano for the 2 of them and see who comes out looking presidential.

Are you all nuts? Do you think companies have unlimited funds and don't need to make a profit?
For these failing companies, who pays the salaries? The government, so they can go on forever loosing money? Only the government can do that.
Heaven help us!
Virginia Patriot writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 8:39 AM
Amensty vs Amnesty
From today's Pat Buchanan piece:

In 2004, the voters of Arizona, by 56 percent to 44 percent, enacted Proposition 200, requiring proof of citizenship before an individual may vote or receive state benefits. Forty-six percent of Hispanics voted for Prop. 200, giving the lie to those who say Hispanics support the illegal invasion of their country. Over 190,000 Arizonans petitioned to put Prop. 200 on the ballot. As it simply required proof of citizenship before receiving the benefits and privileges of citizenship, who could oppose it? Answer: the entire GOP congressional delegation, led by Sen. John McCain. This is the same John McCain who battled the border fence and colluded with Teddy Kennedy on the amnesty bill rejected by Congress last year after a national uproar. Bottom line: If the presidential race is between Hillary and Amnesty John, the border security battle is over and lost.
bovertine writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 8:46 AM
Call me a pessimist
but even though I despise him and wouldn't vote for him, I still think Rudy will win Florida based on the early voting and recent pandering. I may be the only one.
Mike writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 9:14 AM
Romney will rise
the more people see him and especially in a head to head debate with either Dem he will do circles around them - the national polls mean nothing right now - Romney has come in first or second except in SC - and you are not going to beat McCain while the evangelical vote is going to Huck - once they are not in the race and he is facing a liberal, Romney can take southern states.

McCain beats them today on recognition alone - he would not stand up to a long campaign of dirty tricks - there is more than one (expletive deleted) skeleton that the MSM would help the Clintonistas wheel out of Macs closet
sugar writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 9:25 AM
Good Debate
Good debate. Did all the candidates agree not to bicker? I even felt better about McCain. I still think Romney won. Huckabee is really talented. Rudy would be a good second. I think even if you could put all of McCain's betrayals of conservative principles in the past, his visible problem is going to be his age. People can make fun of Norris' comment, but people believe what they see. Romney, Giuliani, Huckabee appear vigorous, McCain is struggling. I felt sorry for him. The Republicans still look like the grownups compared to the Dems, no matter what. Good for us.
Joe writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 9:49 AM
Mitt can't win the general election
A recent Pew Poll on point found the following:

McCain receives solid favorable ratings from all key groups of Republican voters. Republican-leaning independents offer nearly identical ratings of McCain as do those who identify as Republicans. Fully two-thirds of conservative white evangelical Protestant GOP voters have a favorable view of McCain, as do nearly three-quarters of other conservatives (72%), and moderate and liberal Republicans (74%). McCain also receives virtually identical ratings from younger and older voters, men and women, and voters of different educational backgrounds.

http://people-press.org/reports/display.php3?ReportID=385

Looking at the flip side of the issue, Pollster.com’s Charles Franklin recently observed:

Also surprising, given McCain’s testy relations with so many Republican groups, is the relatively small number who would refuse to vote for him. McCain suffers only 9% of Republicans who would never vote for him in the Pew poll. Huckabee is at 8%, Giuliani at 15% and Romney at a devastating 20%.

http://www.pollster.com/blogs/an_emerging_republican_consen s.php
Virginia Patriot writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 10:02 AM
Win The Election, Lose Your Country

We must elect someone who will not try to shove "Comprehensive Immigration Reform", amnesty, down our throats. We tried that once in 1986 and it failed miserably. We now have 10 times the number of illegal aliens. We will either elect a President who will uphold the laws or one who will change them to accomodate the illegal aliens. If we do the latter, we are voluntarily committing national suicide.
Qweenmumof7 writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 10:24 AM
I think Mitt Romeny can win
It's a tad early to put any credit in national polls at this point in the race. We don't even have a nominee. Unlike the otherside, ours is a race, and not a coranation.

Mitt Romney can win on many fronts. The economy. National Security. Foreign Policy. He can do it. He can unite. He can pick up the Anti-Hillary votes with no problems. No nose holding required.

I admire McCain and what he went through in the Hanoi Hilton. But as a senator with a permanant office in Washington? He's not my fave.
sugar writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 10:26 AM
To Joe:
20% would never vote for Romney vs. 9% for McCain. Really. First, that comes from Pew. I don't really trust Pew anymore. Second, checking your first link there are some charts in there that show every group rating Romney more conservative than McCain. Who's more likely to absolutely refuse to ever vote for a candidate. I would think it would be people that hold to a coherent ideology. The only idealogues in the Republican party are conservatives. This idea that more people will stay home if Romney gets the nod, doesn't pass the smell test. Just keep trying to stampede us into McCain, it may work yet!
Trista writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 10:32 AM
Win/Nomination Lose/Election Nonsense
For all those Romney pessimists....all Romney has to do is add on a conservative Christian Southern VP, and he wins the election (along with several southern states).

The Hucksters would forget he's Mormon and vote for their favorite Christian.

Romney is a team building genius. His VP will strenghten his hold in states he's sluggish in now.

And with his debate skills Romney's the only one capable of taking on Hillary in a verbal spar and coming out looking like the good guy who's still smiling. Debate doesn't even make him nervous. He looks forward to it (and to taking on the CLintons!)

McCain, however, would look old and tired next to Hillary. There's no way he can keep up with her, and he has a temper that I'm sure she'll provoke.
GOPsaver writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 11:29 AM
One question for McCain and Fans.
Yes Mit and Rudy can win the election. The only reason the socialist DNC does as well as it does is because the media props them up and tax peyers buy votes for them.

My question for Shamnesty McCain is what laws do I get to break? I have lived in the USA my entire life. What laws do I get to break?

.08 DWI? I wish I had a buzz on .08 Do I get to walk on that one?

I buy the Government a new Honda Accord each year as I drive a car built in 02. Do I get to skate on my taxes?

We are told we do not have enough electric, water, gas, cheap rentals, good paying jobs, and we have to much polution, garbage, cars on our roads, poor people, un-insured people, over populated schools, over run Hospitals,

All of this yet we have plenty for tens of millions of Mexican Citizens?

What Laws do I get to Break Mr. McCain?
Dr. Son writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 11:59 AM
Ahhh . . . I see . . .
Only other people are allowed to vigorously promote their candidate, but Hugh on his own blog which he created cannot.
Bambi writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 12:25 PM
fab cunc
Sorry about the caps (not), but how many have to post that it is Hugh's blog, and he can do what he wants for you all to get it? There are many blogs out there for your guys, go inhabit them. I wouldn't think of going to huckster's site and whine and cry about anyone supporting him.
By the way, I don't drink either, but thanks anyway.
CDubber writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 12:46 PM
Joe - I smell desperation
Still vomiting up meaningless national polling numbers because it's all you have left.
gdad writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 2:39 PM
Dr. Son - Good Point
I find it remarkable that some of the remarks condemn Hugh for his support of Mitt Romney. I have to wonder why a few individuals even bother to hang around Hugh's Web site (I don't need to mention who they are, everybody knows). Are they really Clinton or Obama supporters, hoping to split the GOP? I recommend that readers of this site skip past the nasty comments, as they are counterproductive.
Akennas writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 5:31 PM
Joe
Give it up already! If polls this far out were valid, either Dallas or Green Bay would be playing New England instead of the Giants. That's why they have primaries and caucuses - to produce a winner. If Romney faces Clinton or Obama, I really like my chances, because he will have earned that nomination in one of the hardest-fought primary seasons anyone has ever gone through. He will be battle-tested and sharp as a knife.

I predict whomever wins the GOP nomination - and yes, I personally hope it is Mitt - will get a groundswell of support from the GOP, especially if it is Billary the Two-Headed Dragon he must slay to preserve the Union.
Truthseeker writes: Friday, January, 25, 2008 5:31 PM
Boooooorrrrrrrring!!!
Put me to sleep. Incipid pap. Mitt looked like his usual plastic self. I wouldn't trust him as far as I could throw him...out of the park!
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