ABC News and Charles Gibson are no CNN and Anderson Cooper when it comes to skewing the agenda of presidential debates. In the back-to-back Republican followed by Democratic debates from New Hampshire aired between 7 and 11 PM EST Saturday night on ABC, moderator Gibson challenged the presumptions of both sets of candidates with a key talking point being pushed by the other party: He hit Republicans on the lack of national health care and Democrats on the success of the surge in Iraq.
To the six Republicans: “We're the only industrialized nation in the world that doesn't insure all of our citizens. If we can afford a trillion dollar war in Iraq, why can't we afford medical insurance for everybody?”To the four Democrats: “We started the surge early this year. You all opposed it. But there are real signs it has worked....Are any of you ready to say that the surge has worked? And Senator Clinton, let me start with you, because when General Petraeus was in Washington in September, you said it would take 'a willful suspension of disbelief' to think that the surge could do any good.”
Unlike with the CNN/YouTube debates, ABC and Gibson did not slant the questions and topics raised to advantage Democrats and make Republicans look extreme. (My NewsBusters item on CNN's GOP debate agenda/My MRC CyberAlert look at the Democratic debate agenda pushed by CNN).
Another noteworthy moment: When Scott Spradling, the political reporter for WMUR-TV channel 9 (ABC's affiliate in Manchester), who joined Gibson in the second halves of each debate, channeled 1970s Jimmy Carter economics in suggesting government action to limit profits in order to lower the price of home heating oil:
Senator [Fred] Thompson, Americans are also watching the profits of companies here in America that are making a lot of money as these prices per barrel [of oil] are skyrocketing. They're bothered by it, people in New Hampshire are bothered by this. Aren't you?...Should something not be done?
When Thompson asked what Spradling thought should be done, Gibson interjected to name what Spradling seemed to be pushing Thompson to advocate: “Excess profits tax?” Thompson had to explain supply and demand.
Fun fact: Spradling has the job FNC's Carl Cameron held before moving up to the national cable network.
—Brent Baker is Vice President for Research and Publications at the Media Research Center
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
To me this is the way a
January 6, 2008 - 01:57 ET by Gary P JacksonTo me this is the way a debate should be held. Gibson was fair. I like the idea of throwing out a topic, then sitting back and letting the candidates go at it. This is where you seperate the men from the boys, and the leaders from the followers!
Great to hear that a big
January 6, 2008 - 02:26 ET by wiwfGreat to hear that a big name not FNC-related was able to be fair and balanced! GJP got it right: throw out a topic, let the candidates go at it.
The Rocky Mountain Collegian: Illustrating Idiocy
Gibson
January 6, 2008 - 06:35 ET by well99Charlie Gibson say God love all of you for making this argument.It was Raise your Hand For Change Video.So much for non bias.Click Vote 2008:Democrats
http://abcnews.go.co...
The clip was parsed...
January 6, 2008 - 09:51 ET by timotheActually, the comment by Gibson was very sarcastic. The Democrats had just spent 10 minutes going back and forth talking about change when Gibson butted in. Before the clip began, Gibson explained to the candidates that there was a long long history of candidates who ran on the "change" platform.
ABC news was biased by not cutting off the context of Gibson's comments. Gibson's comments themselves were spot on.
Could be
January 6, 2008 - 09:54 ET by well99Maybe I took it the wrong way.It seemed to me he was patting them on the back.
Best debate format...
January 6, 2008 - 02:41 ET by Amanda Justice... by far. This is what I want to see and MORE of it! For a long time I wondered if it was Brit Hume in a Charlie Gibson mask, but indeed Charlie asked the hard (GWOT) questions of the dems. w00t! Good on ya, Charlie!
Well
January 6, 2008 - 04:00 ET by drillanwrumm, wow?!?
Excellent Job, ABC
January 6, 2008 - 04:05 ET by MikeknaJTop notch presentation by Gibson and ABC tonight. That's how a debate should be moderated. Gibson was tough, but fair.
http://www.xanga.com/mikeknaj
Here's one for sarc and
January 6, 2008 - 07:22 ET by BlazerHere's one for sarc and the Paul-bot's. A defining moment of moonbattery and why Dr. Ron should not be president. A far-leftist couldn't have said it any better than he did here:
http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=4091715
"You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy. We must be cautious. "
- Ben Kenobi on Liberals, and the MSM.
" The Cake is a lie."
That clip shows that Paul doens't know the enemy
January 6, 2008 - 07:37 ET by SouthJersey1953In just one minute, he showed his total lack of understanding of who we are fighting against in the WOT.
It's not Right vs. Left; it is Right vs. Wrong
Ron Paul is a fool! Look,
January 6, 2008 - 08:13 ET by Gary P JacksonRon Paul is a fool!
Look, he is probably a very decent man. It's nothing personal. But he is a friggin' fool. He doesn't have a clue about the only thing that really matters: National security! Health care, illegals, whatever someone wants to make an issue of. None of it matters if we are all dead! These are serious times, and we need a serious leader. Ron Paul ain't it!
Always been a fool
January 6, 2008 - 11:15 ET by ThisnThatRon Paul has held his position from day 1 -- showing just how big a fool he is. He might as well be a Democrat, since he insists upon blaming America and excusing those religious fanatics in the Middle East.
___________________________________
If you can read this, thank a teacher. If it is in English, thank a Soldier. - My barber
}}---> TnT
January 6, 2008 - 11:30 ET by Cool ArrowIsn't "fool" a bit harsh?
Ron Paul is no more a fool than the man he emulates with every word he speaks. Thomas Jefferson.
Tell me just what part of Paul's foreign policy statements do not have deep root in Jefferson's warning against "foreign entanglement".
I disagree with Paul on how we should extricate ourselves from The Middle East and Europe, but I don't disagree on how we got there.
I ♣ My Seal
Look, Ron Paul is probably
January 6, 2008 - 18:59 ET by Gary P JacksonLook, Ron Paul is probably a very decent human being. But he is an absolute fool when it comes to all of this.
It's not America's fault there are people in the world who hate us. This is the most successful nation in the history of the world. A lot of the world's population just hate us on spec!
Paul is not a leader. He's just a guy with a lot of rhetoric. He's a one trick pony. If you can't tie it to Iraq, he's got nothing.
Again, I imagine he is a good guy, personally, but a fool none the less.
Ron Paul an absolute fool?
January 7, 2008 - 10:30 ET by fosstenFor you to make a claim that Ron Paul is an absolute fool, you must have absolute knowledge, something you do not have. If there is ANY shred of information that shows that Ron Paul has a point about foreign entanglements (and there are many shreds), you cannot accurately claim that he is an absolute fool.
And for those of you saying national security is the ONLY issue that matters, I remind you of many empires that have crumbled from within because they overspent and overtaxed their people while fraying civil liberties. If America collapses due to the falling dollar and a bloated police state Federal government, who will be around to save Iraq? In a medical emergency, the first heartbeat you check for is your own.
And you're right, it is not America's fault per se that other countries hate us. But our policies can aggravate other countries. If you don't think this is possible, then you are far closer to being an absolute fool than Ron Paul.
Forget 911, I dial 10MM.
The part I love...
January 7, 2008 - 10:36 ET by sarcasmo(Check the forums, or that cricket-fest the other day on Open Thread as heavyweight conservatives kept piling onto my bandwagon...) is how NB is as much as siding with a mainstream media outlet's bias which was so-bad that the NH GOP literally de-sponsored a forum. It must be pretty humiliating for them... :)
JMR
PS Gotta love all that flip-floppin' he's done since 1988...It lets me get in historical bipartisan media bias digs at a drug smuggling big government agency & recall my old bumper-sticker! :)
Rally online with fans of Dr. Ron Paul. (All purpose anti-slander-link, sadly-needed these days...)
Sarc
January 7, 2008 - 10:38 ET by fosstenLove the anti-slander link. Thanks!
Ron Paul 2008
He lost me
January 7, 2008 - 22:24 ET by timotheRon Paul lost me the rest of the way when he was asked by Charles Gibson in the debate how he would separate himself from Barack Obama. I'm not going to go and get the link myself, but besides saying that he and Obama have a lot in common, he mentioned Iraq in the second sentence.
If Ron Paul were so damn Constitutional, why oh why would he mention Iraq when asked about separating himself from Barack Obama? Other than Iraq, every single issue between Paul and Obama is different. Every. Single. Issue.
It became obvious to me at that moment that Ron Paul is not running on any other issues other than Iraq. He may refer to those issues on the website, but when it comes down to nuts and bolts, he's going to talk about Iraq.
If he can't talk about conservative issues when given a wide-open doorway to do so, how exactly will he be able to communicate his so-called conservative principles when running in the general election and his opponent agrees with him on Iraq?
He is a non-starter for me.
Not a logical conclusion.
January 7, 2008 - 11:19 ET by BDNot a logical conclusion.
Oh brother! I nearly
January 6, 2008 - 07:34 ET by BlazerOh brother! I nearly puked when I saw this audacious shameless lie:
http://gatewaypundit.blogspot.com/2008/01/obama-shows-audacity-to-exaggerate-make.html
"You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy. We must be cautious. "
- Ben Kenobi on Liberals, and the MSM.
" The Cake is a lie."
Holy Cow! I really didn't
January 6, 2008 - 07:53 ET by motherbeltHoly Cow! I really didn't think I would ever say this about him, but the man is absolutely shameless, just like the rest of the Democrats.
Shameless lying puffer
January 6, 2008 - 12:45 ET by stratmanShameless lying puffer fish.
The only question, and it is a huge problem for Republicans to counteract, is whether people will continue to disregard his naivety, ignorance, inexperience and obvious puffery.
History is replete with examples of citizens supporting candidates based on perception and not on grounded fact of current and past performance. Obama is a touchstone for people hungry for something different. He has been imbued with the citizen's personal hopes and political positions regardless of whether Obama actually articulated that precise position, or, irrespective of his past performance. In much the same way, Huckabee has profited from the same bump.
I think the MSM and Democrat operatives want to position Huckabee as the Republican nominee because they believe him to be both immanently defeatable and palatable if actually elected. McCain used to be their darling but now they have a new useful fool.
Figurative advice for Huckabee concerning the MSM: Beware the Ides of March.
Killing them with kindness isn't working. Time to get scrappy with the Donkeys.
unbelievable: Obama is dangerous
January 6, 2008 - 13:02 ET by botgHis foreign policy is either:
lies for political expediancy
or
from fantasyland
And neither option is acceptable
GoHunter08
We all knew it was only a
January 6, 2008 - 08:22 ET by Gary P JacksonWe all knew it was only a matter of time before one of these nimrods tried to say it was all their doing. I just thought it would be Hillary. This is exactly like Dingy Harry trying to take credit for Limbaugh's charity success with "the letter"!
Shameless liars. Not sure how the rest of the Republicans feel, but I am more confident every day that we will mop the floor with these losers.
I would love to see Romney go at them like he did McCain and Huck! For that matter, Rudy or Fred would be just as effective. Is it November yet?
Obama's boisterous lie is
January 6, 2008 - 08:34 ET by BlazerObama's boisterous lie is only backed up if thier strategy was losing all along. Which fit's right in with why, when they lose they still proclaim themselve's winner's,example: Hillary-Iowa.
They simply cannot register defeat, which will make it all the more delicious when they lose the general election in November.
Looking forward to the nutroot's predictable implosion.
"You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy. We must be cautious. "
- Ben Kenobi on Liberals, and the MSM.
" The Cake is a lie."
Speechless
January 6, 2008 - 08:29 ET by OldSailor88I'm flabberghasted. I didn't see the Dems half of the debate, and now I'm glad. He just slandered the work of every Military member who worked so hard to make the Anbar Awakening happen. Not to mention spitting on the grave of all who gave their lives there. If he gets the nomination, the GOP candidate has to broadcast this far and wide. Not to mention rubbing his nose in it whenever given a debate opportunity. He's a disgrace.
Faciem durum cacantis habes
For the past several years
January 6, 2008 - 14:05 ET by BDFor the past several years I have made the statement that liberals seek to justify their youths in the 1960’s, specifically their participation in the Anti-Vietnam war effort by fighting against the current GWOT.
In last nights debate my believes were totally justified in the space of a minute as Hillary Clinton stated during the NH democratic debate that if she were elected president she would immediately plan for failure in the GWOT. She stated that she believed that the CJCS should immediately begin planning for the removal of 100,000+ civilians who work at the Embassy, consulates etc and for corporations. The planning would remove all US troops, and all of the Iraqi’s who sided with us (translators, informants, business owners, politicians, etc)
Hillary seems to want to see US helicopters hurriedly evacuating people from the embassy roofs, while panicked individuals clung to the wheels of jets as they took off, and abandoned helicopters being shoved from carrier decks into the ocean again.
Wouldn’t it have been grand if the moderator had asked if she wished to witness the US malaise of the 1970’s again? Personally, unlike the liberals,
I DO NOT think the Saigon evacuation in 1975 was our finest hour.
Blazer
January 6, 2008 - 14:33 ET by botgTammy had a very good point before the debate that Obama is in the mold of Carter when international politics are involved. Your link here proves it. Very very dangerous dude.
GoHunter08
Thank's for the link botg.
January 6, 2008 - 14:58 ET by BlazerThank's for the link botg. I like Tammy.
Just what America need's another Dhimmi Carter. A foreign policy disaster waiting to happen. Looking forward to the Sunni-Shia nuclear arm's race if he or one of his Dem cohort's is elected.
Time to stock up on Iodine tablet's.
"You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy. We must be cautious. "
- Ben Kenobi on Liberals, and the MSM.
" The Cake is a lie."
To the six Republicans:
January 6, 2008 - 08:36 ET by DontFeedTheTrollsTo the six Republicans: “We're the only industrialized nation in the world that doesn't insure all of our citizens. If we can afford a trillion dollar war in Iraq, why can't we afford medical insurance for everybody?”
I don't see how asking why we don't have a 'Department Of Ridiculously Expensive Health Insurance' is considered balance. This would prove to be another bloated, inefficient bureaucracy burdening all taxpayers and providing mediocre results. A better question would be what can be done to drive down costs in the health care market.
D
Keep the ILLEGALS out, join NumbersUSA to send free faxes to your reps.
Well to be fair DFTT,
January 6, 2008 - 08:54 ET by BlazerWell to be fair DFTT, they did ask the Dem's about the surge and thier only reaction was to outright lie about it. What I thought was great concerning the Dem debate was when socialised healthcare was brought up they didn't espouse it's virtues, they were all "my plan's better than your's, no mine is, no, no mine is, your plan wont' work, no your's wont'", which will just confuse people and divide them even more on this issue.
All in all I think it was a great debate on both sides. It showed the nation who the GOP is, and exposed the Democrat's for who they really are.
Any taker's on how long Hill keep's the gloves on before she bring's the knives out ? This is gonna get real ugly, real soon. I love it ! See below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDfYonAphx8
"You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy. We must be cautious. "
- Ben Kenobi on Liberals, and the MSM.
" The Cake is a lie."
It's hard to express in
January 6, 2008 - 09:24 ET by Gary P JacksonIt's hard to express in words (at least in a public forum) how much I dislike these people. These socialist/communists are shameless. They don't deserve the powder and lead it would take to put them out of our misery. That's harsh, I know.
How any sane person could even consider voting for a dim is beyond me. It has to be a mental disorder.
One thing about it, they have given the Republican candidate, who ever it ends up being, tons of ammo. If we can't take these people out, we might as well all go home!
Would you trust your heath care
January 6, 2008 - 09:47 ET by well99To someone who cant even build a fence?How many were uninsured under Bill Clintion?
}}---> Good fences
January 6, 2008 - 10:13 ET by Cool ArrowBut you've gotta admit Bill Clinton solved Bush Sr's "homeless problem" the minute he stepped into the Oral Office. Ne must have, the press didn't run any more stories about them.
I ♣ My Seal
If they win this time....
January 6, 2008 - 10:37 ET by OldSailor88The economy will instantly be the best we've had since the 50's because the people are "happy" to have a Dem in office.
Faciem durum cacantis habes
It will be...
January 6, 2008 - 10:50 ET by Uphill...instant Utopia!!!!!
We need opposition...
January 6, 2008 - 11:02 ET by SyriusOld Sail,
The Gov't stops working when the White House &
Congress are controlled by one party. I'd like to see a working Gov't
which works in helping formulate a better quality of life for everyone.
A rising tide raises all boats. Paraphrasing Bush in front of an
audience "It's nice being able to represent the party of 'haves &
have mores'...". I've enjoyed being a "have-more". As my father
said to me a long time ago, "I'd rather have the problems of the
wealthy than the problems of the poor." I don't believe in
giving a fish to a man but showing him how to fish. Through the years,
I've shown a lot of people how to fish. We need to work to get ahead
even if it means together. When it comes down to it we're all in this
together.
Cheers,
Syrius
First of all conservatives don't hail the virtues of
"open-mindedness". Secondly, conservatives listen to all points of
view and then decide which is most correct. mattm
Well, hello.
January 6, 2008 - 11:11 ET by OldSailor88Nice attack on me after I left for a meeting the other day.
On this subject, I agree with you. We do have to work together. But if you are a "have" as you say you are, then how could you begin to defend the Democrat platform? Do you want your taxes raised? Do you want your hard earned money to be given to a person, just because they are not in your tax bracket? I too believe in teaching people to fish, but I do not believe in giving them charity because they have figured out that if they don't work, the government will supplement them with income and food. If you are who you say you are, and are wealthy, you are a wealthy fool.
Faciem durum cacantis habes
}}---> Sailor
January 6, 2008 - 11:21 ET by Cool ArrowHere's another take on where we're headed.
I think this generational thing could catch fire and we'll be pitted against our children for political voice.
The kids have only begun to wake up, and once they realize the tremendous burden we've placed on them, I expect they'll make some tough decisions toward self preservation.
It ain't gonna be pretty, but I'm thinking a lot of old Geezers like me (I'm only 55) are gonna get steamrolled. If this is the best field of candidates my generation can muster, we deserve exactly what we get.
I ♣ My Seal
I apologize...
January 6, 2008 - 11:41 ET by SyriusOld Sail,
I get a little tweaked when a debate gets shut down
in a "Trust me situtation- I know more than you.." answer. You can
glean more info from a Tom Clancy novel than the the simple debate from
the other day. I apologize. Back to your questions...& a few
answers.
1. I'm not here to defend some of the ludricrous statements of
the Democrat platform nor the Republican platform for that matter.
2.
No, I'd like to see all of my fed taxes cut. Of course, my state and
local taxes will go up but I realize my money will stay in and around
me. My quality of life will go up if my money and my neighbor's money
stays in my state and county. I'll have better roads &
services than most of the country if that were to happen.
3.
Charity begins at home, first & foremost. I'm trying to make sure
my family is taken care of at all times. As for the ones trying to make
a living off of the teats of the Gov't...if I'm not mistaken the ability
to receive Welfare has been reduced significantly over the past 20
years. It's okay to try and help those in true need. It's also
extremely important to prosecute those who have broken the law.
This I can say with confidence- Trust me, I'm no fool. You just think I am.
Question- Were you Enlisted Ranks or Officer Corps? Either way...thanks for your service.
Syrius
First of all conservatives don't hail the virtues of
"open-mindedness". Secondly, conservatives listen to all points of
view and then decide which is most correct. mattm
Apology accepted
January 6, 2008 - 11:46 ET by OldSailor88I am still active. I'm a Chief Petty Officer. When I said that I couldn't talk about it, I meant it. You think you can get more out of a Clancy novel, fine. Clancy is speculating when he writes. When I speak of certain things, it's confirmation. That my friend is a security violation, and I am not willing to risk my career simply to argue a point with you.
I do not think you are a fool. I said if. I have no thought formed of you whatsoever other than you are a liberal.
Faciem durum cacantis habes
Keep up the good work...thanks for the insight.
January 6, 2008 - 18:51 ET by SyriusEnough said on the security issue. No one should lose their job. I referred to Clancy as a way to diffuse the issue. I'm not here to say who I am or what I am or where I've been. Think what you will of me, I'll be just fine.
Keep up the good work & thanks again,
Syrius
First of all conservatives don't hail the virtues of
"open-mindedness". Secondly, conservatives listen to all points of
view and then decide which is most correct. mattm
CA
January 6, 2008 - 18:10 ET by well99Aint that the truth.Remember when President Bush had a state of the union and wanted young people to have the option to privatize part of their Social Security account.The Dems said there was no problem with Social Security.They sure changed their tune now.
Okay...The question...
January 6, 2008 - 10:46 ET by SyriusDFTT,
"A better question would be what can be done to drive down costs in the health care market."
Okay,DFTT, What can be done to drive down costs in the health care market???
As
a small business owner, I've seen my costs in insuring my employees
explode over the past few years. I try to decrease my costs with
differing plans each year. I'd like to focus more on my business than
the next best healthcare plan. Don't overlook the fact that we have a
public & private school system. You can always opt out of the
public school system and choose a private one if you have the means.
Some communities even have voucher systems in place to help get the
best education for the kids. So, why can't we work on giving ourselves
a better system to provide better healthcare to all of us? The Gov't
should not be providing but insuring we get the best bang for our buck.
Eventually, we've got to start working towards that goal.
Syrius
First of all conservatives don't hail the virtues of
"open-mindedness". Secondly, conservatives listen to all points of
view and then decide which is most correct. mattm
More Balanced But
January 6, 2008 - 10:58 ET by Ryan Mc.I was disturbed by the heathcare part of the Republican debate. They did a news blurb then Charlie threw in his two cents. It all amounted to "private secter doesn't work and costs more" Charlie said if employers don't pay $15,000 how will a tax credit of $3000 help.
I was dissappointed no candidate said hey Charlie if the employer isn't paying for healthcare they can afford to give their employees the $15,000 in cash!!! Charlie ignorantly assumed the money would poof, vanish. Also, if people pay for their own heathcare they might not go to the expensive emergency room every hang nail they get. Also they may actually ask what things cost and create a market for doctor visits. Try asking your doctor what something costs on the front end and see what looks you get. Those 5-10 minute $150 visits would go away fast.
Ron Paul, you are pathetic. The war is the reason we can't fix heathcare? I expected him to be the best about this. He's not free market, he's nuts.
Hillary's answer was Bogus on her "Dis-Belief" Answer
January 6, 2008 - 11:31 ET by JayTeeI was wondering how Hillary was going to answer her Congressional grilling of Petraeus and her "willful suspension of disbelief'" statement, and we got the Answer.
She went straight to the Democratic talking point of "IRAQ Government has to perform" before the Surge would be considered a success. That was weak beyond belief.
She made the statement to Petraues, not the Iraq Congress, She was talking about the "Surge" not Iraq Legislation, and as we all know success at the local level of Government exceeds the Iraq Federal level, JUST AS in the good 'ole USA, STATE Governments are now passing IMMIGRATION LAWS because the FEDERAL Govt. in Washington DC can't function and pass their own Federal Immigration laws.
She's Toast, she can't lie her way out of what she said and WHO she said it too.
As in a post above, the Surge answer of Obama was an attempt to rewrite Iraq History on WHY the surge worked in Anbar........This ties in to the LACK OF REPORTING on Iraq......If the MSM keeps quiet and does not push the facts out, each Democratic Candidate can formulate their own version of the Iraq war, without the MSM walking on their talking points.
March 15 2008 GatheringofEagles.org with MAF, FW, VFF, etc. will congregate in DC to Support Our Troops and Gen David Petraeus
JayTee
January 6, 2008 - 11:48 ET by BlondeWhen I heard that question, I thought "here we go, an explosion right off the bat"...but as you've pointed out, she just veered off with her own little version of history.
We all understand it...but guess what, the her democratic supporters are also beginning to get a clue. This is a video of Frank Luntz, interviewing a focus group last night. Very interesting. I think the show of hands for those who continue to support her was down to about three.
Her "change" motif will change (again) today. That dog's not hunting.
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
}}---> Cut her some slack, Blonde
January 6, 2008 - 11:53 ET by Cool ArrowI'm trying to remember if I've ever heard Hillary answer a question directly.
Is it possible she never learned communication skills?
I ♣ My Seal
No Way, CA
January 6, 2008 - 11:56 ET by BlondeI've been predicting a vast, HRC meltdown for about eight months. Now that I'm seeing it begin, even I am beginning to cackle!
Did you see Her Highness as the debate opened? Looking at her competition like a pit viper? The newer, softer side of Hil obviously forgot to show up.
This is theatre of the absurd. She'll go more and more ballistic as her numbers continue to fall, and they are currently in free fall.
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
}}---> Throw me a lifejacket
January 6, 2008 - 12:01 ET by Cool ArrowIt's hard to dislike Obama while he's mopping the floor with what he found on Bill's coat tail.
I ♣ My Seal
Ballanced but biased....
January 6, 2008 - 12:44 ET by c5thenThe questions were tougher and equally direct and pointed to both parties, but the Republicans were still tricked into talking about Obama for almost 20 min. The premis of most of all the questions were still liberaly based. For instance, none of the questions even brought up the scrapping of the income tax and how they would generate revenue for the Federal government, yet half of the Republican candidates have proposed just that.
Obama is the MSM annointed one. They've almost all defected from Hillary probably due to her screw-ups and her vindictiveness with reporters who report bad news for her.
The day that "politician" became a career choice is the day we started losing the Republic. Let's get it back! Alan Keyes '08.
....
January 6, 2008 - 15:06 ET by Jack Bauer...
Why is the United States
January 6, 2008 - 14:46 ET by MikeBWhy is the United States the only industrialized nation that doesn't insure its citizens for health? Let's compare. (All estimates as of 2006)
GERMANY
Unemployment: 7% to 10.8% (the higher figure is German Government estimate)
Real GDP growth: 2.8%
Personal Income Tax rate: 15% to 42% plus 19% VAT
FRANCE
Unemployment: 9%
Real GDP growth: 2.2%
Personal Income Tax rate: 10% to 48.9% plus 19.6% VAT
SWEDEN
Unemployment: 5.6% (note: this unemployment rate must be taken with a huge grain of salt. The Swedish government will pay non-workers to take college courses - sometimes in the basketweaving category- in order to force the unemployment rate lower. If they're "in college" then they are not part of the available labor pool and, therefore, not unemployed. If not for this bookkeeping trick, the unemployment rate in Sweden would be in the neighborhood of 10% or greater.)
Real GDP growth rate: 4.5%
Personal Income Tax rate: 0% to 56% plus 25% VAT
GREAT BRITAIN
Unemployment rate: 2.9% (I wonder about this. We have all heard stories of unknown accuracy about the number of people on the dole. If the stories are true, then those people are not counted as "unemployed".)
Real GDP growth rate: 2.8%
Personal Income Tax rate: 0% to 40% plus 17.5% VAT
UNITED STATES
Unemployment rate: 4.8% (I think the latest figure is 5.1%)
Real GDP growth rate: 2.9%
Personal Income Tax rate: 0% to 35% and no VAT
So, those countries with nationalized health care systems also have an ungodly tax burden. Advocates of nationalized health care systems also ignore the rationing of health care and the long waits for any procedure or treatment out of the ordinary. I would much rather have the flawed system we have here, than the much worse flawed system(s) they have there.
"A communist is someone who reads Marx. An anti-communist is someone who understands Marx." Ronald Reagan
mike --
January 6, 2008 - 15:10 ET by Jack Bauermike --
That ain't the half of it. Hell it ain't the fifth of it.
There are so MANY more hidden taxes that are neessary to feed the ever voracious NANNY STATE.
It just goes on and on...
Specifics
January 6, 2008 - 15:04 ET by iveseenitallAmerica needs specifics from All the candidates, not just platitudes and generalities. As usual, we're not getting the particulars. It is good to see someone in the media ask for some. America deserves better than it gets in the so-called "debates" and certainly more than it will ever get from the "liberal", biased media.
NEVER,NEVER trust a "liberal"
True
January 6, 2008 - 16:08 ET by Ryan Mc.Romney did go into his health care plan in MA, but beyond that I don't hear a lot of substance. I think they need theme debates where there is one issue and go at it. Debate tax policy only, healthcare, foreign affairs, etc. These open ended debates produce nothing but one line canned garbage. I'd love to see Huck given 5 minutes to talk about a single non-religious topic. He sounds like a ball player after the game. I think Barack would also have a hard time filling up any amount of time. This would bring the Thompson, Romney, and Guliani's out past the Huckster.
Spradling's Pretty Smart
January 6, 2008 - 19:52 ET by Del DolemonteScott is one of the only reasons I bother to watch WMUR's evening newscast, which is anchored by a true Ted Baxter clone named Tom Griffith. Although I will admit that Tom's co-anchor, Jennifer Vaughn, belongs on a Beach Boys album cover.
Scott acquitted himself well last night. Maybe he's auditioning for a national job just like his predecessor.