Open Thread: Are Republican Candidates Getting Stronger?
The number of Republican presidential debates might seem excessive to some viewers, but through the debates, the Republican candidates might also be strengthening their debating skills and ability to respond to loaded questions from liberal moderators.
Do you think the candidates are, for the most part, improving? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Whether or not you necessarily agree with every candidate, their attacks have been much more focused on President Obama's actions instead of attacking one another. As author Burton Folsom noted at National Review, in last night's debate when Rep. Michele Bachmann was asked, “Why is Governor Romney wrong?” she retorted, “President Obama is wrong.” Folsom also expounded upon the improvement of former Speaker Newt Gingrich:
Newt Gingrich was cerebral and wide-ranging. When CNBC tried to trip him up, he fired back with specifics that delighted the crowd. His breadth of learning was refreshing and dominating. When he was asked about the Social Security crisis, he traced its roots to LBJ and a budget switch in 1968; when supporting tax cuts, he cited Reagan’s success and his own Contract with America — which grew the economy and balanced the budget; when asked about the high costs of college, he rejected the Obama model and trotted out work-study and learning at College of the Ozarks. Think in new patterns, Newt urges.
Rather than personal attacks, the chorus has become much more focused on shrinking the government, deregulating, and cutting spending by changing Obama's policies. Do you think this is a better tactic for Republican presidential candidates?
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Comments
uh uh uh.....
Submitted by MidAmerica on Thu, 11/10/2011 - 1:09pm.
Considering todays fiscal reality the only real debating of the issues is among the Republicans. obama certainly cannot point to anything he's done or will do as steps in the right direction. All that the democrats have left is the politics of personal destruction. They cannot debate policy. Debating Newt would have to be terrifying for obama and the democrats.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Submitted by ricklail on Thu, 11/10/2011 - 1:13pm.
JARHEADS In the link there is a picture of the uniforms ever worn by the Marines.
Anyway, Here's Hoping
Submitted by rammingspeed on Thu, 11/10/2011 - 1:15pm.
Newt utterly anihilated that sleazy babe - slaughtered her, she was sliced, diced, and in cold storage before she even finished her stupid, effed-in-the-head question - but he ain't gonna be the candidate. Too much baggage. More's the pity, for he's the smartest and most articluate of the bunch. But at least he kicked that phony, effete snob's little punk ass.
I know Newt is.
Submitted by motherbelt on Thu, 11/10/2011 - 1:16pm.
The others, I think are just treading water.
The debate was supposed to be
Submitted by jessieH on Thu, 11/10/2011 - 1:19pm.
The debate was supposed to be about the enonmic problems and solutions to fix it. Yet the so called media hosts on CNBC decided to try to turn the whole thing into a circus, as usual. It's sickening to watch these hacks display their treachery. We need answers, not stupidity & got you questions. I do love the way Newt put that fool woman in the sptlight. I wonder if she got all the egg off her face, yet. In a war of words with Newt Gingrich, the liberals are un-armed.
I think that Newt has had a
Submitted by ricklail on Thu, 11/10/2011 - 2:05pm.
I think that Newt has had a belly full of the MSM and he is fighting back. They never let up on him when he was speaker. He held his tongue then but not any longer. I am sticking with the Hermanator.
Obama and Sarkozy
Submitted by motherbelt on Thu, 11/10/2011 - 1:55pm.
The Secret Transcript
If by "stronger" you mean "weaker"
Submitted by Pizza Dude on Thu, 11/10/2011 - 1:57pm.
Then yes. Perry's oofus moment will define his candidacy. Cain is Cain. 'Nuff said. But I have to say I'm somewhat surprised by the sudden rally of support behind Newt. It now seems the fringe pop might have realized the majority of candidates have no chance of beating Obama, as easy as it should be. Independent Americans want nothing to do with far right candidates (explaining Independent status) bc they just refuse to perform as adults.
Says me.
FAR Right?
Submitted by goodone91 on Thu, 11/10/2011 - 2:34pm.
You mean "Mainstream" Right.
far right?
Submitted by Agnostic on Thu, 11/10/2011 - 2:43pm.
I've been curious as to who would make up the far right. The militants are not very far right on fiscal issues as they tend to be isolationist and it is difficult to a Conservative Fiscal and an Isolationist at the same time and appear to be 'level-headed' - just ask those against Paul.
Religious Conservatives tend to be socially liberal in the welfare department.
Strong fiscal Conservatives tend to be ambivalent on social issues in general - social moderates.
I'm guessing that Constitutionalist would be the far right. Wouldn't it be terrible if we were to follow the Constitution?
Thank you ever so much for your valuable opinion....
Submitted by Blonde on Thu, 11/10/2011 - 2:52pm.
Deddy.
I'm working on my garden, and everyone knows cow manure makes good fertilizer.
Handy Reference Guide to Obama's Gaffes and Goofs ~ Currently Numbering 200 (and Counting)
Take away headline from GOP debate
Submitted by billb on Thu, 11/10/2011 - 2:06pm.
"PERRY FORGETS TO BRING HIS TELEPROMPTER"
Unfortunately they are all a
Submitted by LAM SON 719 on Thu, 11/10/2011 - 2:12pm.
Unfortunately they are all a bunch of buffoons who still insist on pandering to the left and the media and as such none are worthy of office.
Obama could be defeated tomorrow simply by hammering on illegal immigration, solyndra, eric holder, and the scam stimulus. All of the candidates are affraid of bringing up these issues for fear of angering a media which hates them to begin with so they play step and fetch. Newt could probably talk his way into the WH but the rest are losers.
Dept of Ed to investigate Penn State
Submitted by ricklail on Thu, 11/10/2011 - 2:26pm.
My question is why? This is a criminal act. I understand the Clery Act but why does the DoE have any investigative powers or the authority to levy fines? There are federal and local law enforcement agencies to deal with this. If the states didn't have to send money to DC to fund this agency just think how much more could go to local schools. In many cases the money is being throw down the dark hole but at least it is being done on the local level. We can control that by controlling school boards.
in the 60's my parents had an
Submitted by jkwtrading on Thu, 11/10/2011 - 10:56pm.
in the 60's my parents had an expression for what you are saying. it was called "do not make a federal case out of it". Then the feds made few cases, now anything and everything seems to be up their alley to investigate. They even investigate Milk now.
Why I would vote for Romney
Submitted by Agnostic on Thu, 11/10/2011 - 2:50pm.
The following quote from Romney and the fact that from an economic standpoint I think he is 100% honest in this endeavor is enough of a reason for me to vote for Romney though I'm sure that I'll be wishing it was someone else:
"What happens with profit is that you can grow the business. You can expand it. You have working capital and you hire people.
The right thing for America is to have profitable enterprises that can hire people. I want to make American businesses successful and thrive.
What we have in Washington today is a president and an administration that doesn't like business, that somehow thinks they want jobs, but they don't like businesses. Look, I want to see our businesses thrive and grow and expand and be profitable. I want to see more --"
Voice stress analysis shows
Submitted by ricklail on Thu, 11/10/2011 - 3:18pm.
Voice stress analysis shows that the Hermanator is telling the truth.
That software
Submitted by jon_torlin on Thu, 11/10/2011 - 3:56pm.
I would love to see that software used on DuhOne, on Holder, on Nappy Janet, on a whole bunch of people. Hell, I want to see it used on Romney since he's such a flip-flopper.
But especially on DuhOne, Holder, and Nappy.
-Jon
Interesting software, but there's a problem
Submitted by ckc1227 on Thu, 11/10/2011 - 4:34pm.
According to the investigator, he says Cain is being "totally truthful". But then he says the woman is being truthful about meeting Cain, but not about what transpired. How can both be telling the truth if Cain says they didn't meet, but she says they did meet?
IIRC, Cain said he didn't
Submitted by Free Stinker on Thu, 11/10/2011 - 4:50pm.
IIRC, Cain said he didn't recalll meeting her.
/// Sarah Palin Fan since July 11, 2007 /// خال
As usual...
Submitted by Paul G on Thu, 11/10/2011 - 3:21pm.
'We' keep eating our own. b/c 'our' candidates STILL believe the LSM is their friend.
I'm not a Perry guy, but I don't blame him for an "oops'' moment. I will NOT however forgive Holder for not at the VERY least apologize for the loss of OUR border guards.......Oh yea.....sorry, The LSM is more concerned now about Perrys' memory loss than Oblunders 57 states...etc..
I guess the high note is this is gonna take the Cain story off CNN and MSNBC for at least a couple mins.....
Republican Primary Debates of 2011 vs.....
Submitted by Kingfish17 on Thu, 11/10/2011 - 4:05pm.
The Republican Primary Debates of 2011 will go down in my memory as the MSM, including FOX, tossing a bunch of question to the candidates designed to stir up controversy BETWEEN the candidates and not really address any of the issues that our country faces going into the 2012 general election.
The 2015 primary debates for the Dems will be a series of questions designed to give the future candidates practice at honing their talking points regarding what's wrong with the stereotypical Republican evil positions of the day.
I would DVR these so called "debates" if it was a panel of media pundits trying to grill Newt Gingrich. I'd watch that over and over. I've given up on watching the so called debates because I've grown tired of how the format has become one of incessant attempts to trip up the candidates in much the same way a fourteen year old tries to trip up his/her parent when they have an argument. It's ether tripping up the candidates or pitting them against each other regarding non issues.
"You can’t go take a trip to Las Vegas...on the taxpayer’s dime." Barack Obama
236 years of excellence
Submitted by bkeyser on Thu, 11/10/2011 - 5:14pm.
Semper Fi my brothers. Godspeed -- come home soon and safe.
As for me, personally, I don't feel a year over 230.
Thanks BK:
Submitted by Grumpy in Arizona on Thu, 11/10/2011 - 8:42pm.
For that great graphic. As a U.S. Navy Sailor (ret) who worked with every service at Joint Commands, I can assure you that by honoring one branch on a special occasion, you do honor to all the branches.
To all the Marines: God Bless!
And to you reading this, and all the ships at sea (couldn't resist) God Bless your support for our service members in harms way.
- Grump :o)
Grump
Submitted by bkeyser on Thu, 11/10/2011 - 9:02pm.
with a year of sea service --6 months on the USS Germantown LSD-42 and six on the USS Anchorage LSD-36-- I've always got a soft spot for my Navy brethren. Thank you sailor!
One more 'shop to celebrate the only birthday I acknowledge: Leathernecks.
Yes, I thought the candidates handled the moderators
Submitted by Boudin on Thu, 11/10/2011 - 5:26pm.
Much better, with Newt leading the way. I was also impressed with Bachmann and Santorum last night, as well as Cain. Even so, I thought all the candidates did a nice job of separating themselves from the libtard position
Happy 236th Birthday Marine Corps
Submitted by Retired Geek on Thu, 11/10/2011 - 6:24pm.
The eagle born to those who pledged their lives and sacred honor was smiled upon by God and freed from chains and iron collar. He is held aloft on unity and by history revered; for preserving peace through strength his wings now reach across two hundred years. But for each of those and one year more, God has smiled upon The Corps, from the Barbary Coast to the Eastern Sand, by sword, by gun, or by bare hand. So it's been, and shall be weighed: though many are born, few are "made".
Faithful Always, they shall remain, dogs to loose when war is waged.
I am a Devil-Dog I’m marching on, I am a warrior and this is my song
http://thpatriots.blogspot.com/2011/11/warrior-song-saluting-marines-236...
Are the Republican candidates getting stronger?
Submitted by Kansasgirl on Thu, 11/10/2011 - 6:38pm.
Yes!
Herman Cain is FINISHED! He had an opportunity to regain his
Submitted by Rush Fan on Thu, 11/10/2011 - 9:45pm.
footing until he lost today one of the largest and most powerful organizations in the United States.
Yahoo News, in an URGENT and BREAKING news story reports:
DISCLAIMER: Although I wear a mustache, I am a big supporter of Herman Cain as Vice President on a Romney/Cain ticket. Newt Gingrich, of course, could choose any cabinet position he wants. In fact, let's consolidate the Departments of Education, Energy and Commerce and place Newt in charge of the consolidated organization.
Bette Midler comment here
Submitted by jkwtrading on Thu, 11/10/2011 - 11:09pm.
Bette Midler comment here might just fit.
'I haven't left my house in days.
I watch the news channels incessantly.
All the news stories are about the election;
All the commercials are for Viagra and Cialis.
Election - erection - election - erection
- - - either way we're getting fucked!' -- Bette Midler.
The wife loves Bette
Submitted by Boudin on Thu, 11/10/2011 - 11:35pm.
She is currently wiping tears out of her eyes from laughing so hard, thanks
Republican Candidates Are Getting Stronger
Submitted by Avitar on Fri, 11/11/2011 - 1:28am.
The Republican Party professionals are much weaker. Karl Rove appears to be an idiot. You just don't see anyone else out there except former chairman Steel.
Who is organizing the Congressional candidates for next year? What will they stand for?
When Newt did it back in '94 they took both houses. They could do better this time if they were to run on a few common sense standards. Organizing a thousand donors in each congressional district would put the Republicans beyond reach of the Unionized Media.
Perhaps they are realizing
Submitted by Quasi-socialist on Fri, 11/11/2011 - 2:37am.
who their main foe is: the Obama Press Corpss, also known as MSM, LSM, BSM, and the Ministry of Truth.
Except for one person, they are all doing great in the...
Submitted by jawebster1 on Fri, 11/11/2011 - 3:10am.
debates, even Huntsman.
I wouldn't be afraid to pit seven of the eight against Obama right now and they are all going to get even better and that goes for Perry too.
Here's one for Rick
Submitted by Blonde on Fri, 11/11/2011 - 12:13pm.
And my friend, please take your blood pressure medicine before you pop the link.
Mooch to Serve as NASCAR Grand Marshall.
Handy Reference Guide to Obama's Gaffes and Goofs ~ Currently Numbering 200 (and Counting)
Oh boy! Not.
Submitted by jon_torlin on Fri, 11/11/2011 - 2:35pm.
That's right up there with John F'ing Kerry and his quest for the License to Hunt.
-Jon
'Cun Ah git won of dem dere
Submitted by killa37 on Fri, 11/11/2011 - 3:27pm.
'Cun Ah git won of dem dere huntin' licenses?'..........Hey, John..............why the long face????
There's NO WAY that Mooooooooooooooooochelle would EVER want to have ANYTHING to do with NASCAR!!!! Hell, they're associated with racist rednecks, greasy chicken, cigarettes. evil OIL......................everything that she is opposed to!!! Although the NASCAR fans will probably display more class than she or her punk-ass husband are ever capable of, I'd still get a real kick out of it if they booed her loudly and proudly!!!!!
Yeah, I'm sure all the NASCAR
Submitted by motherbelt on Fri, 11/11/2011 - 2:46pm.
Yeah, I'm sure all the NASCAR Dads will chuck aside their principles and vote for her husband because she decided to make an appearance. NOT. Does anyone seriously think this was NASCAR's idea?
My guess is the WH PR team calls NASCAR and says "Hey, the First Lady [needing to pretend she's just a redneck at heart] would like to make an appearance on such and such a day...."
Does anyone think NASCAR, being made up of patriotic Americans, is going to say No, we'd rather not?
J, When I saw that on Drudge this morning...
Submitted by Dave. on Fri, 11/11/2011 - 3:12pm.
...I nearly coughed up my sausage & cheese biscuit.
She is going to get booed, and then we are going to see a flood of news stories about those redneck racist NASCAR fans.
Heh, they probably are writing them right now.
-Dave
Vote for the American in November
faux paus
Submitted by jon_torlin on Fri, 11/11/2011 - 3:25pm.
Watch her commit some sort of fashion faux paus of wearing something way out of place at this, like the $500 sneakers or $2500(or more) jewelry or some sort of clothes that don't quite match the setting.
She'll be hailed as a trendsetter or something.
-Jon
Isn't she a fashion disaster
Submitted by killa37 on Fri, 11/11/2011 - 3:30pm.
Isn't she a fashion disaster every time she gets dressed??? I think the women in Africa thought she dressed weird!!!!
I wonder if she'll have 3 security men guarding her shadow.
Or, shudder, the green pants she was photographed in
Submitted by UpNorth on Fri, 11/11/2011 - 4:17pm.
getting on AF 1.
Nascar
Submitted by 26CX on Fri, 11/11/2011 - 3:32pm.
I wonder if the NASCAR/Hank Williams Jr. fans will feel the urge to voice an opinion...
Actually, I hope no one boos or shouts anything. It would be much better if they sat quietly - no applause, no waving, no flashes going off - and just let her pass by. Dead silence can be a powerful thing sometimes.
sickening
Submitted by Richard B. on Fri, 11/11/2011 - 12:23pm.
sickening
I think the candidates are
Submitted by helomech on Fri, 11/11/2011 - 12:34pm.
I think the candidates are getting stronger and becoming more adept at handling these liberal media types. As I said on another story, the Republican movement and it's people need to stick together to fight this out. The Dem/Lib types are looking to spread dissent among the ranks.The Libs are constantly looking for any way to trip up the Conservatives even if it means playing dirty. I'm looking forward to the media types getting the collective a$$es handed to them on a regular basis, hopefully in the not-too-distant future...