The Wrap on the CNN Debate

Virtues and Values ^ | 11/22/2011 | Les Dowrey

[LesDowrey]

A quick look at each candidate and how they performed at tonight’s National Security Debate courtesy of CNN and the Heritage Foundation.

Mitt Romney- Dammit! I hate to admit it, but Mitt Romney did very well tonight. His strategy of winning by not losing seems to be working. I have to keep telling myself that Obama was a good politician too, and look how that worked out! I still can’t see why the other GOP candidates haven’t taken more swings at the Front runner. I guess they are saving up all the attacks for Obama in the General, because unfortunately, right now…it looks like Romney is the guy.

Newt Gingrich- If you have ever wondered why Newt’s head is so big- tonight you know…It’s because of his HUGE BRAIN! Newt did awesome tonight…that was until he had a Rick Perry “heartless” moment and wrapped his arms around amnesty for illegal immigrants. Even going so far as calling illegal immigrants “Law abiding citizens.” C’Mon Newt! It was great until then.

Rick Perry- Could Rick Perry be back on the rise? If tonight’s debate was any indication you could be looking at the Iowa Caucus winner. Looked and felt like the Rick Perry conservatives fell in love with. He almost avoided the amnesty entanglement that Newt fell into, but for some reason decided to dive head in when given the opportunity. Amnesty is still Rick Perry’s Achilles heel. At one point, I felt that Newt and Rick should have been wearing sombreros! If he can stay away from that issue, you’re looking at a guy that could still beat Romney!

Herman Cain- Didn’t get enough air time or questions. Handled himself well and avoided any “Libya” moments, but obviously the economy is his thing. Probably the first and only debate he got through without mentioning his 9-9-9 plan. Can’t wait to see him when they get back to the economy debates!

Ron Paul- Ever wonder what Ron Paul was smoking before his debates? Well after his “Legalize it” answer we now know. I honestly don’t know how one guy can be so awesome on fiscal policy and so insane foreign policy. A true split personality that truly makes me wish for a Rand Paul candidacy!

Jon Huntsman- Being that I have no idea why this guy is still in the race at all, I have to give him credit for seeming relevant tonight. That is probably the best compliment I can give him. His “nation building” comments came across as more Michael Moore than Ronald Reagan, and his China love is still a little creepy. Michelle Bachmann- Should seriously get a second look from the conservative base. A strong performance tonight, and unlike some of the other candidates she stayed focused on the main problem with the country- Barack Hussein Obama! Iowa, do yourself a favor, and take a good strong look at this lady one more time!

Rick Santorum- On paper, every conservative should love this guy, but something about him in debates is just annoying. As always, he came across as whiny, desperate, and dramatically over-stating his Senate career. Either way, he is a still a good guy with no chance of winning the nomination. Conservatives should really look at Bachmann and Cain as conservative alternatives with real potential!

Wolf Blitzer- Receives the douche bag of the night award for multiple awkward moments that included a horribly delivered joke about his name, an long uncomfortable silence during a technical difficulty, and referring to Herman Cain as “Congressman.” All that being said, he is head and shoulders above Scott Pelley or that Witch of a woman Maria Bartiromo.

National Anthem Guy- I know it was a debate, but can we all agree that the guy from Jersey Boys did the Broadway show no favors with his delivery of the Star Spangled Banner tonight? Can you say FLAT?

Finally, if you enjoyed watching the GOP Debate tonight, you will absolutely love the new episode of the Les Dowrey Show! Watch as Les Dowrey takes on the Animal Rights Group, PAMA, and shows how stupid animal rights activists really are! Plus unlike the GOP Debate, it’s only 5 minutes long, not 2 hours!

Watch the new episode of the Les Dowrey Show here!

[ClearCase_guy]

Disagree with the opinion on Perry. I find it painful to watch him try to answer questions.

[RushIsMyTeddyBear]

“Jon Huntsman”......

Who?

[Da Coyote]

Never voting for weak-d*ck Willard.

Ever!

[ken21]

Mitt Romney- Dammit! I hate to admit it, but Mitt Romney did very well tonight.

____________________________________________________________

wrong.

[maineman]

I thought this debate put Cain into single digits. He just has no clue on so many issues.

[boop]

Thank you for the analysis. The big winner for the GOP will be the guy who goes after Obama full bore. I don’t care who it is, they have my vote. Sink their teeth into Obama’s flesh as far as policy goes. I’m really surprised about Gingrich. He sucks as far as character, but the guy has the chops as far as intelligence goes. ANYONE but Obama!

[allmost]

You watched it. Was it worth it?

[Java4Jay]

Cain… His answers were direct, precise and to the point. That’s why his exposure time was limited. All did well except Romney and Paul.

[Wolfstar]

The message I take from your wrap up — as well as most commentary on FR — is that none of the candidates is good enough. Shrug.

[American Constitutionalist]

" Mitt Romney- Dammit! I hate to admit it, but Mitt Romney did very well tonight. "

Yes, he did very well, his PhonyismCronyism is shinning through, many people can look through him and see that he's a phony, at least he's got that down very well.

[truthfreedom]

He could destroy his chances to win and cost the Republicans House and Senate seats if he screwed up again like he screwed up before.

We can’t take that risk.

[Java4Jay]

Gingrich and amnesty? I’m sitting on that side of the fence, a realistic view.

[alamogal]

Romney gave the right answer for most conservatives on immigration, but who knows what his answers would be next week.

[Java4Jay]

Romney is a fake… more Hopie-Changie crap.

[bigdirty]

Cain, Romney and Bachmann did well.

Newt really was horrible.

[American Constitutionalist]

" Wolf Blitzer- Receives the douche bag of the night award for multiple awkward moments that included a horribly delivered joke about his name, an long uncomfortable silence during a technical difficulty, and referring to Herman Cain as “Congressman.” All that being said, he is head and shoulders above Scott Pelley or that Witch of a woman Maria Bartiromo. "

Oh, done mind him, he can't help himself, he is contending for the coveted Geraldo Rivera award.

[Sola Veritas]

“Newt Gingrich- If you have ever wondered why Newt’s head is so big- tonight you know…It’s because of his HUGE BRAIN! Newt did awesome tonight…that was until he had a Rick Perry “heartless” moment and wrapped his arms around amnesty for illegal immigrants. Even going so far as calling illegal immigrants “Law abiding citizens.” C’Mon Newt! It was great until then.”

I thought that wouldn’t settle well with some Freepers. Newt is not perfect - none of them are.

[oldbrowser]

I think they all did well with the exception of Rick Santorum who seems over matched. I am even starting to understand Paul.
He seems to be saying, why do we always have to be the one carrying the ball for the world? Why doesn't some other country take the hits once in a while? I understand his thinking.

Overall, with those two exceptions I believe any of the candidates on stage are very qualified to run this country, especially as compared to the candidates the dems have been fielding in recent years.

[American Constitutionalist]

" Romney is a fake… more Hopie-Changie crap."

Yeah, he's for HOPIE and CHANGE, sitting on the fence, one week he give's some people hope that he is what he says he is, and then the next week he changes into what he really is.

[Jane Long]

I thought this debate put Cain into single digits. He just has no clue on so many issues.

You must have been watching a different debate than the rest of us. With what little airtime Cain was given, he hit all answers out of the park.

[annieokie]

I agree with most of your assessment.

Newt on amnesty, I know that did not sit well with a lot of people. Yet, in thinking of the way he put the issue, I do have to reconsider. Like he said, do we really want to send people home who have been here for many years, with children and grandchildren. People who work and pay taxes, in general just good neighbors and citizens. There has to be a way, and I believe NEWT will be able to find it to the satisfaction of all.

Think about it, I don't have the answer, but there is one somewhere. I do like the idea of giving citizenship to anyone who joins our military. Perhaps some other type of Civil service opportunity could be available to older folks and women, in which in time they would earn their citizenship. ???

First thing before anything, is SECURE the borders. THEN take other steps necessary to solve the problem of illegals already here.

When watching Ron Paul, all I could think of was Stan Laurel. (laurel & hardy).

[Happy Rain]

Thought your post a little much—I mean it is really petulant.

Then I perused your past posts and I have to admit,you have such an unhealthy and unhinged personal HATE for Mr Cain, I worry for your sanity.

[American Constitutionalist]

" It’s because of his HUGE BRAIN! " and huge ego.

" that was until he had a Rick Perry “heartless” moment and wrapped his arms around amnesty for illegal immigrants. Even going so far as calling illegal immigrants “Law abiding citizens.” C’Mon Newt! It was great until then.” ..

Ohh come on now, tell us it ain't so ?
Really ?
Did Newt say that ? he's for Amnesty for Illegals ?
Come on now, we are told by so many wise people here on FR that Newt IS IT !.
We are told that he's such a well spoken, eloquent speaker who can " WOW " people conservative... Sarcasm..

[presently no screen name]

Mitt Romney

LOL! In your dreams. When he answers he spends his time telling us what we already know and not what and how he would handle the situation. I've seen this over and over when he 'debates'. He didn't get much air time - the less one speaks the less the chance of screwing up - the media protects the con man - they favor con men.

[bgill]

Cain did well but had little camera time.

Bachmann did well and had more huevos than Newt did tonight.

Newt was such a failure that he made Mitt look good, shudder.

[American Constitutionalist]

" do we really want to send people home who have been here for many years, with children and grandchildren. People who work and pay taxes, in general just good neighbors and citizens. "

Those who came here and are here " Illegally " can not, nor never can be classified as " Good Neighbors and citizens " ... sorry , that is NOT going to fly with most if not all conservatives..

[American Constitutionalist]

Wonder how the Newtons took it when Newt was for Amnesty for Illegals ?

[annieokie]

First off, I did say this will not go well with a lot of people, and I see you are one of them, ok.

But, there must be a reasonable debate on this issue, and I believe there will be a solution. First SECURE the borders, before any other steps can be taken to citizenship.

I do believe there are many here now, that ARE good hard working people who make good neighbors, and just want the same opportunity. 11M is a lot of people, not all GOOD of course.

I don't know what I would do if I were born in Mexico, I tend to think that I too would do about anything to get into America, do I like it to be that way? NO

There is a WAY, just have not found it yet. Maybe we should just buy Mexico and clean it up.

JMO and I'm still with NEWT.

[Sudetenland]

I see the "hate" word has already been aimed at your response.

Frankly, I think your assessment is dead on. Cain, once again, looked and sounded completely out of his depths on national security and foreign policy.

Herman Cain is absolutely not prepared for or qualified for the office of President.

As the night wore on, that sad fact became more and more glaring as he fumbled and stumbled his way through his responses.

Turn the lights out and close the door, the Cain Train has run out of track. The only folks who will remain with him are the "true-blue" Cainiacs, who have become so emotionally attached to him that they are unable to see the reality of his short-comings.

[bigbob]

Michelle looked hot and hit every ball out of the park

Cain gave Wolfie a nickname that will become hugh and series on FR: “Blitz”

Willard said his first name really is “Mitt” (liar)

And Newt shot himself in the foot.

that’s the wrap....

[Big Horn]

How about Bachman, I like her stand on security and dealing with China.

[frankenMonkey]

Maybe we should just buy Mexico and clean it up.
I figure if we're going to be doing "nation building" (not that I want to) we oughta start with Mexico...

[American Constitutionalist]

Sorry, we have to disagree, so ? with that kind of logic ? the “ Insider Trading “ thing makes the Congress Critters “ Honest, Good people “ ? and yes, there is a solution for that, TROW THE BUMS OUT !! vote them out.

[eyedigress]

It is tough. The vetting of illegal immigrants begins somewhere. It’s all we have. The start is to shut that border off.

[American Constitutionalist]

"" Turn the lights out and close the door, the Cain Train has run out of track. The only folks who will remain with him are the "true-blue" Cainiacs, who have become so emotionally attached to him that they are unable to see the reality of his short-comings. ""

So ? your solution is to run head long over a cliff into accepting Amnesty for Illegals by supporting Newt ?
Yeah, let's not give the guy who is new and making mistakes a chance, but, let's give it to someone who wants to give illegals a pass..... I don't think so...

[American Constitutionalist]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2811258/posts

[Sudetenland]

Once more, Newt so outshone everyone else on the stage it is getting to be absurd. None of the others comes close to his knowledge and understanding of world affairs or domestic affairs. None of the others come close to seeing the big picture with as much clarity and vision as he.

That being said, the reaction to his very reasonable comment on illegal aliens will have a predictable reaction from many conservatives--it is possible to be correct and not be politically savvy. Newt said what is right, not what is politically correct for a conservative.

As for the rest of the field, Bachmann really was strong tonight. She appears to be making a comeback. I could see myself supporting her quite easily.

Perry had another good night--the best debate performance of his candidacy--quite strong and he may see a rise in the polls.

Cain, another very weak performance. Again, the man sounds like a man asea when he attempts to discuss world affairs and foreign policy. He really is very provincial in his understanding and grasp of the grand world scheme. Kind of sad. He's dropped a long way in my opinion. When he first announced and begin to make waves, he was my favorite and I advocated for him quite strongly on another forum. Now I see him as the least qualified of the group.

Mitt, like him or hate him, he still comes off as very competent, well informed, well thought out, and very electable. He may well wind up with the nomination in spite of everything we conservatives may do.

Ron Paul is still a joke, even more out of the norm and further from reality than ever. He was eviscerated by Newts simple retort on Timothy McVeigh and his response was killed by Mitt's differentiating between domestic criminals and the rights they inherently possess as citizens, and terrorists--even American citizen terrorists who are at war with America . . . there is a very real difference and Paul simply cannot understand that.

Huntsman had a good night, but that man can say more about nothing using high sounding language than anyone else on the dais--of course he is a diplomat.

Santorum just doesn't work for me. He says a whole lot of very good things, but there is something that is just off-putting about him--I don't know--maybe too angry, too sanctimonious, too . . . something.

The clear winner was Newt. Perry, Bachmann and Mitt are vying for 2nd.

[annieokie]

The Vetting: yes, it has to be can be done. Problem is it takes too long to cut the red tape.

The Borders MUST be closed first, before we give any consideration to those 11 million illegals.

The democrats have never wanted to seal the borders, and we know why. But, think of the benefit to the Republican conservative party if Amnesty in a proper and sane manner was available to them. Why, I think they would become Republicans, how unique.

We cannot assume that the majority of those 11 million are bad people, they are not. I have worked with many Mexicans, and I can tell you I would rather have them work for me than many lazy Americans, who NEVER loved America enough to get out of bed before noon and get a job, breeders, welfare queens and kings. The Mexican, if you pay him a $1.00 an hour, he will give you $2.00 worth.

I do hope that many other would just give this some thought. Newt's idea deserves some deep consideration, and I thank you for yours. JMO

[Sudetenland]

We need someone who will hit the ground running. We've already had a newbie trying to learn the ropes--in fact we've still got him.

Hate to break it to you, but it is not just "making mistakes," it is a complete lack of understanding. The man needs several years of studying the world, reading the newspapers and learning about international events and how the world and government works before he's ready for the office. Realistically, Cain is about where Sarah Palin was back in 2008, a good person with good instincts and a bright future, but unprepared for the burden he's seeking.

The Presidency is not a place for OJT, you have to have at least a semblance of understanding, knowledge and competence from day one, because for even the most prepared person, the job is almost overwhelming.

[GOYAKLA]

I turn off the debates and CNN and went to CSPAN.
I heard for the first time a Gentleman named David M. Walker,the Founder and CEO of the Comeback America Initiative. Also one time served as United States Comptroller General from 1998 to 2008

For the first time since President Reagan I finally heard what I have been wanting to hear for years.
Term limits for all politicians, true reduction in spending, campaign reforms including ‘unless you are eligible to vote you cannot contribute to a campaign or politician, limit a person from using more than a certain amount of his/her own money (eliminating buying yourself into office), etc.

I just wish more people had heard him. He has some great ideas for this country.

http://www.tcaii.org/

http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/Failureoft

[eyedigress]

I lived along the lower Gila Valley for many years and the immigrants would come in for harvest then go home. The drug trade changed everything. It is a problem that got way out of control.

[Java4Jay]

Anyone else notice during the introductions how Romney walked out like a model on a runway?

[American Constitutionalist]

Some would have thought that King David could not be God's anointed..

1 Samuel 16:7 KJV:
King James Version

But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth ; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.


Hope you realize that the Illegal problem is one of the big reasons why we are in such a mess with them eating at the government troth ?

[annieokie]

The drug trade is out of control everywhere, and the answer to that is beyond me as well. Let's face it America is in trouble, but we are AMERICANS, and AMERICANS can fix anything. I'm still and Optimist, like Newt is.

Seal the Borders, with fences, boots and drones. Fix the 11 Million illegal problem, FIX the economy and grow jobs. Cut money going to other countries as Newt and Perry say. We do not need to be held "hostage" to any THIRD world little twerp, EVER.

Let's make these illegals thankful to become American Conservative Republicans by giving them, (if they can earn it somehow), citizenship. We can sell that idea to them. Most of them just want a job, fewer of them want a handout.

There will be an answer to this problem, and I think only the Republican Party will be able to find it.

Newt won the debate, yet Stan Laurel (RonPaul) won the POLL, rofl.

[RitaOK]

” Thought your post a little much—I mean it is really petulant. Then I perused your past posts and I have to admit,you have such an unhealthy and unhinged personal HATE for Mr Cain, I worry for your sanity. “ <<<<<

YOU are out of line.
Are you one of those perusers? There is a gaggle that are eager and proud to always announce that they have snooped through someone’s past posting history, like they are some kind of informant who is now smarter than anybody else, and I guess poking around like a dumpster diver you are looking for insult material, so you can add it to your uncalled for accusations and name calling.

What the heck did #6 say that you get to reply with nothing short of slander, and a very personal attack.
Who, who, who, the owl said made you the arbiter of sanity?

[eyedigress]

Every place I have been to in the US is hooked on artificial highs. This is the destruction and it should have been quelled in the 50’s. We get the end result and two or three generations now are having a majority. It it going to be hell to pay for the rest of my years.

[Sudetenland]

Oh man, you are a kool-aid drinker. Now Herman Cain is King David?

Oooo-kay, whatever you say, sport. Have a nice life, in whatever universe you inhabit.

With your last comment, I'm done--outta here--back with the sane.

[Talisker]

Cain… His answers were direct, precise and to the point. That’s why his exposure time was limited.

If the MSM asks you what 2 + 2 is, and you say 4...

They cut to a commercial and then come back to an analyst panel to discuss the nuances of emotional reactions to math phobias in the face of abusive science teachers, with call-ins from clients at the Healing Heart Center for Female Math Phobia Victims.

And you're not asked back.

[Happy Rain]

Wow,this thread really got you all upset.

Trying to defend the indefensible will do that.