Separated at Birth.
Posted on 09/05/2007 7:55:33 PM PDT by NormsRevenge
DURHAM, N.H. - Republican presidential contenders voiced support for the Iraq war Wednesday night despite a warning from anti-war candidate Ron Paul that they risk dragging the party down to defeat in 2008.
"Even if we lose elections, we should not lose our honor," shot back former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, "and that is more important to the Republican Party."
Huckabee was in the majority, Paul very much in the minority on the debate stage when it came to the war, a politically unpopular conflict that has emerged as the dominant issue of the 2008 race for the presidency.
The issue flared near the end of a 90-minute encounter in which all eight men on stage welcomed former Sen. Fred Thompson to the race with barbed humor and pointed advice.
"This is a nomination you have to earn," said former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani. "Nobody's going to give it to you. Nobody's going to grant it to you."
The debate unfolded several days before Gen. David Petraeus is scheduled to deliver an assessment of President Bush's decision to commit 30,000 additional combat troops to give the Iraqi government time to develop.
Sen. John McCain, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and Giuliani were among those who stressed their support for the war, at times even competing to show their commitment.
"The surge is apparently working," said Romney, referring to the increase in troops.
That brought an instant rebuke from McCain, who said, "The surge is working, sir, no, not apparently. It's working."
The debate ranged over familiar issues, and each of the men on stage looked for moments to appeal to their target constituents.
Huckabee, eager to win the support of social conservatives, said he supports a "human life amendment" to outlaw abortion.
By contrast, Giuliani supports abortion rights and Romney favors allowing states to decide on their own whether to permit or ban them.
Sen. Sam Brownback of Kansas and Rep. Duncan Hunter of California called for the resignation of Sen. Larry Craig, the Idaho Republican who pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct in an airport men's room in an undercover police operation.
"It's important that the party stand for family values," said Brownback, although as recently as last week, he pointedly avoided recommending that Craig step down.
Brownback also drew boos from the audience when he called for passage of a constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage. "I understand there is a divided audience," he said.
Giuliani responded to questions about his personal life by saying he is human and faces problems that are not uncommon to many Americans.
"I am not running as a perfect candidate for president of the United States. I'm running as a human being who has been very successful as a leader," he said. "So obviously, any issues in my private life do not affect my public performance.
His daughter has indicated support for Democrat Barack Obama, and his son has said he didn't speak to his father for some time. Giuliani and their mother, Donna Hanover, had a nasty and public divorce while Giuliani was New York's mayor, and he has since remarried.
The debate took place on a stage at the University of New Hampshire, roughly four months before the state holds the first primary of the 2008 race.
Thompson clearly hoped to upstage the event — scheduling an appearance on Jay Leno for later in the evening, and airing the first television commercial of his campaign on Fox, whoich was airing the debate.
He was not disappointed. Brit Hume, the debate moderator, opened up by asking each of the eight candidates to respond to the newcomer.
"I was scheduled to be on Jay Leno tonight, but I gave up my spot to somebody else because I'd rather be here in New Hampshire," joked Huckabee.
"Why the hurry? Why not take some more time off?" Romney said humorously.
The debate ranged over familiar issues, and each of the men on stage looked for moments to appeal to their target constituents.
Huckabee, eager to win the support of social conservatives, said he supports a "human life amendment" to outlaw abortion.
By contrast, Giuliani supports abortion rights and Romney favors allowing states to decide on their own whether to permit or ban them.
Anybody bother to ask “Mr Consitutionalist” Paul to defend his stands in favor of Congressional Earmarks? Or his $400 million in pork he has earmarked?
I realize that RP doesn't have a chance in hell of getting in the whitehouse, but give me break on this earmark non issue.
We DO have a vested interest in destroying utterly those who dare attacks us. So why are we trying to build a "democracy" in the middle of those who hate us? Why aren't we just smashing them left and right until they stop trying to kill us or have no one left to attack us with?
Maybe the RINO cheerleaders here just love us trying to fight their little "war" with law enforcement rules of engagement. Not a good way to "win" a war. The RINO's want us to "win" this version of Viet Nam using their same rules, while folks like Ron Paul want us to "win" like we did WWII.
And remember, "family values don't stop at the Rio Grande."
Welcome to the Republican Family Values World Worker's Party!
Johnnie, you’ve been handed your ass over this stupid lame talking point it’s not even funny.
Yes... we are One Nation. This doesn't mean we need to kowtow to fascism. And yes, this is exactly what Huckster came across as.
Paul came across as defensive, hesitant, and ineffectual. He's got great ideas, overall, but is not what we need for POTUS.
Mr. Constitutionalist, my butt. Reminds me of Specter defering to Scottish law during the impeachment vote. Or Sandra Day O'Connor deferring to international law and opinion in a Supreme Court opinion.
Then to hear that McCain is “gaining”, due to the perception he is some military genius or a man of honor, or to watch that deer caught in the spotlight - Ron Paul - mimicking a surrendering prey animal whining and sputtering was disconcerting to say the least.
At this point, I don’t have a dog in the fight..
Still hoping that one of them will justify another trip to the ballot box....
Looks like I’ll have to hold my nose again and vote for the lesser evil...
Separated at Birth.
As long as he could hide in the background he was OK. Once pushed into the spotlight and questioned, his views unravel since they are absurd and only “sound good”.
It’s pretty bad when you have to deny Iran is involved in Iraq to save face and justify your stance Ron.
Ron Paul on Hannity and Combs after the debate, this is pretty good:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cn2JTi1U59k&NR=1
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.