Here are a few thoughts on the debate. There's no secret on here that I support Perry. That doesn't blind my objectivity to the point where I'm a kool-aid drinker. I am very aware that he has screwed up in the prior debates. I was quite frustrated with the earlier debate this week b/c he was doing a good job, and having his best debate so far, then had his brain fart. That was so frustrating to me b/c I know what kind of governor he is, and I know he's better than how he's has come off. Last night was a different ballgame. I thought he did 10x better, even with the small mistake of referring to Ron Paul as senator.
Regarding the author's description of Cain's slow methodical style, I have absolutely no problem with that. I sure as hell would prefer a thought out response over the shoot from the hip style he and Block have been using recently in blaming this sex scandal on Perry, a Politico reporter, the Free Masons, CIA, the Jews, etc. (I'm being slightly sarcastic) Even if this isn't his strongest suit, I don't think he did poorly at all. His only remark that I had issues with was deferring the definition of torture to the military. Otherwise, I thought he did well, and I'm glad he stood up to say that waterboarding isn't torture.
Romney was Romney. I had no real beef with his answers last night, from what I can remember. He's polished, and there's not much more to say about him on style. Style is good, but I want core principles. If there is not a solid foundation, then the there is no hope for a solid conservative governing style.
Newt did well, as he always does. I would suggest that he take care on going after the moderators. That can be off-putting, as he runs the risk of being known as the person who bitches about the press and moderators. That can be red meat for us conservatives, since we don't particularly care for the press, therefore don't care about their feelings getting hurt, but when it comes to the independents and such, I think that may come across as condescending. I could be wrong, but that's my take. Substance wise, he's spot on, which is of no surprise to anybody. He will be in the firing squad now, and will have much more baggage than Cain has. He was once the most hated man in politics, and don't think for a second that the press will sit back and take him speaking down to them. They will bite back when the time is right, and will do the whole "Gingrich that stole Christmas" theme all over again. I hope for his sake that he has dropped his prima donna issues. He pulled that nonsense with Clinton regarding an Air Force One flight, and Clinton made him look like a fool.
Santorum was Santorum. I have problems with his stance that we must always give money to Pakistan. This is why I support the zero-sum game that Perry and others support. Whatever issues I have with Santorum, he would be a million times better than the current occupant of 1600 Pennsylvania.
Bachmann was given the shaft last night. I thought the moderator was rude to her on two separate occasions. I'm not a fan of hers for the presidency, but I think she was disrespected. She should have just said "screw it" and kept on talking, especially the 2nd time they shut her down.
Paul was Paul. His people drive me nuts. I couldn't be in a debate audience b/c of them. You would hear me on national TV yelling for them to STFU. I completely disagree with Paul of foreign policy, and his waterboarding answer provided Rick Perry with the best answer of the night, which, if I remember correctly, got the biggest applause line of the night. Unfortunately it was on the online part of the debate.
Huntsman? Whatever. I'll give him credit on providing 50% of the DNA on some hot daughters.
Overall I enjoyed the debate. I hated the brilliant idea to split this up between live and online. That was a stupid move. I also hated that this was on a Saturday night. I didn't watch it live. I had family priorities. I did happen to dvr it, and found the 2nd part online. I think that guaranteed low viewership, but we'll see. It couldn't be any worse than last week during the LSU Bama game.
Do you have a link for Cain and Block blaming the Free Masons, Jews and CIA or did you make that up?
Given that this was first debate where Perry, held his own.....and being described as so much more relaxed and as well; ‘more on target’; cannot help but wonder if Adderol did not come to his rescue. Hope not ..though, personally; cannot help but wonder.