Republican Presidential Candidate Debate #1~ Reagan Library 05/03/07 - Official Discussion Thread

[CounterCounterCulture]

Republican Presidential Candidate Debate #1 – Reagan Library 05/03/07 - Official Discussion Thread

• Sam Brownback
• Jim Gilmore
• Rudy Giuliani
• Mike Huckabee
• Duncan Hunter
• John McCain
• Mitt Romney
• Ron Paul
• Tom Tancredo
• Tommy Thompson

  The debate will take place at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California, and will air live on MSNBC from 8:00 to 9:30 pm (ET) and stream live on MSNBC.com and politico.com and will include audience questions gathered on politico.com.

[Sun]

fyi

Duncan Hunter: Yes. You know, I’m the author of the personhood-at-conception bill which right now has over 100 co-sponsors ...that would define personhood as moment of conception, so, it would allow us to have a reversal of the effects of Roe v. Wade without a constitutional amendment.

http://www.rightnation.us/forums/index.php?showtopic=114155

[Pinkbell]

Interesting. He is sounding less and less pro-life to me. A part of me really hopes he doesn’t do so well in the upcoming debates, and a solid pro-lifer like Hunter will really begin to shine.

[budwiesest]

Huckabee surprised in a positive way. Too bad the spotlight is on the Three Amigos all the time.

[JohnnyZ]

Why does Romney come off as so slick? Is it just his natural demeanor? That would be unfortunate; I like a lot of the stuff he’s said.

Considering his nickname is "Slick Willard" .... yeah. He's good at telling people what they want to hear.

[EternalVigilance]

Romney signs off on permanent assault weapons ban

- July 08, 2004

Governor Mitt Romney has signed into law a permanent assault weapons ban that he says will make it harder for criminals to get their hands on these guns.

“Deadly assault weapons have no place in Massachusetts,” Romney said, at a bill signing ceremony on July 1 with legislators, sportsmen’s groups and gun safety advocates. “These guns are not made for recreation or self-defense. They are instruments of destruction with the sole purpose of hunting down and killing people.”

http://www.iberkshires.com/story.php?story_id=14812

[Gelato]

Thanks. I've seen indications that Hunter supports using any and all possible federal measures to protect life, including a constitutional amendment, if necessary.

I'm not sure about Huckabee or Tancredo, but just about all the others seem to oppose a federal ban. Even Fred Thompson.

[streetpreacher]

I think the winners tonight were Paul and Romney.

[La Enchiladita]

Share your thoughts re Hunter: Of all there tonight, he would be the best President for America.

I also share your observations re Romney. His looks and smooth presentation possibly work against him and detract from possible substance there.

However, I like a candidate who clearly “gets it” about the War on Terror, and Duncan Hunter clearly and passionately does. His being a veteran and troops supporter is a big PLUS for him, especially at this time in our history.

Rudy also gets it re the War on Terror, but he was mushy on some other questions. Rudy’s not as bad or evil as some would like us to believe. I appreciate his desire to serve as President but don’t think he’ll make it to the nomination.

Every one of these candidates tonight has a strength. I think we can be proud they are Republicans. Paul is the odd man out though. (Agree he’s a kook, as I said upthread.) He and Buchanan are stuck pre 9/11.

McCain’s day is done but he won’t exit the stage gracefully. He really wants this, poor deluded man...

I am a bit surprised that so many FReepers are aligned with LSM re Romney... kinda buyin’ the snake oil. Anyway, I’m glad Romney is in front because this is just the beginning of a marathon...:)

A lot of the Romney FReepers will come over to Hunter. They’re in too much shock right now at how impressive Hunter is, so give them time...:)

[TAdams8591]

"A lot of the Romney FReepers will come over to Hunter."

It will be the reverse, my friend. : )

[takenoprisoner]

Thanks EV. Scratching Romney off the list now like a line item veto.

[Netizen]

A lot of the Romney FReepers will come over to Hunter. They’re in too much shock right now at how impressive Hunter is, so give them time...:)

Or in denial about his non pro life stance.

[EternalVigilance]

Good.

[calcowgirl]

Hunter got a silly softball question (”Are you a compassionate conservative”) when there were more important things to discuss.

His answer. “Yes. And now I will use the rest of my time to discuss an important issue.... Iran....”*

The question was stupid. The answer was important, IMO.

*rough quote

[Sun]

I don’t know why some people push states’ rights and ignore federalism when it comes to LIFE!

For some, I know it’s just a cop-out, but some are sincere, and I don’t get it.

[La Enchiladita]

Gee, I should have read your tagline before your analysis...:)

[EternalVigilance]

I thought that was brilliant.

[La Enchiladita]

Just call him Mitt Isuzu.

I don't know... more like Lexus.

;^)

[The_Eaglet]

Please ping me, too, when a transcript is up, an audio file is available, or a video in a format other than MSNBC’s stream is online.

[Liberty Valance]

Uh-oh - first i’d hear this.

[La Enchiladita]

Funneeeee......