Make no mistake - this debate was not politically neutral in setup. Many of the questions were posed to trap conservatives into embarrassing and/or politically damaging positions. The media is not our friend. With that...
Brownback and Mccain are 100% embarrassing. Cringe-inducing answers. They were way out of their league. Pathetic, I wanted to mute their answers. Get them both off the stage.
Gilmore, Huckabee, Tommy Thompson came across as ok (overall...). Giuliani...great demeanor, great personality for a president, but there isn't much good to say about his policy stances. I can't hate him, but I cannot support him either.
Ron Paul should STFU about the war, which he manages to tie into almost every answer. He came across as kookie, and it is a real shame. It drowns out all of his good ideas. He can't change the subject!!! I love the guy (no homo), but his amplification of this glaring weakness makes me almost ashamed to be associated in any way with him. Entirely disappointing.
Romney and Tancredo were both very strong. Romney is hard to read though, sorta like a slick, POSSIBLY insincere vibe. He may actually not be all that bad (if Fred Thompson doesn't enter the race, and Hunter doesn't gain traction).
Hunter stole the show, hitting almost every pitch out of the park (no strikes, that is for sure). America would be very well served to have this man as president. I think he would draw some Democrats and independents as well (those that recognize the economic damage wrought by the tax and regulatory systems on several employment sectors).
My ranking:
1. Hunter
2. Tancredo (tie)
2. Romney (tie)
4. Huckabee (tie)
4. Gilmore (tie)
4. Giuliani (tie)
4. Tommy Thompson (tie)
8. Paul (kooky)
9. MCcain (embarrassing)
10. Brownback (embarrassing)
I thought McCain was very good. I’d vote for him.
Notwithstanding the kookiness factor, I think Paul and Tancredo gave the most honest, direct answers. Still, I don’t see them as having a chance. I think Gilmore did a lot better than you present. Thanks for taking the time to share your impressions.
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...:)