Republican Presidential Candidate Debate #2 - Columbia, SC 05/15/07 - Official Discussion Thread

May 15, 2007

[CounterCounterCulture]

Republican Presidential Candidate Debate #2 – Columbia, South Carolina 05/15/07 - Official Discussion Thread

Watch live coverage of the First-in-the-South Republican Party Presidential Candidate debate on FOX News Channel and FOXNews.com on Tuesday, May 15, at 9 p.m. EDT (6 p.m. PDT).

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

The 90-minute debate will air from 9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. ET (6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.) and will be moderated by "Special Report" anchor Brit Hume. Questions will be posed by two panelists — "FOX News Sunday" host Chris Wallace and White House correspondent Wendell Goler.

[patriciaruth]

I think the necessity to get in early and debate is for those without high voter name recognition.

The new Super Tuesday with New York and California and many other States in the mix has changed the dynamics of primaries.

Before you could start small and build recognition by doing well in an early primary. But it will be all over by March with one big national election now...

That means that these fellows have just seven months to make contact with the voters, to get their policies, character, and records known.

That isn’t much time when so many tens of millions of people have to be reached.

The s

[SoCalPol]

Nixon was a Navy Officer in the Pacific in WWII

[patriciamary]

Fighting over Issues that are non issues are silly and hurts the party,no matter who is President ,even Hunter or Thompson,these social issues will not be altered in any way like it or not So why is everyone in an uproar over things that cannot be changed in the near future.Just like the draft in 04 that could not possibly happen.

[Kryptonite]

I always chalk that up to the Alan Keyes for President losing strategy.

[patriciamary]

but the majority is still listening to the main stream media and believing them.

[calcowgirl]

From Mark Levin

The Debate

For what it's worth, Romney looks stronger and stronger to me. He's in his zone, he's nailed down his positions, he's confident and articulate, and he has charisma. I thought McCain held his own. He, too, was confident. He did a better job than the last debate. However, his position on interrogations is simply ridiculous when held up to scrutiny. I don't think Rudy gained very much. A forum where 10 candidates get equal attention is simply not helpful to a front-runner. But I am becoming increasingly impressed with Duncan Hunter. He's poised, has a good grasp of the issues, and is consistent. He's solid on national security, and I like his idea about zero taxes for the manufacturing sector (although I don't believe I share his overall approach to economics). In my own mind, it would be nice if he'd move into the first tier of candidates. Being a member of the House, however, his name identification and public exposure remains limited.

[SoCalPol]

Hey you, decided to jump in.
Had to laugh at the folks over at the Dark Side.
When Rudy or Mitt doesn’t make it, they only have each other. What punishment. :)

[b9]

Guiliani’s steely reaction to Ron Paul’s accusation that America caused 9/11 was stunning. At that moment it was crystal clear what the imperative is.

[patriciaruth]

Ah, yes, District 52. I once upon a time voted there.

Most of it burned down in 1970. Most of it is brush.

[P-Marlowe]

But it will be all over by March with one big national election now...

What would be cool is if nobody gets enough votes to walk into the convention with the nomination. Then we could witness a REAL Republican convention and not just a silly feel good party.

[George W. Bush]

Personally, I'm getting bored with Fred, simply because he's not running.

I know the feeling. A lot of money and organization is getting sucked up already. But also, a lot of it is standing aloof waiting to see what Fred might do.

But it is a bit annoying. Time to put up or shut up for Fred.

[patriciaruth]

Mitt maybe competitive in the early states but fizzles out on February 5th.

All of them are at risk of fizzle on February 5.

I think Romney's organizational talents and money make him an even money bet. And he is, as you say, articulate and he has studied hard.

I'd be in his camp if he wasn't soft on assault weapons.

Me, I want a Stinger.

[Mariebl]

What would be cool is if nobody gets enough votes to walk into the convention with the nomination. Then we could witness a REAL Republican convention and not just a silly feel good party.

There's an evil irresponsible side of me that hopes for a brokered convention, just for the entertainment value of it, and as a slap in the face to all the obscenely early primaries.

[patriciaruth]

Thanks, got to give Tancredo his due if he likes Jack Bauer.

[b9]

Not positive it was Tancredo ~ but am sure it wasn’t Hunter.
Great line, huh.

[patriciamary]

I like Tancredo,I think he’s truly dedicated to border security.

[SoCalPol]

Thanks for the posting, Mark was commenting on Hunter on his program late this afternoon.

They just filled in the longest tunnel between Mexico & San Diego today. Several more to fill in, costing over a few million dollars. Just think, there are those who think illegals are just fine folks.

[patriciaruth]

would be cool is if nobody gets enough votes to walk into the convention with the nomination

Frankly, I like that scenario better. Having Party delegates from our leading candidates get together and talk seriously about the situation, and not have TV broadcast "newsmakers" skewing the results.