Thank you for providing the link, CCC. Huckabee, Brownback and Paul should give it up. Hunter, Tancredo and Keyes did the best job- no pandering, straight answers, no emotionalism (well, maybe Keyes was a little on the passionate side). Keyes has always been a great orator though. :)
Here is the crux of the matter without the posturing and spinning and all the usual political gamesmanship; When given the opportunity to speak about conservative values and principles, you take it.
No matter how hostile the environment, you go and make the best case for the Conservative cause you can. Otherwise, it’s all about self-promotion and getting elected. I understand it might be smart or practical for the top tier to sit out this debate, as well as the Value Voters Debate. My reasoning is that a smart campaign will be of little use to us when our country becomes a 3rd-world cesspool and murdering zealots attack within our shores again.
I find it both intriguing and beguiling that it is so hard to get those to talk, who are for the most part, all talk.