A couple of off-camera items:
Prior to the start of the debate, Anderson Cooper entertained questions from the audience. A woman asked Cooper whether he is married. The audience broke out in laughter.
During the pre-debate photo op, Rick Baker, the 6' 7" mayor of St. Petersburg, stood next to Fred Thompson. Someone yelled out, "My God, he's taller than Fred!" At that point, Thompson stood on his tip toes. Great audience laughter.
Following the first commercial break, as the cameras went live, Fred Thompson was not on the stage. Anderson Cooper started to look nervous. The cameras panned the audience until Thompson arrived from back stage.
There were substantially more boos and jeers during this debate than during the Orlando debate.
During the second break, Giuliani and Huckabee spent the entire time engaged in conversation.
What is the big deal about Anderson Cooper being married? Is he gay or something?
Great report. Any other tidbits?
Hey NN,
My husband was there too.
They actually caught the Baker/Thompson moment on TV...but not the part about Cooper being married, LOL.
I think McCain was booed a couple times when he was disagreeing with Paul. I’ve seen Paul supporters lining the streets with signs (near 4th Street and about 2nd Ave S) a couple of times when I was in the downtown area around 5 PM, so I think there’s a fairly large contingent of Paul supporters in the area.
Hey, BA, I wasn’t there tonight....imagine, in my own backyard....lol. But, I was looking forward to hearing your comments. Seemed like a lot of Ron Paul supporters in the audience....true? imho, again, no clear winner came out.
I thought the crowd was much more ‘boisterous’ (sp?) than in Orlando.
I am seriously going to have to reevaluate my past hatred for McCain.