Posted on 12/12/2007 2:30:09 PM PST by JRochelle
First, let me say that this was by far the worst debate yet. The questions were not only skewed to the left, not only almost entirely neglected foreign policy, but they were so broad as to allow the candidates to fall back on talking points. Also, there was no room for back and forth between the candidates. Absolutely awful.
With that said, Fred Thompson was the only candidate who stood out. He was funny, charming, and peppy. Here was a guy who wasn't afraid to speak hard truths, and who displayed knowledge of the policy issues--especially on entitlements. But the moment of the debate, the moment that will be talked about should he defy expectations and go on to win the nomination, was when he refused to raise his hand at the behest of the moderator. This demonstrated conviction, showed he was able to stand up for his principles, that he was a man who valued substance, a leader rather than a follower, and somebody who is running a different kind of campaign. In short, today Thompson was everything that conservatives had hoped they'd be getting when he announced his candidacy.
(Excerpt) Read more at spectator.org ...
That WAS the “moment” in the debate, leaving the other candidates looking foolish. In an earlier debate, I thought the “moment” was when Fred said : “yeah, I own a few guns, but I’m not going to tell you what they are or where I keep them” also leaving the other candidates looking foolish for trying to answer the “gun” question so carefully. These two moments should demonstrate Fred’s “no foolishness” attitude which is what this country so desperately needs.
Well, he was positioned in the center...;OD
The drive-bys don't want him in the news, and today solidified why.
They want a puppet they can pull the strings with and Fred aint gonna play that game.
Doughty, that was exactly my reaction.
Ping
Fred’s used this tactic before....what was it he did in the first or second debate? Again, something pitting him against the MSM? It’s gimmicky. But whatever.
Kicked her @$$. It is about time someone took these slanted airheads on.
Fred, you have the lead.
The truly rich don't pay taxes, because of the structure of their offshore trusts. It's primarily the upper middle class that pays the tax bill.
We need to remember that the MSM wants Mike Huckabee or Rudy Guiliani to win the nomination so that Hillary will be the next President! But when Fred Thompson shows up second or third in the Iowa caucus, the MSM will have to mention his name again! GO FRED! :)
I believe that McLame and Mitt on the right were showing hands. There was someone on the far left.
Mitt is dead meat, for me, just on that one comment.
The moderator has been called Nurse Ratchet but I think Hillary is a better name for her.
We all know who handled her best!
“Now, Fred needs to work his ass off in Iowa the next couple of weeks and move ahead of Romney there. If he can get into second-place, he can win South Carolina and can win the nomination.”
I saw a bit of the debate and thought Thompson did fine.
When he said “you’re getting to be a pretty good actor.” It reminded me of Reagan.
That’s my guy!
Yeah, Fred was great today. Huck has been great other days and Mitt on still others.
Hmmmm... I think responsible conservatism is winning !!!
Medved likes Huckabee.
Ironically, I read in a non-political book recently about the original Reagan incident and that it was actually planned. But this non-partisan book also mentioned it as an example of demonstration of defiance convincing people of leadership.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.