GOP Debate Transcript Aired January 30, 2008

cnn ^ | 01/30/08 | cnn

[TornadoAlley3]

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

The first question is actually a question that will go to all of you, but I'll start with Governor Romney. Ronald Reagan himself asked this question during a debate. During a 1980 debate, he suggested Americans determine who to vote for by asking themselves, "Are you better off than you were four years ago?" So tonight, in terms of the economy, are Americans better off than they were eight years ago?

[counterpunch]

 

[nmh]

I missed it. Thanks for posting it. I’ll read it later.

I DEPSISE McPAIN.

[littlehouse36]

I do not propose nor have I ever proposed a public or secret date for withdrawal. It's just simply wrong.

And by the way, raising it a few days before the Florida primary, when there was very little time for me to correct the record, when the question that was most frequently asked is, "Oh, you're for a specific date of withdrawal," sort of falls in the kind of dirty tricks that I think Ronald Reagan would have found to be reprehensible.

 

 

 

[G.Mason]

That was an excellent reply by Romney ... if anyone bothered to hear it.

The only prop McCain needed was two steel balls rolling around in his hand.

BTW ... that lump on the left side of his face seemed to be getting larger as I watched the debate.

The little darling of the MSM better advise them to stop showing that side.

Perhaps he can get a law passed making it a crime to photograph him showing that lump. He could call it the McCain Anti-Lump legislation.

[Road Warrior ‘04]

[littlehouse36]

“I was officially Fredbacker1 but now officially Romney1 and still can’t change my name”

Bushbacker1 — a name to be proud of.

BTW, no can see your pic.

[littlehouse36]

Note to transcript readers (who did not watch the debate:)

The APPLAUSE notations are curiously inserted about two rows below the actual speech being applauded. It looks as though the moderators were being applauded, or their introduction of the next speaker.

But in fact, it was Romney & Ron Paul who garnered the most applause last night. Huck had a few good lines as well.

[littlehouse36]

“... if anyone bothered to hear it.”

Sad, but true. Easy to see now how McCain has been working on his strategy for seven years. His name on every work of “bi-partisanship”, pandering to Mexicans, all because he can win this way and he knows that dupes like me will go to the polls anyway and vote for him.

Obama a slight chink in this strategy but I believe McCain will prevail.

[TornadoAlley3]

MCCAIN: I hope that some people judge me by those that are supporting me.

[TornadoAlley3]

Governor Huckabee, Brian Berry (ph) of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, wants to know, “In order to curb illegal immigration, do you support making changes in the law that would give citizenship only to children who are born to parents who are legally in this country at the time the child is born?”

HUCKABEE: I think the Supreme Court has already ruled on that.

Hey Huck, they have already ruled on Roe v Wade also, and you want to change that, why not the same with illegals?

[Red_Devil 232]

It was an excellent reply indeed! But you know what? The MSM is not playing that reply. They are playing McCain’s accusation over and over and showing Mitt sputtering a trying to get a word in! Despicable duplicity by the MSM!

[mcjordansc]

The answer was perfectly legitimate. He was not asked if the court should re-address the issue, he was asked if we should make changes in the law. It cannot be done right now.

[TornadoAlley3]

Why not?

[counterpunch]

Yeah, no kidding.
The open-borders GOP establishment.

Everyone keeps saying this is a change election, people want a change...
So then why are Republicans so stupid as to be on the verge of nominating the GOP Establishment candidate?

[mcjordansc]

You are correct, something could be done, but it would require amending the constitution. Maybe that could be done, but not anytime soon (and I still question whether it would get the support of 38 states).

14th Amendment, Section 1: All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.

[TornadoAlley3]

You are correct, something could be done, but it would require amending the constitution. Maybe that could be done, but not anytime soon (and I still question whether it would get the support of 38 states).

But Huck thinks he can amend the constitution on marriage and abortion. My point is people are more upset about illegal immigration and if he can’t get that changed he sure is not going to get the other two changed, but his supporters are sure he can.

[TornadoAlley3]

Shut up, Sit down and vote for McCain. :)

[mcjordansc]

I have not heard him say, but it would not surprise me if he did not support amending the constitution to change citizenship rules. This would be consistent with his belief that you do not punish the children for the sins of the parents.

[CharlesWayneCT]

Joe Leiberman, Mel Martinez, Arnold Schwartzenegger, The New York Times.

Bill Clinton.

I will be happy to judge him on who is supporting him.