[TexasFreeper2009]

I thought i'd start a live thread for tonights debate since no one else had yet.

Let play a debate drinking game!

Everytime Romney says "America" or Paul says "federal reserve" (or Santorm whines about anything) you drink, and if Romney says "shinning city on the hill" or Gingrich gets the audience to give a standing ovation you have to guzzle the whole can

:)

[southernnorthcarolina]

This is damning with faint praise, but I think Brian Williams deserves some kudos for being less obtrusive than previous debate mods.

Newt was tonight's winner easily, again.

[womanvet]

I was working late tonight, anyone have a link to a rereun?

[ConservativeInPA]

This debate is a brief lull in the election. We can blame an entirely liberal panel for that. NBC is the winner tonight. NBC setup an environment and asked the questions to allow the few Rats watching the debate tonight to have a very enjoyable evening. I doubt many Republican minds were changed this evening. Maybe some undecided people, but the vast majority have had their convictions affirmed. At least that what happened to me. Mitt is a scumbag, Paul while fiscally good is still a wackjob beyond our borders. Little Ricky is not ready. Newt showed restraint. Enough of that! I want some red meat. Newt won, but didn't expand his followers, unless they were looking for boring restraint.

[LiamH]

Well that was a lot more boring that it had to be (thanks to NBC), but I am confident Newt will kick Romney’s *ss in Florida now and win the nomination. The liberal cultist had his chance to destroy Newt and failed, and no real republican wants to vote for Romney. Newt is our next President.

[WalterSkinner]

..NBC's top brass probably carefully observed how Newt played off of and inspired the audience in SC and were dedicated to having a hall with a little more life than a morgue--It was bizarre

Also there seemed to be an effort to rehabilitate Romney, who looks weak and desperate. Santorum had a good night because he backed away from the whining--somebody talked to him

Newt didn't hit any grand slams tonight but he got several hits...

[badpacifist]

Newt did just what he should have done. He went in with a plan. Controlled his tongue knowing full well he wouldn't be given time for a full explanation of some Romney attacks. He appealed the to groups he needed to in the “not decided yets.” He was concise with out ever being petty. He did not insult the intelligence of those taking a look at the new front runner. He taught.

[Parley Baer]

I will be very happy if no Florida voters change their minds tonight and Newt maintains a nice lead over Mitt. GO NEWT GO!

[Cato in PA]

I don’t think there was a clear winner, jenny.

Newt did the best he could against Romney’s avalanche of accusations at the beginning. That’s ordinarily difficult to handle given the artificially-imposed time limits of a debate; he’d be cut off. If he tried to ask for more time, he’d probably be denied, and he couldn’t count on audience support since NBC decided to suppress them. I’m curious as to how people will view what Newt said.

Romney’s strategy reminds me of what some NFL players do after they commit a foul and they know it: they raise their hands in the air as if nothing happened and try to move on. You could tell Romney was proud of what he did in the opening topics because he went the extra mile to make his murder smile look extra presidential. This could backfire either because people are repulsed by his negativity OR they changed the channel out of boredom before they got to hear his canned speeches.

Santorum had some better moments, especially with the pro-life stuff. But no matter how good he is on that, the endorsements and support just keep coming in for Newt. Rick did well tonight, but barring an event of significant consequence, I think his campaign is on life support.

Ron Paul...not going to go there.