Thursday, May 3rd 2007
And they’re off!
The GOP debate kickoff, in what Drudge Report called “The Reagan Derby”, is happening right now on my television. A small viewing party has sprung up, so the peanut gallery and I will provide some “insightful” commentary.
We’ve noted (sorry James) that Brownback needs a makeover.
Three Reagan plug have happened so far, and I’m suprised there haven’t been more, since it’s located in the heart of Reagan territory, his Presedential Library in Simi Valley. (a nice place, by the way).
The commentary so far on the Iraq war has been fairly positive but not particularly substantive. As my friend says, “we should call this the run-around Sue”. I’m pleased that lots of issues regarding Iraq, like winning hearts and minds, the issue of Iran, Osama and Al Qaeda,
“But he [Osama bin Laden] is going to pay, and he will die” –Romney. I think this quote made my day.
McCain tried to latch on to this ferocity with “I will follow him to the gates of hell” This sets Romney out as someone for other’s to follow. Good or bad?
Token mention of Arnold! Go California! “I love the Governator”. This is in the context of not amending the constitution to let those born in other countries to run for president. Many candidates have made quips about this, but only two supported it: Giuliani, and i didn’t catch the second.
“What do you dislike most about America?” (to Romney) No wonder this question came from the Bay Area, what a wierd question. He said he loved everything about this country (here he made his second citation of Reagan).
Global Warming: Oh boy. “The old boyscout adage: Leave the campsite in better shape than you found it”. I think this was Gilmore.
Miost of the candidates look fairly good on their feet.
To Ron Paul: “Would you work to phase out the IRS?” –”Immediately!”. He said he is against a cradle-to-grave policy for Americans (One of my friends is now completely sold on this man)
Those for the overturning of Roe V. Wade: All of them. Giuliani “It would be ok”, he is in favor of states deciding on abortion rights and rules.
Romney’s commentary on abortion was “whether or not government should take a part in this decision” and he “changed his mind”. Also, his third mention of Reagan. (That’s five so far)
Six! Brownback just made another.
Seven, this one by the moderator. He’s asking a question in the spirit of Reagan; restore a unity of purpose, reduce government, etc.
McCain adresses his age in this question, saying “I’ve known the good and evil in this world, I’ve seen it” to which my friend says “You’ve seen everything!”
Hunter emphasizes his Defense background, much like McCain.
Two more references to Reagan, “Morning in America” and “a city on a hill”.
It’s interesting to see which candidates look at the camera and which look at the moderator.
Ron Paul: “If the goal of government is to be the policeman of the world, then you lose liberty”
To Romney: “What would you say to Roman Catholic Bishops who want to deny communion to those who support abortion?” –”I don’t say anything to Roman Catholics, they are a private organization”. Points for the religion joke.
So. I have to head out to some events, but we will see how the headlines say tomorrow. In the words of my friend “Oh no, Romney is winning me over!” I’ll follow up at another time.
oooh, glad you blogged this…I was starting to feel like maybe I should.
I gotta agree with you on Romney - I showed up a little late, but so far I’d say he’s doing fantastically. Apart from the fact that he’s still a little too smooth.
Giuliani is being a bit of a jerk, going over time and saying whatever he wants, regardless of the question. (All of them are doing that to some extent, but Rudy’s doing it the worst methinks.) Plus, weak response on the Roe question.
McCain is doing better than I feared. He can come across as tired sometimes, but he’s doing pretty well and also speaking to the audience, rather than the moderators.
Tommy Thompson is just not telegenic.
Good line by Huckabee just now “You don’t give a grade in the middle of the exam” on the Iraq question.
And Brownback looks just fine, thank you very much.
Comment by jfullmer — 5/3/2007 @ 5:52 pm
I also have to get going, but a few final thoughts…
Ron Paul would be a fantastic grandfather. Unfortunately, he’s a little too principled for his own good (ie, talking about cutting the “inflation tax,” which makes sense if you’re a hardcore libertarian and already know what he’s talking about.)
Romney just got the vote of every single businessman and stockholder with a zero capital gains tax rate.
I figured out what’s nontelegenic about Gov. Thompson. He looks like he needs to burp.
Of the front runners, McCain and Romney clearly bested Giuliani. That’s because McCain is liked for being McCain, Romney for being smart, and Giuliani for saving New York on 9/11. Only two of those things can be done on a debate stage. And McCain and Romney both played their parts well.
Of the second-tier, I think possibly Hunter did the best. He came across as intelligent and knowledgable.
Brownback and Huckabee both did well at appealing to their supporters, and Brownback still has my primary vote. However, I don’t know if they did a good job appealing outside the people who already support them.
Gilmore was a bit of a non-factor, as was Tancredo. Tancredo doesn’t come across as crazy on stage. Unfortunately, he doesn’t really come across as anything. He wasn’t even really that strong on his single issue. [Good line, though, on abortion.] And honestly, if it weren’t for the fact that everyone already knows him, I think Giuliani would be down here in the non-factor list.
For me personally, I’m still voting for Brownback, with McCain as my second and Huckabee as my third. Hunter and Romney both impressed me quite a bit as well. Thumbs down to everyone else.
Comment by jfullmer — 5/3/2007 @ 6:18 pm
What the hell is so impressive about Brownback?
“That’s because McCain is liked for being McCain, Romney for being smart, and Giuliani for saving New York on 9/11.”
No he didn’t! WTF?
I don’t know what you mean by that statement, but Guiliani has been criticized for taking credit where none is due. This especially applies to the fact that the firefighters did not have the EQ they have been asking for.
Comment by Ghost of Clark Kerr — 5/4/2007 @ 11:26 am
Next time I’ll add a tag for you. In case you haven’t noticed, I’m about the farthest thing from a Giuliani cheerleader there is. Apart from the fact that I think he’s wrong on a lot of policy and a jerk, the idea that being mayor of NY on 9/11 somehow makes him strong on national security is idiotic.
As for Brownback, on an entirely personal note, I think he’s the best on the issues. In general, though, he has a great character and a great set of values.
Comment by jfullmer — 5/4/2007 @ 12:02 pm
sorry, that should read “I’ll add a tongue in cheek tag”
Comment by jfullmer — 5/4/2007 @ 12:03 pm
[…] california patriot blog » And they’re off! Republican Presidential Debate Analysis. The Stormin Mormon seems to have captured their hearts. […]
Pingback by The Bears Are Roaring: Blog Roundup at Bears Necessity — 5/5/2007 @ 3:21 pm
James, good call with Tancredo. He totally had the best response to the Roe question. Firm, straight to the point, from the heart. No, no, I’m not the baby killer I used to be, James. I don’t think I’ve ever told you this, but you’re the first person who ever introduced me to the “proper libertarian” stance on abortion.. you know, that whole part about the constitution saying it’s the gov’s job to protect LIFE.
Anyway, that was my favorite part of the debate. I would have liked to have seen more about Iraq policy. This issue will sink us in ‘08. We need a candidate who will come off as having innovative, effective plans for this issue… what they are I think only God knows.
Study time, later y’all.
Comment by Ross — 5/10/2007 @ 1:39 am
You are not the only one. After both debates, I have finally decided to support Romney. After these debates, I am convinced that his “conversian” is genuine and that he is the only electable conservative.
Comment by Andy Nevis — 5/15/2007 @ 11:25 pm