TAPE-DELAYED DEBATE ANALYSIS: THOMPSON, RUDY, HUCK DOMINATE

MSNBC ^ | Chuck Todd

[UCFRoadWarrior]

Just wondering if Ron Paul keeps winning these internet “polls”....what is with the other candidates supporters?

And, hasnt the Vicente Fox News Channel and the others figured out how to keep people from voting more than once?

Also, seems the Ron Paul bashing comes mainly from the supporters of the Liberal Globalist fringe of GOP candidates.

If Tancredo or Hunter are not the GOP candidates, the GOP might as well dress the elephant in donkey clothes.

[Thermalseeker]

In terms of electibility for the general, the GOPs two strongest candidates are Thompson and Giuliani, like it or not.

Probably true, but I saw a strong field of candidates, regardless. Lots of potential for VEEP candidates, too. Although I didn't necessarily agree with some of what the others said, I thought each candidate did a good job articulating their positions, even Paul, although he was a bit radical at times.

If I were her Thyness or Osama Obama I'd be a bit worried this AM.....with the exception of McCain and Paul, I think any of the rest will give the Dims a serious run for their money....

[W04Man]

MEANWHILE.... FRED IS HAVING FUN! Here is a more casual look from behind the scenes:

Bump! Go Fred Go!

PRESIDENTIAL MATERIAL.... for sure!

[NeoCaveman]

The big loser tonight (of the top tier candidates) was Romney. He certainly didn’t have any friends among the debate questioners and the diner patrons and that kept Romney on the defensive all night.

Atleast I wasn't the only one who noticed that Mitt got all the "so when did you stop beating your wife questions"....

[NavyCanDo]

“The big loser tonight (of the top tier candidates) was Romney.”

I would agree. Mitt had been my second choice behind Fred Thompson, and I was hoping he would stand out last night, but he didn’t.

[NeoCaveman]

Rooty had a terrible performance at the debate. He always brought up New York, ad nauseum.

I agree. Rudy bored me with all his NYC stats.

I also thought McCain was excellent and Huckabee was pretty darn good.

[Conservativegreatgrandma]

I’ll be seeing Fred this aft. in Des Moines. We saw him at the State Fair and he was impressive.

[NavyCanDo]

Ahhhhhhhhh LOL - The Ron Paul won everything by a landslide poll that I was expecting.
Still waiting for someone to post a straw poll showing 98% thought he won, but there are no Hemp Fest after Labor day to take those polls.

[John D]

I always believe any MSNBC poll and if this poll says Ron Paul, that is enough for my vote!

If MSNBC says cut and run won you know what side of the isle he is on.

[CharlesWayneCT]

It;s not just them, all the democrats vote for Ron Paul, just like all of us republicans vote for Dennis Kucinich after the democrat debates.

When you are chosen as the “candidate to pick to screw up the other party”, that pretty much sums up your chances.

[CharlesWayneCT]

Seriously, look at that picture. It looks like a family with their grandfather. And Leno isn’t the grandfather.

It’s no reason not to vote for a candidate, but the american people aren’t known for using rationality in choosing their candidates.

[tioga]

-with grace? He SMIRKED and it looked odd and not presidential.

[Eepsy]

Mitt Romney keeps reminding me of the kind of presidents that always pop up in political thriller novels: they spend their whole lives wanting to be president, they look like an ideal president, but as soon as the pressure is on they turn out to be shells- no back bone.

As an opinion, I admit it’s shallow, but it’s the vibe I keep getting from him, and it makes me uncomfortable with him as a candidate.

[dforest]

I also thought McCain was excellent and Huckabee was pretty darn good.

I could like Huckabee if he would change his immigration stance. He is very personable and a good speaker.

McCain is good on a couple issues and actually came off friendly last night... However, what lies beneath the surface is what worries me. I would think McCain worked very hard prior to this debate to present a less grouchy and combative nature.

As to Rooty...well, he just can't stop trying to be mayor of New York City. Very telling, because I believe that is how he would try to run the country. Okay for NYC...but not for the rest of the country.

[sr4402]

The big loser tonight (of the top tier candidates) was Romney. He certainly didn’t have any friends among the debate questioners

PMS-NBC is admitting here that the debate was rigged against a candidate. Notice the word "questioners"

[normy]

I agree. Last night was bad. He was laughing too much when he spoke even about serious issues such as his comparing his sons service to a soldiers or the report coming out of Iraq.

One thing about Rudy and McCain is they will take it to you and they handle the heat fairly well themselves.

Mitt should have confronted McCain instead of grinning like an idiot.

Mitt benefited greatly from the first debate but when he got some heat he melted.

[JohnnyZ]

The beginning of the end for the ill-fated Romney candidacy.

All those flip-flops for nothing.

[mysterio]

I will not vote for an anti-tobacco zealot, so Huckabee’s out.

[normy]

Huck is a huckster. He reminds me of Clinton. They guy talks for 20 minutes and says nothing, just like Clinton and people go.."hmm.. he seems like a nice guy."

Did anyone think Romneys answer to bugging mosques a little nuts. He even mentioned churches. Thats dangerous.

[FORREST64]

i did not vote and we still won for Ron Paul. New hampshire is Ron Paul country- “give me Liberty or Death”