NRO
Scoring Sunday’s GOP Debate
Winner: Arthur Branch. Okay, I know he goes by the stage name, “Fred Thompson,” but don’t tell me that just as “Law and Order” comes back to the airwaves with new episodes, we just happen to see a deep rumbling baritone from a big guy sitting behind a desk, using a combination of homespun aphorisms and legal arguments to put some wet-behind-the-ears young feller in his place.
I have to go back and check the transcript, but it appears that he just took Huckabee to school on the legal rules regarding captured al-Qaeda at Guanatanamo Bay.
Over in the Corner, Rich described him as “the cranky conservative one-man truth squad,” and that’s a role that fits him. He doesn’t overpromise, he doesn’t seem too much like an overeager car salesman. Whether that will sell in New Hampshire is another question...
The focus group on Fox hates him. Ah, what do they know?
Saturday Nights Debate:
“I think Fred Thompson had a terrific night.” (George Stephanopoulos, ABC)
“Fred Thompson won the debate.” (The Atlantic)
“[Fred Thompson] came to play tonight.” (ABC)
“[Thompson] and McCain sound like the adults on stage.” (The Atlantic)
“Fred Thompson talking some serious substance too — man, maybe I underestimated him.” (ABC)
“Every answer was thoughtful and well-crafted; his tone matched the tone of the question; he wisely refrained from interjecting in the back and forth squabbling. He very deftly reminded viewers that he served on key Senate national security panels and is bringing his experience to bear.” (The Atlantic)
“Still, it summed up what is likeable about Thompson - direct, clear, and logical.” (National Review)
“Thompson is excelling on policy and style.” (The Atlantic)
“Fred Thompson does get bonus points … for intellectually honesty.” (ABC)
“Fred Thompson does a great job of making the free market case for health care, in contrast to Romney’s statism.” (American Spectator)
“I think even the most ardent Romney supporters would agree that he didn’t handle the question on his MA health-care plan all that well. There was a bit of a deer-in-the-headlights look when Thompson challenged him on the plan.” (NBC)
“[Romney] was backed into a corner on mandates in health care by Fred Thompson.” (The Atlantic)
“How could [Mitt] have let Fred Thompson best him on a debate over healthcare? (ABC)
This is going to be a Romney v. McCain race. When Rudy drops out his supporters will split between these two. The Huckster will turn into gadfly status pulling in maybe 10 to 15% max of the delegates.
Disclaimer: I’m for Fred, and I will definitely vote for him in the primary if given a chance. In the primaries, I vote for principle—not appearance or “electability”, and Fred is far and above the best conservative candidate. Also, I think Fox News was reprehensible for not inviting Duncan Hunter or Ron Paul to tonight’s debate. Ron Paul, whether I like him or not, is polling better than Fred (and I think Rudy) in NH!
That said, I think Romney did very good in the debates. He talks a real good talk. It’s unfortunate that many voters will not take the time to educate themselves on his time as governor and his recent change of heart on key issues. Does anyone truly believe 50+ year old men are that easily swayed? Seriously, normal people are usually very well set in the core beliefs by then. AND, if his beliefs are so fluid, what’s to prevent him from changing again? Think about that!
Absolutely. Mitt has what it takes to be our next President and with class, courage, experience, and intelligence.
Romney bump
Though Romney was the focus of his opponents’ attacks, rather than looking beleaguered or overwhelmed, Romney rose to the occasion. Indeed, the fortuitously centrally-seated Romney looked every bit the president - a man calm, cool, decisive and in control under fire.
I have to agree.
Ping!