Tag Archive for jon huntsman

Who Won the NBC Facebook Debate on Meet the Press from New Hampshire? 1/8/12

January 8, 2012 Uncategorized No comments

Instant Analysis:

For the second time in 10 hours, candidates for the GOP Presidential nomination debated in NH. Fatigue was present in the eyes of these 6 hopefuls but, they continued their trend of strong debating from last night. Gregory for all of the flack he takes week to week on Meet the Press, did much better than the silly questions moderators of ten hour ago. No one really “stepped in it” this morning but, we’ll try to break down the winners and losers.

Winners:

Rick Santorum: Santorum does much better with less candidates on stage and when he gets the opportunity to elaborate on his positions. He’s got the swagger of a contender now, sparring with Ron Paul, Rick Perry and Mitt Romney. Speaking of Mitt Romney

Mitt Romney: Did you see him put Santorum in check during the first ten minutes of the debate? He called out Santorum who was grimacing during his replies and took on all attackers. Once again he the “pinata at the party”. Often, we forget how Romney can assert himself and take control of a conversation. Most importantly, he made it through both debates with out a major flub that could cost him New Hampshire.

Rick Perry: What?! I know what you thinking. Follow me here. Rick Perry wasn’t debating to a New Hampshire crowd in attendance. He was talking to the voters in the state where he’ll make his last stand and that is South Carolina. In a pretty moderate dialouge, Perry went far right and complimented the Tea Party movement and painted himself, in the brightest shade of red possible. He also continued to spin his “oops” meltdown in a lighthearted manner.

Jon Huntsman: I mentioned the moderate dialogue in the last paragraph and in one of the more emotional moments of the debate, Huntsman defended his service as Ambassador to China under Barack Obama and mentioned his two sons currently serving overseas. He flourished when talking about bi-partisanship in Washington but, still showed fiscal restraint, complimenting the Ryan plan. Is he going to get the nomination? Probably not, but this debate was one of the finer moments of his campaign.

Losers:

Ron Paul: Paul must learn to stay away from Santroum during these things. Every time the spotlight shines on Paul’s foreign policy views, it gets awkward. He was also read some unflattering numbers by the moderator concerning his effectiveness in passing legislation.

Newt Gingrich: While it’s entertaining having negative Newt back. He’s making the same mistake of going after the moderators too often, even when there is nothing there. He lagged on face time and didn’t leave an impression that will lead to gains in the polls.

Well, the candidates need to learn from these debates and find some time for rest before the final sprint towards the primary on Tuesday. For one or two of them, it might be the last contest they make it to.

Who Won the ABC Yahoo GOP Debate from New Hampshire? 1/7/12

January 8, 2012 Uncategorized 2 comments

Wow, the candidates were on top of their game. Unfortunately, with no audible reminders of timing, they could go on as long as they wanted. Everyone sounded good at one time or another but this debate isn’t going to shake up the polls. And, yes there is another debate in less than half a day.

Winners:

Mitt Romney: Mitt did what Mitt does best and what has allowed him to stay on top for so long. He stood at his podium with his hands in his pockets, grinning, and letting the other candidates slam each other up and down the venue. Then about an hour an half in, he gave a heck of an inspiring rant that will probably show up in one of his ads soon.

Rick Santorum: Look at Santorum, wearing big brother’s clothes! The former Pennsylvania Senator did well in his first debate at the middle podiums. He answered clearly, stayed on message and effectively attacked when he had to.

Ron Paul: Calm down, calm down, ..Ron Paul spoke Ron Paul policies well. He also got slugged by Gingrich over integrity at the halfway point. Reading economic textbooks on a Saturday night? I’m compelled to throw him in the loser column over that alone.

Losers:

Newt Gingrich: While negative Newt did make his return tonight, it wasn’t quite enough to change momentum. Not instantly anyways. His lack of face time was a problem.

Rick Perry: When the Texas Governor needed a daring and game-changing debate to save his campaign, he disappeared. He didn’t speak until the 13 minute mark. He should just go to South Carolina right now.

Jon Huntsman:Oh, those moderate policies. I’m not dissing them, I’m a moderate. But, in a room full of conservatives during a primary against an unpopular President, it got a little quite during some of his replies.

George Stepanopolus: With the most ridiculous question of all of the debates so far. “Do states have the right to outlaw, contraception”. He was mocked and teased about it by the candidates and he stretched it out to a painful extent. In the current political landscape there far are more pressing matters at hand.

No time for rest guys! We’ve got another debate tomorrow morning. See you then!

Sprinting in the Dark: Your Iowa Caucus Preview Pt. II

December 29, 2011 Uncategorized 2 comments

Welcome back.

This is the second and final article, trying to unravel the mystery that is Iowa voters. If you haven’t read part I and the Google elves have sent you here first. Then, catch up with the first article here. With only five days to go, we’ve examined Newt, Santorum, Bachmann and Huntsman’s chances at victory and today we’ll check out the rest of the group, we’ve grown fond of over the last 194 debates.

Ron Paul:It’s fun to watch voters listen to Ron Paul for the first time. In a 10 minute speech he’ll have them nodding and “amen”ing everything he has to say about cutting the size of government and fiscal restraint during tough times.

Then in the last two minutes he’ll throw the listeners off a political cliff and the whole thing just seems like a cruel prank.

He’s cool with Iran having nukes and wants to scale back national defense so far, that we’ll be defending our borders with Woofle bats and spitballs.

Everyone knows that drawing back defense spending is necessary component for an overall economic solution. But, it’s imperative we remain vigilant against possible threats against our allies like Israel. Especially against malicious nuclear powers, especially against Iran. Anyhow let’s break it down further.

Strengths: Some of the most loyal supporters in American politics and, a ground war in Iowa that currently has him out front in most polls. Can he modify his defense message and “clarify” those connections to radical literature published under his watch?

Weaknesses: Foreign Policy and while his slicing and dicing governments philosophy plays well in a Republican primary, it’s hard to see the guy as electable in a general election, against a President who is going to try to run against the image of a “do nothing” congress”.

Paul's supporters will have to sell Iowa on his foreign policy views

Rick Perry: Man, it seems like a few short months ago, when Texas governor Rick Perry seemed like a sure thing for the Republican nomination President and then he started debating.

“He was for it before, he was against it or….”
“I would cut 3 uhhhh”
“New Hampshire is just the coolest state…Granite state”

Even though he spun the debacle brilliantly and is still a very likable candidate, his poll numbers tumbled and enthusiasm behind the campaign has waned.

Strengths:Dollar, dollar bill y’all. Rick Perry was able to raise loads of cash before his debate meltdowns and has got the money to stay until the end. Away from the podium, Perry comes as advertised and running on his record serves him well.

Weaknesses: His debating ability, his massive loss of momentum and….I can’t think of the third one (Low hanging fruit tastes just as good!)

Memorable Campaign Quote: “Oops”

Mitt Romney:Well, look who decided to show up to the party! Romney, who wasn’t expected to finish in the top 3 in Iowa, rolled in like a cool breeze on Wednesday afternoon, after his poll numbers jumped over the last week. Romney is planning on victory in New Hampshire and rolling that momentum down to South Carolina, then here to FLA. Could he run the table and take Iowa too?

Strengths: Vote frustration. Every candidate has shot to the top of the polls and anointed for victory, only to have excitement over their candidacy fade and fall. Then, like a last resort date to the prom, you’ve got your cousin Mitt Romney. Who is about as exiting Merchant Ivory film from the mid 90′s.

Weaknesses: I’ll bet you a $1000 dollars you can’t think of one of Romney’s weaknesses.

Memorable Campaign Quote: “This is the time to talk about it, we’re running for President”

Will Iowa finally like Mitt Romney?

Conclusion: It’s anybody’s race at this point. Bachmann had a major setback last night, when her campaign chairman defected to the Ron Paul campaign. Still, it’s too muddled to see who is going to pull this off. The candidates have been laid out for you and I’ll make a prediction soon. Keep checking back!

Sprinting in the Dark: Your Iowa Caucus Preview Pt. 1

December 27, 2011 Uncategorized One comment

One thing we know moving towards the Iowa Caucus next week is that, they’re is a candidate for every kind of voter. Capitol Hill Veterans, Mamma Grizzly-Conservative Firebrands, Southern Conservative Governors, North Eastern Republicans, and even a Libertarian to chose from.

What we don’t know is, who’s going to pull it off, or if victory in Iowa even means anything anymore. Let’s take a look at the candidates.

Newt Gingrich: Was this guy even suppose to be here? A few months back, his campaign staff left him for dead and armed only with a smug arrogance, contempt for the media, and a nothing to lose debate philosophy, Gingrich rode the anti-Romney crowd to recent front runner status.

Strengths: The most knowledgeable candidate in the field, years of capitol hill experience, a cavalier communication style and blunt, upfront relationship with the media when relaying his message.

Weaknesses: His cavalier communication style and blunt upfront relationship with media when relaying his message! This guy is a Press Secretary’s nightmare, who is capable of saying a regrettable statement at any given moment. Like…..

Memorable Campaign Quote: “I’m going to be the nominee”

Gingrich's own enemy is himself

Rick Santorum: He was invisible for the majority of the debates and his diet apparently only consists of Red Bull and Vivarin because, the former Senator from Pennsylvania looks and sounds like he could snap at any minute and go on a campaign ending tirade.

Strengths: He’s already hit all of Iowa’s 99 counties and is going back for seconds. He’ll barnstorm with the best of them and 08′ Iowa caucus winner Mike Huckabee expects him to do well. His platform actually appeals to a lot of Conservatives.

Weaknesses: He’s just so terrible when talking about it. Man, that Palin endorsement would sure come in handy right now.

Memorable Campaign Quote: (look of panic)

If Santorum could do a better job getting his message out there, he could contend



Michele Bachmann: Remember Bachmann’s first debate appearance? She brought a firm conservative message and much needed spark to the primary conversation. She won the Ames straw poll faster than anyone ever has (she’ll be happy to let you know that). Then her message got repetitive and her stock dropped. Rick Perry and Herman Cain started getting the pub and she got less time to remind us that she has 837 foster children.

Strengths: When Michele Bachmann flexes her Tax Attorney smarts, she sounds calculated and versed on her stop-spending campaign ideology. She’s outgoing during the debates and jumps into the conversation completely out of nowhere, like a stranger waiting in line at the grocery store. She’s already won in Iowa and as everyone has mentioned a thousand times before, she was born there.

Weaknesses: It’s the same ole message since she’s jumped in the race…literally. It hasn’t evolved and that’s difficult to do considering she sends out about 30 news releases a day. Dodd-Frank, Tea Party Caucus, Foster Mother. It’s time for something new.

Memorable Campaign Quote: “Turn 999 upside down and you’ll see. The Devil is in the details”

Bachmann has won in Iowa before, can she do it again?

Jon Huntsman: Congratulations to the Huntsman campaign! By ignoring Iowa, sitting out debates, and deserting Orlando for New Hampshire, you’ve managed to alienate two early voting states! A difficult feat to accomplish this early in the campaign season.

Strengths: Kermit the Frog, baby! The two bonded on the set of Saturday Night Live and rumor has it that the Huntsman campaign will have Kermit stump for him in Iowa. His daughters are terrific on the campaign trail and are surprisingly frank when addressing their dad’s chances.

Weaknesses: He hasn’t set foot in the state in months and gave up on it a long time ago. He’s polling 3rd in New Hampshire, the granite state will be the former Utah Governor’s last stand.

Memorable Campaign Quote: ” I use to poll as a margin of error”

if Huntsman sent Kermit to Iowa he could be the front runner by the weekend.

Part II Tomorrow!

Top Poliltical Quotes of the Year 2011 from FPFT

December 22, 2011 Uncategorized No comments

You gotta love these end of year posts and today we’ve got a great one. 2011 brought us some terrific quotes both brilliant and ridiculous. We’ve got strong declarations, scathing criticism, silly rants, and inspiring dialogue. This is a terrific time to relive all of those memorable moments. Let’s get going!

“Florida is open for business” – Governor Rick Scott during his inauguration.

“Visit me at charlie@forthepeople.com. Morgan & Morgan for the people”- Ex-Governor Charlie Crist joins Personal Injury Superfirm Morgan&Morgan.

Dog Bite? Kawlll

“We’ve got a governor who has done more harm to the state of Florida in the last nine months than any single man in the history of the state of Florida,”- Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer on Florida Governor Rick Scott

“We’re hoping Batman retires in Delray Beach”- A Governor Rick Scott Imposter during a Twitter Townhall answering concerns about crime in FL.

Florida's plan for fighting crime?

“An attack against one who serves is an attack against all who serve.”- Speaker of the House John Boehner in response to the Tuscon shootings.

“Journalist and Pundits should not manufacture a blood libel that serves only to incite the violence they report to condemn. That is reprehensible”- Sarah Palin “stepping in it” when addressing the tragic shootings in Tuscon.

“The state of Hawaii has said that President Obama was born there. That’s good enough for me” Speaker John Boehner speaking about President Obama’s gift certificate.

“The answer is I did not send that tweet. My system was hacked”-Former New York Congressman Anthony Weiner addressing lewd photos he tweeted of himself

“To be clear, the picture was of me, and I sent it”- Former New York Congressman Anthony Weiner addressing lewd photos he tweeted of himself at a press conference a few days later.

“To the unemployed citizens of Florida, this is an emergency session”

“Show me the jobs”

“Don’t blink”- Governor Rick Scott during his State of the State Address

“You are a traitor, I swear, you will not be re-elected. I will get an opponent.”- Florida State Rep. Scott Randolph to fellow State Rep Daphne Campbell during an abortion issue vote.

“I’ve got my mind on your money and your money on my mind!”- Former Senator and Current Senate Candidate George Lemieux attack ad mocking Bill Nelson’s fiscal policy.

“The Buckethead Show has service marked “Let’s get to work”-Jason “Buckethead” Bailey challenging Governor Rick Scott to a job creation competition… He scored the interview.

“Tonight, I can report to the American people and the world that United States has conducted an operation that has killed Osama Bin Laden, the leader of Al Qaeda”- President Barack Obama after the death of Osama Bin Laden

“I’m not anti-rap. In fact, like Bret Baier, I know the lyrics to ‘Rapper’s Delight,’ too.”- Sarah Palin on Rapper Common’s invite to the White House.

Common caused a stir when he visited hhe White House earlier this year

“Are you a flake?”- Fox New Sunday Host Chris Wallace to Presidential candidate and Minnesota Congresswoman Michele Bachmann.

While…..we’re on Bachmann

“My husband and I have raised five kids, we have 23 foster children“-..

“All the style and grace of a punch in the face. She’s a double down, deeeebie downer.” American Crossroads ad dissing Florida Congresswoman and DNC Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz.



“If Bill Nelson doesn’t win, Barack Obama won’t win Florida.”- Vice President Joe Biden

“Corporations are people too. They’re made of people” Prez Candidate Mitt Romney

“Move Mitch, Get out the way!”
“Caucus Blockers”
“Anytime Democrats and Republicans come together, somebody is getting screwed”- Jimmy Fallon during a slow jam the news segment about the Debt Ceiling Deal.

“If 10% is good enough for god, 9% should be just fine for the federal government”- Herman Cain on his 999 Economic Plan

“Turn 999 upside down and look. The Devil is in the details”- Michele Bachmann on Cain’s 999 plan

“if your dealt 4 aces that doesn’t make you a great poker player” Mitt Romney on Rick Perry’s Texas Job Creation Conditions.

“Pass this bill!”- Barack Obama during a joint session of Congress addressing the American Jobs Act

There simply aren’t anywords for this one guys. Oops- Texas Governor and Prez Candidate Rick Perry



“My next door neighbor’s two dogs have created more shovel ready jobs than this administration”- Libertarian Candidate for President Gary Johnson.

“At one point I was polling as a margin of error”- Presidential Candidate Jon Huntsman

“We strongly believe that our dad, has the experience and the proven track record to revive America’s economy and create jobs. Even if we didn’t believe that….we’d still have to be here”- Jon Huntsman daughters during a hilarious spoof of the Herman Cain “smoke ad”.

“You’re only a career politician because you couldn’t beat Ted Kennedy!”- Newt Gingrich to Mitt Romney during an ABC debate.

Oh no he didn't!

“Get the hell off the beach at Asbury Park and get out. You’re done. It’s 4:30, you’ve maximized your tan. Get off the beach. Get in your cars and get out of those areas.”- Chris Christie to his NJ Constituents prior to Hurricane Irene. Not connected to Florida but too good to leave out!.

and finally…

“The Capitol looks beautiful and I am honored to be at work tonight.”- Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords via Twitter on her return to Washington after being shot in January during the tragic Tuscon Shootings.

The return of Gabrielle Giffords to Washington was an inspiration to everyone.

There you have it. 2011 was a year full of quotes and this post easily could have been twice as long. See you tomorrow.

Who Won the Fox News GOP Debate in Iowa? 12/15/11

December 16, 2011 Uncategorized No comments

Alright, we’ve been through about 78 of these debates. At this point it feels like we’re going to get more GOP debates than NBA games this year. Let’s get down to business!

Winners:

Newt Gingrich: Did you hear that applause when Gingrich was talking about the Keystone oil pipeline and China? About having to send welfare reform to Bill Clinton 3 times? If you didn’t then you missed the loudest applause of the night. Gingrich continued to color in the details of broad questions, he sounded like Professor Gingrich at times.. He killed it.

Michele Bachmann: She was the only candidate that debated like she was behind. She went after Newt about his Freddie Mac/Fannie Mae ties. She attacked Ron Paul when he was indifferent about Iran getting nuclear weapons. She won the Ames straw poll, can she pull off another victory in the place of her birth and become relevant again?

Didn’t Win or Lose:

Mitt Romney: This isn’t his turf and the crowd doesn’t trust him. There was little applause even though he debated well. He’s only campaigning for a good showing in Iowa and it looked that way tonight. His competitors didn’t take a lot of shots his way so he was comfortable but, he didn’t help his chances but, that Iowa isn’t on Romney’s road map to victory. UPDATE: Romney will be endorsed by South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley today. A huge endorsement for the Romney campaign and a tactic that would keep momentum going should he win New Hampshire.

Ron Paul: Did you know that Twitter favors Ron Paul often during these debates? Did you know that the Governor of Iowa was on the Sunday morning talkers last Sunday and said Ron Paul had the best ground operations of all the candidates in the field? Did you know I told an Orlando audience to “keep an eye on Paul in Iowa”…twice? Great, because his cringe worthy foreign policy is what kept him off the winner’s list again and Bachmann slammed him. She said his proposals were amongst the most dangerous she’s ever heard when it came to Iran and nuclear weapons. The crowd wanted to cheer for him but, he’s too alternative. He’s the strange friend that you enjoy hanging out with alone but won’t take to parties. I won’t count him out but it’s victory in Iowa or bust for Paul.

Losers:

Rick Perry: Tim Tebow? Really? You went on national television and compared your debating style to Tim Tebow’s play in the NFL? You’re joking right? Tim Tebow wins. I know this because he beat my Chicago Bears last Sunday and Governor Perry..You are no Tim Tebow. True you’re both awkward in what you do and viewers cover their eyes when watching both of you in action but, the end product is very different. Tebow will still be competing next year, I can’t say the same about you.

Rick Santorum: Not a terrible performance but unless you’re barnstorming pays off, and you score a massive political upset in Iowa, you’ve got to think about dropping.

Jon Huntsman: Welcome Back! Yeah, you should have saved your money and stayed in New Hampshire.

Guys, we get a break. We’re debate free for a few weeks. It can play out a few different ways in Iowa and nothing will surprise me. With the way the pieces are setting up now, it looks like it’s going to be a strange journey towards the nomination.

How many of these things have we had? Gingrich and Bachmann were your winners.

Who Won the ABC/Republican Party of Iowa GOP debate? 12-10-11

December 10, 2011 Uncategorized 4 comments

It was a terrific debate and I’m glad the candidates had a great showing on ABC. It’s the only debate where everyone (including the loyal rabbit ear folks) could watch. Let’s break it down

Instant Analysis:

Winners:

Newt Gingrich: Perhaps the best thing about the incredible Gingrich comeback story is that he’s given the time to slug it out with the candidates. He drew blood on Mitt Romney when he brought up Mitt’s defeat to Kennedy that kept him from becoming a career politician. Calling the Palestinians an invented people might not have been the best way to answer a foreign policy question but he didn’t back away from it and that’s what the votes want.

Mitt Romney: While Gingrich was the first candidate to swing back and hit Romney. Mitt had another strong showing. He kept his head on a swivel and when attacked by Rick Perry he shined the light back on the Texas Governor’s mandated vaccines. A subject that touches a lot of nerves. In a hug it out moment, Romney supported Gingrich’s answer to Palestine while extracting the “invented people” portion.

Didn’t Win or Lose:

Michele Bachmann: She jumped moderators George Stephanopolus and Diane Sawyer several times and debated for her campaign’s life. She made some strong points about being a strong opposite of Barack Obama’s and the Newt Romney turn was clever but, it’s still unclear whether this performance will give her a jump in the polls.

Ron Paul: So right on Fiscal Policy and so wrong with Foreign Policy. He does get a lot of applause and this debate was in Iowa. You can’t count him out.

Losers:

Rick Perry: You know, he can’t debate for jack but the damage control he’s done has made him more likeable. He still can’t answer questions on immigration, he still got punked by Mitt Romney, and at the end of this primary he’ll still be the Governor of Texas where at this point, I believe he belongs.

Rick Santorum: Not enough time face time to make a lead in the huge deficit he’s facing in the polls.

Jon Huntsman: It’s one thing to sit out debates because it’s a counter programming strategy. It’s another to be excluded from an ABC Primetime debate because you’re not polling high enough. Ouch.

Check back tomorrow for more detailed analysis.

Who Won the FOX News Huckabee GOP Debate Forum? 12/3/11

December 4, 2011 Uncategorized No comments

Instant Analysis:

Winners:

Newt Gingrich: With Herman Cain dropping out of the race, Gingrich will inherit a lot of those orphaned supporters. His performance tonight was typical Gingrich, offering insight and yes, a little bite with his replies. While the format of the debate didn’t allow the viewers to see Newt trump the other candidates answers on the same question. He still did well enough to look good.

Mitt Romney: Spent most of his time defending Romneycare and didn’t really flub any answers. Polished replies on education and immigration. Guys, Romney turns in one solid debate performance after another. A lot of Conservatives don’t like him and there is a lot not to like but he’s good on TV and he’s strong on stage.

Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi: Yes, I’m being a Homer backing up my AG. Whatever, deal with it but, whether you were admiring her aggressive handling of the candidates or her appearance. She was on display last night. While, a little dramatic at times, she was what people were talking about tonight.

My AG Pam Bondi was what people were talking about tonight.

Didn’t Win or Lose:

Rick Perry: He put his debate meltdown further behind his rear view mirror. Speaking of that meltdown have you seen his latest ad? Goofy but endearing….

He didn’t knock any of the questions out of the park, nor did he bomb any of them. His answers on immigration are still suspect to a lot of conservatives and why did he ask the voters for a second look?

Michele Bachmann: A lot like Rick Perry but a much better dialog with the panel. Still didn’t make enough of a push, to gain any ground.

Losers:

Rick Santorum: This was Santorum’s shot to try and gain some momentum annnd he didn’t nail it. He was the same wild-eyed, high strung candidate that we’ve gotten for the last 83 debates. Contentious with the panel, he didn’t seize this opportunity.

Ron Paul: He got owned by Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi. He couldn’t hear the moderators and he’s still lost on foreign affairs. I don’t want book recommendations, I want real solutions. I didn’t get that from Dr. Paul tonight.

Jon Huntsman: The last time he ditched one of these forums, he was in New York partying with Kermit the Frog on Saturday Night Live. Who knows where he’ll pop up this week? He’s hurting his campaign by not showing up to these things.

Mike Huckabee: For not running against these guys!

Newt Nabs New Hampshire Newspaper Nod.

November 28, 2011 Uncategorized No comments

Newt Gingrich’s election cycle story has been pretty remarkable so far.

His campaign was in shambles just a few weeks back. His staff retreated from the scandal of his marital past, slipping further behind as the shiny new candidates jumped in the race. Michele Bachmann and Ames victory, Rick Perry and his Texas job creation. Political newcomers like Herman Cain scored victories in straw polls like Presidency V. Newt wasn’t trying to make any friends. He was picking fights with debate moderators and slamming the media for pitting the candidates against each other. Time passed and then the dominoes started to fall.

Bachmann’s message didn’t evolve and there were unreliable stories about vaccines, and 2.00 gas. Herman Cain’s past came into question when women from his days with the National Restaurant Association and Rick Perry? Well…you guys know what happened to him.

Well, here we are and now it’s Newt’s time to be the anti-Romney candidate and unlike his unfortunate frontrunner predecessors, Newt Gingrich has the knowledge to keep him afloat. Even his personality which if often brash and condescending has earned him a major endorsement.

The New Hampshire Union Leader, the conservative newspaper in the region chose to endorse Newt Ginrich over Mitt Romney and Jon Huntsman. Romney and Huntsman have put some serious resources into the Granite state and can’t be too exited at the fact they didn’t get the nod. Instead, the write up actually rewarded Gingrich for being confrontational and truculent

“Newt Gingrich is by no means the perfect candidate,” the article stated. “But Republican primary voters too often make the mistake of preferring an unattainable ideal to the best candidate who is actually running.”

No kidding.

Gingrich is by no means the perfect candidate and if he gets the nomination he could very well say a few silly things before this is all over. But, he’s the a dictionary of political knowledge and has the experience in Washington that will keep him from having to “fake it before he makes it”.

Things are still cloudy moving into December and it’s still anyone’s guess on whats going to take place in Iowa in January but, the moment is Gingrich’s and we’ll see if he sticks around or fades like the others. After all, he wasn’t even suppose to be here.

His campaign was in shambles a few months back and now he's back.

Who Won the CNN GOP Foreign Policy Debate 11/22/11?

November 23, 2011 Uncategorized 7 comments

It had the mildest moderator and the tamest crowd so far. Everyone is already in the Thanksgiving Holiday mood and it sounded that way. I was watching the online stream and Wolf Blitzer’s pre-broadcast pep talk and it was exactly what it sounds like…a pep talk from Wolf Blitzer. Anyways, let’s break it down.


Winners:

Mitt Romney: Guys, there is a reason why this guy is a consistent frontrunner. He can debate. Flip Flopper? Perhaps but this guys doesn’t flub answers, he doesn’t back away from attack, and he does it while not alienating any smaller groups (Libertarians, social conservatives) within the Republican Party.

Newt Gingrich: Substance, Substance, Substance…brought up Einstein during Immigration. Who else does that? Romney jumped on his examples of qualified immigrants. Possibly the smartest candidate on stage. There has been some fallout over his stances on immigration and comparison to Rick Perry. Perry has a longer rap sheet on immigration than Gingrich, including in state tuition for the children of illegals. Some believe Gingrich is already in general election mode. Eh..maybe but Newt is way too up front to position his campaign that way.

Didn’t Win or Lose:

Michele Bachmann: Finally got the chance to flex that Sub-Committee intelligence muscle. You’ve got to wonder why she didn’t use this knowledge during the last dozen debates. It’s probably too late and she didn’t show enough savvy in other areas.

Jon Huntsman: Some of that Kermit the Frog Mojo must have rubbed off on him during his trip to New York to appear on Saturday Night Live. His answers were polished and he continues to get a lot of face time. He is still the longest of longshots and New Hampshire is his last stand.

Rick Perry: Hey, he didn’t meltdown at the podium and modified his plan for the border. He’s got the money. Is it too late?


Losers:

Herman Cain:A self admitted newbie in foreign policy. He still speaks with the same strong convictions that make him sound good. Not enough time. Have the allegations scared the networks away from him?

Ron Paul: Called the war on drugs a failure but doesn’t have a clear plan for the border. Wants to leave Israel behind and let the Middle East go it’s own way. The nation is ready to start building at home but putting on blinders to all other foreign affairs is dangerous.

Rick Santorum: No traction, linked on to Ron Paul’s foreign policy philosophy. He is who we believe he is. A Senate ceiling politician running for President.

How many debates have there been? No meltdowns or Kung Fu Grips on candidates. Tamer than most.

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