I’m sure that my readers will be surprised to learn that I tuned into Fox News and watched most of the debate among eight Republican candidates for president. I did purify myself by tuning into MSNBC to see the commentary, so don’t worry, I’m not going over to the dark side.
The moments that were most interesting to me included one where Ron Paul sounded more Dovish than the most radical hippie from the 60’s in his objection to continued sanctions on Iran and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. I knew that Paul was against American world-wide military adventures, but I wasn’t expecting the cheers that came from the crowd after his speech.
The most irritating moments came from Rick Santorum, who pouted like a toddler because he wasn’t the center of attention. He insisted on answering questions that he wasn’t asked, and complained that he wasn’t getting his fair share of questions. I didn’t measure the amount of time each candidate got, so I don’t know if his complaint was accurate, but it did seem childish, and added nothing to the debate.
I missed the moment that the pundits found most interesting. Candidates were asked to raise their hands if they would have rejected a debt ceiling deal where there were $10 in cuts for every $1 in increased revenue. They all raised their hands. It was the consensus of the MSNBC pundits that the reaction meant Republicans don’t really care about the deficits and debt, their only concern is that there never be one new dime of revenue. Without an increase in revenue at some point in time, the arithmetic doesn’t add up. (I deliberately used the word arithmetic, instead of math, because it is simple adding and subtracting, but they can’t seem to do it.)
Chuck Todd shared a theory that the only thing holding Republicans together is the Grover Norquist pledge to never raise taxes. The business community knows that it will require revenue increases in order to make any progress in reducing deficits and the long term debt, so it will be interesting to see how the business community will decide to play the donation and 527 games in 2012.
There is nothing about Michelle Bachmann’s policies that I like, but she comports herself well. She sticks to message, and is not visibly flustered when thrown the odd question. As an example, when asked if she would submit to her husband if elected, she took the opportunity to describe what a great relationship they have, what a great life they have built together, and how mutual respect is their definition of submission. It was a nice pivot away from the actual intent of the question.
Jon Huntsman was probably the most controversial in his comments, especially when he said that he supports civil unions because equality is important. He also reminded people that for the foreseeable future the US and China will be on the world stage together, and he has more experience than any other candidate with that nation. (Gee, didn’t I write something like that before he ever announced he was running for president?)
Nothing Herman Cain, the pizza man, said stood out for me. Pawlenty and Romney were equally ho-hum. The pundits were talking about a lack of Minnesota Nice between Pawlenty and Bachmann, but I missed that portion of the debate. Romney looked more exciting to me when he was challenged by a senior citizen earlier in the day than he did during this debate. Maybe the old guy wore him out. Newt surprised some with his understanding of issues, but I don’t think it was enough to revive his failing campaign.
Homework
Chris Cillizza Picks Winners and Losers
CBS Reports on the Death of Minnesota Nice
The moments that were most interesting to me included one where Ron Paul sounded more Dovish than the most radical hippie from the 60’s in his objection to continued sanctions on Iran and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. I knew that Paul was against American world-wide military adventures, but I wasn’t expecting the cheers that came from the crowd after his speech.
The most irritating moments came from Rick Santorum, who pouted like a toddler because he wasn’t the center of attention. He insisted on answering questions that he wasn’t asked, and complained that he wasn’t getting his fair share of questions. I didn’t measure the amount of time each candidate got, so I don’t know if his complaint was accurate, but it did seem childish, and added nothing to the debate.
I missed the moment that the pundits found most interesting. Candidates were asked to raise their hands if they would have rejected a debt ceiling deal where there were $10 in cuts for every $1 in increased revenue. They all raised their hands. It was the consensus of the MSNBC pundits that the reaction meant Republicans don’t really care about the deficits and debt, their only concern is that there never be one new dime of revenue. Without an increase in revenue at some point in time, the arithmetic doesn’t add up. (I deliberately used the word arithmetic, instead of math, because it is simple adding and subtracting, but they can’t seem to do it.)
Chuck Todd shared a theory that the only thing holding Republicans together is the Grover Norquist pledge to never raise taxes. The business community knows that it will require revenue increases in order to make any progress in reducing deficits and the long term debt, so it will be interesting to see how the business community will decide to play the donation and 527 games in 2012.
There is nothing about Michelle Bachmann’s policies that I like, but she comports herself well. She sticks to message, and is not visibly flustered when thrown the odd question. As an example, when asked if she would submit to her husband if elected, she took the opportunity to describe what a great relationship they have, what a great life they have built together, and how mutual respect is their definition of submission. It was a nice pivot away from the actual intent of the question.
Jon Huntsman was probably the most controversial in his comments, especially when he said that he supports civil unions because equality is important. He also reminded people that for the foreseeable future the US and China will be on the world stage together, and he has more experience than any other candidate with that nation. (Gee, didn’t I write something like that before he ever announced he was running for president?)
Nothing Herman Cain, the pizza man, said stood out for me. Pawlenty and Romney were equally ho-hum. The pundits were talking about a lack of Minnesota Nice between Pawlenty and Bachmann, but I missed that portion of the debate. Romney looked more exciting to me when he was challenged by a senior citizen earlier in the day than he did during this debate. Maybe the old guy wore him out. Newt surprised some with his understanding of issues, but I don’t think it was enough to revive his failing campaign.
Homework
Chris Cillizza Picks Winners and Losers
CBS Reports on the Death of Minnesota Nice
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