The Latest Debate
Watching the Republican debate tonight with my wife and changing stations to catch up on the Sox was perhaps the best evening in television lately. Did you ever notice that even with over a hundred cable or satellite stations, there is nothing of interest on television. We all have our favorite shows, but in reality; there is very little on the 'tube'!
Although most people who read my blog would believe that I am a 'right winger', I attempt to watch all debates or the reruns of them on C-Span. I have not decided on a candidate as I am as far from a "true believer" or "fundamental knee jerk" voter as you can get. It often shocks me that in both parties, voters decide so early whom they will support without listening to debate.
Either they are single issue voters or they fall hook, line and sinker for political rhetoric.
In my opinion, tonight's debate was nothing eye opening but I walked away with some new found thoughts.
John McCain is a noble man but is not the best when it comes to expressing his views and his answers were vague. He made some valid points on our defense, health care and taxes. I could never support McCain because of his stance on immigration and his attempt to vote for amnesty. And yes, to those voters who will answer and state that it did not grant amnesty; it did!
Tom Tancredo is well meaning but needs to leave the stage as he is not in the same league with the others. Ron Paul made a few valid points with which I could agree but his shrill, Ross Perot like demeanor, belongs back in the House of Representatives.
Duncan Hunter is a very articulate and knowledgeable man but is not ready for 2008. His answers to all questions were impressive, however. His constituents are lucky to have Hunter represent them in Washington.
I still can not see what the hoopla is with Fred Thompson. He did not look into the camera and constantly seemed to be answering from notes. Additionally, he is not articulate and definitely not inspiring.
Romney still suffers from trying too hard. He should allow his personality to show through and warm up to the audience. His answer about Hillary becoming president was precious because it was right on the mark; she has never accomplished anything and her Senate seat was bought and paid for. But enough about Hillary, Romney needs to loosen up and show his human side.
Giuliani was coherent and had a few good answers. I am still not sold on a President Giuliani.
Huckabee was impressive and perhaps the best speaker on the stage. He too was right on the mark with many answers and I think he is noble and would be a free thinker. President Huckabee? I am not sure it will sell to the voters.
This debate did not provide an answer for my own search for a candidate. I look forward to all of the debates but wouldn't it be refreshing if all candidates; Democrats and Republicans simply addressed their positions by stating exactly what they would do if elected.
Too much emphasis is spent on softball questions and niceties and not enough spent on the facts and true agendas.
It is also noted here that the Democrats are never asked the same questions as Republicans. That makes it difficult to compare the two starkly different views of the parties and candidates.
It would also be great to get a few anchors from separate networks to ask questions of candidates in both parties. Something like a Brit Hume, Lou Dobbs, Tim Russert and Chris Matthews repeated with both groups. That would give a little perspective to the field of candidates who want to lead this country!
And...ask basic questions....the anchors should get to the issues rather than attempt to make themselves look good by asking provocative questions. Just stick to the facts and get to the bottom of the positions. Also, don't let the candidates skate on answers.
It would be great to have each of them in a booth where they could not hear the next person and ask them basic questions on how they would lead and what they would do in certain circumstances. Then voters could make decisions on their answers and compare positions to find one closest to their own...now that would be interesting.
Coming From You Mike......
Well Michael,
From you I will take that is a compliment and as "lefty socialist" (had to return the branding favor), there might be hope for you yet!
By the way...who are you supporting for President and why?
I know that you support Shea-Porter and Hodes probably, if so...why?
Just may natural thirst to understand and view both points of view...
Good Analysis
Hi Bill,
After watching most of the debate myself and reading your analysis, I'd have to agree overall. The debate wasn't anything shockingly new, but it was a bit more energetic than past Republican debates.
I was really impressed with John McCain throughout the night. He seemed to talk from the heart, and also from his experience. Mitt Romney just rubs me the wrong way, and his answers all seemed to have been read from a script. Rudy Giuliani was solid, and Fred Thompson was "okay." Mike Huckabee strikes me as being one of the most genuine candidates on the Republican side. I'm still not sure who's going to get the nomination, though.
With the time ticking down, it'll be interesting to see what the field looks like a month or two from now.
~Justin
Cults and liars.
By the way...who are you supporting for President and why?
I haven’t decided yet between Romney or Guilani….right!!!! Both are lying bigots and cult members. Not sure which cult to support.
If you believe that, I have some ocean front to sell ya.
I know that you support Shea-Porter and Hodes probably, if so...why?
I believe these people are listening to the citizens of NH, not the special interests to whom the former representatives and our senators are beholden.
Loose LANGUAGE
There you go again with the 'B' word.
You belong to the cult of political correctness don't you?
My guess would be Barack Obama for you or Richardson. just a guess,
I have not decided.
Hodes seem disingenuous, Shea Porter is naive and what you would expect from a Social Worker...as I like to say..that professional feeds at the nipple of social dysfunction.
I will support anyone running against those two but believe it or not, I will hold my nose and vote for Sheheen and hope for the best. I do not like the Hodes/Shaheen connection however.
By the way Mike, we will see if that "mandate" sticks in the next election.
It will be fun and interesting.
B
My take
Hey, the B word is a good descriptive word for the current batch of Republican candidates, even Ron Paul. I had to laugh at them all stumble over each other at the recent event in Florida with the Christian hate groups. Romney is such a phony. Most thinking people can see right through that boy. Rudy is just plain corrupt and another liar like Bush/Cheney. Thompson looks like he’s asleep at the wheel. Maybe his alzimers has already begun…like Reagan. Who knows.
Hillary talks a good talk, but I don’t trust her. I also think we need some fresh blood in the office. We’ve had almost 30 years of Reagan/Bush/Clinton. The era needs to be over. The best experienced candidate for the office is Bill Richardson, but for some reason he can’t seem to get the momentum. Obama has the charisma that a president needs, but being of African descent, I’m not sure he could be elected. Racism is still rampant in this country, especially among conservatives. I like John Edward’s wife, but Edwards couldn’t even carry his own state in 2004.
We definitely need a leader who can reestablish America’s greatness with the rest of the world which the Bush administration has incredibly thrown to the wind. I fear for the future of our country is we get another Bush style president. I will admit that Reagan had the charisma that the nation needed in 1980. Then is was jelly beans and naps as his administration broke one law after another. Rampant corruption seems to be part of being a republican.
Sheehan will have at least two votes. Maybe she’ll support amendments for office holder term limits, including federal judges. Hodes will get my vote again. If I could vote of Shea-Porter, I would as well. I am really happy the New Hampshire is a Blue state and no longer acts like a bitter old man.
So, when it comes to the presidential election, at this point I have no candidate to support whole heartedly. In a few months, we’ll have to make a decision.
Opinions and Perspectives
Hey, the B word is a good descriptive word for the current batch of Republican candidates, even Ron Paul. I had to laugh at them all stumble over each other at the recent event in Florida with the Christian hate groups. Romney is such a phony. Most thinking people can see right through that boy. Rudy is just plain corrupt and another liar like Bush/Cheney. Thompson looks like he’s asleep at the wheel. Maybe his alzimers has already begun…like Reagan. Who knows.
Opinoins...aren't they a great thing...we all have one. Use of the "B" word diminishes credibility. Those on the far Left use it generously to reinforce their political correctness agenda. Remeber also that there is a difference between tolerance and acceptance. That has now turned into the "B" word being used because tolerance has not become enough...now you MUST accept. Funny, it doesn't work on the other side?????? By the way Mike, have you read any of those books that I suggested???
Hillary talks a good talk, but I don’t trust her. I also think we need some fresh blood in the office. We’ve had almost 30 years of Reagan/Bush/Clinton. The era needs to be over. The best experienced candidate for the office is Bill Richardson, but for some reason he can’t seem to get the momentum. Obama has the charisma that a president needs, but being of African descent, I’m not sure he could be elected. Racism is still rampant in this country, especially among conservatives. I like John Edward’s wife, but Edwards couldn’t even carry his own state in 2004.
Clinton is unqualified and she can not be trusted. For you I think that you may believe that she will not go far enough Left for me I think she will go too far.
Richardson is the MOST qualified but he is in the pocket of the hispanic lobbies and wants amnesty. Not only do I find anyone who wants amnesty to be ignorant of the facts and laws but to be seditious.
Obama could be an inspirational speaker, evangelical preacher, or could sell Amway OR he could be a crafty politician. He is unqualified and an empty suit who has the selling skills of a salesman. It amazes me how his followers have that same twinkle in their eye and knee jerk acceptatnce like evangelical Christians at a healing worship. They need to understand that this election is not a rock concert, it is serious stuff. Too important to vote for an empty suit,
I have sympathy for Elizabeth Edwards and feel for her. She is more qualified than Hillary and would lead more effectively. John Edwards is a trial lawyer and was vicious as one and he is a hypocite. Just a little boy in a big boy's suit.
We definitely need a leader who can reestablish America’s greatness with the rest of the world which the Bush administration has incredibly thrown to the wind. I fear for the future of our country is we get another Bush style president. I will admit that Reagan had the charisma that the nation needed in 1980. Then is was jelly beans and naps as his administration broke one law after another. Rampant corruption seems to be part of being a republican.
OPINION AND TALKING POINTS. Do you want me to go to FDR who expanded presidential powers in the first place? I will give you some facts about that!
Sheehan will have at least two votes. Maybe she’ll support amendments for office holder term limits, including federal judges. Hodes will get my vote again. If I could vote of Shea-Porter, I would as well. I am really happy the New Hampshire is a Blue state and no longer acts like a bitter old man.
Yes Betty Crocker will probably win. Her husband is insidious and Hodes is just a slick attorney worried about his own self. He is abrupt, nasty and got his wife involved in a meeting with Blue Star Mothers of Iraqi solders. I can send you the video if you prefer. Hodes did not take his 'backbone' to Washington and did not have enough 'backbone' to meet with the mothers of the soldiers without his wifeee there. Pitiful.
Shea Porter-Social worker-That translates into bleeding heart with no perspective of the real world and agenda and 'true belief". We might as well elect a scientology candidate. She may lose, I hope so because although she may be well meaning, she is hollow and a doctrinaire follower.
So, when it comes to the presidential election, at this point I have no candidate to support whole heartedly. In a few months, we’ll have to make a
I am in the same boat. No good choices.
Just to change the subject…
I think we are very lucky to be living in New Hampshire. You were born here; I am a transplant, but I’ve been here for more than 40 years, and I have a lot of collateral ancestors who were here in the early 1700s, so I feel like a native.
I was with a former customer this morning who was worried about a friend of hers who recently moved from NH to San Diego, CA. In fact, my customer had been to visit her just last week. Now she can’t even make contact with them. Her friend had said to her that the thing she missed about NH was the feeling or sense of being secure.
We have a variety of weather, but not the severity of weather that much of the rest of the country has to bare. I’m grateful for that. If we get a nor’easter, we stay home until it’s over and our people know how to handle that type of storm.
We are within an hour or so of a major city, or the mountains or the sea coast, and within a few hours, we can be in Montreal, or Bar Harbor, or Nova Scotia, or Cape Cod. I’m going to Bar Harbor on Sunday for a week. In Arizona, a five hour drive and you’re still in Arizona.
We have good schools, the 49th lowest tax obligation, fair jobs market, cultural resources, and for all we complain, it’s pretty darn good. New Hampshire is pretty fair minded as well, and the majority of folks enjoys the philosophy of live and let live. I think we are pretty darn lucky to be here. And today we are much bluer than ever!!!!!
Unqualified.
Clinton is unqualified and she can not be trusted. For you I think that you may believe that she will not go far enough Left for me I think she will go too far.
Speaking of unqualified, if Bush’s name had been Smith, he’d be working at the Waco, TX, Wal-Mart as a stock clerk. He had failed at everything he had done; he has gone AWOL in the 70s; and played the insider stock trader in the 80s. He should have gone to prison like Martha did…he committed the same crime. Yet he got selected president, twice. And I’ll bet you voted for him both times.
Evils
Once again...OPINION.
Did I vote for him both times?.....I voted for the lesser of two evils both times.
It was Bush vs a Snake Oil Salesman
It was Bush vs an aged preppy with no realistic understanding of the ordinary person.
Like I said...I voted for the lesser of two evils.
Remember, the country is pretty much split 50% / 50%, your view / my view. Regardlss of the supposed backlash and mandate of the 2006 elections, it is pretty evenly split in philosophy.
If Hillary wins by 2% in 2008 will that signify a 'mandate', I can't wait for the Left to change their colors when the Right screams there is no mandate.
I also can't wait to start beating the drums of incompetence and "impeachment" soon after she takes office. When she doesn't pull out the troops we can say: "Hillary lied and people died". If elected, I will have so much to write about and talk radio will thrive until she unconstitutionally tries to shut it down and censor opinion.
My only fear is that Soros will get involved in policy making and if you ask youself an honest question; what does he have to gain except...POWER and CONTROL. He already has the resources to do whatever he wants to, so what is left.....POWER!
Did you forget Richard Mellon Scaife?????
Once again...OPINION.
Did I vote for him both times?.....I voted for the lesser of two evils both times.
Once again, your opinion of what is a lesser evil. I believe the Bush/Cheney Administration has proven to be the most greedy,corrupt, incompetent, and evil in US History. Bush did lie and thousands have died. He should have been impeached years ago.
It was Bush vs a Snake Oil Salesman
Bush was nothing but a Snake Oil Salesman, a total failure at everything he ever did.
It was Bush vs an aged preppy with no realistic understanding of the ordinary person.
Neither had any understanding of “the ordinary person.”
Like I said...I voted for the lesser of two evils.
WRONG,
Remember, the country is pretty much split 50% / 50%, your view / my view. Regardless of the supposed backlash and mandate of the 2006 elections, it is pretty evenly split in philosophy.
If Hillary wins by 2% in 2008 will that signify a 'mandate', I can't wait for the Left to change their colors when the Right screams there is no mandate.
She, if the candidate, will win by a landslide.
I also can't wait to start beating the drums of incompetence and "impeachment" soon after she takes office. When she doesn't pull out the troops we can say: "Hillary lied and people died". If elected, I will have so much to write about and talk radio will thrive until she unconstitutionally tries to shut it down and censor opinion.
Talk about control of the media…the fascists in power now have done an excellent job of destroying the fifth estate.
My only fear is that Soros will get involved in policy making and if you ask youself an honest question; what does he have to gain except...POWER and CONTROL. He already has the resources to do whatever he wants to, so what is left.....POWER!
Kinda like the Scaife, the .Mellon heir has with the fascists now? And then you have Rubert Merdock, another power hungry ego.
There is a reason for everything... and more often than not Political Correctness is used as a tool by those who would destroy the Western race and way of life for their own greedy and ambitious ends. Why do conservatives Hate America?
» reply
If Bush lied then so did
If Bush lied then so did Edwards, Clinton, etc. They were all privy to the same intelligence.
She well may win but not by a landslide. Like I said, the other side will be waiting to imeach her and call for that from the first day of her term. I do not necessarily support that but it will be enjoyable to watch.
All major networks, NPR, etc. are left leaning. Only talk radio is an alternative voice for conservatives...the fairness doctrine is about censorship. Without information that exposes real agendas, the population is ignorant.
Conservatives do not hate America; just the perversion that the far left wants to make of it with nouveau interpretation of "democracy". The hate is on the left.
Hating America
The left hates what the rightwing fascist have done to this country in the last 30 years, that's true. But they don't hate America. The rightwing is connecting tightly to the extremist fundamentalist Christian hate groups. They want to control your life. Of course, it is do as I say, not as I do, as we witness the failures of their leaders one after another.
The republicans like war because they make more and more money from war. What will be fun is watching the Bush/Cheney trials at the Haque following their not soon enough exit from office. I hope their hanging will be public.
Listen to yourself and then
Listen to yourself and then tell me who hates.
The Right does not hate but we despise those who want stand for every dysfunctional apecial interest, the whiners about the results of their own choices and those who want "Control" of the population. That stands for the Left agenda.
Life is too short to have to constantly worry about how "progress" will take away freedoms and give special privileges to others in the place of those freedoms.
FDR would have been a dictator if he had his way...he tried.
JFK would be a conservative today. His brother turned out to be a Socialist.
Jimmah Cartah was just a peanut farmer given a stage and he reinvented himself. After he failed, he played it smart.
Clinton was Willie Lomax...a salesman.
The left plays to people who feel they are victims and whip up hysteria and anxiety as if the world is coming to an end, piting one person against another...playing on the weak, weak minded and angry people who feel that they did not get their piece of the pie.
I will admit that when I see people around me who have much more than I do, I get envious for a minute but I do not blame them for what I do not have...I work harder to get what I want.
That is America...not social engineering to give preferences to people based on gender or the color of their skin. Both of those issues are way over played...both are created inequalities by a political party.
There may have once been a rampant problem but now the pendulum has swung the other way.
You see letters in the Monitor from women who support Hillary because she is a woman and they are only interested in women's issues.
If I were to say...'I support Edwards because he is a man!" I would be called a bigot.
The Left...double standards and a party that has turned into a group of special interest groups, aging hippies and angry idealists that make the gang in the bar scene in the first Star Wars look like the mainstream.
I feel for the true Democrats who have allowed their party to be taken over by extremists and wackos.
The rRght does not hate America but the Left hates everything that we stand for. They have their own vision and it is called: Control the population and make them comply with our vision!
Why are neocons so afraid?
The Right does not hate but we despise those who want stand for every dysfunctional apecial interest, the whiners about the results of their own choices and those who want "Control" of the population. That stands for the Left agenda.
Nonsense, it is the rightwing fascists christers who want to control other people’s lives. That’s the right wing agenda.
Life is too short to have to constantly worry about how "progress" will take away freedoms and give special privileges to others in the place of those freedoms.
So you will willy-nilly give up your rights as a free man. Great. Go live in Russia.
FDR would have been a dictator if he had his way...he tried.
And what does Bush/Cheney want to be?
JFK would be a conservative today. His brother turned out to be a Socialist.
There you go name calling again.
Jimmah Cartah was just a peanut farmer given a stage and he reinvented himself. After he failed, he played it smart.
Clinton was Willie Lomax...a salesman.
Get it right…Willie Loman.
The left plays to people who feel they are victims and whip up hysteria and anxiety as if the world is coming to an end, piting one person against another...playing on the weak, weak minded and angry people who feel that they did not get their piece of the pie.
The fear card is all republican, Bill. Just listen to them sometime and take your blinders off.
I will admit that when I see people around me who have much more than I do, I get envious for a minute but I do not blame them for what I do not have...I work harder to get what I want.
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor.
That is America...not social engineering to give preferences to people based on gender or the color of their skin. Both of those issues are way over played...both are created inequalities by a political party.
Yeah, right…a white man society. Bigot.
There may have once been a rampant problem but now the pendulum has swung the other way.
More right wing fascist talking points. You sound like Billo, oh that’s right, you are Billo.
You see letters in the Monitor from women who support Hillary because she is a woman and they are only interested in women's issues.
And is you wife your slave? Do you OWN HER?
If I were to say...'I support Edwards because he is a man!" I would be called a bigot.
You are a bigot.
The Left...double standards and a party that has turned into a group of special interest groups, aging hippies and angry idealists that make the gang in the bar scene in the first Star Wars look like the mainstream.
Never got into Star Wars, so I don’t get your metaphor. But double standards are definitely a conservative ideal. Scooter Libby comes to mind.
I feel for the true Democrats who have allowed their party to be taken over by extremists and wackos.
This is a laughable statement. The Republican Party if the party run by extremists and fundamentalist religious bigots and nutcases.
The rRght does not hate America but the Left hates everything that we stand for. They have their own vision and it is called: Control the population and make them comply with our vision!
Pull your head out of sand, man. You’re in trouble.
YOU ARE PROVING MY POINT
So I am a Bigot, it has devolved back to that over used term. Well, I guess I am not as "enlightened" as you are Michael.
The fear card, race card, gender card, level the playing field, politics of personal destruction, mamby pamby...life is not "fair", etc, no controlling legal authority...it is on both sides Micheal.
Then Once agin, I am a bigot..although I am not calling names, I do have opinions.
You confuse some extremists as the whole party. As I have stated, I am not a Republican but after reading your rants, I am not convinced I would want to be in the same party as you.
My wife is a thoughful and reasonable person who listens to both sides of the debate and votes for who she thinks is best. You ask for diversity and find nothing wrong with someone saying the reason why thay are voting for someone is because they are like them. That is being just plain blind!
It is not a white man society but your side selectively supports minorities that think they way they do. Rice, Powell, Thomas as well as Hispanic and white women in any administration except a Democratic one are viewed as sell outs to their people. Why? Because they don't buy into the movement.
Don't you mean, Thou shalt not covet your neighbors wife?
Something Clinton advertises for your viewpoint.
Michael, nice arguing with you over this issue but it has gone on too long. Look for the next one, it will either be non-political or maybe will be a point that you really care about.
I respect your right to have your opinion but as I have stated before that if you think a certain way and can not be swayed, this country is in trouble without compromise.
See you on the other side.
Hey, Bill....I can only agree with everything you've written in this one. Good job!!!!!!