I heart Huckabee...

[SLO-BOB]

the debates seem to be working out for him. I would like to vote for him in 2008.

Romney has waffling down pat. Thompson is dead pan funny but I don't see him as prez. Guilliani reminds me of Nosferatu - creepy. McCain's a nut. Ron Paul - nuttier than McCain. The Sam Donaldson looking guy seems alright but like Burt says - I can't hear him... because he's not famous.

[Porsche-O-Phile]

Trouble is, Hillary is going to win regardless.

The thought of that makes me retch, but that's probably the reality. The American people are PISSED about the schit the Bush administration has dumped onto them for the last 8 years and are looking for a scapegoat. Unfortunately, that scapegoat is the Republican party. Look at the last Congressional election for more proof. If the people will elect THAT bunch of incompetent buffoons to make a statement, Hillary ought to be a shoe-in.

I hope I'm wrong.

FWIW I like Huckabee's stance on a lot of the issues, but the whole evangelical Christian thing is a HUGE turn-off. Probably enough to keep me from voting for him.

[Dottore]

Originally Posted by Porsche-O-Phile

FWIW I like Huckabee's stance on a lot of the issues, but the whole evangelical Christian thing is a HUGE turn-off. Probably enough to keep me from voting for him.

Amen!

What the country does not need is another person in the oval ofice who prays for guidance on decisions of global consequence.

[SLO-BOB]

I agree with most everything you've said POP- including the part where you hope you're wrong. I just have a harder time believing that Americans would vote Hillary into office. If it does happen, I'm selling my stocks, digging a bomb shelter, and hoarding food and ammo.

On Huckabee - I dislike the religious aspect as well. It seems part and parcel of being a Republican presidential candidate these days.

[Porsche-O-Phile]

Yea, I don't have a problem with him having strong religious convictions. That's fine. I really do have a problem with people blurring it into their political decision-making. It also indicates to me a willingness to suck up to the R.R. - which is a VERY scary group of people, far more dangerous than even Hillary, IMHO.

I really do like his stands on a few of the other issues though. Tough call.

[Moneyguy1]

For the most part, the Republican candidates showed themselves as pandering wusses. Same old, same old, no matter which party. I loved the questions about the economy and taxes. No one willing to say that at some point we might just have to make some sacrifices and at the same time making generalities about how to save Social Security (actually, not one understandable suggestion).

I heard nothing new, nothing definitive except some pot shots at each other.

Where in hell are the REAL Republicans?

[Rick Lee]

Huckabee's religion, which I'd otherwise see as a turnoff, is washed out, IMHO, by his candor and comfort in his own skin. I think there's a lot to be said for someone who's comfortable in his own skin and doesn't wake up every day wondering which position to take or will be popular.

[1fastredsc]

Huckabee scares me for a few reason's. Either he's using his theology background to win the evangelical vote, which sort of reminds me of bush II during his campaign. Or he's truly in bed with evangelical ways and hasn't yet let out his more extreme side (even worse). Either way he seems quite intelligent but in a single minded Dick Chenney kind of way, and that adds more to my fears of him.
For once i actually liked what i heard from Guliani......... go figure.

[Moneyguy1]

Guliani came over as a bit too glib for my tastes. No real answers, just repeating what he knows plays well to the choir.

[1fastredsc]

One thing that is nice is most of them seem to retort the idea of returning to true fiscal conservatism, which would be a very nice change.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

I thought it was a nice touch that many of the candidate's grandchildren made their campaign video. Do these people have budgets? creative talent on-hand? or perhaps they were asked to supply videos while on their way to the debate. Thompson's was the clear winner highlighting his innumerable qualities that will make him a good President.

One thing's for sure, we'll have a Democrat in the White House in 09.

[the]

Originally Posted by Dottore

Amen!

What the country does not need is another person in the oval ofice who prays for guidance on decisions of global consequence.

Hate to break this to you, but Hillary is deeply religious and turns to Jesus for strength and guidance, too.

I heard her say it herself, while talking to a church group.

[Moneyguy1]

True fiscal conservaticm will NOT be accomplished by huge deficits and unbalanced foreign trade. Nor will it be accomplished by simply "vetoing pork". That won't do it when mandated services are becoming an ever larger part of the overall annual federal budget. As difficult as it is for so many people to understand, although the candidates talk about our kids and their kids inheriting the debt we are racking up, NOT ONE realistic suggestion came out of that bunch as to how the problem can be resolved. No new taxes. OK....If that is not pandering, then I do not know the meaning of the word. Too many presidents have made pledges they could not deliver on, such as Bush I.

At some poi nt we, as a nation, will have to face up to the economic mess which at the present time is being held together with duct tape and spit.

You ain't seen nutin yet, folks......

[Shaun @ Tru6]

to be fair, while I think these youtube "debates" are a good idea as they get real people involved, give them a voice, I don't think you can expect to get quality answers from candidates with this platform, especially since they use over half their time attacking the other guy instead of looking into the camera and succinctly answering the question.

the lack of depth in most answers was staggering, but I have to believe each candidate could provide better answers under a format that is answer-driven versus entertainment-driven.

[red-beard]

Originally Posted by SLO-BOB

I just have a harder time believing that Americans would vote Hillary into office. If it does happen, I'm selling my stocks, digging a bomb shelter, and hoarding food and ammo.

You better start now...

[Porsche-O-Phile]

I dunno. I really think a lot of people equate "Republican" with "Bush" and "War on Iraq". People gave the (R) party a chance in 2004 and from what I can tell, feel like they were swindled with "four more years" of the same old B.S., double-speak, deceit and incompetence. Hence the backlash in the Congressional election - which was a significant event.

Maybe I'm a bit too crusty and jaded, but I think there are an AWFUL lot of stupid people out there and that America at this point really would be stupid enough to elect Hillary. Keep in mind that this is a nation addicted to "American Idol" and "Dancing with the Stars". Your average moron out there is going to go for CHARISMA, not for content. Hate to say it, but Hillary is quickly re-inventing herself to be a candidate that has the superficial appeal to get elected. Her versus any of the "stodgy old men" from the GOP side is a clear win for the Democrats. Remember why Walter Mondale lost? Why JFK won against Nixon? Why Bush II won against Gore? It's kind of like that. Personality and "skin-deep appeal" counts a LOT.

Again, I hope I'm wrong here, but if the Republicans want to win they better damn well start looking younger, more moderate on social issues and less like a bunch of grumpy old guffs. Fiscal conservatism is key, as is SPECIFIC numbers and budget proposals of how they're going to accomplish their objectives - just just more of the same old "I'm for a balanced budget and smaller government" with no details or specific plan to back it up. As far as that goes, God is in the details.

The other thing that the Republican nominee absolutely needs to do is to get up there and say unequivocally, "I am not George W. Bush. My administration will not resemble that of George W. Bush, my foreign and domestic policies do not necessarily align with those of George W. Bush and I think it's time we took this party and this nation in a NEW direction, quite different from the one that George W. Bush has taken us".

If they actually have the coconuts to say that, they've got a chance. Maybe.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

After Fred Thompson's artfully woven in jab (you could see him dancing waiting to get it in) at Giuliani for hiring Kerik, just after Mitt and Rudy snipe about having your gardeners present their papers, this video really brings it home.

[SLO-BOB]

Originally Posted by Wayne at Pelican Parts

Hmm, I don't think the Democrats have a chance, as their two top candidates seem likely to be rejected by mainstream America. Republicans, on the other hand, have a large group of very strong candidates...

-Wayne

I agree. I just don't believe America is ready for a woman or black president - even if they were good candidates. I know all politicians are corrupt to varying degrees, but Hillary really worries me. I believe she is among the worst. Obama is simply too young.

I believe that this crop of Republicans is a bit better than the last time around. Last time I voted Democrat - first time in my life. I'm happy that this time around I'll be able to vote Republican regardless of who gets the nomination. I would hate to see Gulliani win it, but I'll take him over Hillary.

I also believe that a Democrat president at this point in time would be disasterous. We need a smart, sensible Republican to ease us out of the mess we're in. High taxes and weak foriegn policy would be very scary. I liked that the debators mentioned buy American. It gave me hope (probably false hope!) that maybe someone will turn this whole Chinese mess around and get some fair trade back in our economy.

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by Moneyguy1

Where in hell are the REAL Republicans?

We're now called liberals, unpatriotic, and a bunch of other stuff. Unfortunately, from my perspective, there is not a snowballs chance of a republican being elected this time around, as too many folks are simply disgusted...I just wish the same held true of the democrats too .

[lendaddy]

I thought it was a decent debate. Romney is out, way to fake...almost Kerryesque in that way.