First Republican debate open thread Update: Poll: Who won? Update: Videos added
posted at 7:48 pm on May 3, 2007 by Ian
Share on Facebook | regular view
Update @ 1:59 Eastern 5/4 Poll closed. Stay tuned for results …
Tonight at 8pm eastern on MSNBC. If you’re unable to watch it on television, MSNBC will simulcast the debate online and C-SPAN will broadcast the audio.
Chris Matthews will moderate. He was a speechwriter for Jimmy Carter, an aide to Tip O’Neill and worked for Democratic Senators Frank Moss and Edmund Muskie. Matthews and “moderator” shouldn’t even be in the same sentence. But, alas, that’s a subject for a different thread.
Debating tonight: Fmr. Mayor Rudy Giuliani of New York, Sen. John McCain of Arizona, Fmr. Gov. Mitt Romney of Massachusetts, Sen. Sam Brownback of Kansas, former Govs. Mike Huckabee of Arkansas, Tommy Thompson of Wisconsin, Jim Gilmore of Virginia, and Reps. Tom Tancredo of Colorado, Duncan Hunter of California and Ron Paul of Texas.
The Politico and N.Z. Bear will be live-blogging from the Reagan Library.
As always, let us know if you see something clipworthy.
Update: I’m not a Romney guy, but I think it’s great his staff is pumping out debate video.
Update: Tony Snow was asked what the President thought about Keith Olbermann, a known Republican-hater hosting debate coverage (via Olbermann Watch):
Update: According to our poll, Drudge’s poll, and many bloggers, Romney won the debate. I’ve got to say, I’m not a Romney guy, but he came off as the winner to me. However, he also won the “invoke Reagan as much as you can” award. It would be interesting to see Fred Thompson debate this “incomplete crowd.”
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Blowback
Note from Hot Air management: This section is for comments from Hot Air's community of registered readers. Please don't assume that Hot Air management agrees with or otherwise endorses any particular comment just because we let it stand. A reminder: Anyone who fails to comply with our terms of use may lose their posting privilege.
Trackbacks/Pings
Trackback URL
Comments
Comment pages: 1 2 3 4 Next »
Go Democrats!
Oh, wait…
Nonfactor on May 3, 2007 at 7:53 PM
It should read LEAVE democrats
William Amos on May 3, 2007 at 8:01 PM
And as a follow up here is the deocratic party declaring “Global Warming” as a military and defense threat to the US and assigning resources away from the WOT to investigate.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070503/ap_on_go_ot/climate_change_intelligence;_ylt=ArRPCMx2K2x.6A_e4MQm9VCyFz4D
William Amos on May 3, 2007 at 8:03 PM
You guys should really start reading your own site. There’s already an open thread for the debate. This is the second time in a few days you’ve double posted. Am i being harsh? Only because i care my friend, only because i care.
forged rite on May 3, 2007 at 8:08 PM
Paul is gone, in my view.
amerpundit on May 3, 2007 at 8:14 PM
Fred! has been invoked. His presence is felt even though he is not there. I want Duncan Hunter to come out strong from this.
CrimsonFisted on May 3, 2007 at 8:16 PM
Well, Paul knows his history at least… In World War II the GOP was vilified by people because of their isolationism and their ignoring the Nazi threat to our allies in Europe.
Lehosh on May 3, 2007 at 8:17 PM
Despite not yet running, Fred! has already entered the debate through the proxy of Chris Matthews’s gaping maw.
askheaves on May 3, 2007 at 8:17 PM
As I was saying….. I have the FULL TEXT of>>>>
ARMY CLIMBS DOWN FROM HIGH HORSE ON MILBLOG CENSORSHIP
Chilling.
Just as intended.
seejanemom on May 3, 2007 at 8:17 PM
So no Republican is worried about a moderated panel on MSNBC hosted by the vile Mathews, yet no Dem can face the evil….Chris Matthews.
CrimsonFisted on May 3, 2007 at 8:17 PM
Yo! Over here!
naliaka on May 3, 2007 at 8:18 PM
But you learn, unlike the Democrats, by mistakes.
amerpundit on May 3, 2007 at 8:18 PM
I love, LOVE the term “gaping maw”, askheaves. NICELY done.
seejanemom on May 3, 2007 at 8:18 PM
Is this going to be a thread on the current debate, or Fred Thompson, someone who hasn’t declared?
amerpundit on May 3, 2007 at 8:20 PM
Welcome to the wonderful world of Ron Paul. He’s entertained us in SE Texas with his political hijinx for years. But this is also the same state that gave Kinky Friedman a good shot at Governor.
Go figger.
SailorDave on May 3, 2007 at 8:21 PM
Notice they force these candidates to answer the questions unlike Brian Williams giving the Dems a free pass on not answering.
flyboy777 on May 3, 2007 at 8:21 PM
ALL MEN.
ALL GEEZERS.
ALL LOOK CARVED OUT OF CREAM CHEESE.
>>>>>>>> NEXT……….
seejanemom on May 3, 2007 at 8:22 PM
Wow. McCain, that was….weird.
amerpundit on May 3, 2007 at 8:22 PM
Romney wanting to come off tough on Osama and then McCain figuring he needed to sound tough too? I don’t know who sounded more desperate.
Nonfactor on May 3, 2007 at 8:22 PM
I didn’t notice the democrat debate pitting the candidates against each other.
ctmom on May 3, 2007 at 8:23 PM
Well, so far, pretty uninspiring. I did like Romney’s last answer on the WOT.
Ron Paul shoulda’ stayed in the Libertarian party.
What a crock asking everyone to change the Constitution to allow Shwartznegger to be President.
LegendHasIt on May 3, 2007 at 8:24 PM
Somebody get the foot out of McCain’s mouth.
These questions sound like MISS AMERICA FISH BOWL QUESTIONS.
seejanemom on May 3, 2007 at 8:25 PM
As a Democrat I would’ve liked to see them pitted against each other more.
Nonfactor on May 3, 2007 at 8:26 PM
Paul is gone, but was he ever really there?
McCain did a masterful job of dancing around that tripwire question. Two chances and he still didn’t answer it.
bdfaith on May 3, 2007 at 8:26 PM
LOL!!!
Question for Democrats: Do you believe there is a war on terror?
Question for Republicans: Do you believe global warming is a serious problem?
IrishEi on May 3, 2007 at 8:27 PM
Byron York said to Hugh Hewitt that this debate is going to be played to the only people watching so far, the Republican base. Matthews and the Politico guy are obviously trying to give the Democratic base ammo to go after them: Just now – “What do you most dislike about America.” Feh
eeyore on May 3, 2007 at 8:27 PM
I did like Paul’s initial answer on getting rid of the IRS ;_)
LegendHasIt on May 3, 2007 at 8:29 PM
Oh wow… Ron Paul needs to set sail into the sunset.
Lehosh on May 3, 2007 at 8:29 PM
Is it me, or do the answers from the Republicans seem much more substantive than the Dems answers last week.
IrishEi on May 3, 2007 at 8:29 PM
Oh Rudy……
ctmom on May 3, 2007 at 8:30 PM
notice how Matthews dug at Rudy a litte more over Roe v Wade…
JetBoy on May 3, 2007 at 8:30 PM
Rudy fumbled that pretty badly.
forged rite on May 3, 2007 at 8:31 PM
I agree, but I think the questions are a lot better in this debate.
Nonfactor on May 3, 2007 at 8:31 PM
He’s going after the front runners, Romney, Giuliani and McCain.
amerpundit on May 3, 2007 at 8:31 PM
Ouch Rudy
SillyRyno on May 3, 2007 at 8:31 PM
OH RUDY…..what is that FLUSHING SOUND???…is it a baby going down a sink…OR YOUR POLITICAL FUTURE?
seejanemom on May 3, 2007 at 8:32 PM
Not really. He stayed neutral and survived the question. He left it 50/50. It really didn’t alter anything.
amerpundit on May 3, 2007 at 8:32 PM
True. eg: “Who is your moral leader?”
IrishEi on May 3, 2007 at 8:32 PM
They so badly want to pin flip-flopper on Romney. Yeah, they’re fair and balanced at MSNBC.
ctmom on May 3, 2007 at 8:33 PM
Romney handled it a lot better than Rudy.
forged rite on May 3, 2007 at 8:33 PM
Rudy’s actually taking the main Conservative stance – letting the states decide.
amerpundit on May 3, 2007 at 8:33 PM
What is Matthews doing? Not a very “moderate” moderator…
JetBoy on May 3, 2007 at 8:33 PM
This is Miss America….I love you guys but watching MATTHEWS CONTINUE TO NEEDLE RUDY is too fun to sit still here>>> I need to go DANCE somewhere…..
GO RUDY GO RUDY GO GO GO RUDY>>> GO FLUSH YOURSELF.
seejanemom on May 3, 2007 at 8:34 PM
I think I cringed when I heard that question. But the questions tonight (and answers in some part) actually sound substantive and it actually seems like Republicans could define their views by watching this debate.
Nonfactor on May 3, 2007 at 8:34 PM
That shouldn’t be “main”, it’s “major”.
amerpundit on May 3, 2007 at 8:34 PM
Good lord Rudy is getting his a** handed to him
SillyRyno on May 3, 2007 at 8:34 PM
Matthews is an idiot. Rudy’s not my favorite, but Matthews is bashing him unfairly.
IrishEi on May 3, 2007 at 8:35 PM
Well duh… it’s Chris Matthews.
Could be worse though. He could be asking, “Senator Soandso. Why do you think it is that the government covered up the truth behind 9/11?”
Lehosh on May 3, 2007 at 8:35 PM
They can’t say that they didn’t know that, when they chose him.
amerpundit on May 3, 2007 at 8:35 PM
Duncan is getting his credentials out there. Good.
CrimsonFisted on May 3, 2007 at 8:35 PM
He only some-what stumbled on one question. If you look forward for a candidate to fail, you won’t be disappointed.
amerpundit on May 3, 2007 at 8:36 PM
Dear gawd…Imagine the left if the Democrats weren’t so afraid to appear on FOX, and Brit Hume acted that way…
JetBoy on May 3, 2007 at 8:37 PM
Can we ship Paul to Canada? How much would that shipping be?
amerpundit on May 3, 2007 at 8:37 PM
I don’t know about the Republicans, but I would’ve liked questions like this asked during the Democratic debate. Sure, some candidates are gonna flop over the questions, but at least the viewers get to see where people stand.
Nonfactor on May 3, 2007 at 8:37 PM
Ron Paul had NO CLUE.
IrishEi on May 3, 2007 at 8:37 PM
Good answer by Romney.
amerpundit on May 3, 2007 at 8:38 PM
Huh? Did Thompson understand the question?
db on May 3, 2007 at 8:38 PM
Go Romney!
ctmom on May 3, 2007 at 8:39 PM
These questions are getting VERY ANNOYING. They are absurd.
IrishEi on May 3, 2007 at 8:39 PM
I think he did…he just killed any chance he had…
JetBoy on May 3, 2007 at 8:39 PM
Romney doesn’t seem as hesistant as he’s been in the past, impressive so far.
forged rite on May 3, 2007 at 8:39 PM
OK, Who are you and what have you done with the real Nonfactor?
Your posts here tonight are the most rational I’ve seen from you ever.
LegendHasIt on May 3, 2007 at 8:40 PM
Ouch. Matthews is an ass.
amerpundit on May 3, 2007 at 8:40 PM
One thing for sure the call for Fred is gonna go out fast.
William Amos on May 3, 2007 at 8:40 PM
Matthews is a douche. He’s trying to get highlights on his show of Republicans stumbling so they can play it over and over again on MSNBC.
SillyRyno on May 3, 2007 at 8:40 PM
Why didn’t they boycott this debate? It’s beyond me.
SouthernGent on May 3, 2007 at 8:41 PM
Imagine what the Olby recap is going to look like…
JetBoy on May 3, 2007 at 8:42 PM
Why is Matthews trying so hard to start a brawl? And who cares if Gov. Arnold is there tonight????
ctmom on May 3, 2007 at 8:42 PM
Sheesh, just listen to Matthews. Why not just come out with, “Why do you hate mormons so much!!!!!1!”
Lehosh on May 3, 2007 at 8:42 PM
Yep.
amerpundit on May 3, 2007 at 8:43 PM
IS KARL ROVE YOUR FRIEND?????????
ctmom on May 3, 2007 at 8:43 PM
A Rove question? WTF?
forged rite on May 3, 2007 at 8:43 PM
I’m his ghooooooooost.
Nonfactor on May 3, 2007 at 8:43 PM
Oh, c’mon! Matthews going on about Karl Rove now?!?
JetBoy on May 3, 2007 at 8:43 PM
This is The Chris Matthews Show, not a debate.
These guys are stand up guys to not jump over that podium and pinch his FRIGGIN’ HEAD OFF.
WHAT THE F*CK DOES KARL ROVE HAVE TO DO WITH A DAMN THING????
The wuss Dems won’t debate on widdle ol’ FOX NEWS, but they want to RUN THE WORLD?????????????
I need a drink>>>>>
seejanemom on May 3, 2007 at 8:43 PM
The inevitable Karl Rove question. Matthews keeps going after it.
amerpundit on May 3, 2007 at 8:44 PM
The Rove questions are out of line
flyboy777 on May 3, 2007 at 8:44 PM
Is Karl Rove your friend?
What the hell does this have to do with candidates for 2008?!
IrishEi on May 3, 2007 at 8:44 PM
Olberdouche is probably creaming all over himself right now. He’s gonna have enough highlights of these guys that he can fill up his Worst Person In the World schtick with these candidates for months to come.
SillyRyno on May 3, 2007 at 8:44 PM
seejanemom on May 3, 2007 at 8:43 PM
What you said!
IrishEi on May 3, 2007 at 8:45 PM
This is ridiculous. I’m sending my 12 year old to bed. I actually thought this might be educational for him.
ctmom on May 3, 2007 at 8:45 PM
Matthews is just running his own McCarthy witch-trial.
“Do you, or have you ever been a servant of the Dark Sorcerer Karl Rove?”
Lehosh on May 3, 2007 at 8:46 PM
When does the debate begin, and Hardball end?
amerpundit on May 3, 2007 at 8:46 PM
This ain’t no debate. It’s a moonbat asking many competent repbulicans useless questions about their (the moonbat’s) world view.
I hope many of the candidates come out and mock Matthew’s as he richly deserves after this debacle is over.
rslancer14 on May 3, 2007 at 8:46 PM
The candidates should have at least insisted on a neutral moderator, not one who’s main goal is to try to make them all look bad.
bdfaith on May 3, 2007 at 8:46 PM
We went to change Washington and Washington changed us…
Excellent line by Thompson.
forged rite on May 3, 2007 at 8:47 PM
Culture of corruption!!!!!!
I’m fed up.
IrishEi on May 3, 2007 at 8:47 PM
Notice Matthews has asked very few of the questions that Republicans are strong on – mainly national security.
amerpundit on May 3, 2007 at 8:47 PM
What happened to the sound? Went out (here anyway) as soon as Brownback strarted listing Democrat crimes & corruption.
LegendHasIt on May 3, 2007 at 8:47 PM
I don’t believe he’s the first to use it, mind.
And I dare say that you’ve had one drink too many already, SJM
Reaps on May 3, 2007 at 8:48 PM
Ethic violations are NOT unique to the Republican party!!!!!!!!
ctmom on May 3, 2007 at 8:48 PM
Ethics! You want ethics?
How about $90,000 COLD cash
How about Feinstein’s hubby…
IrishEi on May 3, 2007 at 8:48 PM
Can anyone say “MILCON”?
amerpundit on May 3, 2007 at 8:49 PM
The funny thing about Matthews is that Republicans think he’s a liberal and Democrats think he’s a conservative. Sure, he worked for Democrats, but judging from watching his show he sure can come off as a Republican. Sure, Tim Russert worked for Democrats, but Dick Cheney loved Meet the Press because Russert was easy on him and it was the best place to get the spin out.
Nonfactor on May 3, 2007 at 8:49 PM
Well, the good news is, I’m pretty sure Matthews will never be allowed to host a debate again. What a loser.
db on May 3, 2007 at 8:49 PM
Mmm, my opinions are changing of Tancredo. He’s doing rather well.
Lehosh on May 3, 2007 at 8:50 PM
McCain just keeps repeating his scripted talking points. I’ve heard them all before, word for word.
amerpundit on May 3, 2007 at 8:50 PM
I Also presume there’s a streaming video of this somewhere, since noone else in the world carries MSNBC..
Reaps on May 3, 2007 at 8:50 PM
Good point…
All I can say is Senator Fred Dalton Thompson wouldn’t put up with this Harball circus…
JetBoy on May 3, 2007 at 8:51 PM
Comment pages: 1 2 3 4 Next »