First Republican debate open thread Update: Poll: Who won? Update: Videos added
posted at 7:48 pm on May 3, 2007 by Ian
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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.”
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Good answer by Thompson.
amerpundit on May 3, 2007 at 8:51 PM
I’d bet most Republicans think there are more important areas to start cuts than the Military. Don’t know what McCain was thinking .
forged rite on May 3, 2007 at 8:51 PM
Just looked to see what the KOSkids were saying and they think this is a fair debate. One of them said that they are surprised how moderate Matthews is.
Idiots.
This is a farce.
SillyRyno on May 3, 2007 at 8:51 PM
No one told the democrats they are not running against the President and Commander-in-Chief George Bush and none of them are smart enough to figure it out.
Wade on May 3, 2007 at 8:51 PM
The Politico guy is now setting Romney after Giuliani.
amerpundit on May 3, 2007 at 8:51 PM
Oooo, I heard McCain-Feingold lol.
Take that John ;-)
Lehosh on May 3, 2007 at 8:52 PM
Fred! is in his hotel room laughing his butt off right now.
HEY CHRIS! Leave Rudy alone! He’s not my dog in this hunt, but stop being a punk!!
SillyRyno on May 3, 2007 at 8:53 PM
The Politico.
forged rite on May 3, 2007 at 8:53 PM
So…guiliani is at least partly pro-choice?
TexasDan on May 3, 2007 at 8:54 PM
Oh, and please… Rudy… for the love of God… I love you Rudy and I want to vote for you, but if I hear you rewind that “Rudy Crime Statistics” tape one more time I’m going to go hang myself.
Lehosh on May 3, 2007 at 8:54 PM
Tommy Thompson on why he’s running: “I serve the pupose”
???
JetBoy on May 3, 2007 at 8:55 PM
It’s the same with Tancredo on Immigration, Paul on Iraq, etc.
amerpundit on May 3, 2007 at 8:55 PM
If Duncan Hunter won’t question the validity of global warming, then the debate really is over. And Matthews yelling time like it’s the end of the world is extremely annoying.
forged rite on May 3, 2007 at 8:57 PM
Next they’ll be asking about Fahrenheit 9/11.
ctmom on May 3, 2007 at 8:58 PM
Mrs. Reagan wants additional funds for stem cell research? Hmm.
amerpundit on May 3, 2007 at 8:58 PM
McCain: “And I want to address the problem of…”
Matthews: “TIME!!! THE METEOR IS ON ITS WAY!! RUDY, GO!!!!!!”
Lehosh on May 3, 2007 at 8:59 PM
Mathews must have another show I have never seen. “He sure can come off as a Republican.” Do you write for Jay Leno?
Wade on May 3, 2007 at 8:59 PM
Good answer from Romney on stem cells.
IrishEi on May 3, 2007 at 8:59 PM
Romney is the class of the stage. No surprise.
JackStraw on May 3, 2007 at 8:59 PM
At least this should be a good SNL spoof on Matthews. Spit flying everywhere.
ctmom on May 3, 2007 at 9:00 PM
2 things you don’t do in a GOP debate: argue with Reagan, argue with Mrs. Reagan.
amerpundit on May 3, 2007 at 9:00 PM
Has Matthews YET asked anything about national security, or Iraq? Or is this simply “Who’s the most liberal GOP candidate” questions…
JetBoy on May 3, 2007 at 9:01 PM
Good answer by Rudy, considering he’s agreeing with Nancy.
amerpundit on May 3, 2007 at 9:01 PM
mc cain…yeah, we know your a vet.
too bad you can’t value life.
TexasDan on May 3, 2007 at 9:01 PM
You’ve nailed it on the head.
amerpundit on May 3, 2007 at 9:01 PM
Hmm… Romney just made me rethink government health care.
Lehosh on May 3, 2007 at 9:02 PM
All this debate is trying to do, is capture the GOP in a lie. No actually helpful questions on really important policies. This is a circus. Is Daily Kos sponsoring this?
amerpundit on May 3, 2007 at 9:03 PM
Did I miss this statement in the Democrat debate?
ctmom on May 3, 2007 at 9:03 PM
His plan isn’t really government health care. Private sector plans.
IrishEi on May 3, 2007 at 9:03 PM
Yup. Bingo.
db on May 3, 2007 at 9:04 PM
Matthews is collecting footage for his show. I guarantee it.
amerpundit on May 3, 2007 at 9:05 PM
They’ve stayed off of it since Romney tried stretching to say how much he wanted to get Osama and McCain scared everybody.
Nonfactor on May 3, 2007 at 9:06 PM
No Doubt About It. This is absurd.
SillyRyno on May 3, 2007 at 9:06 PM
I want to see a debate moderated by Glenn Beck. All my questions would be answered in less than an hour.
ctmom on May 3, 2007 at 9:07 PM
I wonder if Michelle will point out that every candidate, not just Giuliani, keep repeating their same talking points. Tacredo on Immigration. Paul on Bush screw ups. A couple of them on vetoing, John McCain on his being a vet, etc.
amerpundit on May 3, 2007 at 9:07 PM
Ronald Reagan is rolling over in his grave…
JetBoy on May 3, 2007 at 9:07 PM
ron paul…dude, i get nervous just hearing you talk. guy comes across as seriously unstable.
TexasDan on May 3, 2007 at 9:08 PM
Does anyone know where I can get a transcript of the debate, or will it be shown on C-Span later like the Democratic debate?
icelandicfarmer on May 3, 2007 at 9:08 PM
I really hope that someone does a side-by-side comparison of the questions in each debate. I don’t recall such an attack mode last week.
IrishEi on May 3, 2007 at 9:08 PM
Why do they keep on about the same talking points? Because Matthews is asking stupid questions.
amerpundit on May 3, 2007 at 9:08 PM
Agreed.
amerpundit on May 3, 2007 at 9:09 PM
3 fair tax supporters!
Sammy316 on May 3, 2007 at 9:09 PM
Ron Paul is the Republican Party’s Gravel.
IrishEi on May 3, 2007 at 9:09 PM
Bah, Ron Paul, “OMG GUYS! Our foreign policy sucks goats!! Let me tell you how every issue in the solar system is directly related to our expensive, unconsitutional, ill-fated Iraq War!!!!”
And here Matthews and Olberman were wetting themselves over a possible Hagel run. Ron Paul is already here.
Lehosh on May 3, 2007 at 9:09 PM
Was that Hunter? Ouch.
amerpundit on May 3, 2007 at 9:10 PM
Ha! Throw McCain in that camp. He’s got waaay to much caffeine buzzing around in his veins. He’s cringe worthy.
JackStraw on May 3, 2007 at 9:10 PM
I agree with McCain on the evolution thing.
amerpundit on May 3, 2007 at 9:11 PM
OMG….an evolution question.
The network hawks at MSNBC and CNN are salivating
SillyRyno on May 3, 2007 at 9:11 PM
was that 6 hands? on the evolution question?
TexasDan on May 3, 2007 at 9:11 PM
Do you believe in Evolution?
Confess, unbelievers!
Lehosh on May 3, 2007 at 9:11 PM
Proof there is no evolution: Matthews is a chimp.
IrishEi on May 3, 2007 at 9:11 PM
blinks
Now that’s a question you won’t see in Australia.
Reaps on May 3, 2007 at 9:12 PM
Wow, WTG Rudy on having the real answer for the Sunni/Shia question!
Lehosh on May 3, 2007 at 9:12 PM
Here’s another stupid question going to Gilmore.
amerpundit on May 3, 2007 at 9:12 PM
Whoa! Rudy has a clue re Sunni/Shi’a. Not altogether there, but at least he knows there’s a difference.
IrishEi on May 3, 2007 at 9:12 PM
These questions are so obviously meant, in the big picture, to bring down any GOP hope of retaining the White House.
Nothing more…
JetBoy on May 3, 2007 at 9:12 PM
I must have missed the Sunni/Shiite question at the Democrat debate too.
Will they next ask the price of a dozen eggs?
ctmom on May 3, 2007 at 9:12 PM
Paul is trying to save his @ss on blogs.
amerpundit on May 3, 2007 at 9:13 PM
Me too, but he shouldn’t have thrown in the sunset in the Grand Canyon thing…sounded hokey.
IrishEi on May 3, 2007 at 9:13 PM
i’d like to see them ask the dem candidates if they think the twin towers were brought down by terrorists in airplanes…yes or no
expose yourselves1
TexasDan on May 3, 2007 at 9:14 PM
I remember one Democrat not being able to answer what Osama is. Not at least weeks debate, but last year.
amerpundit on May 3, 2007 at 9:14 PM
I don’t know why some Republicans here are getting so upset, but as a Democrat watching this debate it actually makes certain candidates look more competent (specifically Romney).
Nonfactor on May 3, 2007 at 9:14 PM
I wonder how many up there are saying to themselves “Shew! I’m glad Rudy got asked that Sunni/Shiite question!”
db on May 3, 2007 at 9:15 PM
True. I get his message, he just didn’t convey it properly.
amerpundit on May 3, 2007 at 9:15 PM
This must be the first debate I’ve seen where there’s been absolutely no reason for any interruptive applause.
JetBoy on May 3, 2007 at 9:15 PM
Anyone have a “Reagan” counter?
Ian on May 3, 2007 at 9:16 PM
Romney has looked pretty good tonight.
forged rite on May 3, 2007 at 9:16 PM
BAD answer by the guy on CEOs. While I agree with his message, the “then we don’t deserve to win” thing will come back to bite him in the ass.
amerpundit on May 3, 2007 at 9:17 PM
This is brutal. Thankfully (hopefully) no one will remember this by next month.
noble_eagle on May 3, 2007 at 9:17 PM
yes he has. mc cain can’t seem to think on his feet, nor does his voice come across as strong and smooth.
TexasDan on May 3, 2007 at 9:17 PM
I must have missed the soldier body count question, last week.
amerpundit on May 3, 2007 at 9:17 PM
They didn’t ask because it’s moot. As far as Dems are concerned, the Sunnis and Shiites would be as one if we would just leave Iraq.
IrishEi on May 3, 2007 at 9:17 PM
I don’t know why some Republicans here are getting so upset, but as a Democrat watching this debate it actually makes certain candidates look more competent (specifically Romney).
Nonfactor on May 3, 2007 at 9:14 PM
It is disturbing that the Democrats boycotted FoxNews because they were afraid of biased questions. This debate shows that only Republicans have the cajones to face tough questions……and terrorist dictators.
ctmom on May 3, 2007 at 9:18 PM
Lots of gotcha questions from “viewers”. Basically questions Matthews aould like to ask, but uses “viewers” to cover his a**.
forged rite on May 3, 2007 at 9:18 PM
ID cards, what?
Reaps on May 3, 2007 at 9:19 PM
The one good thing that comes out of this, is to show that the Republicans will take part in a debate moderated by a Liberal, and hosted by a Liberal network, while the Dems run from Fox.
amerpundit on May 3, 2007 at 9:19 PM
Anyone have a “Reagan” counter?
Ian on May 3, 2007 at 9:16 PM
This is as close as I got.
a4g on May 3, 2007 at 9:19 PM
Paul might as well pack up. “Dr. Paul”?
amerpundit on May 3, 2007 at 9:20 PM
And the NY Times will be saying the same in tomorrows op-ed… not
JetBoy on May 3, 2007 at 9:20 PM
Romney/Thompson!
ctmom on May 3, 2007 at 9:21 PM
Some of these questions are simply deplorable. I’d like to see one of the candidates use his time to stand up for Republicans as a whole when these smears are leveled.
a4g on May 3, 2007 at 9:21 PM
Oh, come on. A Scooter Libby question? It’s final. This is a joke. How about a question on, oh I don’t know, national security.
amerpundit on May 3, 2007 at 9:21 PM
Tancredo or Huckabee? Anyone know where Fred! stands on the Fair Tax?
conservativecaveman on May 3, 2007 at 9:21 PM
so if only aliens have the id card…??? how the heck does that work?
NO, I don’t have a card. I’m a citizen!
TexasDan on May 3, 2007 at 9:21 PM
He is my favorite. The only thing I have a problem with–and this is going to sound really stupid—–I’m afraid he’s TOO NICE to be President.
IrishEi on May 3, 2007 at 9:22 PM
I think that the Democrats have been done a disservice. With these more adversarial questions for the Republicans, we actually learn something about them.
Democrats got the Barbara Walters “what kind of tree are you” treatment.
Lehosh on May 3, 2007 at 9:22 PM
What does Scooter Libby have to do with the next President of the US?
noble_eagle on May 3, 2007 at 9:22 PM
He was a physician before being a Congressman. I don’t under why he’s calling him “Dr.” though. You are supposed to call someone by their highest office attained. Congressman is higher than Dr. I think.
Same reason why it irks me when Olberdouche says “Mister Bush”
SillyRyno on May 3, 2007 at 9:22 PM
Then you should be able to provide a legal SSN, or drivers license.
amerpundit on May 3, 2007 at 9:22 PM
YES! Way to go Tancredo!! Great Answer!!
SillyRyno on May 3, 2007 at 9:23 PM
Just what I was thinking. But for some reason some Republicans here don’t like that.
Nonfactor on May 3, 2007 at 9:23 PM
omg…a Terry Schaivo question now…
JetBoy on May 3, 2007 at 9:23 PM
A Terry Schiavo question. Didn’t see that one coming.
amerpundit on May 3, 2007 at 9:23 PM
Terry Schiavo? Sweet, sweet Lord…
All we need now is a Halliburton question and we’ll be in the Bat Cave at Moonbat Central.
Lehosh on May 3, 2007 at 9:23 PM
Terry Schiavo? Did the questions from “viewers” only come from liberals?
ctmom on May 3, 2007 at 9:24 PM
They boycotted the Fox News sponsored debate, so it’s their fault.
db on May 3, 2007 at 9:24 PM
sure. but no one is going to propose that we have to carry those and surrender on demand by police. how are they going to follow up the “I left it at home” defense?
TexasDan on May 3, 2007 at 9:24 PM
Great to hear Ramos and Compean mentioned in a National debate!
infidel4life on May 3, 2007 at 9:24 PM
Chris Matthews talking about Scooter Libby.
CHRIS MATTHEWS talking about SCOOTER LIBBY!
Ian on May 3, 2007 at 9:25 PM
The problem with some of the questions is instead of candidates being able to put forth their thoughts on a particular issue or policy, they wind up having to collectively defend themselves/’the party’, which isn’t what a debate like this should be about
That being said, despite some of the bizarre questions, at least they’re (dare I say it) tough and forces a solid response from the candidates.
Rather these questions than most of the softball ones I saw getting pitched at the dems the other night. Should only serve to make the person who wins the nomination to be far better prepared than their Democrat counterpart..
Reaps on May 3, 2007 at 9:25 PM
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