Open thread: Hey, how does three and a half hours of debate on a Saturday night sound?
posted at 6:00 pm on January 5, 2008 by Allahpundit
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The fun begins at 7 p.m. ET on ABC. I believe it’s the GOP up first followed by the Hillary-Obama death match at around 8:30, so if you want to catch the Republicans and then switch to Jags-Steelers, you won’t miss much of either. Fred may go after Huck to try to start peeling away evangelical fencesitters in South Carolina; everyone else will be gunning for Mitt, with the exchanges between him and St. John promising plenty of acid highlights later.
Sound off in the comments and please pass along tips about video-worthy moments. In the meantime, for your reading pleasure, here’s (a) Bob Novak whispering that it was Mitt who was behind the Fred dropout rumors last week, (b) Slublog analyzing Huckamania, and (c) word from New Hampshire that the state GOP has dropped out of the debate tomorrow night due to Fox’s Ron Paul snub. With Paul bringing out independents and various donation-happy kooks for the primary, I guess they had no choice but to go to bat for him.
Update (Bryan): You may already know this, but if you want to keep track of the game while you’re watching the debate, hit the NFL’s site and click on the game score and you’ll get a page that’s updated every few seconds. Washington just took the lead as I was writing this update.
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Liberal professors being taxed at $200,000.
You know the dirty rotten rich.lol
canopfor on January 5, 2008 at 10:30 PM
Richardson’s flag pin? USSR.
Cuffy Meigs on January 5, 2008 at 10:30 PM
Good to know Mitt Romney is these guys biggest opponent, and not the liberal nanny stater that was sitting next to him.
Patriot33 on January 5, 2008 at 10:30 PM
47 million americasns with out health care insurance you sure about that , last time i looked it was closer to maybe 20 million max thats 7-8% not 15 % . I guess you forgot to take the 12-20 million illegals out of your numbers
Mojack420 on January 5, 2008 at 10:32 PM
How do you feel about comin’ on over and giving me a big ol’ backrub?
Same question. Same snark.
Off with you.
wccawa on January 5, 2008 at 10:32 PM
John Edwards “I think there are two Americas, One poor and one rich. Thats why Im running for a 250,000 dollar a year joband millions later in speaking fees so I wont be on the wrong side of that equasion !”
William Amos on January 5, 2008 at 10:32 PM
DAMNIT, Breck Girl! Do you not understand that it’s the WEALTHIEST companies who hire the people? What do you want, dumb***? Do you want ANYBODY to earn a profit in the private sector? If that’s the case, then who do you think will CREATE jobs, you dumb m*!#$!#$r?!?!?!?
WHAT IS IT ABOUT CLASS WARFARE THAT MAKES THESE PEOPLE BLATHERING IDIOTS THAT NOBODY SEEMS TO GET??????
MsUnderestimated on January 5, 2008 at 10:32 PM
Yes Charlie Gibson is a good moderator,I’m eating crow!
canopfor on January 5, 2008 at 10:32 PM
Let’s take more money from the nations employers and buy votes!
Dork B. on January 5, 2008 at 10:32 PM
Obama…Globalisation preceded GWB..Cayman Island tax shelters
Pound the Hill
Beto Ochoa on January 5, 2008 at 10:32 PM
I didn’t see it that way, but I wish he would have gotten some more points in.
joewm315 on January 5, 2008 at 10:33 PM
Seems like in past Prez elections there was more talk about spending cuts. Guess that’s not popular anymore.
meandchi on January 5, 2008 at 10:33 PM
Not snark. Watch it and see if you don’t think it’s fair.
Spirit of 1776 on January 5, 2008 at 10:33 PM
Maybe, I’m heterosexual.
petefrt on January 5, 2008 at 10:33 PM
Line item veto is not the decision of the President.
bnelson44 on January 5, 2008 at 10:34 PM
@ William Amos on January 5, 2008 at 10:27 PM
No, i just dont shield myself from the rest of the country. Hotair.com and Freerepublic.com doesnt represent the viewpoints of a majority of the country. And if you think that a great speaker like Obama wont win over some less informed republicans, i believe you are naive.
muyoso on January 5, 2008 at 10:34 PM
The US national debt as a fraction of GDP is the smallest of the G-7.
LagunaDave on January 5, 2008 at 10:34 PM
Obama skews the nation.
maverick muse on January 5, 2008 at 10:34 PM
These dems candidates are completely clueless. I hope America is really taking a hard look.
techno_barbarian on January 5, 2008 at 10:34 PM
Bill, if we’re behind in Science and Math in our schools, WTF good will “arts” programs do to help? You idiot!!!!
MsUnderestimated on January 5, 2008 at 10:35 PM
This debate needed more Cowbell!
PowWow on January 5, 2008 at 10:35 PM
Just answer the question, Cankles!
Dork B. on January 5, 2008 at 10:35 PM
Yeah, Richardson, we need to start talking about education… VOUCHERS and universal TAX CREDITS for private schools.
petefrt on January 5, 2008 at 10:35 PM
Richardson,”What happen to the Democratic Party”
Uuumm,Moonbats,Code Pink,Truthers and now Obama is taking over!
canopfor on January 5, 2008 at 10:35 PM
Yeah, he is a good speaker….but LOOK AWAY!!!!
NickTx on January 5, 2008 at 10:35 PM
Absolutely. You know, everyone complains about American jobs going overseas, but Fred Thompson is the only one who points out why: we have the SECOND HIGHEST coporate tax in the world.
joewm315 on January 5, 2008 at 10:36 PM
Hillary: my mistake was that Republicans don’t debate at well. Uh, right.
Spirit of 1776 on January 5, 2008 at 10:36 PM
The Hildabeast is trying to be demure, but it’s not working.
MsUnderestimated on January 5, 2008 at 10:37 PM
Once again the democrats run down the country when we’re actually better than any other
Beto Ochoa on January 5, 2008 at 10:37 PM
Obama is the new JFK.
petefrt on January 5, 2008 at 10:37 PM
Don’t forget, Breck Girl… she also likes both diamonds AND pearls! Now they’re ALL kissing her a**.
MsUnderestimated on January 5, 2008 at 10:37 PM
TAKE IT ALL BACK, HILL! TAKE IT ALL!
Ferris on January 5, 2008 at 10:38 PM
Absolutely, I wouldnt steer ya wrong.
I stepped away, now I’m stepping out! Have fun everyone.
NickTx on January 5, 2008 at 10:38 PM
The Polls three weeks ago said Hillary was unbeatible and now ?
Being a speach maker doesnt meant you make great speaches. Always chose substance over rhetoric.
I can see now why you like Ron Paul.
William Amos on January 5, 2008 at 10:38 PM
Hillary against Republicans who are “not talking about”.
Hillary will leave it up to the PUNDITS to decide what she did or did not say?! WTF
maverick muse on January 5, 2008 at 10:38 PM
Well Obama, you magnificent bastard, we finally agree on something.
Yes, there is a stark contrast.
LagunaDave on January 5, 2008 at 10:38 PM
Nice job ABC, very nice. Loved the format, good, tough questions on both sides.
RJS2 on January 5, 2008 at 10:39 PM
He cheats on his wife?
bnelson44 on January 5, 2008 at 10:39 PM
Geez. It’s inevitable. Am I the only that sees it??
Screw the minor leaguers.
wccawa on January 5, 2008 at 10:39 PM
ABC did do a good job. Best debate yet.
bnelson44 on January 5, 2008 at 10:40 PM
The democrats did have a bit of a point. The republicans havent touched nearly at ALL on the economy, on jobs, on the mortgage crisis, on housing, etc. Other than Ron Paul, republicans have done nearly zero talking on the important issues to most Americans. I hope this changes before its our candidate and the dem candidate up on stage, and only one of them has experience talking about these issues.
muyoso on January 5, 2008 at 10:40 PM
Um… ok. Good luck with that. ;)
techno_barbarian on January 5, 2008 at 10:40 PM
I think this was the best debate of the whole season so far. Good job, Charlie. Kudos for ABC for hiding the soft balls for the dems.
MsUnderestimated on January 5, 2008 at 10:40 PM
and the winner was Jack Daniels
and the looser was my liver
I wouldnt entrust any of these tools change the paper on the bottom of a bird cage.
Mojack420 on January 5, 2008 at 10:41 PM
LOL
Hillary’s platform is on TALK and her expertise. But she will leave it up to her spokesperson to say what Hillary said so that the MSM and pundits talk the talk left right.
maverick muse on January 5, 2008 at 10:41 PM
@ William Amos on January 5, 2008 at 10:38 PM
The polls three weeks ago showed nearly all republican nominees beating Hillary nationally. No clue where you got that from.
muyoso on January 5, 2008 at 10:41 PM
“Whizzer” White Slandered [Ramesh Ponnuru]
Richardson said he was “against civil rights.” White didn’t think that the Constitution forbids laws against consensual sodomy. Saying he was “against civil rights” leaves a different impression.
bnelson44 on January 5, 2008 at 10:41 PM
Well that was a riot,I almost that,between Obama and Hillary
that it was going to be “Hey,don’t taze me bro”!haha
canopfor on January 5, 2008 at 10:41 PM
I that’s has a lot to do with the Qs they are asked in these debates. The hosts control that.
meandchi on January 5, 2008 at 10:42 PM
I don’t follow. Did we cross signals? Please explain.
Spirit of 1776 on January 5, 2008 at 10:42 PM
Hillary struggled. Obama is going to be a tougher opponant for us.
Dork B. on January 5, 2008 at 10:43 PM
See:
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2008/president/national.html
bnelson44 on January 5, 2008 at 10:43 PM
Wonder who his Marylin Monroe is…….Brittney??????
conservnut on January 5, 2008 at 10:43 PM
I was talking about Hillary vs the democrats. She was beating Obama and Edwards
William Amos on January 5, 2008 at 10:43 PM
Yes, if he is nominated, he will be much tougher.
bnelson44 on January 5, 2008 at 10:43 PM
DUmmies seemed to hate the moderator.
Guess it was fair and balanced :D
rosewaning on January 5, 2008 at 10:45 PM
I don’t think Hillary helped herself tonight. She slipped a bit more. More broken ashtrays and lamps at the hotel tonight.
conservnut on January 5, 2008 at 10:45 PM
@ meandchi on January 5, 2008 at 10:42 PM
True, but I would like to see the candidates bringing these issues up themselves, much like no matter what the question is to Giuliani, he mentions his experience as mayor and 9/11. The economy is the most important issue to most Americans, and I feel the republicans are doing themselves a disservice not talking about it. Someone like Obama who has polished his position on the issues, when faced with a republican who hasnt talked about it at all, will WIPE the floor with the republican candidate and will greatly influence the majority of Americans who cant be bothered to do any additional research on the issues.
muyoso on January 5, 2008 at 10:45 PM
Anyone who knows my posts knows how I hate MSM. But fair’s fair, and Charlie Gibson did one fine job tonight. I commend him!
petefrt on January 5, 2008 at 10:46 PM
So overall if you corner the Lib nominee’s on the issues,
and especially National Secruity,there all in a fog!
And Charles Gibson aked some good question’s and between Obama and Hillary a cat fight.
canopfor on January 5, 2008 at 10:46 PM
@ William Amos on January 5, 2008 at 10:43 PM
Oh maybe. I dont follow the democrats at all really.
muyoso on January 5, 2008 at 10:46 PM
Romneylanche!!!!
krabbas on January 5, 2008 at 10:47 PM
Only Rudy and Romney are good enough speakers to go toe-to-toe with Obama.
I don’t like Romney otherwise, but I will admit that this is a positive aspect to him.
LagunaDave on January 5, 2008 at 10:47 PM
Keep it up guys, we are only about 50 comments away from the record
conservnut on January 5, 2008 at 10:48 PM
Well here I am finally able to watch the Republican debate on TV – 3 hours late – PST, and a few minutes ago I heard Rudy say that Islam is a Great Religion; and just when I was thinking that as The High Reverend Huckster and Juan Plantation McShamnasty are so hideous that just maybe I could vote for him.
And he is the one who says he will protect us.
Just imagine some candidate for President in 1936 saying that the Nazi party was a great political party.
MB4 on January 5, 2008 at 10:48 PM
I don’t know why Mitt doesn’t talk about the economy more. Out of all the candidates, I think I trust him more than anyone from a fiscal POV.
krabbas on January 5, 2008 at 10:48 PM
I agree with Benelson44,it will be Obama,so we
need a clear cut vision and message,Fred will fill the bill!
canopfor on January 5, 2008 at 10:49 PM
Obama doesnt sell in the south or west. And I doubt he can carry the midwest.
Some democratic poll #s
Michigan Democratic Primary Clinton 44.7 Obama 21.7
California Democratic Primary Clinton 43.0 Obama 24.0
Florida Democratic Primary Clinton 47.3 Obama 22.5
William Amos on January 5, 2008 at 10:49 PM
Overall, I have to give ABC some props. good format good questions even for the dems. I didn’t expect that.
Good job ABC
conservnut on January 5, 2008 at 10:50 PM
That was in response to Ron Paul’s ludicrous charge that terrorism happens because we hate Muslims.
LagunaDave on January 5, 2008 at 10:51 PM
Muhammed Ali was a muslim and her was great!
Seriously though, there are over a billion muslims in the world and most of them are not terrorists. There is nothing wrong with Rudy saying Islam is a great religion while still recognizing that there is a radicalized element to it that is a real threat to the west.
krabbas on January 5, 2008 at 10:51 PM
As soon as he wins the nomination though, the Dems in those states will rally around him in a snap.
krabbas on January 5, 2008 at 10:53 PM
@ LagunaDave on January 5, 2008 at 10:51 PM
RP never said that.
muyoso on January 5, 2008 at 10:53 PM
We passed it awhile ago. Two debates back to back will do that:)
Spirit of 1776 on January 5, 2008 at 10:54 PM
Michigan forfeited its Democratic delegates, so is irrelevant.
I think there are few places Obama will do better, once people start to see him campaigning, than in California (where I live).
LagunaDave on January 5, 2008 at 10:54 PM
I dont think he will win. Hillary has a huge ace in the hole in Super Delegates. Bill will be pulling in some favors
William Amos on January 5, 2008 at 10:54 PM
LOL, as a somewhat Romney supporter, I’m afraid so. :)
petefrt on January 5, 2008 at 10:55 PM
krabbas, you just gave me a thought. During the Vietnam war there were more than a few that converted to Islam to get out of that war, against their religion to fight wars.
Odd how that has flipped.
RJS2 on January 5, 2008 at 10:55 PM
Good Night Cruel World!
Beto Ochoa on January 5, 2008 at 10:55 PM
I love this, now after the debate,achorettes are telling us through lib speak spin what the nominees actually said,
just in case you heard them wrong.
canopfor on January 5, 2008 at 10:56 PM
I hope you’re right. Hillary is much more beatable then Obama, IMO.
krabbas on January 5, 2008 at 10:56 PM
Haha. Good point.
krabbas on January 5, 2008 at 10:57 PM
You miss the point, dude. The ultimate goal of Islam, moderate or not, is too subdue those who stand against it. If you’re a true Muslim, you believe this.
It’s not my comic book, man. It’s just the way it is.
There is no such thing as a moderate, “true” Muslim.
So someone tell me why the left is so enamored with them. Eh?
wccawa on January 5, 2008 at 10:57 PM
I guess Johnson should have declared Jihad. Would have put an end to that huh?
conservnut on January 5, 2008 at 10:58 PM
If something like that happened, I could see Obama running as a third party. I would LOVE nothing more than the formation of more parties that actually have chances at winning. I would like NOTHING more than having both parties have a candidate split off and run a legit campaign, getting rid of this stupid 2 party system forever.
muyoso on January 5, 2008 at 10:58 PM
Charlie Gibson was good. I had not seen Diane Sawyer in a long time; she’s still gorgeous.
…Doonesbury SUCKS!
Dork B. on January 5, 2008 at 10:59 PM
see the problem that some dont see is that it isnt all just primaries and Caucuses. The Party machine has a lot to say for the democrats.
Senators and Congressmen and bigshots in the democratic Party will also play a big role in who gets the nomination. Many of them have already gone for Hillary
William Amos on January 5, 2008 at 10:59 PM
Yeah, we should RADICALLY change the most successful political system in the history of the world by fragmenting the electorate into countless narrow, special interest parties.
And go back to the gold standard, too.
LagunaDave on January 5, 2008 at 11:01 PM
Yes, Hillary is probably much more beatable. But I rather lose to Obama. At least with Obama, I’d have some hope that the republic might remain in its intended order.
petefrt on January 5, 2008 at 11:01 PM
Hey AP,
Time for a toast, new record on comments!!!!!
conservnut on January 5, 2008 at 11:03 PM
BTW quickly last non Southern Democrat to win the white house ?
William Amos on January 5, 2008 at 11:03 PM
So apparently Romney ran attack ads going after McCain? He just went up a couple of points in my book.
Dork B. on January 5, 2008 at 11:04 PM
If Obama should win the White House, his inexperience will kill him, assuring one term. The same will happen to him that happened to Jimmah..the party will turn against him. Which will make for an interesting 4 years especially watching the Race Baiters, Jackson, Sharpton etal positioning themselves against the “faux” black man.
RJS2 on January 5, 2008 at 11:04 PM
@ LagunaDave on January 5, 2008 at 11:01 PM
The most successful political system in the history of the world? When did we gain that title? And why should there only be two parties? The constitution doesnt mandate a 2 party system. There SHOULD be more than two parties. People shouldnt have to vote for someone who only represents half of their views. The evangelicals voting for Huckabee dont care if he is a republican candidate or a democratic candidate, as his positions are as far to the left of the republican party as can be. Let him run in a third party.
muyoso on January 5, 2008 at 11:04 PM
Then cheers, pal!
Spirit of 1776 on January 5, 2008 at 11:05 PM
Being a “true” Muslim is subjective. I’m no theology expert, granted. What I’m saying is that there are over a billion people on this planet who identify themselves as Muslim. And most of them do not believe or at least actively practice the subjugation of non-Muslims. They may not be true Muslims to the many radical jihadis, but they still consider themselves practitioners of that religion. I don’t see anything wrong with Rudy or any other politician recognizing that.
I guess I’m just trying to play a little devil’s advocate. It’s tough defending Islam when so many of their adherents are pieces of sh*t.
krabbas on January 5, 2008 at 11:06 PM
As seductive a speaker as he is, we shouldn’t delude ourselves about Obama.
Hillary, like her husband, has no core principles and is primarily motivated by the quest for power. As such, like her husband, she will sometimes do the right thing simply because actually doing the things she talks about would be so destructive as to weaken her grip on power.
Every position of Obama’s is dangerously naive, and worse, he actually believes in them.
LagunaDave on January 5, 2008 at 11:06 PM
BTW quickly last non Southern Democrat to win the white house ?
William Amos on January 5, 2008 at 11:03 PM
JFK?
krabbas on January 5, 2008 at 11:06 PM
What do you think of sex Mr. Mayor?
Well before my experience as mayor during 9/11, I liked it pretty good, but now I like it even better and I last longer too. And you know what that means don’t you? It means that if you vote for me you will have much better sex.
MB4 on January 5, 2008 at 11:07 PM
If Huckabee wins the Republican nomination then I’m going to try to restart the Whig party.
krabbas on January 5, 2008 at 11:09 PM
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