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
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.
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: « Previous 1 2 3 4 … 13 Next »
sweet
Guardian on January 5, 2008 at 7:28 PM
Where are you seeing that? I am on ABC, which I do not want to give ratings too.
CrimsonFisted on January 5, 2008 at 7:28 PM
This is a great format
Guardian on January 5, 2008 at 7:28 PM
Huck is loosing to Mitt right now. Huge.
TexasDan on January 5, 2008 at 7:29 PM
How much longer until Huckabee tells someone they aren’t a good Christian?
John_Locke on January 5, 2008 at 7:29 PM
That little shot might have backfired on Huck
conservnut on January 5, 2008 at 7:29 PM
GOOD GOD PAUL!
Gatordoug on January 5, 2008 at 7:29 PM
Question for Ron Paul: We have bases all over England. Why aren’t Anglican terrorists flying airplanes into US buildings?
Bryan on January 5, 2008 at 7:29 PM
Multi culti RELIGION crap. I guess Ron Paul has never seen the Bloody Borders Project.
CrimsonFisted on January 5, 2008 at 7:29 PM
Dang Huck hurt Mitt there. He’s channeling Rollins.
Spirit of 1776 on January 5, 2008 at 7:29 PM
Alright! Back on Paul
conservnut on January 5, 2008 at 7:29 PM
TexasDan on January 5, 2008 at 7:29 PM
Ron’s losing to everybody, basically it’s a great night.
John_Locke on January 5, 2008 at 7:29 PM
Huck to Mitt: You were for withdrawl.
Mitt to Huck: But only before I was against it!
Hollowpoint on January 5, 2008 at 7:30 PM
Fox news is genius for shutting out Paul. He’s a complete ass.
TexasDan on January 5, 2008 at 7:30 PM
Bull carp Ron Jihadism is hitting alot of different nations
William Amos on January 5, 2008 at 7:30 PM
“Charlie you started it”
I love Fred
John_Locke on January 5, 2008 at 7:30 PM
Huck and Paul do not belong on this stage at all. And that’s not just a personal thing this time
PowWow on January 5, 2008 at 7:30 PM
You Rock Bryan
conservnut on January 5, 2008 at 7:30 PM
Great religion, bah.
CrimsonFisted on January 5, 2008 at 7:30 PM
Paul is being a typically insane one trick pony: It’s all our fault!
Hollowpoint on January 5, 2008 at 7:31 PM
Seahawks just intercepted. 27-14 Hawks.
Slublog on January 5, 2008 at 7:31 PM
This format is wonderful, think Fox might pick up on it?
John_Locke on January 5, 2008 at 7:31 PM
Hit this one out of the park Fred!
CrimsonFisted on January 5, 2008 at 7:32 PM
Seattle scored again.
Bryan on January 5, 2008 at 7:32 PM
SECOND LOOK AT ABC NEWS?
This is a great format.
Really, though, i just love typing in all caps.
TexasDan on January 5, 2008 at 7:32 PM
Did Bush just take a veiled swipe at Romney, the most focus group-centric candidate?
Hollowpoint on January 5, 2008 at 7:33 PM
live feed
Rudy just riped Ron Paul .
did they already run through illegal immagration ???
Mojack420 on January 5, 2008 at 7:33 PM
CrimsonFisted on January 5, 2008 at 7:32 PM
Agreed, but let’s hope he has some time for it.
John_Locke on January 5, 2008 at 7:33 PM
rosewaning on January 5, 2008 at 7:33 PM
I took it as a swipe on BOTH Clintons.
CrimsonFisted on January 5, 2008 at 7:33 PM
In part because they have one of the biggest economies on the planet and have an educational system that integrates them into the modern world.
Perhaps nuking them 60 years ago had something to do with their mindset. Until then they had a lot of kamakaze pilots who flew suicide missions for their emperor, believing that through death they would bring honor to their families.
dedalus on January 5, 2008 at 7:33 PM
Ya know, people keep saying they supported the “surge”, but do they ever say they supported the COIN strategy? The “surge” was all about the COIN strategy written up by GEN Petraeus and others. THAT was what succeeded, not just adding additional troops. Adding additional troops with the same failed strategy would have been pointless. The strategy was completely changed. When a candidate expresses support of our COIN strategy, then I will be impressed. All those talking about the “surge” don’t impress me at all.
Michael in MI on January 5, 2008 at 7:33 PM
Mojack420 – not yet.
Spirit of 1776 on January 5, 2008 at 7:34 PM
Someone wake me when McCain is done…
Hollowpoint on January 5, 2008 at 7:34 PM
Where are you seeing the real-time response is that on Fox?
TheSitRep on January 5, 2008 at 7:35 PM
I meant the real time stuff. I am not seeing it on ABC.
CrimsonFisted on January 5, 2008 at 7:35 PM
Excellent point
Gatordoug on January 5, 2008 at 7:35 PM
That could be.
Hollowpoint on January 5, 2008 at 7:35 PM
Quite right. It’s COIN, not just more troops.
Bryan on January 5, 2008 at 7:36 PM
Ok, linky no worky.
Crimson, Its the second link on the banner on WMUR’s site.
rosewaning on January 5, 2008 at 7:36 PM
To Ron Paul. Jihadists have attacked India, Philipines, Israel, Russia, Thailand, Sudan, Somalia, Algeria, Balkins,Pakistan, Yemen, Egypt, ect ect..
The failure isnt US policy the failure is YOU. You have no ability to question any other group for their actions you can only blame the US.
The US has given millions in Foreign aid. Where is the Jihadist foreign aid ? The US defended Saudi Arabia from Saddam. Saudia Arabia has been attacked by Al Qaeda. The Taliban ruled Afganistan with an Iron fist. It was the US who freed the Afgani people. In Iraq al qaeda slaughters innocent civilians with beheadings and car bombs. The US defends the Iraqi people from them.
Ron Paul your positions help Al Qaeda to kill more people
William Amos on January 5, 2008 at 7:36 PM
I watched that presser at the time; Clintons were exactly what I thought.
Spirit of 1776 on January 5, 2008 at 7:36 PM
I love “keep america strong” but the guiding first principle is Freedom.
Who’s going to say that?
TexasDan on January 5, 2008 at 7:36 PM
Rudy mentions Reagan 7:36
PowWow on January 5, 2008 at 7:36 PM
Did anyone else glaze over with Mitt’s speech about the family? Not that I think its unimportant, I just doubt anyone disagrees with that
John_Locke on January 5, 2008 at 7:37 PM
In Iraq we invaded. We still have to finish it.
dedalus on January 5, 2008 at 7:37 PM
Dang, lay it on ‘em Charlie, that was a great line of questions on moderating views
John_Locke on January 5, 2008 at 7:38 PM
thank you Spirit of 1776
20- 14 seahawks
Mojack420 on January 5, 2008 at 7:38 PM
Rudy–end illegal immigration. What about dealing with the current illegal quagmire? those that are here? I still don’t trust you on this.
TexasDan on January 5, 2008 at 7:38 PM
We did finish it. The Iraqi military was defeated soundly; currently we’re in the pacification and rebuilding stage.
Hollowpoint on January 5, 2008 at 7:39 PM
oh PLEASE Huck, ENOUGH!
CrimsonFisted on January 5, 2008 at 7:39 PM
Suffice to say, the Islamic terrorist have not attacked Antartica, Yet!
TheSitRep on January 5, 2008 at 7:39 PM
Argh. I used to watch Huck for a funny line, now I just want him to shut up.
Spirit of 1776 on January 5, 2008 at 7:40 PM
Good greif it isnt a school lecture huck we know the Constitution
William Amos on January 5, 2008 at 7:40 PM
Shut up Huck – he’s preaching again.
Shall we close with hymn number 335?
stenwin77 on January 5, 2008 at 7:40 PM
Yeah, it was one big generic platitude.
Hollowpoint on January 5, 2008 at 7:40 PM
Crimson, I linked @ 7:09pm
rosewaning on January 5, 2008 at 7:40 PM
@ Hollowpoint on January 5, 2008 at 7:39 PM
You think we are ever going to pacify Iraq????
muyoso on January 5, 2008 at 7:40 PM
Great class warfare Huck.
John_Locke on January 5, 2008 at 7:40 PM
Mr. Nanny Stater blowing smoke
Gatordoug on January 5, 2008 at 7:40 PM
my bad tv is fuzzy 28-14 seahawks
Mojack420 on January 5, 2008 at 7:40 PM
Crap. Huck’s the first to say the word freedom.
TexasDan on January 5, 2008 at 7:40 PM
I reserve the right to allow my prejudices to color my judgement.
Hollowpoint on January 5, 2008 at 7:41 PM
Sweet. McCain – Fred is talking TO YOU!
Spirit of 1776 on January 5, 2008 at 7:42 PM
Go FRED ! FREDeralism.
stenwin77 on January 5, 2008 at 7:42 PM
Frederalism ’08 baby
Keep hope alive!
John_Locke on January 5, 2008 at 7:42 PM
if we have a problem with illegal immigration ?
hey huckster there is no IF about it
Mojack420 on January 5, 2008 at 7:42 PM
Thanks. Doffing my dunce cap now.
CrimsonFisted on January 5, 2008 at 7:42 PM
We’re making great progress in doing just that. It may not end up a peaceful paradise and Jeffersonian democracy, but many parts of Iraq that were very violent are already quite peaceful.
Hollowpoint on January 5, 2008 at 7:42 PM
I won’t argue that.
Spirit of 1776 on January 5, 2008 at 7:42 PM
HERE we go!
Gatordoug on January 5, 2008 at 7:43 PM
Money is unconstitutional!
Hollowpoint on January 5, 2008 at 7:43 PM
They are all laughing at Ron now.
CrimsonFisted on January 5, 2008 at 7:43 PM
Ron Paul for Constitution party !
William Amos on January 5, 2008 at 7:43 PM
Ron Paul and the Golden Rule?
Huckabee/Paul ’08?
John_Locke on January 5, 2008 at 7:43 PM
We toppled the regime but Franks didn’t have a phase IV plan. Paetreus has been great in implementing counter insurgency, but it took getting rid of Rumsfeld and his crew to get pointed in the right direction. Today the Iraqi government isn’t stable enough for us to leave yet. Our troops need to stay.
dedalus on January 5, 2008 at 7:43 PM
Ron Paul. Drunk on the koolaid.
TexasDan on January 5, 2008 at 7:43 PM
Interesting how independents are less tolerant of Paul than Republicans
rosewaning on January 5, 2008 at 7:44 PM
“how does three and a half hours of debate on a Saturday night sound”
I would rather shove tacks in my eyes and rinse them with bleach.
crosspatch on January 5, 2008 at 7:44 PM
Ron Paul just got around of applau that is the singular for a applause.
TheSitRep on January 5, 2008 at 7:44 PM
WTF a ABC news commerical for the democrats ?
William Amos on January 5, 2008 at 7:44 PM
Closer than you think.
Spirit of 1776 on January 5, 2008 at 7:45 PM
No question there’s work to do and mistakes were initially made. However what we have now can barely be considered “war” in the traditional sense.
Hollowpoint on January 5, 2008 at 7:45 PM
Why does NO ONE reference Thomas Jefferson’s defeat of the jihadists? And the Marine’s efforts in Tripoli and the Halls of Montezuma?
CrimsonFisted on January 5, 2008 at 7:45 PM
That’s freaking horrifying.
John_Locke on January 5, 2008 at 7:46 PM
Because you have to stretch it to fit the issue and it’s not worth the effort.
Spirit of 1776 on January 5, 2008 at 7:46 PM
Already stupid Gibson. We all change jobs so often, I want to choose my own health care and go from job to job with it.
CrimsonFisted on January 5, 2008 at 7:47 PM
Fred has before, maybe he’ll do it now.
John_Locke on January 5, 2008 at 7:47 PM
Agree completely. Unfortunately, they were also disbanded surprising Bush, Rumsfeld, Franks, Paetreus and most senior commanders. Bremmer got a medal for that.
dedalus on January 5, 2008 at 7:47 PM
No kidding!
Spirit of 1776 on January 5, 2008 at 7:47 PM
Because one has to use small words and simple concepts when addressing Ron Paul. Historical analysis is above his grade level.
Hollowpoint on January 5, 2008 at 7:47 PM
Nanny McLame to the rescue!!
RJS2 on January 5, 2008 at 7:48 PM
I wonder if Mitt realizes his health care plan in Mass fines people who can afford insurance but don’t. So much for freedom.
William Teach on January 5, 2008 at 7:48 PM
Come on Fred! You have to jump in and take control! Stop letting these other guys dominate the debate.
Hollowpoint on January 5, 2008 at 7:49 PM
Mitt opens the door on MASS forced health care. Get the ugly sticks out.
TexasDan on January 5, 2008 at 7:49 PM
Did I just hear John McCain say that Canada was in Europe?
TheSitRep on January 5, 2008 at 7:49 PM
How so? Jihadists enslaving Americans, same stuff that they are doing now with other people, and it illustrates that this is an age old problem and NOT a result of our current foreign policy. And that strength defeated these people. It is an illustration. 9/11 is not the first time we have had to deal with this issue. IMHO.
CrimsonFisted on January 5, 2008 at 7:49 PM
Beat that dead horse Paul
Gatordoug on January 5, 2008 at 7:50 PM
So now the Iraq war is the fault of high health care costs. Paultard!
William Teach on January 5, 2008 at 7:50 PM
Someone should just commit Ron Paul
RJS2 on January 5, 2008 at 7:50 PM
Comment pages: « Previous 1 2 3 4 … 13 Next »