Open thread: The last, best hope for conservative kind; Update: Mitt backs off on Super Tuesday ads?
posted at 7:41 pm on January 30, 2008 by Allahpundit
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8 p.m. ET on CNN. Romney gets a rare opportunity, at the Reagan library no less: If he figures out a way to take down McCain, he’ll capture the base’s imagination instantly. People were aching for someone to hammer Huckabee about his squishiness and ol’ Fred came through, winning ecstatic praise but not having enough support by that point to do anything with it. Mitt is a different story. If he lays Maverick out by channelling the frustrations you’re hearing elsewhere in conservative media today, he’s got a shot at (finally) getting some people excited. If he doesn’t, he’d better pray Limbaugh et al. have some sort of doomsday weapon in reserve.
Huckabee has an unusual opportunity too, to cement the non-evangelical base’s loathing of him by hammering Romney on McCain’s behalf. If it becomes too obvious a game of good cop/bad cop — especially with Maverick ducking Romney on Meet the Press — the rivers of anti-Huck venom will flow tomorrow like the mighty Mississip, which should be enough to finish off the dumb rumors about him being on the ticket.
Sound off below, and look out for some questions in this vein especially given the dust-up this weekend over timetables. The Arnold endorsement is coming soon, possibly even tonight, and some key southern endorsements are on tap for tomorrow. Exit question: At what time precisely will Hugh Hewitt’s “Romney won the debate” post be published? It’s already mostly written, I’m sure. Over/under is 10:32.
Update: Throwing in the towel?
In a major boost for John McCain, Republican presidential rival Mitt Romney signaled Wednesday he’s not ready to commit to a costly campaign in the states holding primaries and caucuses next week.
Several officials said that on the heels of a defeat in Tuesday’s Florida primary, Romney’s campaign was not attempting to purchase television advertising time in any of the states on the Super Tuesday calendar…
Officials familiar with Romney’s plans cautioned they could yet changes. They said that paradoxically, the Florida defeat had been followed with a particularly strong day of online fundraising. But they added that in discussions so far, the former Massachusetts governor had selected the least costly of a variety of options prepared for his review.
Why wouldn’t he go for broke, unless he thinks he’s throwing his money away?
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Good for you, good response good decision.
Oldnuke on January 30, 2008 at 9:49 PM
So the Compleat Loser Rudy endorses McVain.
And tomorrow the Republican uber-Rino Ahnold endorses McVain.
Telling.
profitsbeard on January 30, 2008 at 9:49 PM
TX Mom, why would you imply that I have you “all figured out”.
I do know, however, what you’ve told me. That’s all.
Al-Ozarka on January 30, 2008 at 9:49 PM
This debate was a joke. Anderson Cooper did everything he could to ignore Huckabee. They gave McCain and Romney all the speaking time.
apacalyps on January 30, 2008 at 9:50 PM
Good for you! Now if only several million more people feel the same way…..
kcd on January 30, 2008 at 9:50 PM
See above. I’m all done with you.
TX Mom on January 30, 2008 at 9:50 PM
I love Bill Bennett, but whenever I see him, I think of Norm Peterson from Cheers.
mikeyboss on January 30, 2008 at 9:51 PM
“Good for you, good response good decision.”
To run from a reasonable assessment and to refuse to acknowledge she could be wrong about a guy who should be our nominee?
Why is that a good decision?
Al-Ozarka on January 30, 2008 at 9:51 PM
No, Allah and HA commenter’s have been bashing Huck for running solely on his faith and making it a campaign issue.
p0s3r on January 30, 2008 at 9:51 PM
apacalyps on January 30, 2008 at 9:50 PM
Now your whining a little… kinda like Huckabee..
kcd on January 30, 2008 at 9:51 PM
lol
Spirit of 1776 on January 30, 2008 at 9:51 PM
“See above. I’m all done with you.”
Which tells me more.
Al-Ozarka on January 30, 2008 at 9:51 PM
“No, Allah and HA commenter’s have been bashing Huck for running solely on his faith and making it a campaign issue.”
“Solely on his faith”
Great caliber of thinkers here, AP.
Al-Ozarka on January 30, 2008 at 9:52 PM
Sir,I do not know you. I do not dare judge you, but you just opened yourself up to be judged.
It is not his faith that we have been attacking. It is his obvious pandering and contradictory speak that this man had emoted.
He is not true to his word and like another that has come from Arkansas, plays a good politician.
Sir, please think before you type.
PS – We are not all flag holders of AllahPundit. Some of us just love him for the great mind he has and enjoy debating with him from time to time.
lsutiger on January 30, 2008 at 9:52 PM
He did get the shaft. I guess CNN agrees with most people that he isn’t viable.
Not true.
Spirit of 1776 on January 30, 2008 at 9:52 PM
Anderson Cooper did everything he could to ignore Huckabee.
Awesome.
Cuffy Meigs on January 30, 2008 at 9:53 PM
Awright!! Now we have a *real* troll in the house!
fiatboomer on January 30, 2008 at 9:53 PM
“Christian Leader”
p0s3r on January 30, 2008 at 9:53 PM
True, but mostly inside baseball. Romney let his legitimate objections be known, and McCain countered that he was using the same “timetable” buzzword as the Dems, even if McCain had misrepresented Romney’s position. I don’t see anyone’s mind being changed by the exchange.
Mitt was a little slippery too in that he talked about spending and entitlements… even though just a couple days ago he was hammering McCain for voting against the expensive Medicare Reform Act. McCain also made the argument that Romney set the tone with his attack ads- again, that doesn’t excuse the misrepresentation on McCain’s part.
Hollowpoint on January 30, 2008 at 9:53 PM
CNN has alot of nerve … even right now all the talk after the debate is about McCain and Romney. They purposely ignored Huckabee when he is still viable in this race! CNN is an establshment propaganda machine posing as the free press.
apacalyps on January 30, 2008 at 9:54 PM
What about my challenge? Why do you support someone who wants to use citizens’ tax money to subsidize foreign invaders, so that legal residents of Oklahoma pay more than legal residents of Mexico?
fred5678 on January 30, 2008 at 9:54 PM
He said it to a reporter doing an interview.
I have a lack of principles?
Shall we poll our fellow commenters what religion they are? I’d point out that Bryan Preston also strongly criticized Huckabee. What religion is Bryan now?
amerpundit on January 30, 2008 at 9:54 PM
Look, the reality is, Huck pulled the religion card in the beginning, got kicked in the groin for it, then started his good ol’ boy populism schtick.
p0s3r on January 30, 2008 at 9:54 PM
Seriously! Anderson set the standard for moderation with that move.
SimplyKimberly on January 30, 2008 at 9:54 PM
John Cleese on Fox!
fourstringfuror on January 30, 2008 at 9:55 PM
And here comes the “analysis” to make sure that we all understood what really happened in the debate. Hate to have us thinking for ourselves.
TX Mom on January 30, 2008 at 9:55 PM
If I want your opinion, I’ll give it to you.
apacalyps on January 30, 2008 at 9:55 PM
The race is essentially Mitt vs. McCain.
amerpundit on January 30, 2008 at 9:55 PM
Not directed at you, should have been directed to
lsutiger on January 30, 2008 at 9:55 PM
Sam: “What’s shaking, Norm?”
Norm: “All four cheeks and a couple of chins.”
ReubenJCogburn on January 30, 2008 at 9:55 PM
For the same reason they cut Paul’s time short- neither one have a chance at winning, and neither one have any legitimate reason to still be in the race.
Hollowpoint on January 30, 2008 at 9:55 PM
Oh no, it’s my pleasure.
fiatboomer on January 30, 2008 at 9:56 PM
This man is depriving a village somewhere of an idiot.
apacalyps on January 30, 2008 at 9:56 PM
I am an evangelical Christian and I find Huckabee to be nothing more than a cheesy pandering buffoon.
SimplyKimberly on January 30, 2008 at 9:56 PM
They purposely ignored Huckabee when he is still viable in this race!
YES.
Cuffy Meigs on January 30, 2008 at 9:56 PM
I think they shouldn’t invite them if that’s the thinking for the debate. I agree that they aren’t going to win, but if they are invited, they should let them speak.
TX Mom on January 30, 2008 at 9:57 PM
Channeling Yogi Berra?
Buy Danish on January 30, 2008 at 9:58 PM
Your so full of it.
apacalyps on January 30, 2008 at 9:59 PM
I saw that coming…
Huckabee and shills are pissed that Romney and McCain got the most spotlight.
[sounds of baby crying]
Mcguyver on January 30, 2008 at 9:59 PM
Yup. It’s like a logic puzzle. “All of Huckabee’s supporters are evangelical Christians, but not all evangelical Christians support Huckabee.”
TX Mom on January 30, 2008 at 9:59 PM
Maybe more “Rinos” in the Party than Elephants…
Something to think about.. and the inverted triangle.
Chakra Hammer on January 30, 2008 at 9:59 PM
Ain’t no need for no name callin..
kcd on January 30, 2008 at 9:59 PM
“It is not his faith that we have been attacking. ”
LOL! Dude, there are REAMS of evidence that will prove you wrong!
“He is not true to his word and like another that has come from Arkansas, plays a good politician.”
LOL!
Vote for Flip-Romney!
No-one has accused you of being a “flag-holder” for Allah. Allah is guilty of some things, many of his commenters are guilty of worse things. It’s what this blog I have faithfully read since it began has become and who the majority of its commenters (at least) support that I have a problem with.
I am appalled at the vitriol towards good men from both the host and commenters of this blog these days.
If you look back over the threads the past couple of months objectively, I think you’ll agree that I have a good case.
Michelle banned me for suggesting she was “all in” for Mitt weeks ago.
I’ve been proven right.
(Uh-OH…this may be my last post)
Al-Ozarka on January 30, 2008 at 10:00 PM
I’m going out on a limb to say that Romney will shock everyone by winning California while McCain takes New York.
Just a hunch.
The Ugly American on January 30, 2008 at 10:00 PM
These posters have had HDS for several months now. What is HDS? Why, Huckabee Derangement Syndrome, of course.
Unbelievable.
Fair? Balanced?
What a joke.
apacalyps on January 30, 2008 at 10:00 PM
Your so full of it.
No, you are!
Saaaaay, did you hear the one about the space shuttle? I’ll give you the punchline after we discuss inadequate NASA funding.” /huck
Cuffy Meigs on January 30, 2008 at 10:01 PM
[SOUNDS OF BABY CRYING]
Mcguyver on January 30, 2008 at 10:01 PM
You and apacalyps need to get into a flame war.
It’s the matchup I’ve been waiting for… The Ultimate McCain Troll vs. the Ultimate Huck Troll.
fiatboomer on January 30, 2008 at 10:01 PM
They did get to speak. However this is now a two man race, so it makes sense to give the bulk of the time to those two men.
Personally I’d have been fine with not inviting Huckster or Paul, but then we’d never hear the end of that from their supporters.
Hollowpoint on January 30, 2008 at 10:01 PM
“I am an evangelical Christian and I find Huckabee to be nothing more than a cheesy pandering buffoon.”
And we’re supposed to give your statements weight when you support Flip-Romny Pandermaster?
Al-Ozarka on January 30, 2008 at 10:02 PM
Bye.
[sounds of baby crying]
Mcguyver on January 30, 2008 at 10:02 PM
BTW, Mitt IS a “RINO” riding an a baby elephant, just pandering to “you”…
I personally don’t like these labels myself, and think that it’s destructive the the party..
Chakra Hammer on January 30, 2008 at 10:02 PM
C’mon 76, that’s just not acceptable. C’mon, man.
Huckabee still has a shot, he’s got the midwestern states as far as we can tell, it’s the MSM and the Republican elite that are ruining it for him. Huckabee got the shaft alright and you really dissapoint me justifying thir doing so.
apacalyps on January 30, 2008 at 10:03 PM
Michelle has yet to endorse any candidate.
You’ve “proven” nothing.
The Ugly American on January 30, 2008 at 10:03 PM
“Saaaaay, did you hear the one about the space shuttle? I’ll give you the punchline after we discuss inadequate NASA funding.” /huck”
Feel the hate!
Al-Ozarka on January 30, 2008 at 10:03 PM
Surely there was more to it.
Spirit of 1776 on January 30, 2008 at 10:03 PM
“Michelle has yet to endorse any candidate.”
LOL! Right!
Al-Ozarka on January 30, 2008 at 10:03 PM
I’m not interested in fighting with anyone here.
Chakra Hammer on January 30, 2008 at 10:04 PM
“Christian Leader”
p0s3r on January 30, 2008 at 10:04 PM
Uh, she hasn’t. She opposes McCain and Huckabee. The race has just happened to come down to the two of them and Mitt.
amerpundit on January 30, 2008 at 10:04 PM
“Surely there was more to it.”
Yeah, there was…she called me a liberal and a hater for suggesting it.
Al-Ozarka on January 30, 2008 at 10:04 PM
“Uh, she hasn’t. She opposes McCain and Huckabee. The race has just happened to come down to the two of them and Mitt.”
Thanks for proving my point.
Al-Ozarka on January 30, 2008 at 10:05 PM
You remind me of someone like Putin. I wouldn’t trust you after a statement like that. That’s Bolshevik
apacalyps on January 30, 2008 at 10:05 PM
““Christian Leader””
Yeah, like Reagan. Linclon. George Washington.
Al-Ozarka on January 30, 2008 at 10:06 PM
Actually I supported Fred! I wanted Fred!
But since Mitt is not McLiar, then he now gets my support.
He is the least of all evils at this point.
SimplyKimberly on January 30, 2008 at 10:06 PM
Its getting too whiney in here for me..out.
kcd on January 30, 2008 at 10:06 PM
I’m with you. McCain came across as a prick tonight.
bojack on January 30, 2008 at 10:06 PM
While getting literally *IGNORED* Huckabee still had the best, most understandable, sincere, answers. He EASILY won that debate compared eith those other robots.
HUCKABEE WON THE DEBATE – AGAIN!
apacalyps on January 30, 2008 at 10:07 PM
Please……enlighten us all with a quotable example.
We’ll wait.
The Ugly American on January 30, 2008 at 10:07 PM
“Bye.
[sounds of baby crying]”
Wow! You Hot-Airites love debate, don’t you?
Al-Ozarka on January 30, 2008 at 10:07 PM
I’ll take some of what you are drinking. It must be some good stuff.
SimplyKimberly on January 30, 2008 at 10:08 PM
Trolling != Debating
p0s3r on January 30, 2008 at 10:08 PM
Mitt ran tons of ads in Florida and it didn’t get him a victory, perhaps they think it would backfire.
echosyst on January 30, 2008 at 10:08 PM
That was the “boomerang” shaft of the Confederate flag pole.
What goes around comes around.
.
.
You think the MSM disses him now?
What do you think the MSM would do in a general?
It’s true like Rush says, “some of these supporters are like cult followers.. you cannot convince them of the truth, they don’t care about the truth”
Mcguyver on January 30, 2008 at 10:09 PM
Yeah, if that’s what you want to believe, go right ahead.
amerpundit on January 30, 2008 at 10:09 PM
Yeah…and the floors have suddenly gotten sticky.
I’m right behind yah.
The Ugly American on January 30, 2008 at 10:09 PM
Gov. Mike Huckabee asks, Er, hello? I am in this debate y’know. Can I get in the debate? Hello??????”
Americans are faced with an unresponsive and unaccountable one party political system, and an establshment propaganda machine posing as the free press. CNN was AWful. SHAME!!
apacalyps on January 30, 2008 at 10:10 PM
“Please……enlighten us all with a quotable example.
We’ll wait.”
LOL! That’s the point, there is nothing but good things for the VAST most part at her blog about Flip Romney Panderosa. The dishonest and vicious slams against every other candidate suggested then…and prove now…that she has always been a Romney supporter.
She just won’t come out and say it.
Al-Ozarka on January 30, 2008 at 10:10 PM
Hey, just joking around! Just like your serious presidential candidate. “Gosh, I don’t know nuthin’ about foreign policy, but I stayed at Holiday Inn Express last night. Ayuck-yuck.” Please.
Cuffy Meigs on January 30, 2008 at 10:10 PM
OK, I’ll call. I take it you are supporting Huck. If he doesn’t get nominated, then what? Stay home? Vote for the Dems? Actually vote for the Republican candidate?
fiatboomer on January 30, 2008 at 10:11 PM
I’m incredibly disappointed that we can’t have a respectable debate here. Eventually, everything falls apart and we wind up with name-calling, yelling, and general chaos.
I’ll be on another thread. You guys have fun with your playground fights.
fourstringfuror on January 30, 2008 at 10:12 PM
That is so lame. I mean, that’s idiotic. You see, I disagree with the premise for your rant. Huckabee is a man of faith and is a Christian leader, and he is not a person to hide his faith. He wears it openly and honestly. But that doesn’t make his candidacy is a religious discussion. Huckabee’ candidacy is about:
-The Fair Tax and abolshing the IRS.
-Winning in Iraq.
-Fighting the war on terror.
-Reforming our healthcare system.
-Fiscal repsonsibility.
-Securing our borders and reforming the immigration system.
-Energy independence.
-Protecting the sanctity of life.
-Protecting traditional marriage
Give that LAME straw man argument a rest.
apacalyps on January 30, 2008 at 10:12 PM
“He is the least of all evils at this point.”
Didn’t you hear? Fred was in it FOR McCain!
It must suck to have so little trust in any candidate that you would call the least of evils one who is a proven flip-flopping panderer.
Kerry deserves an apology, folks!
Al-Ozarka on January 30, 2008 at 10:12 PM
Yes, we love debate. With people who respond to questions.
fred5678 on January 30, 2008 at 10:13 PM
Where y’all headed? I think I’ll go peruse Malkin’s site. It’s a little more civilized. Generally.
fourstringfuror on January 30, 2008 at 10:13 PM
Are you being sarcastic or do you really think he ignored Gov. Huckabee?
apacalyps on January 30, 2008 at 10:14 PM
Al-O, I’m waiting to hear your plans for the election if Huck isn’t nominated. I’m genuinely curious.
fiatboomer on January 30, 2008 at 10:17 PM
I was being sincere. There were only two men on that stage tonight that have a shot at the nomination. They are the ones we should here from. I would not have even invited the other two.
SimplyKimberly on January 30, 2008 at 10:17 PM
“OK, I’ll call. I take it you are supporting Huck. If he doesn’t get nominated, then what? Stay home? Vote for the Dems? Actually vote for the Republican candidate?”
I don’t think he WILL be nominated. I think that Michelle, Allah, and other big-heads have managed to destroy that best chance for the GOP.
However, if the poser, Romney, is nominated, I WILL march doen the road to the county court-house with camera in hand and record a YouTube moment when I change my Republican registration in this VASTLY Democrat state to Independent.
You see, I’m not committed to the Republican party that I have been a member of since 1980 when I cast my first vote for president…Ronald Reagan. I’m committed to the conservatism that Reagan espoused.
If the Republican Party nominates Romney, they’ve lost me.
Al-Ozarka on January 30, 2008 at 10:18 PM
First off, the race is not over. Give me a break. If it weren’t for the MSM and GOP elite Huckabee would be out front. Secondly, I’m amazed you’re not infuriated that it’s flip-flopping Mitt vs amnesty McCain, who will both lose to Hillary.
apacalyps on January 30, 2008 at 10:18 PM
Huckabee’s candidacy is about:
Paroling rapists/murderers
Blank checks for illegal immigrant grad degrees
Not being arrogant; hugging Iranians
Lots and lots and lots of cornpone jokes.
Cuffy Meigs on January 30, 2008 at 10:19 PM
That’s why I wear hip boots in here. I highly recommend wearing some kind of boots.
Survival gear….
Mcguyver on January 30, 2008 at 10:19 PM
“Why do you support someone who wants to use citizens’ tax money to subsidize foreign invaders”
I don’t support McCain and Huckabee had no control over the borders as a governor, Einstein.
Al-Ozarka on January 30, 2008 at 10:20 PM
Allah and commenters have trashed Huckabee’s faith
constantly for the past three months.
Al Ozarka January 30,2008 at 9:46PM.
Al Ozarka:The truth be told,it’s not are fault that day
in and day out Huckabee was negatively spinning
Mitt’s Moromnism,and it was Huckabee who was
talking religion 24/7,in that light yes we made
our opinions known!
canopfor on January 30, 2008 at 10:20 PM
Huckabee is to scared to go after McVain. If he can’t go after the nomination against McCain, then the Media will not give him airtime and leave him on the sidelines. They want to see the fight and Huckabee has no fight in him. period.
livermush on January 30, 2008 at 10:21 PM
Got it. I’d vote for any Republican nominee (except Paul, and I’d still write in) over the Dems. If the Dems take control with a big majority in Congress, we’ll be on a one-way ride to Socialism City. That’s just undeniable.
fiatboomer on January 30, 2008 at 10:21 PM
“Huckabee’s candidacy is about:
Paroling rapists/murderers
Blank checks for illegal immigrant grad degrees
Not being arrogant; hugging Iranians
Lots and lots and lots of cornpone jokes.”
What an intelligent analysis.
Al-Ozarka on January 30, 2008 at 10:21 PM
MittLiar.. as you can see it’s easy to name call, and unbecoming of debate.
1. Lifelong hunter(Not True)
2. Saw father marching with MLK(Not True)
3. had endorsement of NRA(Not True)
4. Timetables.. (I have my doubts.. )
Chakra Hammer on January 30, 2008 at 10:21 PM
“it’s not are fault that day
in and day out Huckabee was negatively spinning
Mitt’s Moromnism”
Prove it. Quotations and all that…times…channels…blogs…publications.
C’mon…I’ll be waiting right here.
Al-Ozarka on January 30, 2008 at 10:22 PM
Yes, but he did have some say over how citizens’ tax money was spent. He chose illegal immigrant college degrees. Good call!
Cuffy Meigs on January 30, 2008 at 10:22 PM
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