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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Talk to the base, Mitt, talk to the base.
CrimsonFisted on January 30, 2008 at 8:10 PM
Ron Paul- Morning in America
not
Deety on January 30, 2008 at 8:10 PM
Ron Paul offers more surrendercrat rhetoric.
BKennedy on January 30, 2008 at 8:10 PM
OK, slam him Mitt!
csdeven on January 30, 2008 at 8:10 PM
Three fat guys and a dog.
CABE on January 30, 2008 at 8:11 PM
NOOOOOOO, HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!!! MAinstream hahahahahahahha!
CrimsonFisted on January 30, 2008 at 8:11 PM
Come ON Mitt!!!
Califemme on January 30, 2008 at 8:11 PM
What a brilliant question from LAT chick
VolMagic on January 30, 2008 at 8:11 PM
so 3 drink rules - Reagan, pointing to the plane, and straight talk…what about Ron Paul sounding like babbling idiot and the mediators trying to play the ‘gotcha game’?
lsutiger on January 30, 2008 at 8:11 PM
Oh, it’s on.
Pent. on January 30, 2008 at 8:11 PM
Mainstream Republican=Moderate to Liberal.
darii on January 30, 2008 at 8:11 PM
McCain and his crayons
What’s he drawing? He needs an etch-a-sketch
Kini on January 30, 2008 at 8:11 PM
Hell yes, Mccain-Feingold was a nadshot on the 1st Amendment. Keep hammering the shamnesty on McCain, Mitt.
ReubenJCogburn on January 30, 2008 at 8:12 PM
Pauls answer was good
offroadaz on January 30, 2008 at 8:12 PM
Gold Standard.
askheaves on January 30, 2008 at 8:12 PM
I’m glad Mitt started it off. I want it to get good.
Weebork on January 30, 2008 at 8:12 PM
McCain is smiling. Not for long, I hope.
IrishEi on January 30, 2008 at 8:12 PM
Are any of you watching the real time reaction on CNN.com? Mitt’s at 80% with his response.
darii on January 30, 2008 at 8:12 PM
WTF
you want to talk about the lose of jobs and a failing economy hmmm how much dose that have to do with under cutting American wages and the funneling out of our money by illegals to other countries such as Mexico .
Mojack420 on January 30, 2008 at 8:12 PM
The Boston Herald is conservative? LOL McCain, keep hoping.
BKennedy on January 30, 2008 at 8:12 PM
John, that doesn’t take away from the fact you were endorsed by the NYT.
amerpundit on January 30, 2008 at 8:12 PM
Weak Mitt, real weak.
csdeven on January 30, 2008 at 8:13 PM
Romney complaining about McCain-Feingold LOL
How much of mitt’s own $ has he infused into this campaign?
OMG..
Chakra Hammer on January 30, 2008 at 8:13 PM
Romney hit’s hard with a jab to the body, left hook and uppercut!
McCain is hurt! McCain is hurt!
lsutiger on January 30, 2008 at 8:13 PM
McCain, “I’m proud of my liberal record”
Kini on January 30, 2008 at 8:13 PM
So this is why McCain was smiling? “I’m getting more newspaper endorsements than you.” Whoop-de-freakin-do.
darii on January 30, 2008 at 8:13 PM
How many jobs have YOU created John?
CrimsonFisted on January 30, 2008 at 8:13 PM
John, you’re not one to criticize someone over taxes.
amerpundit on January 30, 2008 at 8:13 PM
“The last, best hope for conservative kind”
Lord have mercy!
Al-Ozarka on January 30, 2008 at 8:14 PM
I like how CNN puts the question at the bottom of the screen. Very helpful for the viewer.
Ian on January 30, 2008 at 8:14 PM
Mitt’s looking desperate.
McCain is doing real well…cool and collected.
JetBoy on January 30, 2008 at 8:14 PM
Add “reaching across the aisle” to that drinking game. I’m sick of that cliche already.
ReubenJCogburn on January 30, 2008 at 8:14 PM
Do you not understand CFR? It’s not bad because John did it. It’s bad because it’s bad.
Spirit of 1776 on January 30, 2008 at 8:14 PM
They need to add some of the old Batman series exclamation animations: “BAM!” “BIFF!” “WHAM!”
Over30 on January 30, 2008 at 8:14 PM
To me, no matter who it is, throwing out names is a sign of weakness.
Weebork on January 30, 2008 at 8:15 PM
Oh McCain pulls the “Tyson” elbow follow up punch!
lsutiger on January 30, 2008 at 8:15 PM
Mitt, ask John about Juan Hernandez, PULEEZE! Did you hear the Juan-ism “my friend”?
CrimsonFisted on January 30, 2008 at 8:15 PM
McCainabee looks nervous. Kick his azz Mitt! And when you get the nom, ya gotta please pick a VP that can follow you. Don’t Cheney us for 2012.
Tony737 on January 30, 2008 at 8:15 PM
“Facts are stubborn things.”
Zing.
Pent. on January 30, 2008 at 8:15 PM
Good ole name dropping McCain, yea.
Troy Rasmussen on January 30, 2008 at 8:15 PM
I don’t know…someone should tell John McCain that holding up newspaper endorsements to defend himself against charges of holding un-Republican thoughts is…unwise.
Slublog on January 30, 2008 at 8:16 PM
Zactly.
Califemme on January 30, 2008 at 8:16 PM
Ooh, Mitt has a good response.
amerpundit on January 30, 2008 at 8:16 PM
Right in the gut. McCain is trying to avoid looking at the camera.
darii on January 30, 2008 at 8:16 PM
Would you trust a man that used product in his hair?
Kini on January 30, 2008 at 8:16 PM
But Mitt did you raise HOPE?
Deety on January 30, 2008 at 8:16 PM
I hope Mitt uses McCain’s line - judge me by the company I keep. That’s an ad waiting to happen. Set it up tonight.
Spirit of 1776 on January 30, 2008 at 8:16 PM
I’d like to point out that Huck was the only one to call out the “Are you better off” question for what it was. An attack on GWB. (sorry was in the other room or would have called it earlier :)
- The Cat
MirCat on January 30, 2008 at 8:17 PM
BAM!!! Take that McCain!
Troy Rasmussen on January 30, 2008 at 8:17 PM
CrimsonFisted……LOL. Punch a hippie!!!!!!! Love it!
Winebabe on January 30, 2008 at 8:17 PM
Rush, DRINK!
CrimsonFisted on January 30, 2008 at 8:17 PM
Invokes Maha Rushy
Kini on January 30, 2008 at 8:17 PM
Romney rebounds.
Facts are stubborn things McCain!
BKennedy on January 30, 2008 at 8:17 PM
boring
bnelson44 on January 30, 2008 at 8:17 PM
Can John do anything but smile in a smart @ss way?
amerpundit on January 30, 2008 at 8:17 PM
Huck *harts* Rush
bnelson44 on January 30, 2008 at 8:18 PM
Huckabee saying less government is what he wants? …Right.
Pent. on January 30, 2008 at 8:18 PM
Whining: “I wish Rush loved me as much as I love Rush.” Go to Hell, Huckster, you pandering jackass.
ReubenJCogburn on January 30, 2008 at 8:18 PM
Drunk!
Mitt just nailed John! But I agree, bring up Juan! Smack down, baby!
lsutiger on January 30, 2008 at 8:18 PM
Dr. Paul looks like the naughty kid in school. He’s just missing the dunce hat. Man is he cute.
VolMagic on January 30, 2008 at 8:18 PM
Ron Paul sits like a girl
- The Cat
MirCat on January 30, 2008 at 8:18 PM
He thinks he’s the front runner…
Kini on January 30, 2008 at 8:19 PM
I’m listening through XM, they’re all sitting?
Weebork on January 30, 2008 at 8:19 PM
That’s the face he makes when he’s screwing someone
- The Cat
MirCat on January 30, 2008 at 8:19 PM
He is getting ready to reveal another conspiricy.
bnelson44 on January 30, 2008 at 8:19 PM
That would be cool!
imshocked on January 30, 2008 at 8:19 PM
Allahpundit –
If people who think McCain/Rudy might happen are “idiots” and those who believe McCain/Huck a possibility “dumb”, then who do you think his running mate will, or should, be if he wins the nomination?
docob on January 30, 2008 at 8:19 PM
He’s very young
bnelson44 on January 30, 2008 at 8:19 PM
Huck didn’t say “Christ”…
wow…I gotta say…I’m a little surprised.
CABE on January 30, 2008 at 8:20 PM
Are you reading your commenters, AP?
Al-Ozarka on January 30, 2008 at 8:20 PM
I guess Huck watched the State of the Union speech. He’s reduced to stealing Dubbya’s lines now.
Oldnuke on January 30, 2008 at 8:20 PM
How ’bout you, Michelle?
Al-Ozarka on January 30, 2008 at 8:20 PM
I love it too, I can’t take credit. Saw some intrepid Fred!head on his video for Fred.
CrimsonFisted on January 30, 2008 at 8:20 PM
Mitt is easy on the eyes too! Yeah I know, it’s a woman thing.
Winebabe on January 30, 2008 at 8:20 PM
docob on January 30, 2008 at 8:19 PM
Fred?
MirCat on January 30, 2008 at 8:20 PM
I want Mitt to point his finger in McCain’s face….please…grow a pair!
SouthernGent on January 30, 2008 at 8:20 PM
May be just adjusting based on circumstances on the ground. I don’t know if I would place a lot on this piece of news alone.
bnelson44 on January 30, 2008 at 8:21 PM
What about calling real conservative Republicans from Arkansas “Shiite Republicans”, Mike? What about campaigning for a half-dozen Democrats against those same conservative Republicans in state races? Yeah, your record is really conservative.
ReubenJCogburn on January 30, 2008 at 8:21 PM
NO MORE FREE RIDE!
Kini on January 30, 2008 at 8:21 PM
The first debate, before we knew the pattern, he was using Newt’s.
Spirit of 1776 on January 30, 2008 at 8:21 PM
Ah-nald
Kini on January 30, 2008 at 8:21 PM
Quit explaining Mitt. Tell McLiar you don’t expect him to understand any of this because
A) He has never run anything
and
B) whenever he is challenged on his liberal stances, he drops the names of other candidates.
csdeven on January 30, 2008 at 8:22 PM
A FEDERALIST?!?!?!?! Who is he KIDDING?
CrimsonFisted on January 30, 2008 at 8:22 PM
Wow, here’s a shocker: Most conservatives oppose the environmental measure, John supports it.
amerpundit on January 30, 2008 at 8:22 PM
So not only is McCain a conservative now, but a federalist too!
kc2ige on January 30, 2008 at 8:22 PM
McCain is a federalist? Since when? Mr. McLiberal supports states rights?
SimplyKimberly on January 30, 2008 at 8:22 PM
Now McCain is a Federalist - since when?
Govgirl on January 30, 2008 at 8:22 PM
MCCAIN IS A FEDERALIST?
According to who?
Mcguyver on January 30, 2008 at 8:22 PM
I just spit coffee all over my monitor. “I’m a Federalist.” From John McCain…Man I missed something along the way.
Oldnuke on January 30, 2008 at 8:22 PM
Oh God… not climate change
DRINK
Kini on January 30, 2008 at 8:22 PM
Geez, he read Newt’s book lately
lsutiger on January 30, 2008 at 8:23 PM
McCain is a FEDERALIST NOW!!! Gaawwwwwd!!!!!!!!
Nelsa on January 30, 2008 at 8:23 PM
Does John bore anyone else?
amerpundit on January 30, 2008 at 8:23 PM
The people of California for the most part have their heads up their own rear ends. What a cop out.
darii on January 30, 2008 at 8:23 PM
McCain has no clue what he’s talking about on any economic issue. It’s incoherent rambling.
BKennedy on January 30, 2008 at 8:23 PM
McCain’s a Federalist? Really?
The Alaskans want to drill in ANWR.
Over30 on January 30, 2008 at 8:23 PM
Sure, John! Just trash the economy for greenhouse gasses. No downside to that at all!
Deety on January 30, 2008 at 8:23 PM
BRING ON THE STATES SUCCESSION MOVEMENT, MCCAIN!
Mcguyver on January 30, 2008 at 8:23 PM
McCain? A federalist?
MMMPHHPHF
Slublog on January 30, 2008 at 8:23 PM
Yeah, sitting in a row in front of Reagan’s Air Force One.
ReubenJCogburn on January 30, 2008 at 8:23 PM
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