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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Comment pages: « 1 2 3 4 5 [6] 7 8 9 10 11 »
OOooooooooooooo……get him, Mitt.
I’m foreseeing a 15 rounder in Vegas next week. My money? Mitt.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on January 30, 2008 at 9:02 PM
What’s in the water in Florida?
Something that only affects the over 70?
Makes McB.S. taste wonderful?
He’s a shuffling, shifty embarassment.
It’s like Nixon and Mickey Rooney cloned.
profitsbeard on January 30, 2008 at 9:02 PM
Mitt is the only one getting applause.
darii on January 30, 2008 at 9:02 PM
McCain should really be above this sort of thing. There’s plenty he can go after Mitt for without making up stuff.
TX Mom on January 30, 2008 at 9:03 PM
Surgey McCain. Drinky up.
BKennedy on January 30, 2008 at 9:03 PM
McCAIN IS A LIAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
DwnSouthJukin on January 30, 2008 at 9:03 PM
double down on the lie McCain. Up the ante. Typical McCain :-)
Spirit of 1776 on January 30, 2008 at 9:03 PM
For thirty years I have longed for someone to wipe that smirk off his face.
Shay on January 30, 2008 at 9:03 PM
He doesnt want a timetable for withdrawl and McCain is a punk
- The Cat
MirCat on January 30, 2008 at 9:03 PM
LOL! When Romney is challenged, he hides behind a radio talk-show host!
LOL!
“Bill Bennet over there…”
LOL!
Priceless. My pundits who won’t endorse me openly and swear they’re not supporting anyone in particular but who trash every other candidate and NEVER question my infamous flip-flopping will back me up on that!
LOL!
Al-Ozarka on January 30, 2008 at 9:03 PM
McCain “April was an interesting year” senile dumbass
Joey1974 on January 30, 2008 at 9:03 PM
Juan just lied again about Mitt and the time table. What!!!!!
Winebabe on January 30, 2008 at 9:03 PM
AWESOME MITT!!! Now go for the Immigration jugular!!!
Troy Rasmussen on January 30, 2008 at 9:03 PM
McCain is of the school if you same a lie often enough, and loud enough, it will become fact.
Over30 on January 30, 2008 at 9:03 PM
Absolutely, Mitt did SO say he wanted s timetable….Mitt. can’t. be. trusted.
JetBoy on January 30, 2008 at 9:03 PM
The rest of the quote, Senator.
amerpundit on January 30, 2008 at 9:03 PM
Mitt keeps on gettin’ the most applause from a room full of Pubs! Go Mitt!
Tony737 on January 30, 2008 at 9:03 PM
The crowd is definitely behind Mitt.
My fellow SoCal Republicans aren’t letting me down : )
The Ugly American on January 30, 2008 at 9:03 PM
Mitt is calling McVain a liar to his face now. SCREW YOU JUAN!
p0s3r on January 30, 2008 at 9:04 PM
GO, Mitt! Ask him to use the actual quote. Don’t back down, Mitt!
TX Mom on January 30, 2008 at 9:04 PM
And just to be clear, I wasn’t trying to undermine your arguments by bringing that up, I just thought I remembered you as supporting somebody else.
ReubenJCogburn on January 30, 2008 at 9:04 PM
First Look at MANBEARPIG
Mojack420 on January 30, 2008 at 9:04 PM
Left hook, Mitt!
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on January 30, 2008 at 9:04 PM
Governor… the correct answer to that question was 100 years!
Deety on January 30, 2008 at 9:04 PM
Tear ‘em a new one Mitt…….LOL
The Ugly American on January 30, 2008 at 9:04 PM
Good job, Mitt! McCain looks ridiculous.
mikeyboss on January 30, 2008 at 9:04 PM
Mitt looks ready to slap McCain.
BKennedy on January 30, 2008 at 9:04 PM
McCain is having a geritol moment….. Go Mitt!!! Don’t let McCain bring you down!
kcd on January 30, 2008 at 9:04 PM
McCain’s changing the subject, saying he’s fought for the surge and has supported the president. He’s faltering.
amerpundit on January 30, 2008 at 9:04 PM
There it is!!! YESSSS!!!!
Weebork on January 30, 2008 at 9:04 PM
Nice Mitt, you’re winning me over
- The Cat
MirCat on January 30, 2008 at 9:04 PM
But will it make a difference?
Spirit of 1776 on January 30, 2008 at 9:04 PM
McCain won’t respond to Mitt. What a douche!
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on January 30, 2008 at 9:04 PM
Kicked right in the godd*m teeth.
darii on January 30, 2008 at 9:04 PM
WHOO HOO!!!
Troy Rasmussen on January 30, 2008 at 9:05 PM
Don’t let this go Mitt, don’t let this go!
Spirit of 1776 on January 30, 2008 at 9:05 PM
Cooper’s even correcting McCain.
amerpundit on January 30, 2008 at 9:05 PM
McCain spins and spins and spins.
BKennedy on January 30, 2008 at 9:05 PM
McCain is an A$$$$.
fred5678 on January 30, 2008 at 9:05 PM
Schwarzenegger endorsement tomorrow in LA.
THE CHOSEN ONE on January 30, 2008 at 9:05 PM
Set him straight Anderson!
kcd on January 30, 2008 at 9:05 PM
Thank you, Anderson. Shove it back in McLame’s face.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on January 30, 2008 at 9:05 PM
Ugh. This is getting ridiculous.
Pent. on January 30, 2008 at 9:05 PM
The CNN tracker shoots up when Mitt speaks and dives when McLiar speaks.
Mitt stays at 70 or above.
McLiar lives at 50.
SimplyKimberly on January 30, 2008 at 9:05 PM
I love it. Cooper just read the whole quote. McCain looks like a douche.
p0s3r on January 30, 2008 at 9:05 PM
McCain is looking like he’s asleep. He just sort of drones on and on. Mitt is starting to lose his cool on this point though.
TX Mom on January 30, 2008 at 9:05 PM
Go Mitt!!!!!
CrimsonFisted on January 30, 2008 at 9:05 PM
Mitt has come tonight to kick ass and chew bubble gum and he’s all out of bubble gum.
bojack on January 30, 2008 at 9:05 PM
Even AC is calling McCain shifty.
Spirit of 1776 on January 30, 2008 at 9:05 PM
That turning in the chair will be a moment like when GWB looked Gore up and down. I need a screen shot of that
- The Cat
P.S. And Cooper jumping in woohoo
MirCat on January 30, 2008 at 9:05 PM
What’s that? I think I hear Mitt’s poll numbers going up.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on January 30, 2008 at 9:05 PM
Who gives a sh*t what the “buzz word” was? Mitt clarified, in that interview, what he meant by his words.
amerpundit on January 30, 2008 at 9:05 PM
No worries. heh, I feel like the only former FredHead to have joined team McCain…
JetBoy on January 30, 2008 at 9:06 PM
Argue all night guys…you both look very presidential!
Al-Ozarka on January 30, 2008 at 9:06 PM
I was for the surge Juan McLame
He means the illegal alien surge into the United States of America.
Mojack420 on January 30, 2008 at 9:06 PM
Romney/Cooper ‘08
fred5678 on January 30, 2008 at 9:06 PM
McCain sounds like an old man which rambling on about some point that doesn’t matter. Which he is.
darii on January 30, 2008 at 9:06 PM
I love that Romney ain’t takin no s$%t off McLame!
kcd on January 30, 2008 at 9:06 PM
Wow! The crowd booed that crack from McCain. Isn’t this in Cal? Just checking, cuz it’s so weird for them!
TX Mom on January 30, 2008 at 9:06 PM
McCain is a filthy senile liar!!!!! Michael Savage is right he has Stockholm Syndrome hes gone batty
Joey1974 on January 30, 2008 at 9:07 PM
hehe…Mitt: “humanahumanahumana”
JetBoy on January 30, 2008 at 9:07 PM
So McLame thinks he’s the only one to lead the country on the war on terror? Wouldn’t that eliminate Huck and RuPaul, too?
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on January 30, 2008 at 9:07 PM
WHO THE FRICK doesn’t set timelines in war? OF COURSE they are not public.. McCain is asmug lying piece of CRAP…
–sorry–… my blood pressure can’t handle this crap.
cannonball on January 30, 2008 at 9:07 PM
“April was a very interesting year in 2007″ - John McCain
MrC_5150 on January 30, 2008 at 9:07 PM
Whoa. I think McCain is really hurting himself here.
askheaves on January 30, 2008 at 9:07 PM
McCain is smiling, thinking he’s winning the debate.
amerpundit on January 30, 2008 at 9:07 PM
“Romney/Cooper ‘08
Call Unity ‘08!
Al-Ozarka on January 30, 2008 at 9:07 PM
Cooper’s actually doing a better job than I’d have ever expected from him.
ReubenJCogburn on January 30, 2008 at 9:07 PM
Hey Mitt, Slide Anderson some bills under the table to get some help.
THE CHOSEN ONE on January 30, 2008 at 9:07 PM
I think he has his MITTkickers on.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on January 30, 2008 at 9:08 PM
Mitt is staring holes through McCain. I love it. “Ask me Senator, I’m right here. How is it you’re an expert on my positions?”
Smackdown. Beat him up a little and then get to Juan Hernandez.
Go Mitt. Don’t go down without a fight Brother.
Geronimo on January 30, 2008 at 9:08 PM
Has anyone kept track of how much time Ron Paul has been allowed to talk? I think the ratio is similar to his voting percentages. ;-)
cannonball on January 30, 2008 at 9:08 PM
Fred Kagen one of the authors of the surge.
Heh.
Deety on January 30, 2008 at 9:08 PM
Mitt’s voice is rising in pitch!
What does that mean?
LOL!
Al-Ozarka on January 30, 2008 at 9:08 PM
I think the “Iraq Question” has been answered.
Can we PLEASE move on now???????
The Ugly American on January 30, 2008 at 9:08 PM
I wonder if Paul and Huck are even still on the stage.
William Teach on January 30, 2008 at 9:08 PM
“Washington style old politics” - excellent!
TX Mom on January 30, 2008 at 9:08 PM
McLame is being supported by the drive-by media. What else would we expect?
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on January 30, 2008 at 9:08 PM
So, is anyone worried about Clinton smearing a “defenseless” Romney who won’t fight back? I think not.
BKennedy on January 30, 2008 at 9:09 PM
Has anyone kept track of how much time Ron Paul has been allowed to talk? I think the ratio is similar to his voting percentages. ;-)
No, but bet he wins the post debate text election by 200%
colep on January 30, 2008 at 9:09 PM
Back to the “buzz word”.
amerpundit on January 30, 2008 at 9:09 PM
Oh snap!
Mitt is calling McLiar out big time.
SimplyKimberly on January 30, 2008 at 9:09 PM
“My friend”! DRINK!
ReubenJCogburn on January 30, 2008 at 9:09 PM
shut up McVein… this ain’t over yet. McCain had PLENTY of attack phoen calls in Florida this week. Pot, meet kettle.
cannonball on January 30, 2008 at 9:09 PM
McLame….spin, spin, spin, spin.
I’m getting dizzy.
McDouche really cannot defend his positions.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on January 30, 2008 at 9:09 PM
MCCAINABEE MUST BE DESTROYED!
fiatboomer on January 30, 2008 at 9:09 PM
Why doesn’t Huck jump in and help McCain out? No VP goodies for him if he can’t stand by his man.
a capella on January 30, 2008 at 9:09 PM
Holy Shit, I can’t believe McCain, 1 day after Florida, is whining about negative ads from Mitt.
p0s3r on January 30, 2008 at 9:10 PM
“Buzz word”.
amerpundit on January 30, 2008 at 9:10 PM
Personal attack. Woohoo.
Weebork on January 30, 2008 at 9:10 PM
Umm, you are not winning me by knocking Rumsfeld, John.
CrimsonFisted on January 30, 2008 at 9:10 PM
time table shime shmable…
I hate McCain even more now.
cannonball on January 30, 2008 at 9:10 PM
McCain is only making himself look petty and small by not letting this question go.
The Ugly American on January 30, 2008 at 9:10 PM
McCain-Feingold makes it harder for people to run for President who don’t have deep pockets of their own. It’s not cool for him to attack Romney for playing with the rules McCain set up.
TX Mom on January 30, 2008 at 9:10 PM
I’m as surprised as you are….but yeah, he’s doing well. Far cry from a Matthews or Olby moderated MSNBC debate…
JetBoy on January 30, 2008 at 9:10 PM
McCain is an *ss. I wish he’d treat the dems with that hard edge.
Spirit of 1776 on January 30, 2008 at 9:10 PM
Stating your record is not an attack, McCain.
Troy Rasmussen on January 30, 2008 at 9:10 PM
McCain: timetables, timetables, timetables……
Where are Jonny’s ball bearings….
Over30 on January 30, 2008 at 9:10 PM
“Countries bankrupt. We need to run away from the world”
Thanks, Paultard.
William Teach on January 30, 2008 at 9:11 PM
Empire. Drink.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on January 30, 2008 at 9:11 PM
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