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
Share on Facebook | regular view
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?
You must be logged in to post a comment.
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 ... 5 6 7 8 9 ... 11 Next »
It is if you’re McCain.
Stormfront goes on the Blame America First crap again.
BKennedy on January 30, 2008 at 9:11 PM
somebody bring up juan hernandez!
ctmom on January 30, 2008 at 9:11 PM
OK, I am gonna say it…Ron Paul is not presidential. He looks like the whiner on the playground.
lsutiger on January 30, 2008 at 9:11 PM
What’s worse, Juan, attack ads or outright lies?
Shay on January 30, 2008 at 9:11 PM
“Mitt is calling McLiar out big time.”
What do you mean, he’s doing ANOTHER add against himself?
Al-Ozarka on January 30, 2008 at 9:11 PM
If McCain says “my friend” one more time, my TV is in danger of encountering a large ski boot.
fred5678 on January 30, 2008 at 9:11 PM
Guns and Butter? What is that Ron, a new band or something?
CrimsonFisted on January 30, 2008 at 9:11 PM
Don’t worry, it’ll all be broken down to the microsecond afterward by everybody with an axe to grind.
ReubenJCogburn on January 30, 2008 at 9:11 PM
Guns and Butter, now that’s a good name for a band
MirCat on January 30, 2008 at 9:11 PM
Look at RP driving this debate into a ditch.
fiatboomer on January 30, 2008 at 9:11 PM
And the Paulnuts go wild…….
The Ugly American on January 30, 2008 at 9:11 PM
Buzz buzz buzz McLame is like a knat in your face!
kcd on January 30, 2008 at 9:11 PM
Mc-F was designed to preserve incumbencies.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on January 30, 2008 at 9:12 PM
I can not vote for McCain if he does win the nomnination simply because of the deceptive dishonest tactics he’s used against Romney.
OKCubsFan on January 30, 2008 at 9:12 PM
“Empire”!
JetBoy on January 30, 2008 at 9:12 PM
Ron Paul. Voice of reason.
Oooo, there it goes…
askheaves on January 30, 2008 at 9:12 PM
Quite a historian that Paul.
Oldnuke on January 30, 2008 at 9:12 PM
Wait, wait…
It’s an undeclared war? Did I miss the Congress approving military action in Iraq?
amerpundit on January 30, 2008 at 9:12 PM
Stop with the frickin’ jokes, Huck.
All jokes. No substance. Ugh.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on January 30, 2008 at 9:12 PM
Huck doesn’t think that Coop’s doing a good job, I guess.
TX Mom on January 30, 2008 at 9:12 PM
Ron Paul is everyone’s senile, grumpy old uncle. He needs to get off the stage, or change his name to Ron Nader.
cannonball on January 30, 2008 at 9:12 PM
Iraq never committed aggression? A lot of dead, raped, and mutilated Kuwaitis would disagree with you, Paulnut.
ReubenJCogburn on January 30, 2008 at 9:12 PM
Who saw McVain nodding in approval when his puppet begged for more air time?
p0s3r on January 30, 2008 at 9:12 PM
LMAO!!!!!!!!!
Oh lord….that was perfect.
The Ugly American on January 30, 2008 at 9:12 PM
You want to answer questions, Huck? Poll somewhere better than 4th.
Spirit of 1776 on January 30, 2008 at 9:12 PM
McCain’s laugh is so annoying.
darii on January 30, 2008 at 9:12 PM
Ask and you shall receive. :D
TexasBella on January 30, 2008 at 9:13 PM
Huckabee whines… Jesus made his own.
profitsbeard on January 30, 2008 at 9:13 PM
Yep. That’s one reason that Ron Paul is still my congressman.
TX Mom on January 30, 2008 at 9:13 PM
Hope he brings up fried squirrel again. That was presidential when he did it before.
a capella on January 30, 2008 at 9:13 PM
Huckabee
We need to leave.
Deety on January 30, 2008 at 9:13 PM
WOW, I finally agree with something Shmuckabee says
lsutiger on January 30, 2008 at 9:13 PM
Good clarification Cooper.
Spirit of 1776 on January 30, 2008 at 9:14 PM
Huckabee is funny I will give him that hes got a great personality, like an ugly chick you hang out a few times have a few drinks, flirt a little, but then you never call back he makes you laugh and smile but you don’t take him seriously. ” I didn’t come here to ump a ballgame”
Joey1974 on January 30, 2008 at 9:14 PM
Juan Hernandez taught him to say that, he uses it a lot. Sickening isn’t it?
Oldnuke on January 30, 2008 at 9:14 PM
Bingo.
And it’s important to note that Mitt has RAISED more money than any of the others as well. Also, I don’t think position ads are negative. That’s what Mitt’s ads were–they were not ad hominem attacks. They simply stated the outrageous positions of his competitors.
IrishEi on January 30, 2008 at 9:14 PM
So they have Ron Paul time to answer a question and he didn’t do himself any favors.
imshocked on January 30, 2008 at 9:14 PM
I wonder if Paul realizes that attempting to assassinate President Bush is an Act of War? Of course, John Edwards probably would be better on foreign policy then Paultard.
William Teach on January 30, 2008 at 9:14 PM
McCain is sinking fast…
FLcapitalistthug on January 30, 2008 at 9:14 PM
hahahahahha, Eisenhower didn’t bail us out of Korea!
CrimsonFisted on January 30, 2008 at 9:14 PM
Romney said the same thing, Huck. We leave when the job is done.
Troy Rasmussen on January 30, 2008 at 9:14 PM
McCain is suck a dishonest twit.
E L Frederick (Sniper One) on January 30, 2008 at 9:14 PM
Peas in a pod.
Spirit of 1776 on January 30, 2008 at 9:14 PM
McCain wanted to give a surge of 12 to 30 million illegals permanent residency so bad that he held our border security (i. e., national security) hostage for two years.
Unpatriotic slimeball.
Take a hike, Juan.
fred5678 on January 30, 2008 at 9:15 PM
Cooper is doing a much better job than I expected.
SimplyKimberly on January 30, 2008 at 9:15 PM
I swear. I was trying to have an open mind and maybe, just maybe look at McCain in a new light.
I absolutely despise that guy and he’s making it real hard to even consider ever voting for him.
What a slimeball.
Hell, I just realized we don’t have to vote for Hillary to get another Clinton in office. John has it down pat.
BacaDog on January 30, 2008 at 9:15 PM
Romney’s the clear winner so far. What’s the deal with Arnold sitting in the front row of the Regan Library on national TV the day before he endorses McCain? Could there be a little bias there? It certainly doesn’t do anything positive for Romney.
repvoter on January 30, 2008 at 9:15 PM
“All jokes. No substance.”
The Hot-
Air “Dumb-ass” meter went off the scale with that one.
Al-Ozarka on January 30, 2008 at 9:15 PM
Man, I hate it when they twist that quote.
Spirit of 1776 on January 30, 2008 at 9:16 PM
That’s right! I can’t believe I didn’t make that connection sooner. My skin crawls when Hernandez says that. And now McCain too. *groan*
IrishEi on January 30, 2008 at 9:16 PM
This Putin question is retarded.
The Ugly American on January 30, 2008 at 9:16 PM
Huck (as much as he sucks) is nailing this one. Brilliant.
fiatboomer on January 30, 2008 at 9:16 PM
“McCain is suck a dishonest twit.”
You must be a Flip-Romney fan.
Al-Ozarka on January 30, 2008 at 9:16 PM
I’m listening in Spanish…much harder to understand, except when McLoser talks.
colep on January 30, 2008 at 9:16 PM
“…sticking to my principles, no matter what…”- McShamnesty declares.
I guess that means amnesty will be back as soon as he snookers the suckers.
profitsbeard on January 30, 2008 at 9:16 PM
That’s a Goldwater quote, Huckadouche.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on January 30, 2008 at 9:16 PM
Can Shukster say anything without trying to make a joke in it somewhere??!!
kcd on January 30, 2008 at 9:16 PM
Nothing is more Presidential than fried squirrel references. In fact, they practically guaranteed Grover Cleveland’s victory for his second–and nonconsecutive–term.
ReubenJCogburn on January 30, 2008 at 9:16 PM
I don’t think Huck could talk w/out his eyebrows boucing up and down.
Over30 on January 30, 2008 at 9:17 PM
anyone else sick of coop slamming GWB, RR and the Repubs?
dish on January 30, 2008 at 9:17 PM
he left out our great marines!?!?!?
lsutiger on January 30, 2008 at 9:17 PM
I’d rather have the U.S. as the police of the world rather than Russia.
- The Cat
P.S. ‘Huck, we’ll ask you a bunch of questions. . . Now, about that McCain said . .
MirCat on January 30, 2008 at 9:17 PM
He’s been sitting with Nancy during debates, as it’s in his state. Nancy’s in the front row.
amerpundit on January 30, 2008 at 9:17 PM
I’m awestruck at the little red line that shows McVain going downhill every time he starts talking. These are the undecideds, and Romney consistently is up around 79-80-90% positive. In California.
hoosiermama on January 30, 2008 at 9:17 PM
I wonder with all that McCain jaw grinding if he’s not really throwing his voice when Huck “talks”.
p0s3r on January 30, 2008 at 9:17 PM
It was a chance for her to kick Bush while she asked about Russia. She should have just asked a decent question about Russia. That’s a legit threat.
TX Mom on January 30, 2008 at 9:17 PM
For all the Mitt supporters, how can you agree with his phony 2nd amendment “varmints” garbage, I once read if you can’t trust someone with something small…
FLcapitalistthug on January 30, 2008 at 9:18 PM
Not necessarily.
Mr. Rino isn’t exactly popular with the CA GOP these days.
Not to mention his own Health Plan going down in flames this week.
The Ugly American on January 30, 2008 at 9:18 PM
Nothing about fried chicken skin yet, but I’m hopin’ he’ll be able to work it in. Hasn’t Ron Paul gotten more applause than the Huckster?
a capella on January 30, 2008 at 9:18 PM
“I don’t think Huck could talk w/out his eyebrows boucing up and down.”
Yeah, we shouldn’t elect a guy whose eyebrows bounce up and down.
Al-Ozarka on January 30, 2008 at 9:19 PM
McLame questioned Mitt’s foreign policy ability?
He sounds pretty damned up to speed.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on January 30, 2008 at 9:19 PM
Is it? I’ve always loved that quote.
TX Mom on January 30, 2008 at 9:19 PM
How does leading a squadron help you make economic decisions?
p0s3r on January 30, 2008 at 9:19 PM
Anyone but McCain at this point.
E L Frederick (Sniper One) on January 30, 2008 at 9:19 PM
“I know how to lead” says McCain, knocks Romney’s experiecne in a position he wasn’t appointed to by a superior.
BKennedy on January 30, 2008 at 9:19 PM
Look at McCain change the subject immediately when asked about the economy. Shocka.
fiatboomer on January 30, 2008 at 9:20 PM
McCain asked about economy, segues to military record.
mikeyboss on January 30, 2008 at 9:20 PM
McCain has such a smug look on his face someone should….
abinitioadinfinitum on January 30, 2008 at 9:20 PM
I’m sorry, his qualification to lead the economy is leading the largest air squadron? He’s been involved in national security crisis? Opposed withdrawal from Iraq?
How does that qualify him to lead the economy?
amerpundit on January 30, 2008 at 9:20 PM
he is killing this timetable thing… DROP IT dude.
cannonball on January 30, 2008 at 9:20 PM
Geeezzz….cheer up John.
That voice is making me sleepy.
The Ugly American on January 30, 2008 at 9:20 PM
Holy Crap. McCain went straight down into the negatives on teh focus group meter.
darii on January 30, 2008 at 9:20 PM
Ugh. McLame’s military service, again. I thank him for it, but it’s enough!
We have serious financial problems. I want someone who understands these problems and can propose ways to fix them.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on January 30, 2008 at 9:20 PM
The CNN focus group does not like McLiar at all.
SimplyKimberly on January 30, 2008 at 9:20 PM
Did McCain take effexor or something tonight ( or does he take it on a regular script)?
He is so monotone and somewhat off….
lsutiger on January 30, 2008 at 9:20 PM
“Anyone but McCain at this point.”
Take an HONEST look at Huckabee.
Al-Ozarka on January 30, 2008 at 9:20 PM
Romney’s global analysis, compared to the others, actually sounds thought-through, and not just a series of “me-me” cliches, such as spoken by sleepwalker McCain, who sounds likes he’s beyond his bedtime, now.
profitsbeard on January 30, 2008 at 9:20 PM
Hey, did you know McCain was a POW during Vietnam? He just reminded us.
amerpundit on January 30, 2008 at 9:20 PM
When has Mitt ever flopped back? One way is just changing your mind.
- The Cat
MirCat on January 30, 2008 at 9:20 PM
McCain, who DOESN’T know you were a POW?
fiatboomer on January 30, 2008 at 9:20 PM
McCain is back to timetables again. Get off it!
imshocked on January 30, 2008 at 9:20 PM
INVOKE REAGAN!!
*drink*
The Ugly American on January 30, 2008 at 9:20 PM
Footsoldier…Footsoldier…Footsoldier…
kcd on January 30, 2008 at 9:20 PM
what the heck does the military know about economic leadership?
cannonball on January 30, 2008 at 9:20 PM
Timetables! That’s my bone and I aint lettin’ it go.
Nelsa on January 30, 2008 at 9:21 PM
Answer the question, McCain. It wasn’t about the military.
Troy Rasmussen on January 30, 2008 at 9:21 PM
Is McCain too cocky now? Does he believe it’s ovah ?
SouthernGent on January 30, 2008 at 9:21 PM
Oh my Lord! The “I led the largest squadron” thing again. Well I was under the command of the the leader of the largest fleet in the U.S. Navy. He was an A**hole too John.
Oldnuke on January 30, 2008 at 9:21 PM
Omg, he’s worse than Rudy.
“Hi, 9/11, I’m Rudy 9/11, please vote for 9/11 me!”
“Hi, PoW, I’m Reagan footsoldier John, please PoW vote for PoW me!”.
p0s3r on January 30, 2008 at 9:21 PM
Comment pages: « Previous 1 ... 5 6 7 8 9 ... 11 Next »