GOP Debate Analysis – Round 2
17 May 2007
Sorry this has taken so long, I still have to make a living and the FairTax posts took some time too. For many two days later may be too late. Be that as it may, here is my take the debate Tuesday night.
The first thing that struck me was the contrast between debate one and debate two. There simply is no comparison between Brit Hume and Chris Matthews. Next to the FOX debate, MSNBC looks amazingly like a circus. In contrast, with a few exceptions the FOX debate was very informative and professionally managed.
One recurring theme was the sometimes successful attempt to pit the candidates against each other. Chris Wallace repeatedly asked questions about specific statements candidates had made about each other. At times the responses were rather direct as when Governor Gilmore was goaded into going after Giuliani and Romney.
Giuliani’s plan was to make the war on terror central and raise its importance far above matters of social conservatism like abortion and gay marriage. He was mostly successful in that attempt, thanks in large part to Congressman Ron Paul. Paul’s anti-war stance wasn’t enough, he had to come out and blame the US for the 9/11 attack, a position Giuliani immediately jumped on and Paul came out on the short end of that conflict. While Paul never had a chance, he’s lost what little chance he may have had. Giuliani also went directly after Hillary Clinton. He mentioned her positions on taxes and the economy and stood firmly opposed to them.
Tom Tancredo, often seen as a one trick pony, tried to rise to other issues beyond border security. He did well enough I suppose but he will not break into the first tier of candidates. His position on the Iraq war, as much as anything, prevents him from advancing. Tancredo advocates a three state, one country solution to Iraq and thinks we should move rapidly toward turning over security to Iraqi forces. He spoke at the FairTax rally but never mentioned the FairTax in the debate
As you probably already know, the quote of the night came from Gov. Huckabee. He said that Congress spends money like John Edwards in a beauty parlor. The line drew a lot of laughs and probably elevated Huckabee. It was also a line which apparently irritated Chris Matthews which makes me like it all the more. Matthews called it canned and maybe it was but I don’t recall him ever complaining when a Democrat does it. Huckabee was also the only candidate that directly mentioned the FairTax, strongly endorsing it and going some way toward explaining it.
Many people think Romney “won” the debate. I definitely do not think so. Romney said he supported the second amendment but he also supports the assault weapons ban, clearly illustrating that he does not understand anything about the second amendment or guns in general. He said he was opposed to discrimination against homosexuals but opposed gay marriage. Romney also came out in support of the Department of Education and the No Child Left Behind Act. Both are generally opposed by conservatives who will find it increasingly difficult to support Romney.
McCain probably came out the worst of the night in my opinion. He was weak on border security and immigration reform, an issue dear to the hearts of conservatives. When accused of supporting amnesty for illegal aliens McCain simply denied it rather than defend his position. Most conservatives understand redefining terms as McCain and President Bush have done so often. He did, however, hit hard on congressional pork barrel spending but when confronted with specific issues and positions he’s taken he claimed that’s just bipartisanship. I can’t speak for other’s but as a conservative I am not interested in bipartisanship. I’m interested elected officials who hold and fight for principled positions because they are right.
Duncan Hunter certainly comes across as tough. Actually, he looks tough too. He pointed out his experience as chairman of the armed services committee as well as military experience and the fact that his son has done two tours in Iraq. Those are certainly noteworthy. He also said he’d protect the US from unfair trade practices by China which he says would improve national security because that’s how China is building up its arsenal.
Sam Brownback was asked about gas prices and what we should do about it. His first idea was ethanol which, despite all the hype, is a horrible idea for the US because the primary source here is corn which is energy negative. That means it take more energy to convert corn to ethanol than the ethanol contains. Plus the price of corn and all corn related products would go through the roof. Bad idea. Brownback also spoke in support of comprehensive immigration reform, again, code for amnesty.
Tommy Thompson just doesn’t come across well overall. He’s obviously not stupid but he doesn’t speak well and that hurts him. He needs to practice a lot. He took a pretty good position on embryonic stem cell research but again, he doesn’t speak all that well on the subject.
Governor Gilmore is in the same boat Tommy Thompson is in. He’s a little better but he ends up looking sort of weaselly when he speaks. I think I lot of people don’t actually hear what he’s saying and focus on how how looks saying it.
The absolute stupidest question of the night was an internet question that I could not believe they even ask. McCain was asked about his position on the confederate battle flag back in 2002 and whether he thought that flag should be removed from South Carolina state house grounds. McCain handled it pretty well, shutting down the whole issue by declaring it settled. Shame on FOX News for even asking that question. It has absolutely nothing to do with national presidential politics and was designed only to harm McCain.
On the question of whether torture is ever justified, all the candidates danced around it. Everyone is comfortable using phrases like enhanced interrogation techniques. All, of course, understand that those techniques include things like water boarding, which McCain continues to oppose under any circumstances. McCain’s argument is that if we do it, our enemies will do it to our soldiers. The problem with that view is that our enemies routinely torture our captured soldiers as McCain well knows from his time as a POW in Hanoi. Most people believe that, while torture should never be routine, there are times when it is called for when doing so may mean saving hundreds or thousands of lives.
Overall I’d have to say Giuliani came out on top. Both McCain and Romney went down a notch. Huckabee probably did the best among those not in the top tier but probably not enough to elevate him into the top tier.
When all is said and done, most conservatives are still waiting to see what Fred Thompson and Newt Gingrich will do. Presumably Thompson will make an announcement next month while Gingrich won’t announce until September or October, probably too late.
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Tags: Conservatives, Elections, Politicians, Politics, RepublicansRelated Posts
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- Iowa Caucus Predictions
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May 18th, 2007 at 8:15 am
Well, the blog was worth the wait. Thanks. For those of you who may not know, Ron is a VERY busy person and accomplishes alot.
Not enough can be said for the DIFFERENCE FOXNEWS made in THIS debate. Kudos to them!! Some of those guys at FOXNEWS would make GREAT cabinet members for President Fred Thompson!!