GOP Debate: One Last Shot

By: Vaughn Ververs
Topics: Politics

(CBS)

Vaughn Ververs is Senior Political Editor for CBSNews.com.

The moderator of today's Republican debate, Des Moines Register Editor Carolyn Washburn, promised that the candidates would be asked about issues that have gotten short shrift in the campaign and she was true to her word throughout the hour and a half session. Unfortunately for any voters tuning in looking to find distinctions between the candidates, it didn't do much to help their search.

Mostly bland questions yielded mostly boiler-plate answers. Had it not been for the presence of perennial gadfly Alan Keyes, who repeatedly popped up with bizarre statements which had no relation to the issues at hand – or any issues really – it would have been a difficult conversation to sit through. On subjects ranging from the national debt to education and free trade, there was more agreement than disagreement in this final debate before the January 3rd Iowa caucuses.

This GOP contest is one of the most wide-open in decades, with four or five candidates having a realistic chance to challenge for the nomination. For most of the candidates, this was one more day which they could hardly afford to waste.

Mike Huckabee entered the debate as the front-runner in Iowa so for him, no news is almost certainly good news. Once again, Huckabee proved to be the best communicator of the group, speaking both gently and forcefully from the heart. When Mitt Romney ticked off a litany of educational improvements he oversaw in the Massachusetts, Huckabee talked about the need to engage students, keep them interested and the importance of art and music.

Romney flashed his CEO credentials and firm grasp of details and private sector concepts he promises to bring to the presidency. If Huckabee is a candidate who is guided by his instincts and convictions, Romney is the one who does things by the numbers, making sure to dot every "i" and cross every "t." Romney managed to regain some of his optimistic demeanor after a period of exchanges with Huckabee and stayed away from direct attacks. That may have come as a surprise but Romney wasn't exactly given many natural opportunities to raise distinctions, especially on immigration.

If there was one candidate who surprised, it was Thompson. His rather grumpy demeanor remained for the most part – especially when he promised to level with the American people about the condition the country is in – but he was feistier than he has been at any time in his short campaign, throwing around ad-libs like he was back on the set of "Law and Order." Giuliani had the most awkward moment, dealing with a question about transparency with a near-apology for an extra-marital affair. But the former New York City Mayor mostly blended into the crowd with the rest of the field.

Blame it on the format, on cautiousness of the candidates or on the confusion that Alan Keyes brought to the table but today's debate was more fizzle than sizzle, and will almost certainly be quickly forgotten once the candidates get back on the trail and on the airwaves.

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by giantrobot2 December 13, 2007 8:52 AM EST: Mike Huckabee facts:

1. He will Eliminate the IRS:
This means you will receive 100% of your paycheck.

2. He will drastically reduce Gas prices:
Switch to alternative fuels, changing supply/demand.

3. He will reduce global warming.
Switch to alternative fuels, no carbon dioxides.

4. He will reduce threat of terrorism.
New fuels cause middle east gov. crack down on them.

5. He will reduce rising Health care costs.
New programs that prevent diseases, not just fix them.

6. He will lead up not just hard right or hard left.
Excellent communicator, will bring parties together.

7. He will lead with principles rather than money.
He cares everybody not just those on Wall Street.

8. He will give Hope to America and enthusiasm.
He plays bass guitar in a band, dynamic personality.

9. He will carry out his goals, not talk about them.
Lost 110 pounds, kept it off, ran 4 Marathons-26.2m

10. He knows the American people is the real boss.
As Governor, his picture frame only shows citizens.

Vote for Mike Huckabee, otherwise you will not be able to enjoy these benefits

Since the other candidates don''''t have anything to say on what they can do for America, they take the easy road and resort to taking cheap shots at Mike. Don%u2019t fall into their trap any longer with negative attacks, let''''s show the critics and the naysayers that Americans have pride and we are ready to elect an honest, humble, trustworthy man for US President.; Reply to this comment


by ronpaul408 December 12, 2007 10:57 PM EST: How do any of these clowns plan to cut spending when none of them have a plan to get us out of the money pit that is Iraq. The only one I have heard speak with any kind of intelligence on how you cut spending is Ron Paul, but the corporate controlled media in this country is so afraid of what they''ll lose if he''s elected that he''s treated as the leper of the party.

I image the media will have to give him some attention though after this weekend, when we, his supporters, without an "official campaign run fundraiser", bring him in the most money raised ever in history in one day for any candidate. I can''t wait to hear how they will try to spin that one.; Reply to this comment