GOP Hopefuls Evoke Reagan At Debate

Vaughn Ververs: Republican Hopefuls Throw Few Punches At Reagan Library In California

(CBS)  News Analysis By CBSNews.com Senior Political Editor Vaughn Ververs

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A former president and the current chief executive shared a spotlight in last night's Republican debate at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, but 10 men seeking the title spent little time in either of their shadows. In the face of a turbulent landscape for their party, these GOP aspirants sought to take on some of their political godfather’s political magic while trying to shake off their current leader’s anemic approval ratings.

As expected, Iraq and national security issues were front-and-center and, with the exception of the libertarian-minded Rep. Ron Paul, there was no cutting-and-running among this group — at least not overtly. Still, there was plenty of unease over the administration's handling of the unpopular war. "Terribly mismanaged," said Sen. John McCain.

But these are Republicans, and this group of candidates was not about to relinquish the party's traditional stranglehold on national security issues. While the war has taken a toll on President Bush and the GOP, this group of candidates stayed true to the "peace through strength" mantra Reagan once engraved on the party's coat of arms. Tough talk on Iran and the overall war on terrorism did more than make up for current concerns, leaving no doubt that the field remain committed to an overall war on what was referred to more than a few times as "Islamic Jihadism."

Following last week's Democratic debate, the 10 middle-aged-plus white men taking the stage were striking in the group’s very makeup. History may be on the side of the demographic — America, after all, has never had a president who doesn't fit the category of "white man" — but this lineup lacked the pizzazz of their opposition, which features at least perceived electable diversity.

As their counterparts did last week, Republicans tonight were speaking more to their own party's base than to the nation as a whole. And the pressure was on, especially for the three perceived frontrunners, to demonstrate a kinship with their core voters. Whether any did so in a way that will satisfy GOP primary voters is unknown, but it's fair to say each of the three had some dicey moments in that regard.

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani turned in an almost casual performance, one backed up with a competent command of facts but betrayed with some less-than-convincing arguments about his convictions. Giuliani was quick to say he was personally opposed to abortion, but his answers about government funding were confusing. While he said that the Hyde Amendment, which prohibits most federal funding for abortions, should remain law, Giuliani readily admitted he supported New York state funding as mayor.

McCain, who came out energetic to the extreme at the beginning of the debate, turned in a solid performance overall, hitting most key issues. In a nod to the most important person in the room — Nancy Reagan — McCain said he supports stem cell research when it comes to embryos already destined to destruction or perpetual animation. It's a cause dear to the heart of the former First Lady but at odds with conservatives within the party.

On the same issue, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney probably went over the heads of most viewers. Asked about the use of embryonic stem cells for research to cure diseases, Romney said he wouldn't use federal funds for that but touted a procedure very few have likely ever heard of.

"Altered nuclear transfer creates embryo-like cells that can be used for stem cell research. In my view, that's the most promising source," said Romney.

And many conservative may have been unconvinced by his explanation about his public switch on abortion, which he described as having come about as a result of a debate over cloning.

As with the Democratic debate last week, almost all of the lesser-known candidates proved up to the task but none was able to break out of the pack. Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee sounded eloquent when discussing the issue of life.

"When hikers on Mt. Hood get lost, we move heaven and Earth to go find them. When coal miners in West Virginia are trapped in a mine, we go after them because we celebrate life. This life issue is not insignificant."

Kansas Sen. Sam Brownback, a fierce abortion opponent, allowed that his party could support a nominee who differs on the issue, saying, "I believe in the Ronald Reagan principle, that somebody that's with you 80 percent of the time is not your enemy, that's your friend and that's your ally."

It was that kind of evening for the most part. Even candidates who were thought to have taken indirect shots at their colleagues suddenly clammed up, claiming they had been speaking in generalities. This was an opening sparring session, featuring a few light jabs but no hard hooks. And the natural result is little movement among this current field of announced candidates. But anyone interested enough in tuning in got some exposure of some would-be-presidents they may not have even been aware existed. In that regard, it was the underdogs who won.

[randalds]

Reagen is the single most OVER-rated president of our time! His presidency was the first one down the path away from true conservative republicanism toward neoconservativism. His administration was the first that allowed the lunatic fringe of the religious right wing gain more then a toehold in the government. In fact just about the ONLY smart thing he ever did was to pull our troops out of Lebanon and today's right winger's (like Di*cky boy Cheney) criticize him for it. Reagan is directly to blame for the current Bush administration because he is the one that sent his party down this path of destruction. Of course now that he's dead we're supposed to elevate him to sainthood and carve his face ion Rushmore! BULL! he sucked as president and his status hasn't improved any in death!

[randalds]

This is the same Reagan who introduced to the world the sleaze master of politics, Lee Atwater, who was Karl Rove's mentor. Atwater was the "man" who specialised in making up lies about opposing candidates and then spreading them via rumor, a favorite technique of the current sleaze master, Rove himself. This is also the same president who made a deal with Iran for them to keep the American hostages until after the 1980 election in exchange for agreeing to sell them arms illegally through Israel (and of course use the money to fund the CIA backed Contras, also illegally). For all of the "warm feelings" he gives some, one only has to barely scratch the surface to see what a corrupt and unprincipled man he really was. Not as bad as the current Bush granted, but a sleazy president in his own right to be sure.

[leggonj]

Randal, Reagen might have been overated, but REAGAN was a great president. Atleast he wont be known as the president who got a hummer in the oval office by a chubby intern...

[randalds]

So one minor misspelling? He still sucked as a president.

[themartyred]

Reagan ushered in the ME mentality, he was far from great. And leave it to the 10 white men to evoke Reagan's name instead of talking about the idiot boy in the white house and his "accomplishments"!
Oh, and stick a fork in Tommy Thompson's campaign for unbelievably saying it's cool for employers to fire people just for being gay - nice bigoted attitude. This is the "party of Christians"??? in what bizarro world is that?

[radiob-2009]

Invoke the name of Reagan how many people remember this from the Reagan years.

Reagan's visit to the Bitburg cemetery had been criticised in Europe as well as in the United States because 49 members of the SS, the Nazi paramilitary organization that helped run the extermination camps during World War II, were buried there. Some of SS members buried at Bitburg came from units that committed atrocities, including the murder of American POWs. According to White House Chief of Staff Donald Regan, in Reagan's view the majority of the soldiers who were buried at the cemetery were "simply soldiers of the German army.... There were thousands of such soldiers for whom Nazism meant nothing but the brutal end of a short life".

They might as well invoke the name Bonzo, Reagans comprade.

[booyaw_77]

Reagan was stepped on by a out of control special ops military. Thats the worst thing about it. They used him. And made a fool out of him. Like a buncha spoiled punks.

Theres just too much money in it. They got too corrupt.

[perception5]

Well we can see why Americans typically like to elect Republicans......... what a difference between this group of folks with "class" and the rag tag bunch in the "classless" Dems that Americans saw last week.

Night and day difference. The GOP is fielding very strong "moderate" candidates in 2008 while the Dems are putting forth a bunch of "hate and divide" left-wing liberals.

Victory lies in the "center" in 2008......................that's where the Republican party is.

America is already getting tired of this 110th DO-NOTHING CONGRESS that still hasn't passed the minimum wage bill for the poor people............................... really sad indeed

[booyaw_77]

Ya think yer fighting the good fight. Ya think yer on the good side. And then theres this.. dumbazzzed butch that comes out of nowhere. And just turns yer whole ******** world upsidedown. Thats the Reagan legacy. That any and all president's legacy. The people in the military who think its.. cool or essential.. to do stupid lame dumb stuff overseas. STUPID stuff. Absolutely stupid.

Reagan represented strong brazen authority. That had to be pure.. It had to be right and just. And here in walks that dumbazzzed fat elephant.. dum dee dum.. dum dee dum.. talk'n tough. Doing stupid stuff. And that president? Was just.. turned on his head. Absolutely rediculous and embarassing.

[booyaw_77]

The american people are good people! But there's a few who.. I don't know. They're kookoo. Ya give'em a gun and they go nuts. Ya give'em a star on their shoulder and they go think'n they can make deals. Absolutely rediculous. I cried. I cried so hard.. that people still think mr. 007 is real. He ain't. He's just a god damned movie star.

[formrusmcsgt]

Well we can see why Americans typically like to elect Republicans.........
Posted by perception5 at 07:31 AM : May 04, 2007

It appears that you slept through the November elections, eh?

[booyaw_77]

Thats what you republicans should really be talk'n about when you invoke Reagan. Why is it that we always think we're on the good side'a things. And in walks Mr. Doofus? Huh? Thats the feeling. Thats the conspiracy. Thats the whole lost war right there!

That we think we're doing good! And ya got these ******** dorks who mess things up! Talk about that.. when you invoke Reagan.

[booyaw_77]

Whats the big ********* secret anyway? If someone is a murderer? Ya ain't got nothing to hide! You stupid son of a byytch! YOU AIN'T GOT NOTHING TO HIDE! FROM ANYONE!

You act like you're this.. beedy eyed dark suit wear'n creep! Who people gotta trust! And those days are gone! They're long gone.

[booyaw_77]

You had the whole world on your side and now you ain't got no one. And its their fault?

There's something wrong with you, republican. There's something really really wrong with you. You can't treat people like that. You don't even know how to make friends! You're an idiot! You're a god damned work of fiction! The biggest disaster in US history, and you gotta keep secrets!

WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU REPUBLICAN!

[booyaw_77]

It is so ******** stupid... the fate of a whole country. In the hands of a dork.

[drummer94]

"Invoking Ronald Reagan" GEEEEEZ! Thats the best the current crop of republisuits can come up with? That dude couldn't do jack without his staff. HE WAS AN ACTOR!!!!!!!... playing another part. Even his co-stars can be president. Right bonz,er, George? What's next, learning to say Cal-E-fornia?

[iceman_1960]

The Bush-McCain argument that if you attack the war, you aren't supporting the troops, is exactly like the argument used to illustrate the definition of Chutzpah:

A kid who murdered his parents pleads for mercy from the Judge on the grounds that he's an orphan.

[iceman_1960]

"Barack Obama Bin Laden?? Barack Obama Bin Laden??
Barack Obama Bin Laden?? Barack Obama Bin Laden??"

Oh lookee lookee lookee,

Seung-Hui Cho has returned from the grave.

[iceman_1960]

The Republican candidate who comes before the electorate in November 2008 preaching "Don't cut and run ! Lets stay in Iraq indefinitely. Elect me and we will !" ... will be D-E-F-E-A-T-E-D.

Then the troops will be coming hom after January 2009.

Got it ?

That's a deadline Bush will never V-E-T-O.

His Republican wannabe successor will be
D-E-F-E-A-T-E-D.

[drummer94]

"the field remains committed to an overall war"... There ya go. Though I'm not ready for a Hillary or a Barack to be my president, I sure as hell, for my kids and grandkids sake, don't want another republisuit to muck things up even further.

[iceman_1960]

"Then the troops will be coming hom after January 2009."

They'll be coming H-O-M-E too.

Because the smarmy Republican who presumes to follow Bush inTO the Oval Office, will be...

D-E-F-E-A-T-E-D.

He will L-O-S-E.

T-H-E-N
T-H-E
T-R-O-O-P-S
W-I-L-L
B-E
C-O-M-I-N-G
H-O-M-E
A-F-T-E-R
J-A-N-U-A-R-Y
2-0-0-9.

[iceman_1960]

"the field remains committed to an overall war"

It's in their "jeans."

If we had to raise taxes to support this war, the field would be committed to troop withdrawals and timetables.

They're Republicans. Taxes are much more painful to them than the deaths of American soldiers.

[drummer94]

Even McCain said the war was/is "terribly mismanaged" DUUUUUUHHHHH!

[drummer94]

Why should the republicans want to raise taxes? They think they can just keep borrowing money to keep this travesty going. Me and you and future generations are gonna pay. They'll all be on the lecture circuit at 20,000 bucks an hour. They think it's ok to extend tours of duty. Hey E-4's do YOU think that's ok?

[jacksteen1]

"Invoking" Ronald Ragoon is as good as this field of losers can do ?

Thank God the Nation is safe from the Republicrap Party for at least the next 16 years !!

[iceman_1960]

Republicans ARE better with economic issues.

Randall Tobias got "massages" and a lot of "good lovin" from Washington call girls for just $300 a shot.

John Edwards spent $400, and all he got was a haircut.


[Source: David Letterman]

[rohink-2009]

It is so ******** stupid... the fate of a whole country. In the hands of a dork.
Posted by booyaw_

You are way to deep

Is your need to spew obsenities so great that you need to mispell them?

[joenc-2009]

Recap of last night's GOP Idol ...

Front runner Rudy G. made a huge error when he declared his pro-choice stance, a song which was clearly not from the right genre.

John (McC) McCain seemed to forget the words to most of the conservative songs ... screaming his lyrics at times, reducing his boyish charm.

It seems that Mitt gave the standout performance of the night ... at times almost channeling Robert Goulet. His hair also performed very well, receiving a standing O at one point.

In a surprise appearance from beyond the grave, Ronnie Reagan, or at least many of his standards, were played over and over by the GOP contestants. Most didn't have the range or presence to pull it off.

Overall the performances were judged so bad that right-wingers all arcoss America began to call MSNBC and demand that Sanjaya be brought back for another week.

For the next debate, the GOP contestants will be taken to an Ice Island in the Arctic where they will have to fight global warming with just a bible, some frozen embrios, and their GOP rhetoric.

As their ice islands melts, each candidate will try to conserve their hot air, a difficult task given last night's performances.

[iceman_1960]

Here's what the typical Bush supporter looks like:


http://youtube.com/watch?v=82-FJyniP7A

[huskerarmy]

didntinhale,
Back with the racist rant again I see. Keep it up... You are just the kind of tool that has Americans running from the GOPer party like Republicans from a diversity conference?

[iceman_1960]

They should have really gotten into that Reagan spirit with some classic movie clips:

"You show me Reagan's double, same face, same voice, everything. And I'd know it wasn't Reagan. I'd know in my gut. Now, I want you to tell me that you know for a fact that there's nothing wrong with my daughter, except in her mind. YOU TELL ME FOR A FACT YOU KNOW AN EXORCISIM WOULDN'T DO ANY GOOD. YOU TELL ME THAT." - Chris MacNeil [Ellen Burstyn] in "The Exorcist"

[lawandorder6]

Any person that is going to do are thinks that Reagan did anything good. WILL NEVER GET MY VOTE. Reagan was the worst Pres.The USA has ever had.

[superpat1898]

The usual bozo nazis and surrender monks are making their appearances this morning.
RandyBS, Exlax, Bluestarbigot, Icepickdodo, all of these chums have nothing better to do than to spew their vomit and BS.

Of course none of these distinguished war heroes are willing to do something tangible - like liberate Saigon. They - like Hagel, Webb, McDermott and Murtha blew it big time back then.
And of course none of them will acknowledge that the mistakes made were by the Democratic Kennedy and Johnson Administrations.

But do bash Bush - and cheer for the Democrats, even draft dodger Cliton.

And they're attacking Reagan because they know deep in their tiny souls he was a much better President than ALL of the Democratic Presidents in the last 100 YEARS. So, by the way, was Richard Nixon.

C'mon hyenas - bleat, bleat and bleat. And don't forget to wipe the Cliton, Byrd, Steppin' Fetchit Obama, Pelosi and Reid spittle off your shirts.

[gkc99]

The best part of the laff track was whichever clown was talking about how Ronnie Raygun stood up firm to the Iranians! Even the Hollywood sales job on the "Great Forgettor" cannot erase the secret, and illegal, sales by Reagan and his oath-breaking lackey Ollie North of USA high tech weapons to the Ayatollah Asaholah. Weapons that could be used very well for terrorism, such as to shoot down a civilian airliner.

Reagan = traitor, terrorist supporter and senile dweeb, at the end. May the spirits of the dead Central American peasants be tormenting Ronnie's "soul" in Hell forever.

[mike71067]

I would take the worst of these guys over an Obama or a Hillary any day of the week.

[iceman_1960]

"I would take the worst of these guys over an Obama or a Hillary any day of the week."
- Posted by mike71067 at 08:54 AM : May 04, 2007

You won't have that option.

A Democrat is going to win the White House in November 2008.

After January 2009 the troops will be withdrawn from a war that is only going on now to save face for Bush.

No American should risk his life for that "cause."

[joenc-2009]

"I would take the worst of these guys over an Obama or a Hillary any day of the week."

Posted by mike71067

I'd take a warm democratic cheese sandwich over any of these nuts.

[drummer94]

supermoron, Iam not a crook, Iam not a crook. Your blinders are on way too tight.

[afmca]

Fear Mongering 101 .. the Republican Party has no agenda so they just continue to play the fear and bigotry card. Plays well with their base, but I think the rest of America has caught on. What in the world was so special about Reagan? History will prove he didn't have a functioning brain cell in his second term - who really was the President? That they all will get on their knees and kiss the backsides of the radical religious right is not something America or the world needs 4 more years of.

[iceman_1960]

"Even the Hollywood sales job on the "Great Forgettor" cannot erase the secret, and illegal, sales by Reagan and his oath-breaking lackey Ollie North of USA high tech weapons to the Ayatollah Asaholah. Weapons that could be used very well for terrorism, such as to shoot down a civilian airliner."
- Posted by gkc99 at 08:53 AM : May 04, 2007

Weapons that are being used now to kill American troops in Iraq.

Reagan was a traitor.

The only reason his boy Ollie North avoided starring in those steamy prison s*ex scenes is that Congress had granted him immunity when he testified.

[mike71067]

"A Democrat is going to win the White House in November 2008."

Posted by Iceman_1960 at 08:58 AM : May 04, 2007


God help us all. A Democratic congress with a Democratic president - sounds like 4 more years of Jimmy "peanuts" Carter.

[iceman_1960]

"God help us all. A Democratic congress with a Democratic president - sounds like 4 more years of Jimmy "peanuts" Carter."
- Posted by mike71067 at 09:03 AM : May 04, 2007

You should eat peanuts. They're a lot healthier than the cocaine Bush snorted while living it up in the Texas Air National Guard during the Vietnam War.

P.S. Carter inherited Gerald Ford's economy.

[mike71067]

"Reagan was the worst Pres.The USA has ever had."
Posted by lawandorder6 at 08:51 AM : May 04, 2007

Isn't it too early in the morning to be hitting the crack pipe? What you're saying is that Reagan was worse than Carter and W. You need rehab.

[iceman_1960]

"God help us all. A Democratic congress with a Democratic president - sounds like 4 more years..."

If God REALLY helps us, it'll be 8 years, not 4.

Bush's one redeeming feature has been his destruction of GOP credibility.

[mike71067]

"You should eat peanuts. They're a lot healthier than the cocaine Bush snorted while living it up in the Texas Air National Guard during the Vietnam War."
Posted by Iceman_1960 at 09:06 AM : May 04, 2007

Hey everybody, look - Michael Moore is posting unfer the alias "Iceman_1960". Please send us more of your laughable fiction!

[iceman_1960]

Reagan was at best an amiable, empty suit.

I remember one candid scene caught on camera during his campaign for re-election. He was at the airport and completely confused about what to do or where to go.

Finally some handlers came over and grabbed him, as he said to the camera, "They tell me I have to go now."

And they were right about that.

[mike71067]

"If God REALLY helps us, it'll be 8 years, not 4."
-Posted by Iceman_1960 at 09:09 AM : May 04, 2007


Oooooh, you're right. 8 years of Jimmy Carter would be great for this nation. The last 4 were so terrific and all.

[iceman_1960]

"You should eat peanuts. They're a lot healthier than the cocaine Bush snorted while living it up in the Texas Air National Guard during the Vietnam War."
Posted by Iceman_1960 at 09:06 AM : May 04, 2007

"Hey everybody, look - Michael Moore is posting unfer [sic] the alias "Iceman_1960". Please send us more of your laughable fiction!"
- Posted by mike71067 at 09:11 AM : May 04, 2007

NOT FICTION. FACT.

The health benefits of eating peanuts have been confirmed in study after study.

"Peanuts are a rich source of protein (roughly 30 grams per cup after roasting) and monounsaturated fat. Recent research on peanuts and nuts in general has found anti-oxidants and other chemicals that may provide health benefits. Peanuts are a significant source of resveratrol, a chemical studied for potential anti-aging effects."

Wikipedia

[mike71067]

"I remember one candid scene caught on camera during his campaign for re-election. He was at the airport and completely confused about what to do or where to go."
-Posted by Iceman_1960 at 09:12 AM : May 04, 2007

You really are obsessed with Reagan, aren't you. I understand that some guys would fantasize about Marilyn Monroe years after her death, but you are really starting to creep us out.

[mike71067]

"The health benefits of eating peanuts have been confirmed in study after study."
Posted by Iceman_1960 at 09:17 AM : May 04, 2007

As long as they aren't contained in a jar of standard peanut butter, which contains hydrogenated oils, or "trans fat". More dangerous than saturated fat.