GOP Rivals Agree On Iraq, Spar On Abortion

9 Republican Presidential Candidates Face Off In Live Iowa Debate

(CBS/AP)  Republican presidential contenders sparred over abortion on Sunday while generally agreeing the United States must remain in Iraq to help win the war against radical Islamic extremists.

"Just come home," dissented Texas Rep. Ron Paul, the lone advocate of a quick troop withdrawal from Iraq on a presidential campaign debate stage. He said there had never been a good reason to go to war in the first place.

"Has he forgotten about 9/11?" interjected former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, referring to the 2001 terrorist attacks on the Pentagon and World Trade Center.

But it was Romney who was forced to answer on the issue of abortion, when Kansas Sen. Sam Brownback defended automated phone calls his campaign has made highlighting his rival's one-time support for pro-choice policies.

"It's truthful," Brownback said. "I am pro-life. I think this is a core issue for our party."

Romney called it "desperate, maybe negative," adding moments later, "I get tired of people that are holier than thou because they've been pro-life longer than I have."

The exchanges took place less than a week before Iowa Republicans gather for a party fundraiser and much-anticipated straw poll which is likely to determine the fate of several candidates. John McCain and Rudy Giuliani are not directly participating in the event but the other candidates have directed time and resources in the hopes of scoring a public relations victory next Saturday.

Tensions in the state have risen over the past several weeks as the campaigns fight for the support of the conservative activists who will participate in the straw poll. "For candidates like Mike Huckabee and Sam Brownback, this is a make-or-break moment," said CBSNews.com Senior Political Editor Vaughn Ververs. "This is their chance to distinguish themselves and break out of a large group of candidates all competing for a limited pool of campaign money and support."

In the absence of direct participation by Giuliani and McCain, Romney is the prohibitive favorite to win the straw poll and has been organizing supporters for months in advance. "Anything less than a clear win next Saturday would be a major setback for Romney, and that is why so many of the attacks by other candidates have been directed at him," said Ververs.

For some of the less-known candidates without the financial resources and organization, the straw poll is even more critical. "A good showing next Saturday can keep a long-shot candidacy alive or even catapult it to a higher level," said Ververs. "But for some of these guys, anything less almost certainly means the end of the road."

The debate unfolded on a Drake University stage, hosted and carried live by ABC television, five months before Iowa caucus-goers begin winnowing the field of White House contenders. The Iowa caucuses are the first major test for candidates in the presidential campaign season when voters in each state begin selecting delegates to their party's national nominating conventions.

Arizona Sen. John McCain, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and Romney, the most prominent contenders, agreed the United States must remain in Iraq. So, too, Brownback, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson and Reps. Tom Tancredo of Colorado and Duncan Hunter of California.

"I firmly believe that the challenge for the 21st century is a challenge against radical extremism," McCain said. He forecast a battle in the Senate in September in which anti-war critics will try to cut off funds.

"We will win that debate because the American people understand the consequences of failure," he added.

Giuliani saved his sharpest jabs for Democrats. "In four debates, not a single Democrat said the word, 'Islamic terrorists.' Now that is taking political correctness to extreme," he said.

Romney, too, was eager to criticize Democrats. His chosen target was Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois, who said recently he would be willing to meet with the leaders of Cuba, North Korea and Iran in his first year in office, and declared in a speech he would order military action to capture terrorists in Pakistan if that nation's president did not.

"I mean, in one week he went from saying he's going to sit down, you know, for tea, with our enemies, but then he's going to bomb our allies," said Romney. "I mean, he's gone from Jane Fonda to Dr. Strangelove in one week."

Obama's campaign spokesman responded promptly. "Before he makes more false accusations, Mitt Romney should tell us why he believes we should keep 160,000 American troops in the middle of someone else's civil war but not take out Osama bin Laden if we had him in our sights," said Bill Burton.

Giuliani provided a rare moment of laughter, dodging a question about the defining mistake of his life with a quip.

"Your father is a priest," the former mayor said to moderator George Stephanopoulos, the son of a Greek Orthodox priest. "I'm going to explain it to your father, not to you, OK?

Polls consistently show the war in Iraq to be the issue uppermost in the minds of the voters. But abortion is a constant concern in Republican presidential contests, particularly in Iowa, where caucuses attract the most fervent party activists.

Stephanopoulos opened the debate by asking Romney about Brownback's automated phone calls. Moments later, he asked the former Massachusetts governor about having said last spring that Giuliani was "pro-choice and pro-gay marriage and anti-gun, and that's a tough combination in a Republican primary."

Romney deflected the question, saying, "I'd rather him speak to his own positions rather than me speak for him."

Giuliani said he supports the U.S. Constitution's Second Amendment, which provides for the right to bear arms, and believes marriage should be between a man and a woman.

"And I believe the best way we can have common ground in this debate that you're hearing is if we put our emphasis on reducing abortions and increasing the number of adoptions, which is something that I did as mayor of New York City."

But former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson said, "Any candidate that's pro-choice is going to have a difficulty with the party faithful. ... The Republican Party is a party of pro-life."

[usaisdway189]

Ron Paul - the newest Democrat running for President. Sounds exactly what the MoveOn.org and Daily Kos kool-aid kiddies want to hear.

Too bad, Ron, that you're not receiving a paycheck from Kapo Soros too, just like the other non-serving cowards like Hillary, Boy Obama, Jimmy Carter Junior aka Edwards, Dud, Boring, Retardison are receiving for betraying the troops and appeasing the Islamonazis.

But you can always submit your application to one Adam Gadahn - I'm sure he will pass it on to Boy Obama in an instant.

[toldyouso21]

Well, this certainly makes the choice for President clearer: If you want the soldiers to stay in Iraq and the war and money drain/mismanagement to continue as if Bush never left--vote Republican. Can't make the voting any easier than that.

[prinzowhales]

These candidates, with the sole exception of Ron Paul, are War Pigs. America is being destroyed from within by the men like these and their complements in the Democratic Party. The borders are open, our nation is being de-industrialized, real wages for most Americans are falling and the paper Federal Reserve Note is dwindling in exchange value while the oil cartel drives the price of energy through the roof.

It is time for a revolutionary change in the public consciousness. It is time for that cess-pool on the Potomac to be cleaned out and Constitutional integrity to be restored. It is time to cleanse the temples of the Republic and restore honest governance.

[prinzowhales]

Ron Paul served in the military in the 1960s. He opposes "draft slavery" which puts him at odds with the New York financial estalishment and their big government supporters in the 'mainstream' Republican and Democratic party.

USAisdway189-Did you know that the grandfather of Adam Gadahn is a leader of the Anti-Defamation League? Just another government poster boy to frighten and confuse War Pig low brows of the Republican and Democratic parties. Adam and others of his ADL ilk used to harass worshippers around the local mosque. The real cowards are the War Pigs...The 'Osama's-gonna-getcha-if you-don't-WATCH-OUT!!' crowd that spreads fear and lies... vulgar, stupid animals...

[shookster3]

America is not ready for Clinton deceptions and *** scandals, nor are we ready for a Muslim President, nor do we have any qualified Republican cadidates running. Iraq was a mistake-let's accept that fact and move on. I wish Codeleeza Rice would run- for either party. She is so smart, experienced, trustworthy, likable, dignified and respectable. There are no candidates currently running that we can say that about in either party. shookster3

[pastdue1]

It's great to see a bunch of guys standing around in black suits debating a woman's issue. Kind of like the Middle Ages.
Great for Brownback too. Now , he just doesn't have to be a ding=bat in Kansas, he can share with the whole country.

[sjc_1]

Iraq has nothing to do with the war on terror and everything to do with oil. As soon as people figure that one simple fact out, then the sooner we can get on with bring this country back from the brink of destruction.

[shookster3]

I am a 40 year old white man from Texas- have always voted Republican, and I see that Iraq was a mistake-we need to get out and get our country back on track. I do not see any qualified republican candidates running- nor do I want more Clinton scandals- or a Muslim leading us either. Where is Condeleeza Rice? She is experienced,intelligent,likable,trustworthy, and respectable. Regardless of Party, ***, or Race-she would be great leader. I would vote for her.

With any of these Republicans, we will have more of the same...more saber rattling...more pandering to the religious right...more perks for the rich...more waste on Iraq...more incompetence!

[omega39-2009]

Where is Condeleeza Rice? She is experienced,intelligent,likable,trustwor
thy, and respectable. Regardless of Party, ***, or Race-she would be great leader. I would vote for her.
Posted by shookster3

Vote for a former board member of Chevron, Brilliant, big oil is how we got in to this mess in the first place.

[micma-2009]

From the party that brought you 9/11, Iraq, and record deficits.......

[zorlacskates]

"has he forgotten about 9/11?" no, i suspect he hasn't, and neither will any of us be allowed to talk honestly about the "war on terror" as long as republicans so desperately use fear as their best campaign tactic. intelligent debate is impossible among this group of fear-mongers.

[rwassel]

"Too bad, Ron, that you're not receiving a paycheck from Kapo Soros too"

Posted by USAisdway189 at 11:27 AM : Aug 05, 2007

Yeah, Ron, don't you know that any Republican worth their weight in gold should instead be receiving his paycheck from Rupert Murdoch, the Big Oil companies, and hate groups like the KKK?

[rwassel]

"Has he forgotten about 9/11?" interjected former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney.


Have you forgotten that Iraq had absolutely nothing to do with 9-11, you fear-mongering, ignorant, right wing idiot? Quit pandering to the 25% of people that think we should be in Iraq instead of going after Osama...

[v_1618]

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[v_1618]

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[v_1618]

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[v_1618]

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[v_1618]

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[v_1618]

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[macusweil]

"The Republican Party is a party of pro-life."
Yeah right, maybe for the 'un-born' after that they could give a sh*t!! The health of the mother, cases of rape, incest don't count. Health care for kids and the poor are non-starters for the GOP.

In fact 'family values' & s'upport out troops' are also just rah rah tag lines to attract votes, but are meaning less in terms of real action from this party.

The Repubs are notorious for their adultery , drug & prostitution use and corruption. They have not funded the VA nor have the provided adequate training, armor or man power for our brave fighting women and men to win the was on terror or end the occupation of Iraq.

The right is wrong.

[drummer94]

Let all these losers slug it out. It is all for naught. The next president will be a democrat and will have his, possibly her, hands full cleaning up loony-toon's messes.

[urlnts]

Tell that lying, flip-flopping ,stuffed suit Romney,for the last time, Iraq had nothing to do with 9-11!And while he's still waiting to find those weapons of "Mass Destraction"--maybe they can look for the Mormon's magical "Golden Tablets" that Jesus brought over and gave to the Native Americans!

[cosmicfluke]

We've had 28 years of Bush/Clinton rule, I don't know why anyone would think that was about to change, with another Clinton on the ballot, to stay in power for 8 years, unless Jeb's ready in '12.

FYI- BTW, I didn't do my math wrong, I included 8 years of GHWB during the "Reagan" administration. GHWB didn't need a VP, just ask DQ.

[homespunlady]

Personally, I may just register Republican rather than being independent JUST TO vote for Ron Paul in their Primary. The rest of that bunch are just too noncomprehending about the NEW place in the world the US now holds.
This nation has SPENT all it's "goodwill capital" with other Nations as well as degrading our currency to the brink of extinction. What exactly is holding up our economy? We're the WORLDS BIGGEST DEBTOR!
Then what an example our "favored contractors" set. They're rushing so fast OUT of this nation that it's obvious with even the LEAST knowledgeable third world country that we've been SOLD OUT by greedy corporatist (fascist in the old Italian meaning) to the point that they'll be dictating to US real SOON - Ask Venezuela about that. We're NOT the only buyer for oil anymore - China's cutting better deals.
So, what next?
Selling our taxpayer paid for roads to FOREIGN corporations has already started to happen. Our water is next and is already being written about as the NEW OIL.
Our Children eventually will be the nannies and gardeners to our successors and the CLOSE MINDED that REFUSE TO READ keep believing the same old pablum they're being fed.

[condumism]

These ISRAEL FIRST Republican Senators are all up for Reelection in 08. Ask them how much Israel influences their vote on Iraq? Also, ask them how much US DEFENSE CONTRACTORS influence their votes in needless defense spending. These sell out America for Israel traitors and sell out America for the US MILITARY INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX are listed below:

Alexander, Lamar- (R - TN)
Allard, Wayne- (R - CO)
Chambliss, Saxby- (R - GA)
Cochran, Thad- (R - MS)
Coleman, Norm- (R - MN)
Collins, Susan M.- (R - ME)
Cornyn, John- (R - TX)
Craig, Larry E.- (R - ID)
Dole, Elizabeth- (R - NC)
Dominici, Pete- (R - NM)
Enzi, Michael B.- (R - WY)
Graham, Lindsey- (R - SC)
Hagel, Chuck- (R - NE)
Inhofe, James M.- (R - OK)
McConnell, Mitch- (R - KY)
Roberts, Pat- (R - KS)
Sessions, Jeff- (R - AL)
Smith, Gordon H.- (R - OR)
Stevens, Ted- (R - AK)
Sununu, John E.- (R - NH)
Warner, John- (R - VA)

TAKE BACK AMERICA. BAN ALL CORPORATE and FOREIGN LOBBYISTS FROM the HALLS of CONGRESS!

[j-whitman]

Pro-Life untill birth is what they ment.

[hypnotoad72]

Must everybody on both sides wear nothing more than black and white and look like they need to drink more prune juice?!

And even I can think of better wedge issues, if the only thing this article can do is discuss them.

But I'll agree; pro-life is more than just keeping a fetus safe.

[randalds]

"Has he forgotten about 9/11?" interjected former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, referring to the 2001 terrorist attacks on the Pentagon and World Trade Center."

Classic republican Bush-style bullsh*it. 9-11 had nothing to do with the war in Iraq and Romney knows it, yet he still promotes the lie. Not surprising as this slippery weasel has shown he'll say anything whatever audience he's speaking to wants to hear. One day he's a hunter, the next day he's never had a license. One day he's pro-choice, the next day he's antiabortion. he's all over the map. he's the kind of guy who'd worship Allah when on a state visits to Saudi Arabia and pray with a Torah when visiting the wailing wall.

[rsmphd]

The Clear winner in the debate was Ron Paul he
is not a polition and it has the Elitists scared
none of the major news networks have him in there stories except abc and I bet it kills them to know that he has 40% of the votes and is by far the winner. What is wrong with the newsmedia they afraid of the non politition that only speaks the truth and says what he means and means like he says; Walk the walk and not talk the talk?
Cheers RFM

[tucano2]

All of the talk is cheap hot air,
A real American would be talking about their action plan to address the 'open borders', the criminal entry into the USA of Al-Queda for just $25,000 paid to a Mexican coyote, and the millions of other illegal aliens that need to be arrested and deported.

[soldat44]

"I get tired of people that are holier than thou because they've been pro-life longer than I have."
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney

What??

Give it up Mitt...

[soldat44]

Must everybody on both sides wear nothing more than black and white and look like they need to drink more prune juice?!

And even I can think of better wedge issues, if the only thing this article can do is discuss them.

But I'll agree; pro-life is more than just keeping a fetus safe.
Posted by hypnotoad72 at 03:46 PM : Aug 05, 2007

+1

[j-whitman]

Republicans agree on Iraq -- Iraq is a failure, the surge & thier democratic government & reconstruction has collapsed,, 8 million Iraqi's are facing starvvation they call progress ---- The greatest genocide in world history -------- Yet they don't like abortion ?????

[labourboss]

For as long as I can remember the republicans have been saying elect us and we will stop abortions. Well in 2004 they had the votes in the house, the votes in the senate, and a so called president that ran on a pledge to end abortion. The truth of the matter is they don't give a rat,s butt about the unborn. They just want the votes of the poor old religious people, and the only way they will get their vote, is to keep this issue alive.

[homjett]

Lets see now, Ron Paul has one every debate that the Republicans have had so far. How come that does not translate into the Polls. I am not sure that any of these instant polls really tell anything. I am more for the opinions of the focus groups that they have later. How many Liberals are also voting in these online polls?? The poll that is on the Drudge Report is almost insane.

[prinzowhales]

Condumism-- I certainly won't vote for E. Dole. The problem in North Carolina is that the Democrats will run someone just as loathsome.

The forces of Tweedle-Dee and Tweedle-Dum will be giving us yet another political farce. If you want to make a difference in North Carolina--VOTE LIBERTARIAN or for a Constitution Party candidate or for a Green or Naderite candidate.

I hope people from other States will work to not only unseat these creatures on your list, but make sure that their complement in the Tweedle-Dum/Tweedle-Dee...Republican/Democratic farce does NOT take their place.

We can have a revolution at the polls if people will just muster the dram of courage it takes to dispense with the status quo candidates of Steal, Betray, Terrorize, Waste, Lie and Bamboozle. If they can muster the scintilla of moral fortitude to stand for what is right and not the lesser of two evils.....

[seven-pesos]

not one southern state will vote for hillary...

guaranteed,
warranteed,
money back guarantee,
double your money back guarantee,
will kizz yo' azz guarantee,
bet my life on it guarantee,
bet my wife on it guarantee,
bet my daughter's virginity on it guarantee.

ha,ha,ha.

bush loving, southern, republican christian snakes...

nothing good comes out of the south.

[Keypinitreel1]

Ron Paul is the best Rep candidate so far... but he is going to be stonewalled.

[seven-pesos]

southerners are looking for another prez like george bush, jr.

the south is mighty proud of all the christian work and leadership bush has provided.

hooray for bush, stars & bars and jefferson davis.

[johnshaft4]

Of course, all Republicans should be aborted. (This also includes lizard lovin', plolymagist, child molestor "Mormons" [Romney].

[donnie900]

Why is abortion always the issue? Why? How many election have I seen? And how many of them had the abortion debate? All of them.. Why?

In a free country things like abortion (things too difficult for a public to understand) are between the adults involved. And thats it! What de ***** sense is it to grow up in this country? If people aren't gonna let ya make adult decisions? Huh? I'm gonna stay a 2 year old.. Gray haired ***** two year old.

[usayesterday]

J-,

I am at a loss as to the term "Pro Life".

Everything the Conservative Republicans have done is to make life more miserable for anyone making less than a seven-digit annual income.

From the lack of action on health care for the poor, middle-class, and children...

...to the constant drumbeat for war, anywhere at any time for any reason (that sounds good at the time).

More than any time in the history of the United States, any person, from the very day after their birth...

...will have the hardest time to live a quality life in this country, pursuing the "life, liberty, and happiness" that this country was built on. (But now each of those are being decimated, little by little, from the ideals that these 9 Repub candidates represent).

[donnie900]

.. I dated a chick once that tried to abort me.

[speakinup]

"Do we really want another 8 years of Republican rule in the White House? Not me. It's time to take the country in a different direction; one that uses brains and preparation over hubris and paranoia." - californiar

Well, that leaves out the Democrats. What has Hillary EVER done that qualifies her for being a president ? Certainly nothing utilizing brains and preparation. Health care - not. Senator - very uninspiring. Stayed married to a man that publicly humiliated her and himself (not to mention lied when confronted) in front of the whole nation. Loser.

BTW californiar, Presidents get elected for four year terms.

[seven-pesos]

george bush, jr. will be known as another dixie slave state failure...

what are the odds that the south could actually do any good for america?

war, hate, christian creeps, republican snakes...

nothing good comes out of the south.

[speakinup]

".. I dated a chick once that tried to abort me."
Posted by donnie900

Uh, donnie900, THAT would be your MOTHER. (light's on, but no one is home.)

[usayesterday]

.. I dated a chick once that tried to abort me.
Posted by donnie900 at 07:57 PM : Aug 05, 2007
.........

So that must mean the chick worked for NASA, and you're a space cadet?!


(just kidding)

:-)

[bluestardad]

STICK A FORK IN THEM THEY ARE DONE!

REPUBLICANS COULD NOT GET ELECTED TO DOG CATCHER!

[alienateddem]

GOP Debate Summary:
1. I'll see your Pro-Life and Raise you Pro-Pro-Life, etc. No Gay Marriages!!!

2. Iraq: Staying the course is premised upon course-staying ... and beating terrorists ... and no one mentioned casualties. McCain
says morale is high ... imagine! our troops are cheery!!! Pro-Life position is inapplicable to daily massacres in Iraq.

3. Health care ... not the government's responsibility ... tax cuts ... prevention ...
insurance creep. Tancredo --- neither ensuring education nor health care for Americans is his job. The whole crew oppose the SCHIP legislation passed by Congress: let the kiddies buy insurance!

4. Tax cuts ... tax cuts ... tax cuts.

5. Obama is wrong ... he wants to meet with our enemies and bomb our friends.

6. Change tax policy ... more tax incentives ... tax cuts.

Least Credible/Weakest Character: Healthcare Lobbyist Thompson, Romney, Hunter, Big Pharma & Oxycontin's Giuliani.

Smoothest Liars: Giuliani, Romney, McCain

Incredibly Stupid: Tancredo

Most Devoted to Jesus Christ: Tancredo, Brownback & Romney

The GOP's Kucinich: Ron Paul

Most Stubborn & Stumbling: McCain

Most Consistently Conservative: Huckabee & Brownback

Overall: Any of the GOP front-runners (Romney, Giuliani & Law & Order Thompson) is capable of ushering in the last gasp of the nation ... finish us off, if Bush & Cheney don't by 2009.