GOP Hopefuls Spar Over Immigration

YouTube Debate Turns Testy As Giuliani Accuses Romney Of Owning A "Sanctuary Mansion"

(CBS/AP)  Republican presidential rivals Rudy Giuliani and Mitt Romney scornfully debated immigration Wednesday in a provocative, no-holds-barred CNN/YouTube debate just over a month before the first votes are cast.

Giuliani, the front-runner in national polls, accused Romney of employing illegal immigrants at his home and running a "sanctuary mansion." The testy personal exchange came after Romney said Giuliani had retained New York's status as a sanctuary city while he was mayor.

Romney said it would "not be American" to check the papers of workers employed by a contractor simply because they have a "funny accent." He had landscapers at his Belmont, Mass., home who turned out to be in the country illegally.

Giuliani shot back, calling Romney's attitude "holier than thou."

"Mitt usually criticizes people when he usually has the far worse record," Giuliani said.

The audience, however, booed Giuliani as he tried to persist in his criticism of Romney.

“Romney is in many ways fighting a campaign on two fronts,” said CBSNews.com Senior Political Editor Vaughn Ververs. “As the perceived front-runner in the first two primary states, he’s getting squeezed in both and you saw that reflected in his exchanges tonight with Giuliani and Mike Huckabee.” (Read more analysis from Ververs in Horserace.)

The confrontation came at the start of an innovative CNN-YouTube debate that forced the candidates to confront immigration immediately, signaling the volatility of the issue among Republican voters. The eight Republican candidates encountered a range of questions, including abortion, gun control from a gun wielding NRA member, and farm subsidies from a man eating an ear of corn.

They were even asked if they believed every word in the Bible by a man holding the holy book, and a question on the powers of the vice president from a gun-toting cartoon-version of Dick Cheney.

No one was exempt in the free-for-all as the candidates squabbled over interrogation techniques, the Iraq war, crime and who wields the most conservative record. The candidates tried to position themselves to the right of each other, knowing full well that conservatives hold sway in selecting the GOP nominee.

At the outset, immigration dominated the questions submitted online and swept in the remainder of the Republican field.

Fred Thompson took the opportunity to distinguish himself from both Romney and Giuliani, arguing that Romney had supported President Bush's plan to provide a path to citizenship for some immigrants in the United States illegally now. He took Giuliani to task for attacking Romney's employment of illegal immigrants.

"I think we've all had people who we've hired who in retrospect was a bad decision," he said, alluding to Bernard Kerik, Giuliani's disgraced former police commissioner who is under federal indictment on multiple charges.

Sen. John McCain, for whom the immigration issue has proved particularly vexing, defended his support for an unsuccessful overhaul of immigration laws that included a temporary worker program and a path to citizenship.

"We must recognize these are God's children as well," McCain said. "They need our love and compassion, and I want to ensure that I will enforce the borders first. But we won't demagogue it."

Huckabee, who has also come under GOP criticism for some of his immigration policies while governor of Arkansas, defended benefits he supported for children of illegal immigrants, including allowing children to be eligible to apply for college scholarships.

"Are we going to say kids who are here illegally are going to get a special deal?" Romney asked.

Huckabee objected, saying the benefit was based on merit. "We are a better country than to punish children for what their parents did," he said.

[klingon69]

Barbara Streisand AND the Dixie Chicks were right about BUSH before it was fashionable. Not only that, but MIKE STILL doesnt see it. I have won this argument :) Its been nice thrashing you MIKE :)
Posted by californiar at 10:33 AM : Nov 29, 2007
Oh boy. A washed up no-talent, big nose singer, who hasn''t had a hit since before fire was discovered; and a group of annoying, nasal whiners trying to pass themselves off as country versions of Brittney Spears(probably would''ve been turning tricks at truckstops if hadn''t gotten lucky enough to be discovered). Is this the support of the Libs? Well, they could move away to France or whereever, no great loss.

[klingon69]

Hating is always easier than thinking.
Posted by rudy654 at 12:48 AM : Nov 29, 2007
But, illegal aliens are a major hotbed issue for most Americans.
How will our borders and ports be made safer and more secure?
What do we do about the estimated 12-20 million presently living in America?
What can we do that will be viewed by all concerned that would seem fair?
These are issues that are of a major concern for many if not most of the tax-paying citizenry of this country. So, if you want to try to spin it as hate, like you do anything that may even be slightly against the illegals, that''s your choice, but it is an issue and sore point for many.

[frankinaz]

"The overwhelming majority of these undocumented workers are guilty of one crime only, wanting to have a job which provides a living wage so they can feed their families." Wait-Not so fast: Although wanting to feed one''s family is not a crime, entering this country illegally is, hence the term "illegal immigrant." Lying on job applications, W-9 and other forms of paperwork is perjury. Next, many illegal immigrants resort to forgery, to fraudulently obtain other forms of I. D. and many services. These are laws that legal U. S. citizens can''t break most of the time, without serious consequences. So please, there is no such a person as a "Law Abiding
Illegal Immigrant." Many Americans are tired of seeing these people and the businesses that hire them
be rewarded, and not punished, for breaking the law.
Its also time that these foreign governments who receive U. S. aid also be held responsible for their own people, and not encourage their populations to emigrate here illegally, to further burden this country''s legal taxpayer ctitzens.

[kbcjedi]

Ron Paul who else. He was the last person to be asked a question in the debate. He was not asked a question about taxes, although that is his strongest position with American voters. There will be no more IRS under a Paul Administration. The income tax was never ratified, The Income tax is a custom originating from the Victory tax after WWII for the Marshall plan. Once the Federal Reserve is removed we can begin to rebuild
this country that has been devastated by the use of "fiat currency", the Constitution requires the use of metal, we have no Constitution because we are not using the Gold as the basis of our monetary system.

[nottellin1]

It is difficult to watch any of the candidates from either side. Does either party have a platform, do they have a candidate that has a IQ above a shoe size. They side step every issue, with a two step that would make every Texan proud. Why can''''t one of them simply say, " Hey, I don''''t have all the answers, but elect me and I''''ll do the best job I can". Beats all the BS they spout. Just one word of truth would be refreshing.


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Posted by Edward1975 at 01:00 AM : Nov 29, 2007

You most definately speak the truth. The scariest part of this scenario is that one of these losers, either Dem & Rep will be elected President. The current crop of candidates for both parties will only bring us more of the same. Even RP would have to work with a hostile legislative.

[bill1fj]

NO Amnesty
Deport Illegals
Fine and/or Jail anyone that hires illegals.
No benefits, licenses, or sanctuary for illegals.
Vote out of office any politician that will not work to secure our borders. NO talk, just action.
NO Amnesty

[gunownerdan]

There''s a reason why Dr. Ron Paul has nearly 78% in the CBS news poll.
You won''t hear this from the "mainstream" media, but peace and liberty are very popular!!!
ronpaul2008.com

[bill1fj]

This ILLEGAL Immigrant should be pretty simple to solve. I read that over 70% of the LEGAL U.S. Citizens want the illegals gone. The government, both parties, should have been enforcing the laws all along.
Deport any illegal found.
Fine and/or jail anyone that hires an illegal.
Do NOT let any illegal have a lisence of any type.
Do NOT allow any illegal to have benefits from any level of government.
Require all levels of government to help enforce the laws.
NO Amnesty

[tylenol6]

Has anyone every, I mean ever figured out why they won''t close the borders??????? Dosen''t make sense dose it?? I mean considering Bush is sooooooooooooooooo worried about terrorism. Ahem......... Everyone should look up the North American Union, where Bush wants to combine Mexico, Canada and the U.S. Just like RON PAUL said. Yes, people it is true. It is happening all under everyone''s noses. Don''t believe me? Look it up.You can even read about the stories about people where the government is using eminent domain to take
their property for this highway.I have a friend who lives in Austin, Texas and a superhighway is being built through the midwest all
the way up to Canada and it is being built as we speak. Google Guiliani and Cintra. Cintra is the company name. Cintra is owned by the king of Spain and
Guiliani, yes Guiliani, will make LOTS of money off of
this project. And, it will be a toll road to boot. WAKE UP PEOPLE!!!!!!!

[tylenol6]

McCain needs to go home to Phoenix, Arizona.I hear the
people in Arizona hate him and are trying to recall him.
Oop''s the news media isn''t reporting any of this. Is any
one surprised?????? NOT!!!!!!!!!
Anyway, I think he was baaaaaadddddddd in the debate.
Go home McLame, your all washed up....................

[fitz1001]

Truly a discrase. So according to last nights debate,, and I use that term loosely,, there are only three candidates allowed face time, all of whom coincidentally have been tapped by the CFR. All three bought and paid for by the Internationalists that have brought America to edge. No doubt the citizenry will once again get what they deserve........Its no mistake that the Body Elite''s lapdog "Anderson Vanderbilt" was assigned to moderate this charade.

[realpatriot1]

Anybody else find it strange that George Bush can''t be found in the company of any republican candidate anywhere? LOL right back at you.

If David Copperfield could make Bush disappear the Republicans would pay him for the rest of his life.

Where''s the flag pins boys, are you commies?

[chitown639]

The politicians are playing us. All we''re asking them to do is secure our borders and enforce the immigration laws. But, instead what we get is the Republicans protecting their buddies in the business world, particularly the busineses who rely upon cheap labor to exist. And we got the Democrats pandering to Hispanic-Americans and encouraging voter fruad by allowing illegals to get Drivers Licenses. Money and power are the two evils that run Washington. That romanic dream of a government that is of the People and by the People doesn''t exist.

[thgdriver]

Any body else find it strange that John Kerry can''t be found anyplace, anytime, anywhere at speaking engagements for the Demonrats? LOL.

I wonder how much they paid David Copperfield to make him disappear? LMAO.

He''ll turn up at a supermarket with Elvis and Hoffa any day now.

[pepperp1]

CNN= COMMUNIST NEWS NETWORK
It turns out Kerr wasn''''t the only Democratic operative asking questions. One woman who identified herself as Journey from Texas,....





WHO CARES WHAH-WHAH BILL GOT A BLOWER, ROSIE IS FAT, SANDY STUFF HIS PANTS....see this is were you RIGHTIES self Destruct a President is of all the Peoples, not just you hate mongers that make up the GOP base gene pool, and they have every right not matter party, creed, color or *** to participate in the electoral process. That is why your Party is going to fade from history, you have ruled from the fringe of the Neo Conservative Right and have been roundly rejected, contrary to your belief it is not about you it is about WE THE PEOPLE.


WHO CARES....see this is were you RIGHTIES self Destruct a President is of all the People not just you hate mongers and they have every right not matter party, creed, color or *** to particapte in the electoral process. That why you party is going to dispapear it is not about you it is about WE THE PEOPLE. FOOL.

[bizzzz-2009]

CNN= COMMUNIST NEWS NETWORK
It turns out Kerr wasn''t the only Democratic operative asking questions. One woman who identified herself as Journey from Texas, and who has a Web page in which she goes by the name Paperserenade asked the candidates about whether they would prosecute women and doctors if abortion were made illegal and the practice continued. After the debate, she posted a Web video wearing a John Edwards ''08 T-shirt. In the posting, she said she was disappointed by the responses she got, particularly from Fred Thompson, though it''s the answer she expected.
Leeann Anderson, asked about the danger of lead toys from China. Anderson, an activist on the issue, is reportedly an assistant to Leo Gerard, president of the United Steelworkers of America. The union endorsed Edwards earlier this month, and Anderson''s question is posted on the steelworkers'' YouTube page next to a picture of Edwards

[pepperp1]

The candidate most vigorously supporting secure borders, ...

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Posted by tucanofulano at 12:28 PM : Nov 29, 2007


YOU WISH, you 25 percent of the rancid GOP base are the fools biting at this red meat 2008 WEDGIE AKA RNC ROVE Bush Bait to get you sickos that have to hate to the polls. The rest of us, We the People, know your rancid greedy party created the problem under your sole Republican one party rule for years, 12 million Illegal coming in overstaying streaming across our boarders being used as slave labor and stuffing these undocumented un policed in our communities, dubbing down with Political Cronies Immigration courts and enforcement which has been non existent under this President. In the last seven years while your Republican Representative were starting a disastrous war, pillaging the treasury, plunging our country into a generation worth of debt, increasing the number of Americans below the poverty level, you SUPPPOSE they couldn%u2019t have render an EDICT to send this supposed group you hate so much home. GET OUT OF HERE no one is buying this CRAPPPOLA hate issue of your own Parties making, you enjoy your own Wedgeie up your own asssss. The rest of us will clean this and every other Massive greed based BLUNDER made during your Parties failed rule.

[liberalvet]

After watching the past 2 Democratic debates I thoguth it was time to see what the Republican''s had to say, so I tuned into last nights debate. As I figured most of the debate centered on abortion, gay marriage, and gun control. None of these issues are mainstream Americas concern. But that is the Republican Party, ignoring mainstream America in favor of interest groups and radicals.

Real American''s are concerned about rising healthcare and deminished services, rising oil prices, a failing foreign policy, our threatened and damaged economy, and when we will get out of Iraq.

But Republican''s do not want to talk about these topics for they are to messy. Well you jerks are the reason these topics are as messy as they are. I can not wait for the primaries to be over with, so America can see your sorry azz''s have to debate the real topics for once.

[simonsez40]

The flow of illegals can''''t be entirely stopped so, Bush''''s Guest Worker Visa that steers illegals away from welfare is the only logical approach to the issue.


Posted by denn034 at 12:47 PM : Nov 29, 2007

What''s your response to Bush''s charge to grant amnesty for all illegal aliens? That it never happened? Deny deny deny...

[simonsez40]

Iraq = Winning
Debt = Liberating the Iraqi and Afgan people.
Health Care = Buy your friggin'''' own!
Rampant Crime = Nothing to do with leader of the free world, see ahem "progessive" ahem mayors.
Government corruption = See your fuhrers Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid!
Poisoned Imports = How the hell did you make it this far in life with the toys you played with growing up?!?
Massive rise in Poverty - Huh Wha?!? Last time I looked MOST Americans are enjoying wage INCREASES or at least those above a 12th grade level education or those who don''''t wear coffee house rimmed eyeglasses with sleeves of tattoos on their arms with trendy little backpacks!

Posted by scumlibs

You must be smoking CRACK and are dellusional - or perhaps you were born wealthy or live in a trailer in the Deep South..........nuts!