GOP Hopefuls Restrained In Iowa Debate

Fewer Fireworks Than Usual In What Could Be The Last GOP Debate Before Iowa Caucuses

(CBS/AP)  Republican presidential rivals called for deep cuts in federal spending Wednesday in a debate remarkably free of acrimony, and agreed the reductions they seek need not require painful sacrifice by millions of Americans who rely on government services.

"The sacrifice we need from the American people is saying, 'Let the programs go that don't work. Don't lobby for them forever," said former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, one of nine GOP presidential hopefuls sharing an Iowa stage little more than three weeks before the state's caucuses provide the first test of the campaign. (Check out CBSNews.com senior political editor Vaughn Ververs' live blogging and analysis of the debate.)

Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani called for across-the-board cuts of up to 15 percent, including reduced federal spending on health care. "Rather than relying on a nanny government, let's rely on people to decide their own health care," he said.

The debate was the Republicans' last before the Iowa caucuses on Jan 3, and it punctuated a remarkable period of turmoil in their race for the presidential nomination.

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee has eroded Giuliani's lead in nationwide polls, and he has overtaken Romney in public surveys of likely caucus goers in Iowa. The result has been an increase in testiness - Romney on Tuesday became the first candidate to assail another in a TV ad, hitting Huckabee for his position on immigration.

But all nine men on the debate stage were on their best behavior for an Iowa electorate notoriously scornful of political attacks, and the subject of education produced the only semblance of sparks.

"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," said CBSNews.com's Ververs.

"Unfortunately for any voters tuning in looking to find distinctions between the candidates, it didn’t do much to help their search," he added.

Moments after Huckabee said schools should provide all students with music and art instruction at all grade levels, Colorado Rep. Tom Tancredo took him to task. "That's not the job of a president. It's the job of a governor," he said. "That's what you should run for if you want to dictate curriculum."

Huckabee responded by saying that in his decade as governor he had the "most impressive education record."

Huckabee's tone, including a plea to end long-standing polarization between liberals and conservatives, evoked one of the Democratic candidates more than it did any of the fellow Republicans on stage, CBS News senior political correspondent Jeff Greenfield said.

"As far as Mike Huckabee was concerned, he used his time to inoculate himself against attack by sounding a little bit like Barack Obama," said Greenfield, who characterized the debate as an "extremely civil exchange."

That brought a polite disagreement from Romney - also a fellow governor. "I just wanted a small adjustment to what Governor Huckabee had to say. And I don't believe you had the finest record of any governor in American on education," he said, eliciting laughter from the debate audience.

Former Sen. Fred Thompson of Tennessee was an exception to the general agreement on spending and sacrifice. "We've got to spend more for the military as a matter of fact, but we've got to look at Social Security and Medicare and do some things that won't hurt anybody badly," he said. Thompson, alone among the White House contenders in both parties, has called for steps to reduce the benefits promised to future retirees. He has also said he supports changes in Medicare, but has yet to outline a specific proposal.

Carolyn Washburn, editor of The Des Moines Register and the debate moderator, brought about a mini-revolt at one point when she asked all the candidates to raise their hands if they thought global warming was a serious threat caused by human behavior. "I'm not doing hand shows today," said Thompson.

Ultimately, no one disputed global warming was a problem and humans at least contribute to it.

"I know it's real," said Sen. John McCain of Arizona, who advocates legislation to tackle the problem.

"Climate change is real. It's happening. Human beings are contributing to it," agreed Giuliani.

The final pre-caucus Democratic debate is set for Thursday.

[neobrian-2009]

One Room FULL of The Wealthy Wind Blowers !
No Fans needed ! I want to,..And I want as,.I want leaders,..I want solutions,..I want bold,.I want optimistic,..I want,..Wow! I was Impressed !" Yes or No ?" ~Give a minute to say,~....Typical Pols!!

[mcvet]

This nation has just been through 7 years of the worst president in our history. He has spent 6 long years and a Trillion Dollars we don''t have to try to "give" Democracy to a nation that WE invaded for NO reason. Add to that the fact that the Taliban and Bin Laden have used that to recruit enough young arabs until they are now as strong as they were before the attack on us and all these people can find to debate is something their party could have fixed in the 6 years they had control of the Congress. Now if there are any of you Toe Tappers buying this garbage you deserve the wrost in our history. The Fascist are so desperate for a Wedge Issue it''s unbelievable...all the while our troops are KILLING THEMSELVES at record numbers. Sieg Heil Bush!!

[antoniof123]

God this group of toe tappers just doesn''t get it do they. The right wing nut jobs are getting desperate in a last ditch attempt to attract there base.

Only one problem nut jobs your base is all you are going to attract this time around.

[perception5]

Mitt Romney hit a grand slam!

Folks are now saying Huck is ...........Huck-a-bomb!

Mitt crushed his opponents today with clear specific answers.

[bobmarisol]

One comment said "Democrats have 2008 in the bag" -- as a lifelong Democrat, I am not so sure. We won Congress b/c of how things were going in Iraq. But since we took power, our Congress has gotten little if anything done. We are still in the war, and despite our efforts to surrender in Iraq, the Republicans have turned the war around and now the USA is winning -- THIS IS BAD FOR US AS DEMOCRATS BECAUSE NOW THE REPUBLICANS WILL GET CREDIT FOR WINNING THE WAR AND WE WILL BE SEEN AS WEAK IN THE WAR ON TERROR. I am afraid we have convinced the American people to vote Republican even though many people dont like Bush.

[tessies101]

Once again Ron Paul is the only Republican wanting to bring our troops home, and put an end to this unnecessary Empire building overseas. Once again, the only one making sense is Ron Paul, and Alan Keyes get more questions, Go Figure....
Remember the Tea Party this coming Sunday, we will blow these other warmongers for a loop.

[bobmarisol]

If you dont want another Republican in the White House, we as Democrats need to stand up and make sure that the USA loses the war in Iraq. The Democratic party has been against the war for so long that it would be disaster for us if the USA wins. And now that the troop surge has turned the war around, it is more important then ever that we abandon the fight. Thus we need to call our Senators and Representatives to tell them to bring our troops home NOW. WE CANNOT LET THE USA WIN THIS WAR -- IF THE USA DOES WIN, THEN THE REPUBLICANS WILL GET ALL THE CREDIT.

[tessies101]

perception5:
I do agree with you Mitt did a good job, as did Ron Paul.

[zevancassidy]

THE council of foreign relation own the *** news ITS ALL LIES and the people who work there are *** dumb *****. YOU never one time say Ron Pauls name and try to Brain wash everyone with this Bull *** I hope you all DIE www.myspace.com/kurtcobain22067 For the REAL NEWS

[omega39-2009]

One comment said "Democrats have 2008 in the bag" -- as a lifelong Democrat, I am not so sure.

Posted by bobmarisol

Bob, you claim to be a "lifelong Democrat" but toe-tap and squeal like a Republican pig. What''s up?

[bobmarisol]

Why is it that people doubt my Democratic loyalties just because I am realistic? I am a Democrat, but I am worried that we are losing the American people -- how will we convince the people to vote for us in 2008 if the USA wins the war? We have been against it for so long there is no way for us to take credit for the victory.

[zevancassidy]

To the republic DUMB *** this CBS IS *** for news CFR SCUM CFR SCUM CFR SCUM CFR SCUM CFR SCUM CFR SCUM
CFR SCUM CFR SCUM They are LIES LIES LIES LIES LIES
They are owned by the council of foreign relation LOOK IT UP www.myspace.com/kurtcobain22067 OR youtube New world order CNN "ALL the candidates except for Kucinich, Gravell, and Ron Paul are CFR.......... object width="425" height="355" param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/JIRK1y52FTQ&rel=1&border=0" /param param name="wmode" value="transparent" /param embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/JIRK1y52FTQ&rel=1&border=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355" /embed /object

CFR several large businesses holding additional corporate memberships. Corporate members include:


Halliburton of Dubai, British Petroleum, Dutch Royal Shell, Exxon Mobile, General Electric (NBC), Chevron, Lockheed Martin, Merck Pharmaceuticals, News Corp (FOX), Bloomberg, IBM, Time Warner, JP Morgan/ Chase Manhattan, CBS, CNN, CFR SCUM Yeah If this poll was correct Ron Paul 96% You all work For a DEVIL secret *** www.CFR.org GO DO YOUR RESEARCH PEOPLE oh yeah CBS YOU SUCK

[gkc99]

"how will we convince the people to vote for us in 2008 if the USA wins the war? We have been against it for so long there is no way for us to take credit for the victory. "--Posted by bobmarisol


Not to worry, Bob, those folks have been cutting off each other''s nuts since the Prophet died and went to hell, so if "victory" means peace, the Repugs have only 2 chances, slim and none.

If "victory" means permanent US bases in Iraq and permanent occupation of the oil fields, we got that already. But you don''t see many of the Repug "leaders" with family in Iraq. Romnuts has 5 sons and not one is serving. Bushit''s two daughters are off writing books and making their father look stupid. War is a lot of trouble, and nobody in power wants to actually be in one.

[marcodele]

Hucky said he may not be able to part the red sea, but he can cut the red tape.

I guess we''re in for a couple thousand biblical references from this pandering hack over the next year.

[hillaryin08]

The thing is Bob is right. How are you dems going to handle a victory in Iraq when you vested yourselves in defeat for so long? The American people really dont care how we got their anymore and just want a successful outcome.

[realpatriot1]

bobmarisel,

I don''t think the Wizard of OZ can keep the curtain closed on Iraq for another 11 monthes.

There''s no benefit to anyone if the violence spikes but it''s highly likely that it will. Why? For one thing, the British & Australians are pulling out in the next couple monthes. If the insurgency decides to launch a new offensive wherever we aren''t, we''ll either have to sprad our existing troops thinner or have an additional surge. This month has already started off more deadly than recent months.

But let''s be optimistic and assume that the lower levels of violence will hold. That only raises expectations for Iraqization and the withdrawal of Amrican forces. The neocons want to say we''ve won and everything is peachy but we can''t leave; not a cedible case to take to a sceptical electorate.

If violence picks back up the Republicans will have to explain why they wasted a period of relative calm with no significant diplomatic effort to pressure the Iraqi government to reform or to bring in international reconstructive aid.

I''m one liberal democrat who can''t wait for that debate!

[gkc99]

"How are you dems going to handle a victory in Iraq when you vested yourselves in defeat for so long? The American people really dont care how we got their anymore and just want a successful outcome"--Posted by hillaryin08


That''s a hoot. Repugs couldn''t bring about a successful outcome if their lives depended on it. Big car bombing today--surge may not be the instant cure. Of course Bushit will proclaim victory, but everyone except a few morons and shills now know he''s lying every time his mouth is moving.

Dems can also point to the wonderful state of the economy--housing in the toilet, stock market tanking, etc. Plus how the richest 10% are getting all the gravy.

So the Dems should do pretty well this time around.

[gkc99]

"Hucky said he may not be able to part the red sea, but he can cut the red tape.

I guess we''''re in for a couple thousand biblical references from this pandering hack over the next year"--Posted by marcodele


Yes, we can expect a lot of tripe from the Arkansas snake oil salesman.

[fredgrad2000]

Dems can also point to the wonderful state of the economy--housing in the toilet, stock market tanking, etc. Plus how the richest 10% are getting all the gravy.
- gkc99

Stock market "tanking"? I wouldn''t go that far bud; and the richest 10% getting "all the gravy"; typical socialist income redistribution line...work harder or get smarter and then you can be one of that 10%; until then quit whining; its not the rich people''s fault you aren''t smart enough to get to the top...

The bombing today? That was Shiite Mahdi Army vs Shiite Badr; wasn''t the sectarian civil war you defeatists have invested so heavily in, nor Al Qaeda...we also have NO coalition forces in that province, so commenting on that as part of a discussion of the "surge" is ridiculous; that area is not part of that strategy as it was already handed over fully to Iraqi national forces.

[bobmarisol]

"the richest 10% are getting all the gravy"
Posted by gkc99 at 04:32 PM : Dec 12, 2007

You are wrong on this point. The top 1% of income earners are paying 35% of the tax bill. The top 10% of income earners are paying 68% of the total tax bill. The bottom 50% of income earners are paying only 3.2% of the total tax bill.

[hillaryin08]

I think gkc99, realpatriot1 and the other libs tried to wash the windshild on my H3 this morning.

Sorrry Guys

[marcodele]

I love how this bunch are campaigning on the Republican mantra of tax reform and less government spending. Sounds familiar, right?

So where was the tax reform and less government spending in the past seven years when they had total control?

They might as well get back into the Jesus Wars. Their playbook is old, and their records don''t match their rhetoric.

[hillaryin08]

Check it out the frenzy they get in from the good news. Remember lib, washing windshields at the intersection is not a profession.

The socialists / marxist / communists attatudes you guys have does not set well with real America

[fredgrad2000]

Outside of a couple potential candidates on either side; none of whom appear to be able to win their party''s nominations, we all know this contest will come down to 5 or 6 "swing states"; the rest won''t matter. And for the GOP, in a year where the Dems have the natural advantage for any number of reasons (Bush fatigue, natural predilection to switch parties in power after a 2-term president, Iraq - less of an issue than the Dems would like it to be), their only shot is to nominate a candidate who has a chance of wooing the moderates and independents who will decide those states; and that is clearly not going to be Huckabee, Romney, or Thompson; especially not Huckabee or Thompson; no southern, religious, slow-speaking Republican could win with the current Bush fatigue; they''re too much like Bush in that regard. Only a GOP moderate who has some positions that cross the party line (like Giuliani on abortion and gay rights or McCain on immigration) will be able to win the "swing states" necessary to win the general election. Everyone knows the Dem will win NY and CA and the GOP will win Georgia and Texas; but a moderate Republican could keep the states needed to win in a close election like FL, Ohio, West Virginia, CO, New Mexico (all states that were "swing states" in 2004).

[gopalways]

I''m very disturbed by the unwillingness of average GOP republican''s to recognize the depth that Marxism is institutionalized in the Federal Government. Most of the Communist agenda has been implemented and is fully accepted and supported by Citizens of The United States of America. The American peoples are good, but they have been deceived. They falsely believe they are free when in fact they are slaves, for we live in a defacto Communist State. We toil all our lives for debt instruments only to enrich the world banking elite while being subjected to the humiliation of a progressive income tax. We work all our lives to build our business, and when we pass away the USG confiscates half of our estates. No longer do we hold allodial title to our lands; instead we are allowed to have use of our property so long as we please the government. Every aspect of our economy is controlled through some facet of labyrinthine Federal and State regulations. All mass media save the Net is in the service of our self-proclaimed masters. We live in a country where the planks of the Communist Manifesto are implemented. Our governments dance to the tune of special interests even some that are foreign. http://www.greaterthings.com/Constitution/Associates/10Marx_planks.htm
But there is hope for America. Dr. Ron Paul will if elected President of these United States of America roll back the institutional Marxism endemic to the Federal Government

[gopalways]

I''m very disturbed by the unwillingness of average GOP republican''s to recognize the depth that Marxism is institutionalized in the Federal Government. Most of the Communist agenda has been implemented and is fully accepted and supported by Citizens of The United States of America. The American peoples are good, but they have been deceived. They falsely believe they are free when in fact they are slaves, for we live in a defacto Communist State. We toil all our lives for debt instruments only to enrich the world banking elite while being subjected to the humiliation of a progressive income tax. We work all our lives to build our business, and when we pass away the USG confiscates half of our estates. No longer do we hold allodial title to our lands; instead we are allowed to have use of our property so long as we please the government. Every aspect of our economy is controlled through some facet of labyrinthine Federal and State regulations. All mass media save the Net is in the service of our self-proclaimed masters. We live in a country where the planks of the Communist Manifesto are implemented. Our governments dance to the tune of special interests even some that are foreign. http://www.greaterthings.com/Constitution/Associates/10Marx_planks.htm
But there is hope for America. Dr. Ron Paul will if elected President of these United States of America roll back the institutional Marxism endemic to the Federal Government.

[gopalways]

I''m very disturbed by the unwillingness of average GOP republican''s to recognize the depth that Marxism is institutionalized in the Federal Government. Most of the Communist agenda has been implemented and is fully accepted and supported by Citizens of The United States of America. The American peoples are good, but they have been deceived. They falsely believe they are free when in fact they are slaves, for we live in a defacto Communist State. We toil all our lives for debt instruments only to enrich the world banking elite while being subjected to the humiliation of a progressive income tax. We work all our lives to build our business, and when we pass away the USG confiscates half of our estates. No longer do we hold allodial title to our lands; instead we are allowed to have use of our property so long as we please the government. Every aspect of our economy is controlled through some facet of labyrinthine Federal and State regulations. All mass media save the Net is in the service of our self-proclaimed masters. We live in a country where the planks of the Communist Manifesto are implemented. Our governments dance to the tune of special interests even some that are foreign. http://www.greaterthings.com/Constitution/Associates/10Marx_planks.htm
But there is hope for America. Dr. Ron Paul will if elected President of these United States of America roll back the institutional Marxism endemic to the Federal Government.

[gopalways]

I''m very disturbed by the unwillingness of average GOP republican''s to recognize the depth that Marxism is institutionalized in the Federal Government. Most of the Communist agenda has been implemented and is fully accepted and supported by Citizens of The United States of America. The American peoples are good, but they have been deceived. They falsely believe they are free when in fact they are slaves, for we live in a defacto Communist State. We toil all our lives for debt instruments only to enrich the world banking elite while being subjected to the humiliation of a progressive income tax. We work all our lives to build our business, and when we pass away the USG confiscates half of our estates. No longer do we hold allodial title to our lands; instead we are allowed to have use of our property so long as we please the government. Every aspect of our economy is controlled through some facet of labyrinthine Federal and State regulations. All mass media save the Net is in the service of our self-proclaimed masters. We live in a country where the planks of the Communist Manifesto are implemented. Our governments dance to the tune of special interests even some that are foreign. http://www.greaterthings.com/Constitution/Associates/10Marx_planks.htm
But there is hope for America. Dr. Ron Paul will roll back the institutional Marxism endemic to the Federal Government.

[gopalways]

I''m very disturbed by the unwillingness of average GOP republican''s to recognize the depth that Marxism is institutionalized in the Federal Government. Most of the Communist agenda has been implemented and is fully accepted and supported by Citizens of The United States of America. The American peoples are good, but they have been deceived. They falsely believe they are free when in fact they are slaves, for we live in a defacto Communist State. We toil all our lives for debt instruments only to enrich the world banking elite while being subjected to the humiliation of a progressive income tax. We work all our lives to build our business, and when we pass away the USG confiscates half of our estates. No longer do we hold allodial title to our lands; instead we are allowed to have use of our property so long as we please the government. Every aspect of our economy is controlled through some facet of labyrinthine Federal and State regulations. All mass media save the Net is in the service of our self-proclaimed masters. We live in a country where the planks of the Communist Manifesto are implemented. Our governments dance to the tune of special interests even some that are foreign. http://www.greaterthings.com/Constitution/Associates/10Marx_planks.htm
But there is hope for America. The only physician running for President will roll back the institutional Marxism endemic to the Federal Government.

[jms1078]

This is absolutely ridiculous!

I am truly enraged at the overwhelming bias in the media! It does not shock me but it does in fact appall me.

I have heard no mention of Ron Paul in ANY media announcement or coverage in any presidential debate.

This only proves the bias and power of ''control'' the media has on our country.

An unfair presidential run? We have seen this in the past, we have had to struggle with it, or in the case of my fellow brothers in Iraq, DIE with it!

This is the type of thing that pushes me even further to support Dr. Paul. To be honest it is also the type of action that has made me ashamed to be a citizen of the United States of America!

The only action I can think of to fight this blasphemy of lies and deceit is to spread the word even further! Spread the word of understanding and truth!

SPREAD THE WORD OF RON PAUL FOR PRESIDENT ''08''!

[gopalways]

I''m very disturbed by the unwillingness of average GOP republican''s to recognize the depth that Marxism is institutionalized in the Federal Government. Most of the Communist agenda has been implemented and is fully accepted and supported by Citizens of The United States of America. The American peoples are good, but they have been deceived. They falsely believe they are free when in fact they are slaves, for we live in a defacto Communist State. We toil all our lives for debt instruments only to enrich the world banking elite while being subjected to the humiliation of a progressive income tax. We work all our lives to build our business, and when we pass away the USG confiscates half of our estates. No longer do we hold allodial title to our lands; instead we are allowed to have use of our property so long as we please the government. Every aspect of our economy is controlled through some facet of labyrinthine Federal and State regulations. All mass media save the Net is in the service of our self-proclaimed masters. We live in a country where the planks of the Communist Manifesto are implemented. Our governments dance to the tune of special interests even some that are foreign. h ttp://www.greaterthings.com/Constitution/Associates/10Marx_planks.htm
But there is hope for America. Dr. Ron Paul will if elected President of these United States of America roll back the institutional Marxism endemic to the Federal Government.

[jms1078]

This is absolutely ridiculous!

I am truly enraged at the overwhelming bias in the media! It does not shock me but it does in fact appall me.

I have heard no mention of Ron Paul in ANY media announcement or coverage in any presidential debate.

This only proves the bias and power of ''control'' the media has on our country.

An unfair presidential run? We have seen this in the past, we have had to struggle with it, or in the case of my fellow brothers in Iraq, DIE with it!

This is the type of thing that pushes me even further to support Dr. Paul. To be honest it is also the type of action that has made me ashamed to be a citizen of the United States of America!

The only action I can think of to fight this blasphemy of lies and deceit is to spread the word even further! Spread the word of understanding and truth!

SPREAD THE WORD OF RON PAUL FOR PRESIDENT ''08''!

[gopalways]

I''m very disturbed by the unwillingness of average GOP republican''s to recognize the depth that Marxism is institutionalized in the Federal Government. Most of the Communist agenda has been implemented and is fully accepted and supported by Citizens of The United States of America. The American peoples are good, but they have been deceived. They falsely believe they are free when in fact they are slaves, for we live in a defacto Communist State. We toil all our lives for debt instruments only to enrich the world banking elite while being subjected to the humiliation of a progressive income tax. We work all our lives to build our business, and when we pass away the USG confiscates half of our estates. No longer do we hold allodial title to our lands; instead we are allowed to have use of our property so long as we please the government. Every aspect of our economy is controlled through some facet of labyrinthine Federal and State regulations. All mass media save the Net is in the service of our self-proclaimed masters. We live in a country where the planks of the Communist Manifesto are implemented. Our governments dance to the tune of special interests even some that are foreign. (search for 10Marx_planks.htm)
But there is hope for America. Dr. Ron Paul will if elected President of these United States of America roll back the institutional Marxism endemic to the Federal Government.

[kansas1946]

They''re back!!!!! The "Men In Black" clones. You know what would be really nice. If all of these guys that don''t have a chance in h e l l of being president, would donate all of the money from their campaigns to charity and go home. That would be a doube blessing for America.

[gopalways]

I''m very disturbed by the unwillingness of GOP to recognize the depth that Marxism is institutionalized in the Federal Government. Most of the Communist agenda has been implemented and is fully accepted/ supported by the Citizens. The American peoples have been deceived. They falsely believe they are free, but really they are slaves. We live in a defacto Communist State. We toil all our lives for debt instruments only to enrich the world banking elite while being subjected to the humiliation of a progressive income tax. We work all our lives to build our business, and when we die the USG confiscates half of our estates. No longer do we hold allodial title to our lands; instead we are allowed to have use of our property so long as we please the government. Every aspect of our economy is controlled through some facet of labyrinthine Federal and State regulations. All mass media save the Net is in the service of our self-proclaimed masters. We live in a country where the Communist Manifesto is implemented. Our governments dance to the tune of special interests rather than defend Liberty. (search for The Ten Steps of Karl Marx Implementation in America) But there is hope. Dr. Ron Paul will if elected President roll back the institutional Marxism endemic to the Federal Government by eliminating the income tax and signing into law legislation that makes gold and silver legal tender thus forcing the FED to peruse sound money policy.

[tylenol6]

Can someone explain this to me? I keep reading Huckabee
is the frontrunner but his poll numbers are down. Explain that one to me!! For anyone out there who supports Huckabee, are you aware that Huckabee supports
ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT AMNESTY despite the majority of americans are AGAINST IT??? HUCKABEE=OPEN BORDERS

[bobmarisol]

One comment said "Democrats have 2008 in the bag" -- as a lifelong Democrat, I am not so sure. We won Congress b/c of how things were going in Iraq. But since we took power, our Congress has gotten little if anything done. We are still in the war, and despite our efforts to surrender in Iraq, the Republicans have turned the war around and now the USA is winning -- THIS IS BAD FOR US AS DEMOCRATS BECAUSE NOW THE REPUBLICANS WILL GET CREDIT FOR WINNING THE WAR AND WE WILL BE SEEN AS WEAK IN THE WAR ON TERROR. I am afraid we have convinced the American people to vote Republican even though many people dont like Bush.

[bobmarisol]

If you dont want another Republican in the White House, we as Democrats need to stand up and make sure that the USA loses the war in Iraq. The Democratic party has been against the war for so long that it would be disaster for us if the USA wins. And now that the troop surge has turned the war around, it is more important then ever that we abandon the fight. Thus we need to call our Senators and Representatives to tell them to bring our troops home NOW. WE CANNOT LET THE USA WIN THIS WAR -- IF THE USA DOES WIN, THEN THE REPUBLICANS WILL GET ALL THE CREDIT.

[gretagreen]

We all want to succeed in Iraq, but CNN is saying Congress is getting ready to approve another $700 billion for the war!! Why does Congress allow this. The GOP candidates say we need to cut federal spending; the Dems say they want us out of Iraq. What the $#%^ is going on???

We cannot afford $70 Billion for that! We need to get out of Iraq now. It''s killing us financially.

[creeper00]

Note, please, that none of these warmongers called for cutting spending on military aggressions.

You and I are supposed to kiss domestic programs good-bye while they continue to plow our treasury into a trumped-up war in the Middle East.

Under any of these candidates how many more cities will drown? How many more bridges will collapse? What will be left of our already-crippled right to privacy?

These people make me sick.

[gretagreen]

bobmarisol is a bad American if he says Dems want us to fail in Iraq. Shame on you. You''re no Democrat. We Dems would LOVE to declare victory in Iraq and we don''t care who you give credit to. Just bring our soldiers home and stop throwing $$ in the moneypit!

[sgtrds]

Restrained? Restrained hell! This was not a debate it was a series of campaign speeches! Nothing about the war. Nothing about Immigration. Just one softball after another. Worthless waste of time.

[sgtrds]

bobmarisol, I told you before that you are wrong in your assessment about the democrats.

Posted by neoconism at 07:13 PM : Dec 12, 2007

bobmarisol is not a democrat. He is lars008 under a different name and is as much a democrat as Dic*k Cheney.

[giantrobot2]

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.

[homespunlady]

I''m not for a government controlled life and right now that''s ALL I see ahead for this country after the COMPLETE breakdown of our economy happens.
Then, whether Bin Laden was for real or a front for something else, his threat to destroy the US will have been a flawlessly "accomplished mission" by his family''s friend George Bush.

Ironically I see NO END in sight with this CONTRIVED war for wealth transfer to a selected few - if ANY of the candidates - Democratic OR Republican get in with the slightly possible exception of Ron Paul.

With the MSM blacklisting him and the dirty tricks squad focused on him; I doubt he''s got a chance.

The newest "dirty trick tactic" is to claim to be "for" Paul and be the most annoying obnoxious a**hole as possible in order to obscure the message and anger people.

Apparently, if it works we''ll soon be seeing a whole new type of campaign dirty trick happen to all the candidates!

Let''s call them "Anti-supporters".

My guess is that they''ll be coming to "support" YOUR favorite candidate soon no matter who he or she may be.

I''ve seen hints of this already cropping up with other candidates and I''m not sure once it starts how ridiculous, frustrating and vote destroying it could become.

One thing is for sure - it''s already turning into a "dirty" and misleading election and the primaries haven''t even happened yet!

[homespunlady]

Both bobmarisol and GOPALWAYS seem to be members of this new dirty tricks "anti-supporter" group.

Since WHEN was LYING and pretending to be some crazy fanatical supporter meant to anything other than a totally UNETHICAL and CHILDISH form of bullying meant to underhandedly support the opposition.

FOR SHAME!!
The voters finally caught on to "swift-boaters" so now is this the NEW Rove style backup dirty trick??

[irvhomer]

%u201C6. He will lead up not just hard right or hard left.
Excellent communicator, will bring parties together.%u201D
* Unfortunately his leadership is less than desirable. Suggesting we %u201Cisolate%u201D AIDS patients and then encouraging the release of convicted rapist Wayne DuMond.

%u201C7. He will lead with principles rather than money.
He cares everybody not just those on Wall Street.%u201D
* If his track record tells us anything, he%u2019ll more likely lead with spending your money.

%u201C9. He will carry out his goals, not talk about them.
Lost 110 pounds, kept it off, ran 4 Marathons-26.2m%u201D
* It%u2019s great he can carry out goals that benefit him. Too bad he can%u2019t stay on track with fiscal goals to benefit the people he represents. Huckabee received an "F/D" for fiscal policy of governors from the CATO institute, while most Democratic governors received higher grades.

%u201C10. He knows the American people is the real boss.
As Governor, his picture frame only shows citizens.%u201D
* An act. He%u2019s also selling himself as the Christian%u2019s candidate which is downright condescending. Are Christians to ignore his track record of increased spending just because they share the same religious beliefs?

[irvhomer]

Response to GiantRobot2 Huckabee %u201Cfacts%u201D

%u201C1. He will Eliminate the IRS:%u201D
* Huckabee stole this theme from Ron Paul. The only difference is Huckabee plans to replace the IRS with a %u201CSales Tax Bureau%u201D whereas Ron Paul would actually reduce the federal government.

%u201C2. He will drastically reduce Gas prices:
Switch to alternative fuels, changing supply/demand.%u201D
* Sounds like more wasteful federal subsidies. I don%u2019t see how this will save people money. The gas I purchase now has 10% ethanol and the only significant reduction is a decrease in gas mileage.

%u201C4. He will reduce threat of terrorism.
New fuels cause middle east gov. crack down on them.%u201D
* Huckabee%u2019s Energy Independence policy is 50% rhetoric and 50% letting lobbyists pull his strings. Ethanol will cost us more and bring us neither security nor oil independence. However, he will make the NCGA happy.

%u201C5. He will reduce rising Health care costs.
New programs that prevent diseases, not just fix them.%u201D
* AKA more inefficient government programs

[feelfree1]

Re: "GOP Hopefuls Restrained In Iowa Debate"

This is encouraging. They should be kept restrained on all occasions, until they can appear before a judge, especially when they are in the presence of young boys.

[glidescube]

These *** only say what they want us to hear. I bet if gay rights was a demanded issue by 85% of the people they all of a sudden would be too. They have no morals and rank down there with used car dealers.

They want to give tax breaks to the rich and tax food and consumer goods that the poor can already I''ll afford.

I swear that Obama is looking better with every passing day.