Romney Takes Most Fire In GOP Debate

Former Mass. Governor Clashes With Huckabee On Foreign Policy, McCain On Immigration

(CBS/AP)  Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney clashed with Mike Huckabee on foreign policy and John McCain on immigration Saturday night in a high-stakes presidential campaign debate three days before the New Hampshire primary.

"A rather freewheeling debate format yielded relatively few of the fireworks expected from a gathering just three days before the crucial New Hampshire primary," said CBSNews.com senior political editor Vaughn Ververs. "But on issues ranging from foreign policy to health care and immigration, differences were apparent between the top-tier candidates, with Romney the focal point of most all the evening's toughest exchanges. The two candidates most in need of a victory are McCain and Romney, and McCain likely got the best of it tonight, but just slightly."

"It's not amnesty," McCain shot back after Romney criticized his plan for overhauling the immigration system. "You can spend your whole fortune on these attacks ads, my friend, but it's not true."

Earlier, Romney criticized Huckabee for having written that the Bush administration was guilty of an "arrogant bunker mentality" on foreign policy.

"Did you read the article before you commented on it," asked Huckabee, the former Arkansas governor.

"I read the article, the whole article," shot back Romney.

Romney's aggressive demeanor reflected the stakes in the wide open race for the Republican presidential nomination. Huckabee defeated him in the Iowa caucuses on Thursday with an underfunded campaign. Now Romney faces a strong challenge from a resurgent McCain in New Hampshire's first-in-the-nation primary next Tuesday.

Former Sen. Fred Thompson, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and Texas Rep. Ron Paul also shared the stage, but they were largely eclipsed for significant portions of the 90-minute debate as Romney, McCain and Huckabee struggled for advantage.

Romney walked on stage with his first win under his belt, a triumph in the scarcely-contested Wyoming caucuses. The former Massachusetts governor, seeking to become the first Mormon president, said the outcome was "just the beginning."

A pre-debate poll suggested McCain's momentum had carried him into a narrow lead over Romney in New Hampshire, and that Huckabee was in third place. It also suggested he had not yet profited from his victory in Iowa, but the results of an election in one state often take several days to show up in surveys in another state.

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CBSNews.com Analysis: Clinton Digs In; Romney Takes Foes' Digs
The Democratic N.H. Debate: Clinton Challenges Obama

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Both Huckabee and McCain jabbed at Romney for having changed his position on numerous issues such as abortion, gun control and gay rights.

"You are the candidate of change," McCain said with a laugh.

And Huckabee, admonished not to characterize Romney's position on the Iraq war, replied, "which one."

Romney's aides were at work challenging Huckabee's truth-telling even when their candidate himself did not.

As the debate unfolded and Huckabee said he had supported President Bush's decision a year ago to increase troop strength in Iraq, Romney's campaign quickly emailed reporters with a Huckabee quote to a different effect. "Well, I'm not sure that I support the troop surge, if that surge has to come from our Guard and Reserve troops, which have really been overly stretched," it said he told MSNBC last January.

McCain, whose candidacy appeared at the point of collapse last summer, sought to stress his national security credentials against major rivals whose political resumes are limited to governorships.

He said he had been the first one in the race to say the president's initial strategy in the war in Iraq was not working, "And I again say that I'm glad to know that now everybody supported the surge."

He added that "I was criticized by Republicans at that time. And that was a low point, but I stuck to it. I didn't change. I didn't say we needed a secret plan for withdrawal."

Immigration emerged again in the debate as an issue that divided McCain and Romney.

McCain has long backed a path to citizenship for millions of people living in the country illegally provided they meet certain requirements. Romney is running an ad that says McCain "wrote the amnesty bill that America rejected."

"I've never supported amnesty," McCain said, taking issue with the characterization and describing several steps immigrants must meet.

Romney allowed: "What he describes is technically true, which is his plan does not provide amnesty because he charges people $5,000 to be able to stay."

All six men on stage sought to weave their way through a question about whether they would run on Mr. Bush's foreign policy or run against it.

McCain said Bush deserves credit for his successes as he should take the blame for failures.

Huckabee said the administration's arrogance was reflected in former defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld saying an invasion force of 180,000 troops would be sufficient in Iraq.

Thompson agreed that the administration had gone to war in Iraq without enough troops. "Presidents are not perfect. Policies are not perfect," he said, although he added, "we are on our way toward prevailing there."

Giuliani said Bush "got the big decision of his presidency right ... when he put us on offense against Islamic terrorists."

Paul, mounting a quixotic campaign, stuck to his insistence that the war should end.

Earlier Saturday, all the candidates made the rounds of restaurants, community centers and schools, engaging in the type of face-to-face campaigning New Hampshire voters demand. For most, talk of religious beliefs and abortion that was prevalent in Iowa gave way to low-tax, smaller-government pitches finely tuned for a state whose voters tend to care more about economics than social issues.

Romney's event in Derry showcased his newly embraced theme - change. One banner read "Washington is broken" while another contained an 11-item "To Do" list beginning with, "Make America Safer," and ending with, "Put people ahead of selfish interest."

In Peterborough, after his 100th New Hampshire town hall meeting, McCain said of Romney: "We have significant differences but those differences will be aired in a positive and respectful manner."

[rushlimpdrug]

Gee, I didn''t realize Fred was soooo much bigger than John.

[feelfree1]

That is a nice photograph of Punch and Judy.

[cbscensorsus]

Like I said..

[rowdytexan2]

"We are succeeding now in Iraq. As we blame the president for the failed strategy we should give him credit" for current success, McCain said in a 90-minute debate three days before New Hampshire holds the first primary of the 2008 presidential campaign. "

Ummm, what success? Yes, the war was won years ago! Our soldiers did that, not Mr. Bush. But the occupation is NOT a success, no matter how you spin it. There has not gone by a day in four years when people haven''t been murdered here because of THIS WAR!

You bunch of lying frigging republiCONS cannot have any concept of that at all!

[rdstreets]

I am for the first time really enjoying this debate format! The staging forces these candidates to really make their case through the sparring process. Love it!

[feelfree1]

I can''t wait to vote for these fascists.

Hitlery/Huckleberry in 2008!

[thisandthat1]

Now the Dems are on ... If Hillary Clinton is up there blabbing away .... aren''t Betty Ford, Barbara Bush, Roslyn Carter and Nancy Reagan just as qualified to also be up on that stage? Hillary keeps shooting herself in the foot every time she talks about her 35 year "record"........ WHAT RECORD? She has no record! She wasn''t the President when she lived ion the White House... she never felt the weight of responsibility ...she was an observer like the rest of us. Then, she set a phony residence in NY State for her Presidential ambitions..... that''s her only limited record and she''s been running for the White House the whole time!

[myidoncbs]

The current crop of repugs are whackjobs, one and all.

A classic from Mutt: "we cannot afford Barack Obama as our next president. He''s a very nice fellow%u2026 But he''s never done it." AS IF MUTT HAS EVER BEEN PRESIDENT! (or ever will be)

Hucksterbee says, "I supported the president in the war before you did." A "Christian" who supports the invasion, destruction, and occupation of a country that didn''t attack us! How do these loonies square that with "Thou shalt not kill" and "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you", etc.? Jesus would be SO PROUD! (Not!) The only possible explanation is: they''re whackjobs! Loonatics!

And nobody is crazier than McCain. He says, "We are succeeding now in Iraq." Too late! Bush claimed success ("Mission Accomplished") years ago, but there is no such thing as "success" with our soldiers holed up in the h3ll-hole they created in Iraq, waiting for the locals to kill them. Since there were NO AL QAEDA and no WMDs in Iraq before we got there, I''d say the whole adventure is more like an ANTI-success.

Speaking of McCain, has anyone noticed that he used to oppose Bush, but after Bush''s minions were mean to him (re: "illegitimate black baby" claims), McCain turned around and started praising Bush? Seems that McCain is still suffering the effects from the abuse he endured in Vietnam. It''s the Stockholm Syndrome (loyalty to a more powerful abuser), for sure!

A vote for any of the repug candidates is vote for insanity and war.

[myidoncbs]

"A vote for any of the repug candidates is [a] vote for insanity and war."

Not to ignore RP (though he should be ignored). A vote for RP is a vote for insanity, but probably not for war. Except that he''s running as a repug now, so he can''t really be a libertarian anymore because the repug party is not about to give up on their only successful mind-control technique, which is: fear. To maintain control, they must keep you afraid. To keep you afraid, they must have an enemy, a boogeyman to give you nightmares. That means eternal war! It''s the repug way, and if RP wants to be a repug, he''s going to have to get with the game plan!

[tylenol6]

McCain looked like a loser rolling his eyes when Ron Paul was speaking. McWar is the biggest *** and a
LIAR too. MC CAIN is BUSH''s poodle. He probably is up
in the rigged polls because that is Bush''s payback to
McCain for sticking to AMNESTY for illegal immigrants.
Don''t worry people, McCain has big AMNESTY plans if he
is president. He just said in a speech he dosen''t care
if we are in Iraq for 50 years or 100 years. McWar
needs to put his own sons in Iraq on the front lines.
McCain SOLD HIS SOUL TO BUSH !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[thisandthat1]

Yes, Romney took the most fire. That means he''s the one that the rest are all scared of losing to. That''s politics! Do you want to see who''s in the lead and is winning the debate? Just look at the one who all the others are attacking!

[tylenol6]

RON PAUL PUTS ALL THESE NEW WORLD ORDER NAZI LIARS TO
SHAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!THAT IS WHY THE MEDIA IS CENSORING
HIM....but it is too late. The american people know about RON PAUL and like him and will vote for him.

[myzootsie]

Our president is well known for his nasty above-you-all smirk. Now we have Romney who smirks and laughs at people he thinks are beneath him and Giullani does the same COULDN''T STAND ANOTHER BUSH-A-LIKE DUH FACE

[ontheleft]

Br. Bush''s face to me looks like an upright middle finger pointing at every American.

[perception5]

If John McCain becomes president and has to engage foreign leaders What happens when he doesn''t agree with them? Is he going to resort to personal attacks to make his point?

He can''t hang with Romney intellectually, so he has to belittle him.

[perception5]

The former Massachusetts governor, seeking to become the first Mormon president, said the outcome was "just the beginning."

ATTENTION CBS NEWS IF YOU WANT TO CONTINUE TO MENTION MITTS RELIGION AND THE FACT THAT HE IS A MORMON THEN MAKE SURE THAT WHEN YOU DO A STORY ON BLOOMBERG THAT YOU MENTION IN EVERY STORY THAT HE IS A JEW..................CBS CUT IT OUT NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[myzootsie]

To "ontheleft" I am jealous that I didn''t come up with that description -
ABSOLUTELY PERFECT!!!

[cbville72]

Thanks Mr. President for keepng the country safe for the past 6 years.

[hypnotoad72]

cbville72 - what industry do you have a job in?

[hypnotoad72]

cbville72 - what industry do you have a job in? And are they hiring? Unlike stereotypic Gen-X''ers, I happen to be loyal and won''t hopscotch from one job to another...

[myidoncbs]

"MAKE SURE THAT WHEN YOU DO A STORY ON BLOOMBERG THAT YOU MENTION IN EVERY STORY THAT HE IS A JEW" - perception5

A little explanation for you, perception5: Mutt claims to be a "Christian", but according to all the other Christian denominations, Mormons are NOT Christians. Perhaps that''s why CBS mentioned it!

If Bloomberg starts claiming he''s a "Christian", and if he''s running for president, then I''m sure CBS will mention that he''s a Jew. Except that there actually ARE Jews who are Christians, so maybe they won''t bother, even then.

It''s all about the lying, misrepresentation, and flip-flopping, not the religion. (Except, maybe that plays a part in it, too, since no other religion''s "holy book" claims that the south American and American Indians are descended from the Israelites, something that has absolutely been proven false, and no other religion makes their people wear "magic underwear" covered with Freemason symbols for "protection".)

[hypnotoad72]

Having said that, I am not suggesting Islamic militants are not a problem nor a danger. They are. The President has done some good, but with the cost of living rising and fewer jobs thanks to nation-building other countries, more Americans are genuinely worried about their own futures. And I think it''s fair for Americans to have that concern. And what we can do to improve ourselves and America. (I''m not yet convinced "the world is flat", mostly because other countries'' economies allow the wages being doled out to build themselves up and maintain themselves. It''s not the same in America. Not now. But will hopefully be again.

[cbville72]

Saw both debates....Out of all them, Romney appears the most polished. He speaks better than any of the candidates Dem. or Rep. Whether or not that makes him fit to be President is another question entirely. McCain would be the candidate with the least amount of problems credibility. Obama would be the best Democrat fit to be president. Edwards is a Lawyer and that should end the debate on whether he is fit to be president. Thomspons acguitted himself well, but his situation (being 3rd or 4th nationally) demanded a better showing than "well". Paul was a joke and it was easy to see that he was in way over his head with the other 4 Republicans. Huckabbe did nothing to hurt himself. I can''t speak on Hillary because when i see her talking, I usually stop listening. The fact that she is a caniving C*NT dictates that.

[realpatriot1]

When a candidate is not the front runner and is actually losing ground in the polls and other candidates gang up on them it''s because they hate the prick(Mitt Romney).

[radiob-2009]

This was sent to me.

Muslims who want to live under Islamic Sharia law were told on Wednesday to get out of Australia , as the government targeted radicals in a bid to head off potential terror attacks.
Separately, Howard angered some Australian Muslims on Wednesday by saying he supported spy agencies monitoring the nation''s mosques. Quote: ''IMMIGRANTS, NOT AUSTRALIANS, MUST ADAPT. Take It Or Leave It. I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Since the terrorist attacks on Bali , we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Australians.''
''This culture has been developed over two centuries of struggles, trials and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom''
pt 1

[ontheleft]

yeah, the repuglicans have made the world safe alright, safe for $100 a barrel oil and little else.

[radiob-2009]

Pt 2

''We speak mainly ENGLISH, not Spanish, Lebanese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society . Learn the language!''
''Most Australians believe in God. This is not some Christian, right wing, political push, but a fact, because Christian men and women, on Christian principles, founded this nation, and this is clearly documented. It is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools. If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, because God is part of our culture.''
''We will accept your beliefs, and will not question why. All we ask is that you accept ours, and live in harmony and peaceful enjoyment with us.''
''This is OUR COUNTRY, OUR LAND, and OUR LIFESTYLE, and we will allow you every opportunity to enjoy all this. But once you are done complaining, whining, and griping about Our Flag, Our Pledge, Our Christian beliefs, or Our Way of Life, I highly encourage you take advantage of one other great Australian freedom,
''THE RIGHT TO LEAVE''.''
''If you aren''t happy here then LEAVE. We didn''t force you to come here. You asked to be here. So accept the country YOU accepted.''
Maybe if we circulate this amongst ourselves, American citizens will find the backbone to start speaking and voicing the same truths.
If you agree please SEND THIS ON

[radiob-2009]

This was supposedly spoken by John Howard of Australia.

[cbville72]

Thanks for keeping the economy steady and for catching so many of the most wanted terrorists. Thanks for stretching Husseins neck too.
Thanks for shooting down the healthcare Bill a few months ago too. It was a move towards govt. mandated health care which is another word for "communism".
Thank you Mr. President

[toolmangler-2009]

Prime Minister John Howard - Australia
Muslims who want to live under Islamic Sharia law were told on Wednesday to get out of Australia , as the government targeted radicals in a bid to head off potential terror attacks.
Separately, Howard angered some Australian Muslims on Wednesday by saying he supported spy agencies monitoring the nation''s mosques. Quote: ''IMMIGRANTS, NOT AUSTRALIANS, MUST ADAPT. Take It Or Leave It. I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Since the terrorist attacks on Bali , we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Australians.''
''This culture has been developed over two centuries of struggles, trials and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom''
''We speak mainly ENGLISH, not Spanish, Lebanese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society . Learn the language!
(end part one)

[toolmangler-2009]

(begin part two)
''Most Australians believe in God. This is not some Christian, right wing, political push, but a fact, because Christian men and women, on Christian principles, founded this nation, and this is clearly documented. It is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools. If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, because God is part of our culture.''
''We will accept your beliefs, and will not question why. All we ask is that you accept ours, and live in harmony and peaceful enjoyment with us.''
''This is OUR COUNTRY, OUR LAND, and OUR LIFESTYLE, and we will allow you every opportunity to enjoy all this. But once you are done complaining, whining, and griping about Our Flag, Our Pledge, Our Christian beliefs, or Our Way of Life, I highly encourage you take advantage of one other great Australian freedom,
''THE RIGHT TO LEAVE''.''
''If you aren''t happy here then LEAVE. We didn''t force you to come here. You asked to be here. So accept the country YOU accepted.''
Maybe if we circulate this amongst ourselves, American citizens will find the backbone to start speaking and voicing the same truths.
If you agree please SEND THIS ON

[feelfree1]

Luckily, the people of Australia have rid themselves of their craven war criminal zealot John Howard, and will soon be withdrawing their troops from the Bush regime-led coalition of the killing, in Iraq.

Thank you Australia!!!

[radiob-2009]

Thank you Australia!!!



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by FeelFree1

For what John Howards words?

[toolmangler-2009]

when America does the same then Muslims will be invited to leave if they do not wish to be Americans, I have no problem with a muslim living here

[radiob-2009]

You do not agree with them?

[radiob-2009]

Nor do I, I just do not want anyone from anywhere trying to force their culture, laws or language upon me

[toolmangler-2009]

when America does the same then Muslims will be invited to leave if they do not wish to be Americans, I have no problem with a muslim living here, but I ask them to become American, not muslim-american or American-Muslim, Just plain old standard American. I am American, I have Cherokee blood in me but I am an American first last and always, everything elwe I am just enhances America.

[feelfree1]

radiob,

I don''t typically agree with John Howard, or any other mass-murderous war-profiteering scumbag. The Australians were wise to flush him, and to prepare to end their disgraceful involvement in Iraq.

Re: "Nor do I, I just do not want anyone from anywhere trying to force their culture, laws or language upon me"

Please take a ride to your nearest Indian reservation and explain your position.

Related:

"Last week, activists within the Lakota Sioux community announced their intention to "declare independence from the United States."

Do you support their bid for sovereignty?

[cbville72]

Thanks for taking over Iraq and planting the seeds for democracy there. A country (and a part of the world) that has been the bane of peaceful existence will be an example of how democracy can work in the Middle East. Thank you also for not giving a $hit what countries like France think of us.
Thanks Mr. President

[radiob-2009]

Do you support their bid for sovereignty?



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by FeelFree1

I am not entirely familiar with the situation in particular however they are Americans first and should realize this. They were born here and have prospered and have enjoyed the freedoms of our nation and we have enjoyed their customs in ours.

[toolmangler-2009]

"Last week, activists within the Lakota Sioux community announced their intention to "declare independence from the United States."
Do you support their bid for sovereignty?
Posted by FeelFree1 at 11:37 PM : Jan 05, 2008


Being part Cherokee and part Lakota Sioux I do not and most of my people do not either, just like most Muslim do not support terrorism thatextremist muslim do.

[cbville72]

The size and capabilities of the Coalition forces involved in operations in Iraq has been a subject of much debate, confusion, and at times exageration. As of August 23, 2006, there were 21 non-U.S. military forces contributing armed forces to the Coalition in Iraq. These 21 countries were: Albania, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, El Salvador, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Poland, Romania, South Korea, and the United Kingdom.

FeelFree...If one is to follow your liberal beliefs, are all these countries headed by "craven war criminal zealots"?

Thanks Mr. President and all the leaders of these countries that decided to act instead of cry and shout "war monger" or "war criminal" like liberal Pu$$ie$

[starleo146]

''''We speak mainly ENGLISH, not Spanish, Lebanese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society . Learn the language!
(end part one)

Posted by ToolMangler at 11:21 PM : Jan 05, 2008
+ re

I want to go to Australia, no more press 1 for English If we could get everyone to speak English think maybe Oue phone bills would come down

[starleo146]

homspons acguitted himself well, but his situation (being 3rd or 4th nationally) demanded a better showing than "well".

Mary Mattilin who is now working for Darth Vader is also Thompson''s campaign manager need I say more

[radiob-2009]

Do you support their bid for sovereignty?



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by FeelFree1

Their entire beef is socioeconomic and their proposal to end all taxes would phrohibit them from having a tax base in which to help their citizens along with the fact that unemployment is already high. This would exacerbate the problem instead of curing it. This has not met alot of press so how well supported this position is unknown amongst the Sioux, and even if widely supported they are not addressing the problem or finding a solution to them with their proposals.

[feelfree1]

cbville72,

FeelFree...are all these countries headed by "craven war criminal zealots"?

Not any more. The people of several of these countries have shown this fascistic scum to the door.


We have Howard of Australia, Blair of England, Aznar of Spain, Berlusconi of Italy...all gone. All floating down the sewer of criminal history, among others.

Do you miss these fascists and war criminals?

[cbville72]

Do you miss these fascists and war criminals?



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by FeelFree1 at 12:02 AM : Jan 06, 2008

You are incorrect in your assessment of these leaders. NONE of them have to this day been convicted of "war criminals".
That would be your imagination.
Do you miss acting like a man?

[radiob-2009]

Do you miss acting like a man?




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by cbville72

Hillary is not on here.

[feelfree1]

cbville72,

Re: "NONE of them have to this day been convicted of "war criminals"

Neither was Hitler, Mussolini, Kissinger, Regan, Bush Sr., or Clinton.

What is your point?

Waging an undeclared, fraud-based, war of agression against another country is a serious crime, it is contrary to our own Constitution, and is by definition, a war crime.

The matter that these mass-murderous pirates have not been convicted yet, means that they remain war criminals at large, rather than convicted war criminals.

[feelfree1]

Wait a minute.

Mussolini and Kissinger may have war crimes convictions. I am not sure.