In Florida, GOP Sniping Takes Center Stage

CBSNews.com Reports: Republican Candidates Hammer Each Other In Battle For Sunshine State

(CBS)  This story was written by CBSNews.com political reporter Brian Montopoli.

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During last Thursday's collegial Republican presidential debate in Boca Raton, it appeared that a kinder, gentler Republican field - one suddenly content to leave the squabbling to the Democrats - might be emerging.

Fat chance.

The Republican contenders, particularly Mitt Romney and John McCain, have gone on the attack in the days leading up to Tuesday's Florida primary, trading accusations of flip-flopping, liberalism and lack of leadership.

McCain has said Romney has "consistently flip-flopped on every issue" and referred to his rival as "the liberal governor of Massachusetts." Romney has suggested McCain has set the country on "a liberal Democrat course" and called McCain's statements on Romney's Iraq war position "simply wrong" and "dishonest."

Meanwhile, Former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani, who has staked his campaign on success in Florida, has largely avoided criticism. But political watchers don't see that as good news.

"He isn't perceived as being a threat at this point," said political consultant Garrett Biggs.

Tuesday's Florida primary is the final contest before "Super Tuesday" on Feb 5th, when 24 states will hold primaries or caucuses. Though this campaign season has sometimes defied traditional ideas about the importance of momentum, the candidate who comes out on top in the state is expected to get a boost shortly before what is, in terms of delegates, the most important day in the campaign season.

"There's no doubt that whoever wins Florida is on the yellow brick road to the White House," said state Republican Party Chairman Jim Greer.

For Giuliani, Florida could mean the end of the road. The former mayor has faded in national polls as he has suffered a series of bad losses in early states, and he desperately needs a win in Florida to reinvigorate his sputtering campaign. Polls show him in third or fourth place in the state.

Giuliani, who was the Florida frontrunner just two months ago, has tried to stake out the high road as his rivals have squabbled. "If you listen to my opponents, it's getting kind of nasty," Giuliani said in Orlando on Saturday. "I'm going to try to remain positive."

But in the wake of McCain's political recovery and Giuliani's decision to mostly sit out the early contests, the former mayor goes into the primary once described as his "firewall" as a significant underdog.

"McCain and Giuliani share support from more moderate Republicans," said Tallahassee-based political consultant Brett Doster. "You've got a mathematical issue where they're splitting the moderate base, whereas Romney has received the benefit of people like Fred Thompson and Duncan Hunter dropping out. You're left with one conservative and two sort-of moderates."

Iowa caucuses winner Mike Huckabee, who will split some of the conservative vote with Romney, was until recently focused on the South Carolina primary, in which he came in second place. Huckabee did not open a campaign office in Florida until last week, and because of his limited financial resources he has not been able to air ads in the state.

McCain and Romney, who sit atop Florida polls, hope that a win will transform them into the clear national front-runner. Both have something to prove: McCain wants to show that he can win in a closed primary, without the help of independent voters, while Romney seeks to demonstrate that he can win a primary or caucus without a built-in advantage. His wins thus far have come in states where he has either faced little competition (Nevada, Wyoming) or had a family connection (Michigan).

For many Floridians, last Thursday's debate was something of an introduction to the candidates, and they all seemed determined to make a good first impression.

"Romney and McCain and even Giuliani know that their best chance to win this thing it to transcend the nasty aspect of this race and appear very presidential," said Doster.

But sniping between the rivals came not long after the post-debate handshakes. On Saturday, McCain said Romney wants to do the same thing as Hillary Clinton with regard to Iraq: "Wave a white flag." He also suggested that Romney "wanted to set a date for withdrawal that would have meant disaster." The former Massachusetts governor called on McCain to apologize for the comments.

[grumpas]

Liberalism is starting to look good when compared to what this pathetic bunch represents.

[antoniof123]

What a joke this group is and the funny is that the Democrats that are running are not liberal.

The Republicans have moved so far to the right they have to circle the block to make a left turn.

[battyellison]

I know John McCain is a war hero andhe has that respect, but i think he''s a dangerous man and shouldn''t be president of the United States his theory on war is outdated and a danger to the world

[perception5]

Romney 34%, McCain 32%, Giuliani 13%, Huckabee 10%

EAST LANSING, Mich.%u2014 U.S. Sen. John McCain, who had a 2% lead after polling Sunday night, now finds himself trailing former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney 34%-32% according to results of a telephone poll conducted Sunday and Monday nights January 27-28, 2008. Rudy Giuliani, who was tied with Mike Huckabee at 12%, has now taken a 3% lead over Huckabee (13%-10%). Ron Paul has 3%, and 7% are undecided..

Romney leads by less than 1% with women but has a 3% lead with men, who comprise 53% of the voters.

Romney leads with 60 year old plus voters by 1% (on Sunday night he trailed by 1%) and leads among 40-59 year olds by 5% (on Sunday night he led by 2%). McCain has a lead with 18-39 year old voters, but they make up the smallest age demographic.

Mitchell Interactive%u2019s final poll in South Carolina showed McCain winning by 3%, he won by 3%. In Michigan, the company was the only pollster polling during the last week to have Romney ahead. Its final poll had Romney leading by 6%, he won by 9%.

GO MITT ! the time is now. Washington DC is broken.

[shutupnvote]

oh man scary I need a back up plan if the Liberals win the heart of the Dem part on Feb 5th and these two oh my..............

[merlgrey]

Mitt Romney%u2019s great CEO business success:

In 1992, the firm acquired American Pad & Paper. By 1999, the year Romney left Bain, two American plants were closed, 385 jobs had been cut and the company was $392 million in debt.

The next year, Ampad was forced into bankruptcy.

Bain Capital and Goldman Sachs bought Dade International for about $450 million in 1994.

The firm quickly fired or relocated at least 900 workers. Over the next several years, it sunk increasingly into debt and laid off 1,000 workers.

In 2002 it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
A 1997 buyout of LIVE Entertainment for $150 million resulted in 40 layoffs, 1/4 of the company''s workers.

The job cuts affected all aspects of the company from production and acquisition to legal and public relations.

In 1997, Bain bought a stake in DDI Corp., a maker of electronic circuit boards.

3 years later Bain took the company public and collected a $36 million payout.

By August 2003, the company filed for bankruptcy, laying off over 2,100 workers.

Four months after the bankruptcy, shareholders sued company executives, the initial public offering underwriters and Bain for mismanaging the IPO and failing to disclose company financial information.

[rowdytexan2]

What choice do they have. If they look anything like a Neocon republican, they''re SOL.

[merlgrey]

might be a wild guess, but romneys african american support will likely consist of the 28 or so black people in the mormon church.

%u201CJacksonville, FL
Governor Romney paid tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr. when speaking to a group of employees at Gate Petroleum today and then shook hands and posed for photos with African-American families at a parade.

He jumped off the Mitt Mobile to greet a waiting crowd, took a picture with some kids and young adults and awkwardly quipped, %u201DWho let the dogs out? Who who.%u201D [Insert Seamus joke here.]

He took pictures with many in the crowd and greeted one baby wearing a necklace saying, %u201CHey buddy! How%u2019s it going? What%u2019s happening? You got some bling bling here!%u201D

Later, Romney asked some young men to "boogey down" with him, noting, "I understand you fellows have an excellent sense of rhythm, if you will."%u201D

vid of romney with little bling bling:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXGMi7a53jA

[prinzowhales]

In the 2 hour debate, Ron Paul was given less than 7 minutes and only a fraction of the questions given to the Establishment favored candidates. Fraud and massive irregularities to the detriment of Obama and Paul have already been proven. Paul is challenging the corrupt Louisianna caucus results.

Florida has already been stolen once from Al Gore...if you think anything has changed in this Bush-league state...Well, "you can''t fix stupid."

[nolalou]

I don''t know if I should laugh or cry with these two (Romney & McCain) accusing each other of being ''Liberal''. That word has been thrown around so much, it long ago lost any meaning it had!

[salty1954]

%u266B%u266B Goodbye Rudy Tueday %u266B%u266B

[news4all]

McCain is dishonest in his attacks against Romney. McCain has been guilty of flip-flopping (Bush tax cuts etc...). Romney only changed for the better. McCain also has a hot temper, lack of self-control and no experience when it comes to being able to fix the economy! McCain knows war and enjoys talking about how anxious he is to continue down that road. All we can do is hope and pray the people of Florida will set their admiration for McCain''s Vietnam days aside, see the bigger picture now, and vote for Romney.

[condumbism]

As Massachusettes governor, Romney vetod a lot of bills just for show. About 90 percent of Romneys vetos were overidden. He never tried to solicit support to sustain them; never talked to legislative leadership or the Republican rank and file (sound familiar?) Its true as far as it goes - which isnt very far. Almost all those vetoes were overridden by the Legislature and became law. Which makes Mitt not a St. George slaying big-bucks dragons, but an overmatched used car salesman.

If Romney had really cared, he could have gathered the GOPs waning members in one big conference room and at least fought to uphold some of his vetoes. But, nobody can remember one time Mitt asked for their support. Which may explain why Romney suffered so many embarrassing shutouts when not a single legislator in one (often both) of the chambers backed him. The House journals report last year on 286 appropriations vetoes between July 19 and July 31 shows Romneys utter lack of influence.

All 286 line item vetoes were rejected, most of them by overwhelming margins from both parties. He was overridden unanimously 99 times, getting a goose egg from both House and Senate 32 times, blanked by the Senate another 42 times and shut out by the House 25 times.

[realtalk5950]

It shouldn''t be any problem for a republican to get the vote in Florida. It''s full of old people waiting to die.....

[news4all]

What has Romney ever flip-flopped on???
He supported policy on a womans right to choose an abortion while he was personally pro-life, and now he doesn''t. He has proven he is sincere in his change by the way he voted as governor. He has never changed back. McCain and other candidates have changed policies only to flip-flop back to their original position again (right or wrong).

The biggest difference between Romney and McCain is that Romney admits when he has made a mistake, changes for the better and continues to improve.
McCain''s best days were back in Vietnam. He has always had a hot-temper, lack of self-control and has proven to be dishonest, self-centered and cowardly (using the troops as a shield when confronted with his lies). McCain''s glory days are behind him and Romney''s are ahead.

[emma915]

If one of these candidates happened to be black, would the others be racists for the way they are campaigning against him?

[prinzowhales]

David Rockefellar''s bagman "Henry the Camel" Kissinger is backing McCain...He''s a War Pig connected to the Kemper-Marley mob in Arizona through marriage who is quite willing to have our servicemen in Iraq for "a hundred years."

David Rockefellar and Kissinger were part and parcel of the CIA-inspired assisted and British assisted Indonesian coup that brought Suharto to power and hundreds of thousands of dead Indonesians. Kissinger, of course, is known for his support of the overthrow of the democratically elected Salvador Allende.

Open Borders McCain, a Bill Clinton-described good friend of Hillary, sponsored with the Obama-endorsing bridge killer, Senator Edward Kennedy, a bill to provide amnesty to illegal alliens and excuse the crimes of drug gang members such as MS13, making them eligible for citizenship if they gave up their gang membership...theoretically, if this had been passed, one of the killers of the New Jersey school yard kids could have been granted citizenship.

McCain, besides supporting illegal alliens, is a Keating Fiver...he was caught dead to rights trying to help the felon, Charles Keating who cost us hundreds of millions after cleaning out depositors and investors.

McCain is the scum of the earth--the only thing dumber on the Republican political landscape are Bush''s supporters.

[one_american]

The Republicans are a bunch of "knuckle draggers," completely "unIntelligently Designed."

Posted by zoe20006 at 10:12 AM : Jan 29, 2008


Portraying Republicans as "knuckle draggers" is quite a stretch of the truth, although Republicans do walk upright, and on the ground. You and your liberal friends are still swinging from trees with your prehensile tails, flinging dung at one another.

Go pick a fight with someone your own size, monkey.

[georgew1956]

is kathtleen harris still in florida?

[micma-2009]

Go pick a fight with someone your own size, monkey.

Posted by One_American



Funny, you''ve lost every debate you''ve ever been in. As far as knuckle dragging Republicans, you illustrate his point perfectly.

[thowardone]

As a Floridian, you all would be suprised to see all the *** McCain is pulling down here. I was rooting for him until the battle came to my home state. McCain must think Floridians are idiots, because he has transformed into a hippocrit and lier overnight it seems. I guess some people will do anything to get to the white house. I might not even vote now after seeing all of this. But if I do, I''m voting for Romney... at least he''s honest.

[drnewknee]

One of the most entertaining youtube videos this campaign is John McCain vs. John McCain.

Self-professed straight talkers are double talkers.

[macusweil]

McCain is right, Mitt is a liberal. Mitt is also right McCain is a liberal pretending to be a conservative. If anything John is a necon but far from a true conservative. Rudy & Huck are also just pretenders. They have all pledged the Republican free spending habits that have ruined our economy. The plan to continue unsustainable levels of spending overseas and all still support the failed decision to invade Iraq.

The only true conservative in this race is Ron Paul. He supports less spending /less government, lower taxes and will bring our troops home safe asap.

I''m proud to be voting for Congressman Ron Paul in the Feb 5th NY GOP primary.

[justo2003]

Romney is what the country needs now to fix the economy. We need some one to turn around the economy, something that McCain, by his own account does not "understand". He had said he will lead us into other wars and the US will remain in Iraq for 100 years, it did not work in Vietnam, Do you get it Mc Cain?
Romney''s credentials are far better on a ray of issueds from the economy, healthcare, education, and immigration.

[xlib]

Nothing, but nothing the Republican candidates do or say can compare to the downright filth and character attacks of the dems. Nothing. Love the way this site uses the word "sniping" in reference to the Republicans but continue to whitewash what is said and done by the clinton faction.
As usual, it''s what is NOT reported that counts.

[xlib]

hey parrott-yes it is about the dems. See, this site continues to ignore the nastiness of your party. So, we bring it up. It''s sort of like when something happens say in Australia that is bad and one of you leemings blames it on Bush. See how that works.

[lochlan-2009]

People do your own research.

Google search: Romney, Bain Capital, Cayman, Clear Channel.

Tell me what you come up with. It amazes me how little research is done about candidates by Americans and how little is reported in the media. Of course, Cheney, endorses him. The question is why did Cheney come out and day he endorses Romney in a country that despises Cheney and his business ethics? It''s because he wasn''t talking to the every day Joe. He was telling who he supports to the elite.

[inventagod]

The NeoCons did 9/11 - The RepubliCons profited from the atrocity.
There will be no Republicon president in 2009.

[moxford0]

McCain,Romney,Huckbee,and of course Rudy, need to be placed in a bathroom stall with Mike Huckabee leading the services,perched up high on the toilet,his altar.

[condumbism]

Mitt Rommel now casting himself as an agent of change? Nothing could be further from the truth. As Ive said for years, you can never trust a Neocon, they all have the characters of used car salesmen. If you love the policies of the extremist reicht winged Neocons, then you will love Mr. Flip-Flop Mitt Rommel, aka: used car salesman. Long past due time to take America back from liars and thieves, in other words, the base of the non-secular, creationist, Israel loving Neocons.

[prinzowhales]

Romney''s company is internationalist in nature and he has the support of Cheney, whose Halliburton Corp moved its HQ to Dubai...closer to its US-government-paid-for feed trough--Iraq. Do you think the War Pig, Cheney, would support a candidate that was opposed to his war piggery? Cheney just gave the kiss of death to Romney--now, let''s see if the dead-head Romney backers can read the lipstick. Like Obama, Romney sings one tune in public and another one in private... Obama tells the Chicago CFR one thing and the people the other...Romney, like a tart at a convention, will dress up like a Catholic school girl if that''s what floats a voter''s boat....

McCain and Ted Kennedy support amnesty for illegals... McCain and Hillary are best of friends... Bill Clinton is ''just like another son'' to Barbara Bush...GHW Bush had Clinton visit his compound on numerous occassions. Liebermann endorses McCain... Obama endorses Lieberman...Liebermann supports Bush''s war with Cheney and Cheney supports Romney... One evil pack of scum-sucking dogs...if you want war, open borders and treason...take your pick...a fine gaggle of bi-partisan geese to choose from...!

[annia1233]

when this worthless people are going to be off the news? they are all liers and power seeking politicians. I believe no one word of what they say. None talks the truth, none will do anything for us. They will pick up and continue with the same as the one that is leaving. they will take rides in the airplane and live for free for 4-8 years. that is all.
All of you dancing at their rhythm are fulling yourselves.

[condumbism]

Let US pray the ConDumbs pick Mitt Rommel as the nominee of the GOP Coalition of Republicons, RINOs, Neocons, Mormons, and Israeli Firsters. No one candidate will bring democrats and independents out to vote as much as GOP Coalition used car salesman, Mitt Rommel.

[dwpulley]

I have supported John McCain for years. He is running a dishonest campaign. He is lieing about Mitt Romneys position on a timeline.
John has lost my respect, and his honor.
MY NEW SLOGAN: ANYBODY BUT MCCAIN!

[heartlandjim]

Vote for John McCain. Otherwise Mitt will be 4 more years of George Bush. Nothing but Gridlock!

[marcodele]

Romney is "The Candidate." Great movie, bad candidate.

[thgdriver]

The biggest problem with the Libs and Demonrats here is that American history only started and goes back 7 years according to them. LMAO. They want us all to forget about those lying S O B''''s Truman and Johnson, who between them, killed 88000 American soldiers fighting Communism. For who? For what? The commies are still there!

Oh, thats all in the past they say. Right, thats why they dredge this Alcoholic Teddy up out of Chappaquiddick for whatever mileage they can get from John''s good memory.

[hawksprings]

tucker is right.

Americans will not elect a liberal for their president.

That''s why liberals like Hillary have to pretend and lie and try to convince people they are not liberals.
Then afterwards you see their tru colors.

That''s what Bill Clinton did in 1992, and after just 18 months in office, the American people elected Republicans to Congress in record numbers and gave control of both houses of congress to the GOP for the first time in 40 years.

If Hillary or Obama get elected by pretending they are conservatives, and then lead as liberals, history will repeat itself... again.

Either way, the Dembots will lose.

[marcodele]

Tucker posted: Americans are not going to support gay marriage, free abortions for anyone who asks and amnesty for criminals regardless how many times Democrats tell themselves that is a winning platform.

Can you name one Democratic candidate who has advocated gay marriage, free abortions and amnesty for criminals?

Sorry Tuck, but you''ve got Fox News burned into your brain. And that''s not a good thing.

[thgdriver]

The American people overwhelmingly wanted us out of KOREA in 1950-1953. Guess what---58 long years later we are still there with over 25000 troops. Any idea what that has cost? Oh, BTW, that''s under numerous Republican and Demonratic administrations that go back to Truman.

[sgtrds]

Both oblivious to the votes from 2006 and what America actually wants and needs. Cheers!

Posted by parrot2 at 01:24 PM : Jan 29, 2008

RAmen. Americans are sick to death of the GOP polices that favor war and making the rich richer. Also republicans can''t get away from one great truism, it doesn''t matter if he''s running or not presidential elections are ALWAYS more about the incumbent then anything else. The only way any republican would stand a chance is if they got on national TV and declared Bush to be the biggest pile of crud in American history (which is true) and even then it might only give them a slight chance.

[micma-2009]

Doesn''t matter who wins the Republican nomination. All any of them have to offer is staying the course on Bush''s failed policies.

[nirak2-2009]

I don''t know what they are fighting for.
They must know they don''t have a chance in hell!
At least thats what I hope for!!! :):)

[condumbism]

Posted by hawksprings
Either way, the Dembots will lose.

When you surround yourself with Southern White Male Fascists, Evangelists, and members of the US Military Welfare Program, I guess I can see how someone could make such an ignorant statement as you. If you hate the USA so much, why don''t you move to Israel, TRAITOR?

[hawksprings]

Isn''t it funny how CBS loves to play up the ''sniping'' between the GOP candidates, and downplay the venom between the Dembots?

Here''s the GOP guys calling each other ''liberal''. Wow, how awful. How terrible. They are really slinging the mud.

Then on the Dembot side we have race-baiting, drug use accustations, drug running insinuations, but none of that is as bad as the GOP calling each other liberals.

This is another example of the Main-stream Media''s liberal bias.

[merlgrey]

why do so many people think romney ''knows how the economy works, and knows how to fix it''?

what is this based on? he was head of a venture capitalist strip and flip operation.... bankrupting many after squeezing the last penny from them. obviously he knows how to make money thru absolutely unethical yet skimming the legal suface of tax and corporate laws (undoubtedly using high paid accountants and attorneys) to make the highest profit before sinking the ships... but this means nothing as far as knowing and understanding the federal reserve, inflation, how our monetary system holds together....

also, isnt there a general consensus of hatred and discontent in america towards the CEO''s of enron, countrywide, NYSE.... and endless large corporations? the guys who always jump ship with the golden umbrella whilst *** all the little guys. so why are people so dumb as to buy his BS and think he actually knows how to help the economy when all he has done is line his and his investors pockets with ill gotten profits? i gotta know.

[boatdocster]

hawksprings

Go over to Fox NOISE and you will see the same thing, except they throw mud at the Dems and worship the GOP.

Only difference is the channel...

[condumbism]

tuckerndfw, if you are against abortion, then dont have one. And be sure to wear a condom next time you have *** with a woman. And dont expect her and not yourself to take precautions against an unwanted pregnancy. How many unwanted children have you adopted in your life?

[fibonacci_]

I wonder if baseball Mitt''s magic underwear will protect him in Florida.

[merlgrey]

oh and romneys other claim to fame... the turnaround of the olympics in Utah.... theres a huge surprise... a high profile wealthy mormon finding successful cooperation in Utah.

kind of like how people say vegas was better, cleaner, and safer when it was run by the mob.