Debate Part Two
Jan/07/08 12:02 PM
Tonight's debate was much easier to watch. There were less barbs thrown around and more substantive issues discussed. Romney won tonight's debate. He was much less on the defense and was able to force McCain and Huckabee to deal with issues they couldn't deny. Huckabee couldn't deny the fact that taxes were raised over $500 million while he was governor. Instead, he shuffled around the question and didn't answer it. The same goes for McCain. He walked around the fact that he twice voted against the Bush tax cuts and instead focused on the fact that he has worked to cut spending. Well, Romney certainly worked to cut spending while he was governor in his accomplishment of ending the budget deficit and creating a rainy day fund, on top of fighting for tax cuts. These moments looked good for Romney.
I also think he took advantage of the opportunity to explain that his recent ads in Iowa and New Hampshire weren't exactly the attack ads that they have been made out to be. Instead, as I stated last time, they were simply opportunities to point out differences on records and positions from his main competitors.
Apart from Romney, I thought Thompson did okay. He had some funny bits like always and did manage to show his knowledge of the social security issue, which, sadly for him, is an issue that has sort of sunk in meaning to most voters given the state of national security issues and the questionable future of the economy. It was also interesting to see him go up against Huckabee during the debate, as they will likely have a tough battle for some of the Southern states, most importantly South Carolina.
Giuliani did worst tonight, though he didn't do terribly. Instead, he did poorly because of his lack of participation in the event. He was awkwardly in the corner and didn't really say much. The debate moderator focused most of the questions on Huckabee, Romney, and McCain as they are leading the polls in New Hampshire. But, that focus didn't stop Thompson from putting his two cents into the debate. Giuliani should have done the same.
Next stop: New Hampshire Primary on Tuesday, January 8th!
I also think he took advantage of the opportunity to explain that his recent ads in Iowa and New Hampshire weren't exactly the attack ads that they have been made out to be. Instead, as I stated last time, they were simply opportunities to point out differences on records and positions from his main competitors.
Apart from Romney, I thought Thompson did okay. He had some funny bits like always and did manage to show his knowledge of the social security issue, which, sadly for him, is an issue that has sort of sunk in meaning to most voters given the state of national security issues and the questionable future of the economy. It was also interesting to see him go up against Huckabee during the debate, as they will likely have a tough battle for some of the Southern states, most importantly South Carolina.
Giuliani did worst tonight, though he didn't do terribly. Instead, he did poorly because of his lack of participation in the event. He was awkwardly in the corner and didn't really say much. The debate moderator focused most of the questions on Huckabee, Romney, and McCain as they are leading the polls in New Hampshire. But, that focus didn't stop Thompson from putting his two cents into the debate. Giuliani should have done the same.
Next stop: New Hampshire Primary on Tuesday, January 8th!
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