Debate Part Two
06/01/08 22:02
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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