CNN

If you read what Ron Paul says and listen to him speak, you will know he just makes sense. The most intelligent thing you can do for yourself and your country is to check it out. I live overseas away from the mainstream media. I simply came to the internet with a clear mind, read about the candidates and was blown away by Ron Paul. He is awesome. Check him out and think about what he says and how it could positively affect this nation. "Every generation needs a new revolution."~~ Thomas Jefferson

Romney has bought a lot of people into the Iowa straw poll fundraiser. Shame on him. Romney, you can't and you won't buy your votes!

This is a rigged poll. All false. Ron Paul is leading! They dont want you to know!

The major media outlets are dispicable liars and perhaps more. I'm going to assume that this post is going to be read before censoring but I'll take my chances and reiterate that I find CNN dispicable. Ron Paul IS THE ONLY CANDIDATE WITHOUT A BIG BUSINESS AGENDA. PEOPLE BIG BUSINESS IS ABOUT MURDER THEFT AND RUINING THIS COUNTRY.
We have to stand up and take this country back. RON PAUL FOR PRESIDENT IN 2008.

Charles, Ron is not an isolationalist. He advocates nonintervention. This would improve our world status. The difference is crucial. Also the reason every 'nut' you can think of supports Ron is because he strongly supports personal freedom. These people are obviously very attracted to this for the obvious reason. They would like to be free to express themselves just as you would like to be free to express how you think they are 'nuts.' It is the belief of personal liberty and responsibility, and less government in our lives that unites ALL kinds of people behind Ron Paul. It would be kind of you to stop perpetuating this bogus notion.

Ron Paul 2008 Lets Trade, Not Invade!

Also Charles, the reason every 'nut' you speak of supports Ron is because he supports individual freedom and liberty where these 'nuts' can say and do whatever they want to, and where you can disagree and call them 'nuts'. If you would take time to actually frame and argument based on facts you would be aware that Ron is not advocating ''scrapping the past 200 years of being a functioning part of the globe" You could not be more wrong my friend. So why do not you give other views a chance or actually find them out before you post such garbage. Do you even understand the concept of logic whatsoever?

Ron Paul is a strict conservative and actually votes according to the constitution. And people call this radical! Why should the government be in every aspect of our lives. Really try to think of any that the government does not regulate. Its not that things should not be regulated, it is that it is not the job of the government to do these things. Also he advocates nonintervention. And if you don't know the difference between nonintervention and isolationism you should not be voting you idiot. And you probably think we are hated for our freedoms too right? Wake up! Why don't you read something before you make yourself look like a fool.

Alot of interesting comments on Ron Paul and our next President Mitt Romney!Let,s see,Ron Paul,who believes that 911 was an inside job(boring),or.Mitt Romney,a great governor who left Mass.with a major surplus at the end of his term,turned the 2002 Salt Lake City games around after a major scandal,and who is the only major candidate with a one time wife!Ann will make a great first lady!Mitt 08!

It looks like people working for the Ron Paul campaign have posted tons of comments on this poll. The guy has no chance, yet a LARGE chunk of these comments are about him.

Joe Biden is the best man for the job. He has won every debate that has been held and he is by far the most experienced. Oh, and he's HONEST. Imagine that.

As a dem supporter, I hope that Romney is the repub nominee. With all of his "flip-flopping", the dem nominee can just break out Rove's playbook on John Kerry 2004.

I can here the campaign theme of "flip flopper" haunting the Republicans if Romney is their nominee. Not that there is any difference between the two parties anymore.

Oh boy, the Ron Paul crowd is out again, doing their best to try to make the Isolationist, Libertarian fringe look viable. Sure the man says some things that make sense - but so can anyone. Maybe some of his positions are appealing - if you don't consider the inevitable disaster that would result from scrapping the past 200 years of being a functining part of the entire rest of the globe if his most vocal supporters ever got their wish. But my biggest concern is just that, his "supporters". Why is it (regardless of Ron Paul's own attempts to distance himself from the concept, but never enough to turn away such people) that every conspiracy nut who believes that the U.S. government commits Constitutional treason virtually 24/7, who actually believes that 9-11 was a sinister plot by the government just to deprive Americans of their liberties, who actively work to undermine elected officeholders and sanctioned institutions - why is it that virtualy every paranoid, delusional, wacked-out freak of nature who feeds on and spreads such filth ALSO seems to support Ron Paul?

John Edwards is the best person for the job of President. He is the one that will bring americans together and gain back the respect of other countries again. I am already tired of the media giving all of the attention to Obama and Clinton all because they are a good news story. Obama could be the first african american and Hillary the first women. Don't get me wrong I like them both, but as for president in the times we live we need some one that is going to lift america back up, Edwards is that person.

Ironic, NEITHER one of them has a snowball's chance in hell to get their party's nomination.

What ARE they thinking in Iowa these days???

Please remember this poll: Ron Paul at 1%. He will do much better at the actual Iowa Straw Poll (I predict a victory) and his breakout there will reveal the accuracy of these random/ main stream polls. See you in Ames!

Cookie cutter candidates like romney and edwards are leading in the polls. The only one that acually has our best interest in mind is Ron Paul. He has always stood his ground on issues, never voted to raise your taxes, didn't vote to authorize the Iraq war, never voted in favor of any bill that has gone before congress unless the power to approve that bill was given to him by our constitution. How many of the other politicians running for president can make any of those statements and not be lying throudh their teeth. Ron Paul is the only choice for president that does not rob the next generation of it's civil liberties.

Iowans are very smart. I think Edwards and Romney have a good chance of winning their parties nomination. I say that because they have an advantage most of the other top-tier candiates do not have(except Rudy). They are not employed they don't have to worry about going back to Capitol Hill or their Governor's mansions. Since they are unemployed they can spend more time campaigning for President.

I'm not a republican but i would vote for Ron Paul, he is the only person in the race that has convictions, doesn't need to sway with national polls, but does the right thing all the time, he didn't vote to authorize the war in Iraq one of the few republicans that didn't side with bush, believes strongly in the free market, he would be the best president for our country, if not him the second best would be any democrat, edwards would probably be the best canidate from that party

"It's the economy (and issues), stupid!" John Edwards is talking about good-paying jobs in our country, health care for the uninsured, poverty in America, affordable housing and and an end to our gov't borrowing billions of dollars weekly from our kids and grandkids to fund a war in Iraq. Thank God for sane people like our fellow Americans in Iowa who have the sense to see through the petty, shallow politics of personality and respond to a candidate with a platform for change.

"On another aspect, Romney bought thousands of voters tickets and a free meal. How is this ethical in any way?"

Your logic is fallid.

The practice is not unique to Romney, it is the traditional way of doing it. Not all voters have the money to participate on their own.

There will be plenty of Romney supporters who get there on their own power.

You'll have a hard time converting anyone to Ron Paul. It's not that he doesn't have some good ideas, it's that he doesn't have the leadership and fortitude to encourage the masses in those ideas.

The predominant reason Ron Paul supporters are paying their own way is because Ron Paul can't raise enough money, it isn't a choice. If he had the funds and Ron Paul supporters chose to pay their own way, that would be a statement. Quite frankly, there is no money and there is no great statement made.

Actually, 10,000 candaians have showed up at the SPP (security and prosperity partnership) in Canada.

Look up the government website. Condaleeza Rics is on there. It is very informative.

On another aspect, Romney bought thousands of voters tickets and a free meal. How is this ethical in any way?

Watch how many Ron Paul supporters will show up and vote, paying for the tickets because of thier belief in his campaign, not being bought off.

Watch out for Richardson - for VP. Hillary is amazingly strong with Hispanics, and with Richardson on the ticket she picks up Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, and possibly Florida and Texas (where she's doing surprisingly well). That's 80-90 electoral votes. Hillary can read a map.

Contrariwise, Obama and Edwards would give her no states - just a lot of near-misses down south.

Y'all are in the dark if you think that yankee Hillary or the new guy who thinks he can talk like us is ever goin' to be elected here... We appreciate John Edwards because he's positive, knows what we want, talks to us in SC, and appreciated where he came from.. I love seeing people post on here who states that Edwards is behind in SC, when he has more support in my large town of Charleston than y'all could ever imagine... He'll win Iowa and clean up in SC..... How can everyone think they know our state from some CNN polls and not even live here. All the pollsters want it to be a Clinton and Obama race, but be very surprised come our election. Edwards will win... He's our homeboy.

Wow 600 people. How is the national media thinking that such a small sample will prove anything. This is simply ridiculous. These polls further exemplify the circus that is modern day politics.

An Internet poll is more accurate then a 600 person poll by phone.

I am an Iowan - there is a reason John Edwards is doing so well in Iowa...we've gotten the opportunity to see and talk to these guys...and John Edwards speaks from the heart and addresses the issues - he doesn't beat up on other candidates....that's why he did so well in 2004 - Dean and Gephart were beating each other up.....hmmm kind of like two other candidates...

Its evident that candidates who support amnesty for illegal immigrants are droping like rocks in the polls, John McCain is a prime example. The Democrats are keeping very quite about their pro illegal immigration stance and it will cost them the 2008 elections if the continue their veiws.

Romney is a shining example of effective leadership. A good indicator of someone’s leadership qualities is within their family unit. Romney’s family is an great example to all Americans. Some candidates can’t even effectively lead their children or manage a successful marriage, what makes you think they can lead a nation. Romney brings intelligence, humility, competence, and effective leadership to Washington D.C.

It looks like the pretty boys, John Edwards and Mitt Romney, are in the lead. Iowa must be voting similar to how they would vote for an "American President Idol" show instead of substance, like the leading candidates in state primaries like Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire and South Carolina where Mrs. Clinton and Mr. Obama are leading the Democrats and Mr. Giuliani and Mr. Thomspon are in the lead in most of the states for Republicans.
Mitt Romney left Massachusetts without a legacy. Both houses of its State House and the Govenors Office are in the hands of Democrats.
John Edwards has had some great photo opportunities for himself but needs to do more to not make him appear that he is "all hat, no horse".

Yes, Shawnie, unlike most other Republicans who are married multiple times and seem to blame gays for their divorces. If you're supporting the religious right GOPers, don't throw stones regarding bigotry.

And Dems are staying away from a Faux News debate because they should- Fox is not a legitimate news network, it is a partisan mouthpiece. It should not be legitimized by the Democrats.

This is a really ignorant, bigoted comment:

"Mitt Romeny is great! I can’t wait until we have multiple first ladies!"

Mitt is the only one who hasn't had multiple first ladies. He's been faithfully married for 38 years.

What a wonderful country this would be if Biden could be a frontrunner in the polls. Can you imagine? America's too dumb and deferent to celebrity to pay attention.

Jason, Omaha Nebraska

Paul has visited Iowa, and his independent meeting(which he set up after the official event in the same building) garnered more supporters than all other candidates combined. Funny thing, the official Republican was done under the premise of Christians and Tax Relief, both views strongly supported by Ron Paul.

Check your facts first.

A dog catcher from Pascagoula Mississippi would be leading the GOP candidates in the Iowa straw poll if he had 12 to 15 million to spend as Romney did. Ann

Posted By Mike, HI: "...if [Canada] could see economic growth from joining the NAU, I don’t know why they would refuse."

Your statement contradicts the whole Ron Paul, "the NAU is the end of civil liberties" argument.

If the NAU spells the end of civil liberties in the United States to the point that everyone should be afraid of it why wouldn't Canada feel the same way? Canada is a much more liberal country than the United States. Civil liberties in Canada are afforded to citizens with much more regard than they are in the United States.

No one is saying Canada hates the United States. The economic relationship between the two nations is one of the closest in the world. The majority of the oil consumed in the United States comes from Canada. In this light the NAU is a footnote. There is already an undeniable economic union between the two countries, and has been for a very long time.

When you get away from economics the difference become much more evident. Canada opposed the war in Iraq and sent no troops as part of the coalition. Canada expressed its liberal views of personal freedom when it lead in the creation of the International Criminal Court for war crimes, which the United States opposed.

There are fundamental and idealistic differences between the neighbor nations that would prove very difficult to simply wipe away with a NAU type system. I agree with you regarding the concern owed to something as sweeping as the NAU but the knee-jerk "the sky is falling" reaction to the NAU, which doesn't even exist, does make the Ron Paul supports come across as radical.

Ron Paul has people brain washed into thinking that he can win. He has no chance!

Mitt Romeny is great! I can't wait until we have multiple first ladies!

Tom W, you rock. Straight talk and fact oriented. Keep posting.

I would probably pay more attention to Ron Paul’s views if his supporters didn’t come across as tinfoil hat wearing fanatics.

The more extreme you are, the more you make your voice heard. Thus, people who are passionate about the 9/11 conspiracy are going to post about it a lot more. Though I don't like to judge these people (I think some bring up interesting points), they can be offputting. Look at Dr. Paul on his own merits, not the ramblings of a few of his supporters.

The NAU is going to be the end of U.S. liberties? Lest we forget that Canada would be part of the NAU and they don’t even like us all that much. You actually think Canada is going to agree to something like that?

I really don't know the status of the NAU right now, but I think it's irresponsible to say we shouldn't worry about it because you think Canada would not agree to it. I've yet to hear of great Canadian disgust with the US, and even if there is, if they could see economic growth from joining the NAU, I don't know why they would refuse.

And for others interested in Paul, you might like to know that the University of Nevada considers him to be a top-tier candidate. He and the big three are the only four candidates to be invited to a political forum in August, in an early primary state.

Back at you NAguy-

I am certainly not trying to be arrogant. This was an observation and opinion based on the poor grammar, mis-spellings, mis-statement of facts, lack of understanding of the issues and the parroting of the media analysis and candidates talking points.

I was not suggesting that intelligent people cannot support a "top tier" candidate in good conscience and with good reason. Just seems like we get the annointed candidates pushed down our throats and they are mostly out of the same partisan mold as those that have preceded them.

I don't trust Romney as far as I can throw him. He has flip-flopped on most of the major issues. I get the distinct feeling he would say anything he thinks voters want to hear just to get elected. Next thing you know he'll be an Evangelical instead of a Mormon.

Edwards has a lot going for him but it is more likely he will be tapped as a vice-president again. The jaggernaught that is the Clinton Machine will steamroll over him in the primaries. This will probably be the democrat's undoing however.

I would probably pay more attention to Ron Paul's views if his supporters didn't come across as tinfoil hat wearing fanatics. 9-11 was an inside job? That would mean Bush can actually think his way out of a paper bag. The NAU is going to be the end of U.S. liberties? Lest we forget that Canada would be part of the NAU and they don't even like us all that much. You actually think Canada is going to agree to something like that? You better get more tinfoil for your hat if you believe such a thing.

The only candidate I feel even the slight confort with as a president is Fred Thompson at this point. He has his flaws but they're much smaller and easier to deal with than the rest of the candidates. He acknowleges the rights of the unborn. He has conservative republican values. And he's a straight shooter who speaks his mind. I even like his wife. She refuses to conform to some anal-retentive stereotype of what the president's wife should be. I personally applaud that.

I skimmed all of the blog comments on here, and I found it fascinating that there hasnt been an Iowan to comment on this article. Much of the debate and skirmishes have been about all the candidates and nothing has been said concerning the findings of the polling in Iowa.

Here is a fresh perspective as to why the leaders are leading in Iowa. On the Democratic side, John Edwards finished a very strong 3rd in the Caucus for the 2004 Election. Before bowing out, he was well liked in Iowa. Its obvious he still is, because he tells it like it is. He doesnt talk in soundbites. He has a vision. Maybe you dont agree with his politics per se, but his positive message is why we like him here.

While Iowans are a "bottom-line" and "to-the-point" people, we also have a thing for showing support to candidates who come to our state and take the time out to talk to us and get our perspectives, hear our stories, and more. Mitt, for better or for worse, leads in the polls because he has taken the time out to visit the state. Sincere interest or politics as usual? You be the judge, but Iowans pay attention to those who come to our convention centers, town halls, community centers, VFW's, and other venues.

Will these polls change much over time. I suspect they will. As the race draws closer, the spread between all of the candidates will decrease. Also, we may even see a few lead changes. It will be an exciting time for everyone. Its a real charge to see Iowa be the early pulse of a candidates viability.

This a response to Independent Voter,

I think its a bit arrogant to suggest that the uninformed gravitate toward the top candidates, and not sound to use the ticker as any sort of indicator.

People might be attracted to Obamas health care pledges, or Clinton's Foreign Policy experience, or Guliani's handling of 9/11 and cleaning up NYC, or Romneys management of MA, or even McCain's record of making decisions on his own accord versus the parties (until recently)

You do not give people enough credit. You just seem frustrated that the Candidates with something interesting and different to say wont make it through the primaries.

Our family has been noticing how many Mitt Romney Bumper Stickers are now on cars here in South Orange County. Looks like he is a popular choice for the Presidency in our neck of the woods.

Susan Espenschied
Publisher Of Aliso Laguna News
An Independent Community Newspaper

Im not here to fight. Well it must be nice to give your self millions of dollars to your campaign. What a fake Mitt is. Im with Ron Paul all the way. If we could all get past the name calling and grow up. its not Left VS Right, its right versus wrong people. Grow up for once in your life. Go Ron Go.

I like how everyone whines and complains that Ron Paul isn't doing well in the polls because he isn't an "establishment candidate." Maybe it has something to do with the fact that he hasnt visited Iowa at all? He can't be a baby about the top tier candidates stealing the spotlight when he doesn't even know how to run his campaign.

I really dislike romney..i am massachusetts guy who saw him in action...he didnt do anything for us except boost his resume!! The fact he even ran was a hoax...he just wanted to get his name out there and show democrats that he can get elected in a highly democratic state...its ashame...

I think it's interesting that when you read all the postings on the ticker, you get the sense that the uninformed and uneducated tend to gravitate toward the top tier candidates with the greatest name recognition and lead in the current polls while those that actually study the issues and the character of the candidates are looking for someone who just might break the mold.

You want more of the same? Settle for Hillary, Obama, Edwards, Giuliani, McCain, F. Thompson. Want a different approach? Look at someone else (Biden, Huckabee, Paul?).

Will, thanks for backing up what I already posted about it being Myspace and not Youtube.

I believe the Republicans get a whack at the Youtube debate in September.

The Democratic Presidential nominees are making a big mistake by continuing to harp on raising tazes on the "rich". What base of voters are they trying to appeal to? If taxes are raised all working people will pay more taxes. Do the Democratics think they can hoodwink the lower income working class by trying to make them believe that if taxes are raised they will benefit more by more government handouts? What a pathetic way to try and get votes.I have been a Repbulican for years but because of the way the administration is dealing with Iraq, I have been leaning towards the Democrats. However if the Democratics persist in their ridiculous tax agenda than I will be forced to vote Republican in the future again.

Will from Miami,
The Democrats won't do the Fox News debate because they are worried that Fox is too conservative. I guess they don't want to field questions from conservative people.

CNN is very slanted in its objectivity and coverage of politicians and if I were a Republican candidate, I wouldn't want to go to a debate they sponsored either. Their agenda is suspicious.

Please don't suggest that CNN – Youtube is the ONLY way to be around real people with ad lib questions!!! Candidates are holding Townhall meetings constantly where they are face to face with real people, with tough questions. As if CNN/Youtube was the end-all??!!

Flip-Mitt doesn't stand for anything.

I think the used car salesman is a good comparison- he will say anything, ANYTHING, to make the sale.

Everybody is confused here. The sex offendeds were not deleted from YouTube. They were deleted from MySpace. The "top tier" candidates don't want to do the YouTube debate because they'll have to ask REAL questions that they don't want to answer AND they'll see that many of the YouTube questioners will compare them to Ron Paul. If many of the questioners use Ron Pauls stances as the "litmus test" what will that tell the world? Maybe that Ron Paul's views/stances are the MOST conservative???

I think Romney has a better chance than Rudy, Thompson, and (definately) McCain. However, I think Ron Paul (near the end) will give him a run for his money.

Listen, all of the "top-tier" candidates have WAY too many skeletons, are too dishonest, and do not represent the base of the party with the exception (only slightly) of Mitt Romney. Mitt may be able to pull if off. However, Ron Paul has my vote.

You gotta really consider CNN's left wing approach to the picture used for this article – "DOGS ALLOWED" – above Mitt's head. ROMNEY leads the polls because he doesnt care about National Polls. He will win the GOP!! GO MITT GO!!

Romney looks and acts way too much like a used-car salesman sans ugly plaid blazer. Too slick, too polished, and wrong on most of the issues. He also sucked as a Governor. It is well-known that the $9M loan to himself has been used to pay for people to get to the Ames straw poll–effectively buying votes.

Giuliani is a one-trick pony–9/11–that people are sick of. He's also one of the worst free speech oppressors out there.

Expect Romney to win teh Iowa straw poll Aug. 11, but expect RON PAUL to come in a strong second, and then expect the pundits to start in on their usual litany of "Ron Paul can't win (because we haven't annointed him)."

Funny, a certain Minnesota ex-governor once was treated the same way and he won...

Why is the media ignoring the one cadidate that has never flip flopped and is hands down the best man for the job. Its obvious from these CNN Polls and all these other research that Americans are disenfranchised with the way things are run in Washington. WE don't want another smooth talking politician. We want RON PAUL, the ONLY person running who has the voting record to back up his statements!

So whats your point KansasscityforObama?

Obama was at the Youtube debates so does that mean he endorses sexual predators?

So if Romney didn't go to the debate, would you then call him a right-wing know it all, but who knows nothing about the latest technology available?

By the way,it was Myspace and not Youtube that found the 29,000 (out of MILLIONS of clients) and is deleting them.

You should worry about your candidate putting his foot in his mouth in dealing with rogue states and leaders.

I'm an Independent and I'm with Ron Paul!

Romney's a smooth talking phoney and I don't fall for it!

The Chicago Tribune reported on a little confusion posed by Mitt Romney during a campaign stop, yesterday in Iowa.  He sounded rather convincing regarding his social-conservative views of banning retailers from selling video games that may be deemed violent and he even had a little opinion on social networking sites, like MySpace and apparently YouTube.The problem is, for a presidential candidate so "passionate" about his social-conservative views and quick to judge a site...perhaps he should actually check them out first.  You know, it's good to know what you're talking about.  Sound bytes are great an all, but you can sound like a real ass down the road.

"YouTube is a website that allows kids to network with one another and make friends and contact each other," Romney explained. "YouTube looked to see if they had any convicted sex offenders on their web site. They had 29,000."Um, Mitt.
You know that little Republican debate format in September, the one where average Americans submit their own recorded questions via the internet?
Yeah, well that's YouTube. The debate you'll be participating in is the CNN/YouTube debate.
Thanks for keeping up with things.

So Romney has 25%, but 22% are undecided? How is his lead significant?

Ron Paul is going to win this thing yet, you watch! I bet a whole bunch of Romney (and others) supporters are going to vote for Paul after getting Romney to pay for their ticket and their lunch, hahaha...

I would like to ask Al Gore to endorse John Edwards. Its clear that logical thinking people prefer someone that is steady and sure of himself. He is the candidate for the times.

While these people are out campaigning, who is doing their jobs? After all they are being paid and were elected to run the country. If I took off to run around the country I don't think my job would be there when I got back. After all the public pays there wages, only problem I see with that is they are in the only job I know of that gets to set their rate of pay and any wage increase they want. A bunch of them would or should be getting pink slips.

How about you give some love to Ron Paul and I bet those numbers will change!!

Romney is intelligent, professional, successful, articulate, strong, focused and dedicated.

He’s got my vote.

Go Romney Go!!!

It's obvious that Romney is the front-runner in the Republican race. Leading in Iowa and New Hampshire by more than 10% points over any of the other candidates is indicative of his message.

Our economy is teetering on the brink of recession, and we need someone in the White House who knows how business is run. Otherwise China and India will dominate global economics....and we all know that economics is the real source of power these days.

Romney is the only candidate on either side of the debate that has consistently indicated he wants to increase American competition in global economics. Seeing how often he speaks on the issue shows what type of importance it is to him. Also, seeing his track record, he is the only one who has the experience to ensure America stays competitive with the rest of the world.

Thus, our future (and our standard of living) rests upon our ability to maintain an economic edge with rising economic powers like China, India, Russia, and Brazil. And I feel that Romney is the only candidate who knows how to help America keep her economic edge.

And seeing how Romney is dominating the polls in the early voting states, it is aparent that most other Americans feel the same way as I do.

Romney 2008!!!

Romney is chugging away like the Little Engine that Could. It shows, with his solid leads in Iowa and New Hampshire. He has been smart and savvy to avoid obsessing over national polls, and concentrate on the early primary states. I like him more as I get to know him, which is exactly what Iowans and New Hampshirites are doing.
By contrast, Fred Thompson's campaign appears to be fermenting on the vine.

Ron Paul is going to get more votes than this article says, that is dead wrong on his poll percentage of support. Bob

I'm not surprised that Biden's numbers went up. I think he performed quite well in the debates. Hillary & Barack are gonna both lose points if they keep making petty jabs at each other. People want to see the candidates' legitimate policy differences, but they don't want to hear cheap shots, like "Barack would blindly meet with dictators" or "Hillary is Bush-Cheney light."