CNN

McCain is much smarter than Romney in all aspects.

Romney will trounce that Napoleonic "psycho" McCain in Florida. He'll beat McCain in the Northeast, even if Ghouliani drops out as he's likely to and backs McCain in the process. The key now to a Romney win–as both Ghouliani and Suckabee will bow out and back McCain–is to get Thompson's and Hunter's endorsement. The endorsement of Romney by Thompson will be a huge slap in the face for McCain, his close friend. Policy and truth will win out over friendship. Another factor in Romney's battle with McCain will be Jeb Bush's endorsement. Will Romney get it? A Florida loss to Romney will all but sink McCain, because McCain has no chance to win the West (after getting trounced in Nevada today)–with strong Mormon support in Oregon and Utah. In fact, I can't see McCain winning California on Super Tuesday. The GOP debate next week is key.

Those of you who decided to vote for Mitt Romney on the basis of watching a debate on TV are wrong. He has unlimited resources and a huge staff with which to prep him with debating points. Sophistry is the art of winning the argument regardless of what the truth may be. Before you settle on Romney, better to get a deeper understanding of his history by visiting the website TrueRomney.com. As one of his opponents said, if you aren't honest with the American people while trying to get the job, how can you be trusted to be honest with the American people after you have the job? Charlton Heston or Burt Lancaster would have made a great looking President, but that is not what it takes to run a country.

Mario January 6, 2008 12:54 pm ET

One is a washed up preacher (Hickupbee) the other a grmpy old man (McCain) who thinks the office of the president should be just given to him. Neither knows what he is talking about and would harm this country even more than it is already.

You can't trust a washed up old preacher and a grumpy old man would forget where he is or forget to take his meds before he goes to bed.

Hey, Mario,

What about your hyprocrite, aka Willard Mitt Romney the lying flip flopper. I know the people of Massachusetts called him FEE FEE because he raised fees so much.
What's the difference in raising fees sky high and raising taxes. It still comes out of the tax payers pockets.

In my last comment, I intended to say that Paul, tho' unelectable has integrity, as does Romney. Didn't want to leave that out. Perhaps Romney/Paul '08?

McCain is too old. Period. Smart. Experienced. But TOO OLD!
So is Thompson.

Huckleberry doesn't have the strength or intelligence to battle Dem's or Jihadists. This isn't a church where we're electing a Pastor, it's a COUNTRY with multiple issues that need correcting and he has no idea how big this really is. He's Bush, verse 2 (or is that 3?).

Guiliani doesn't care about anyone but big city and being Pres isn't only about fighting Radical Islamic Terrorists, nor is the only one who can do so. He's a chunk short on Integrity too and would be eaten up by the Dem machine. He doesn't have the whole package. Period.

Paul has good ideas, but like Perot, is simply unelectable. Sad, but true.

Romney is the most viable candidate when looking at the whole package. He is extremely intelligent, able to keep his head when everyone is pouncing on him, has more integrity than the other 4 combined and is experienced at TRULY turning around huge problematic companies, organizations (Olympics) and Gov't (MA). Plus he can and wants to work with and for ALL citizens of this country.

Remember it's also about who can take the whippings from the Dem machine during the election, but then reach across the aisle while President. Romney '08.

Hey Richard –
Unless it's a direct quote, he didn't say it. His ads don't count as a direct quote. Contrast ads are not attack ads; there are different terms for different reasons, and if you had even a basic understanding of politics you might comprehend this.

In the debate, in addition to feigning innocence about his own attacks on Huckabee and McCain, Mitt Romney blamed the 47 million Americans without insurance for their unwillingness to participate in keeping the costs of health care down. Are you kidding me? Hey Mitt, 9 million of those slackers are children - but it's their fault they don't have health insurance?

At least it's good to know that Mitt has truly adopted the same "pro-life" banner of most politicians who flaunt it. Meaning, he'll now tell you he supports overturning Roe v. Wade, ostensibly for the sake of children, but when those kids are born to struggling parents who can't afford to insure them, he'll blame those same kids for the rising costs of health care. Give me a friggin' break.

I'm a Democrat, and fairly left-leaning, but I'll take a Bible-thumping Huckabee or war-mongering McCain over the snake-oil-salesman Romney any day. It's true that until quite recently, Romney has shared my liberal bent. Still, if a Republican is elected and I'm getting someone more conservative than myself anyway, I'll take the real thing, please.

Marti San Diego, CA,

Are you kidding me? I am an atheist and I hate Romney and he is the only candidate I hate. Sure I dislike Hillary Clinton, but I don't hate her. Romney lies and lies. He said just yesterday that he never called McCain's plan an amnesty, what a lie. He had two TV ads using exactly that particular words. He attacked Huckabee extremely unfairly in Iowa. He started the negative campaign weeks before Huckabee launched his, which is why McCain and Huckabee were not the only one attacked Romney. Everyone did. Guiliani did. Thompson did. Did you happen not to sleep during the debate?

Wake up! Contrast ads are attack ads. Where did you go to school? McCain also play an ads where Romney himself said foreign policy is not important for being the president. Of course that is an attack ads too.

By the way, I am an atheist. So even think this is about religion. Sure, some idiots may argue that Romney lost Iowa because Huckabee is a Baptist minister and Iowa has a large Christian population. However, not New Hampshire. New Hampshire is a very secular state. Romney's defeat in New Hampshire will have NOTHING to do religion, especially McCain who has a worse relation with Christian right than Romney.

A Baby Boomer for Obama,

Huckabee never said he does not believe in evolution. You are putting words into his mouths and being very misleading. He was asked about evolution and creationism. He said he believes God created us all and that the two (evolution and God) do not have to be mutually exclusive (one or the other). That is the finest answer I heard from a Christian and I am an atheist. Maybe you need to know Charles Darwin is a religious man who happens to believe the existence of God and evolution. Albert Einstein is not religious but even he believe in a creator. His famous quote: "God does not roll dice." Most scientists are in fact religious and believe in a God or gods, but that does not exclude the facts that most also believe in evolution.

Anyone who says McCain is "too mean" or a "bully"- you're right! McCain is the toughest, strongest candidate in the race. We're in a war against radicals and Islamic extremists. Do you want a nice guy who is going to be considered weak by our enemies? No, we need John McCain's candidness and strength.

McCain is nasty and arrogant!
He acted like the old fool he is last nite.
He got his digs in and sat back smiling like a bully .
If this man is elected it will be a third term Bush!

McCain – ineffective right wing – social and fiscal conservative

Huckabee – a baptist minister – social and fiscal conservative

Romney – a flip-flopping – once social liberal – now social and fiscal conservative

70% of the country describe themselves as "moderate" – social liberal and fiscal conservative......(thats Republicans, Democrats and unaffiliated) Theres only one candidate that fits that mold...and has a solid background – Giuliani (don't take marital or child rearing advice from him....and you will be golden)

I'm a Republican – a moderate....if we cannot show the country that we are the first party to embrace a truly moderate candidate – I will vote for Obama....while he is a left wing candidate – we cannot embrace the Christian Minority anymore...the country has spoken...the MAJORITY is social liberal and fiscal conservative – the Dems are running all social and fiscal liberals...the other Republicans are social and fiscal conservatives....

"Your comment is awaiting moderation. " Huh? I posted this before anyone else posted anything. Post this CNN.

What a bunch of childish remarks!!! Goodness sakes! McCain and Huckabee, who have no record they're proud to talk about, were left to take immature personal swipes at Romney.

Honestly, I am completely baffled that anyone can watch that debate tonight and not be (1) disgusted by the childish behavior of McCain and Huck (2) impressed by the composure of Romney under personal assault all night and (3) highly impressed by the clear, comprehensive, understandable, practical responses that Romney articulated on issue after issue.

Can it be any clearer on health care? As Romney said, everyone else can talk and speculate about this plan or that plan, BUT HE HAS ALREADY DONE IT. He's *already* proven that he has the practical experience and the leadership ability to tackle and solve a large and complex problem.

Just as he did with health care, he applied the same cadre of business experience and leadership ability to close the budget deficit in MA without raising taxes (something Huck wouldn't even dream of). He applied the same experience and leadership to turn around the financially distressed SLC Olympics.

Wake up people! Please, please be honest with yourself and get past this issue of his religion. Get past these false charges of flip-flopping. Get past these false charges of his "attack ads". Contrast pieces are not attacks. If anything, they're free advertising for the other candidate if that person is proud of their record. Get past all that junk and recognize the incredible talent that Mitt will bring to Washington.

VOTE ROMNEY – A *PROVEN* LEADER

Do you really believe that a man (Huckabee) who does not believe in evolution is going to be taken seriously by the people of the world especially the countries who America needs as Allies.

Watching the Republican debate is like a flashback into the past, and watching McCain and Clinton embrace was the same thing.

I have faith in the next generation and hope that people from 30-50 especially will realize that this is the time to act and bring America into the 21st century and away from the divisive, stalemated battleground in Washington

Having seen the actual picture on CNN I think the actual picture of McCain, Huckabee, and Guliani looks most like Aunt Bea standing by while Goober Pyle (Gomer's Cousin) gets fighting instructions from Barney Fife. The only thing left for Huckabee is to spin off from the campaign right to he-ha like his predecessor.

Seriously, how do any of these guys get away with attacking another candidate on issues. McCain has slid further to the left after loosing the nomination 8 years ago, Guiliani already is left, he is only running on 9/11 and a sketchy record as Mayor of NY, Huckabee is running on the bible and and even sketchier record as governor which he slid into when the previous governor got into trouble with his involvement with the previous governor (who by then was in the white house). Clinton and now Huckabee, when will Arkansas quit giving us its best and just keep them at home.

Mike Huckabee for pastor of a mega church near you, or even just lead hymnal straightener. Just please not as the president of an entire nuclear capable country.

Did anyone other than Ron Paul talk about serious domestic issues? Our dollar is declining, our infrastructures are crumbling, crime is rising, our educational system is failing, and yet, all thier debate chatter was mostly about terrorism. I'm tired of hearing the horrors of so-called socialize medecine. I will definitely be voting Democrat.

lets not answer the real issues and lets avoid what we need to say. Oh and when you ask me something of substance and I can't answer I will just attack you personally. Real leadership in these two,, I hope they don't win no class and a poor representation of America.

How can people not vote for Romney after watching the debates last night? Romney repeatedly endured personal attacks throughout the debate by his opponents and rather than respond with personal attacks, he focused on the issues. The candidates ganged up on Romney because he is indisputably and unequivocally the brightest and most articulate candidate. Yet they couldn't strike any concrete flaws because there simply are not any. While the other candidates focused on making jokes and discussing the need for change, Romney set forth plans and roadmaps to move forward with change. Any one who thinks Romney is just a rich mormon and would never vote for him because of it, is ignorant.

I thought this was a presidential election not recess in 3rd grade. Huckabee and McCain were very childish. I have never thought Huckabee was presidential material, given his record and too much religion in his campaign but I was on the fence between McCain and Romney before this debate. McCain definitely made my mind up for me acting the way he did. My vote is now for Romney.

Romney totally deserves it. He's spent the past three months viciously attacking anyone who even remotely challenged his lead, while making absurd claims about his own record. If Ronald Reagan was running, he'd attack him too, no doubt, for his immigration "weakness." This guy and Hillary both reek of "essence of politician."

Gundy, think buddy? I am a man who hates negative capaigns and attack ads, and all though I was not very happy seeing the two go after Romney, it was well deserved. Romney has led a campaign of negative personal attacks of lies and deception. He whines like a baby when someone brings up a past challenge, this was not a man I would want as my President, he reminds me of the kid that breaks the window with the baseball, hands the ball to his best friend and runs. No thanks you can keep Romney.

Snakeoil salesmen.

I find it ironic that Huckabee would criticize Romney for his positions when Huckabee largely has no position on any issue except the bible!

Talk to someone from Arkansas (like myself) and you will find very little to like about Huckabee. The conservative mask he has chosen to wear during his campaign is nearly a laughing matter.

Still I hope Ron Paul, the only sound minded Republican, takes all of them out.

Good job Governor Huckabee! Keep exposing flip-flop-flip Mitt!

Mitt has spent millions fo dollars from his billionaire fortune to attack McCain and Huckabee so I think I will not shed alligator tears if McCain takes a few pot shots at Mitt. But this race is much deeper than that. There is a true populist movement in America right now. The Democrats cannot lead minority groups to swear blind allegiance to the status quo just by makeing hollow promises of social programs that they know the country cannot pay for. Obama is living proof that Democrats are seizing new territory and an unknown but exciting future. The Republicans like wise can no longer coronate the new multi billionaire king and tell the working class Republicans to ignore the elites corporate cronies from sending good jobs over seas and that they should wait for the crumbs to fall from the super wealthy's table. Working class republicans are not ready to embrace the Dems socialist agenda but they definatly want a new face that truly represents the working man/woman. Americans want a democracy OF THE PEOPLE by the people and for the people. An Obama vs Huckabee race would restore true democracy to America and will be the most exciting race in decades. Let the best candidate win.

Who's that trying to punch McCain in the photo, Romney? Maybe all of these guys should be put in a cage fight. The last one standing is the candidate. That's so Americana 2008.

For a moment I realized how deceptive the so-called " Man of God " Huckabee was. I believe he demonstrated how cheap politics has clouded his moral judgment.
We the mass are no fools: We saw how together with McCain, they appeared envious of their better-funded rival, who is well placed across the states.
I'm confident McCain will see another humiliation just like 2000.
I will be here waiting to read their apologies, as it's been the case every time.

One is a washed up preacher (Hickupbee) the other a grmpy old man (McCain) who thinks the office of the president should be just given to him. Neither knows what he is talking about and would harm this country even more than it is already.

You can't trust a washed up old preacher and a grumpy old man would forget where he is or forget to take his meds before he goes to bed.

Go Mitt!!

WE DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY JOHN McCAIN IS CONSIDERING HIMSELF A PRESIDENCIAL CANDADATE.
IT WILL BE A GREAT NATIONAL TREGEDY IF J. McCAIN IS NOMINATED. HOWEVER HIS ELECTABILITY CHANCE ARE ZERO. IT SEEMS FOX NEWS MEDIA CHANGED GEARS FROM RUDY GIULIANI TO JOHN McCAIN. ANYHOW BOTH CHOICES, RUDY GIULIANI AND JOHN McCAIN, WERE AND ARE STILL DISASTERS.
MITT ROMNEY, IS NOT MY CHOICE, HOWEVER ROMNEY'S PERSONALITY, CHARACTER, EXPERIENCES, HIS RELIGIOUS AND HIS FAMILY VALUES, THE WAY HE ANALYSES ISSUES AND IS INDEED OUTSTANDING ARE HIGHLY RESPECTED. OVERALL, ROMNEY IS A STRONG CANDIDATE.
JOHN McCAIN'S ATTITUTE IS ALWAYS ANGER, FRUSTRATION AND ONLY TALKS. WE ALWAYS SEE McCAIN'S ANGER EVERYTIME HE IS UNDER PRESSURE AND CANNOT PROVIDE PROPER ANSWERS TO ALL QUESTIONS ASKED OR DIRECTED TO HIM. HIS CONDUCT ON SATURDAY'S DEBATE CONFIRMS THAT THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THIS MAN.
WHILE BOTH REPUBLICAN AND DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES WERE ACTING NORMAL RESPECTFUL EXCEPT RUDY GIULIANI AND JOHN McCAIN.
WE ALREADY SUFFERED AND STILL ARE SUFFERING FOR THE LAST SEVEN YEARS. McCAIN AT 72 SHOULD RETIRE FROM THIS PRESIDENTIAL DEBATES TOGETHER WITH UNCLE RUDY AND ENJOY LIFE AFTER RETIREMENT.

Good for Huckabee and McCain. The idea that Romney labels himself an agent of change is laughable as his record shows that he's the typical establishment candidate. It's about time somebody criticized Romney for being a flip-flopper. You can't run as a liberal to win the office of governor or senator, and then a few years later run for president as a conservative. Romney is as fake as they come. Who wants a president that you never know where they stand on the issues? Romney is the 'John Kerry' of the Republican Party. Since his early state strategy is falling apart, I'd say it's about time he dropped out already.

Romney is a phony.... Does he honestly think that we can't see through him? He hired a company that employs illegal immigrants.... He knew about it and gave them a "second chance"....... And, had the audacity to pass off the blame on to his son's "incompetence".... You can't even run your own "sanctuary Mansion"..... What makes you think you can run the white house?

I thought McCain in particular was disgraceful with his digs, snipes, and downright ugliness towards Romney. I also think Romney overall handled the attacks as gracefully as possible considering the number of attacks he had to fend, some of which he simply ignored.

Of course to hear the pundits, Romney lost because he didn't get in a "cat fight" with McCain or Huckabee.

I haven't been a Romney fan, but I think he made some awfully good points last night on illegal immigration. And he did tell the truth about McCain's immigration bill even thought McCain tried to lie his way out of it.

Most of these candidates want illegal immigration. I see them all as law-breakers when they tout illegal immigration. There is no other way to see it. De law is de law. It's for everyone, not just for legal American citizens.

Romney couldn't take the heat. He acted like a spoiled child turning away, grinning, sticking his tongue out and having the gall, after the way he has run his campaign, to complain about "personal attacks" when his policies were questioned. He is phony.

While the other candidates were hammering Romney, Romney was hitting the nail on the head by talking about the issues.
Previously, the other candidates criticized Romney for his negative campaigns , yet Huckabee leaked his negative ad to the press and got his seemingly innocent but negative publicity all over the country without even paying for it! Was he really trying to play "nice" in doing that? Is McCain playing "nice" now?
I think the media needs to quit hammering Romney also. Some newscasters basically wrote him off after Iowa, but he is here to stay. I think the media needs to give Romney equal time and equal respect. It was barely noted that Romney won the Wyoming caucus.
Romney performed a miracle stepping in to take charge of the Olympics in Salt Lake City when it was terribly in debt and steeped in scandal. He not only made it happen, but helped it make money in the process. And no, he wasn't in it for the money. He didn't even ask to be paid for his services. He saw the problem and knew that with his experience he could help.
Now Romney sees that the nation is in trouble, and knows that he can help by stepping in to make a positive difference. I think, with the country's support, he can do it! It seems clear that Romney is in this race not for his own good, but for the good of the country.

I would rather Hear about what they are going to do when they are in office instead of attacking other candidates. Let's hear the issues, not how horrible the other candidate is. Now I am leaning more to Romney due to these attacks.

Avoid the elite media’s “RUSH”, support Governor Huckabee early!

My teen ager just told me it was ok to smoke pot and snort crank because Obama did. Obama YOU BETTER EXPLAIN TO MY CHILD NOW> I WILL HOLD YOU RESPOINSEABLE> YES I AM ANGRY

Edwards 2008

I can't support Huckabee, he has a 19th century view of the world, saying things a The New York Times article on December 12, 2007 like this: "..the United States will have to lead Western civilization in a worldwide conflict with radical Islam."
Or this gem: "...separate people with H.I.V./AIDS from the general population, telling the Associated Press that 'we need to take steps that would isolate the carriers of this plague.'"
Or this: "Don't Mormons believe that Jesus and the devil are brothers?" He just sounds like a bigot.

It seems as though they collectively see Mitt Romney as the Candidate to beat.
Mit is right on spot with immigration, taxes, the war on terror, free market medicine, family values.
These guys have done the "attacking" while not responding to the "facts" presented by the Romney campaign.
The "flip-flop" tactics are getting tired, but are working on the ill informed, soundbite voters. This is Romneys own Party members doing this to him, a SAD state for the GOP.
This is just what the Dems want, since they know that they can easily win over McCain or Huckabee, but Romney would be their biggest challenge.
It may be time for a Strong Third Party in our Country........

Hey Gundy... you might want to pick up a dictionary. Know and Now are different words... genius.

Its funny how the two dont get specific on issues. They just character bash. They say they aren't doing negative campaigning. I used to like Huckabee and Mccain, but right now they look like Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi in a name calling frenzy at Pres. Bush. Please talk about some issues! All of the candidates are good people.

Rudy and Thompson also took shots at Romney, that's 4 of the 5 other candidates the other of which has no shot at the nomination. What does that say of Romney? That he has no integrity. Why would anyone tolerate such a man? I'm glad Romeny took a hit last night. Someone whose campaign depends on negative ads as oppose to their own stance on the issues and who in doing so willfully misrepresents the opponent's stances is a low-life. And Romney as a low-life got what was coming to him.

Wow. McCain came across as a petty, tempermental old man and Huckabee showed his true colors as a dimb-witted hypocrite. Romney really cleaned house in the debate. He stood head-and-shoulders above his rivals as the candidate who can articulate a strong vision about the issues facing America. His rivals' attacks on him looked pathetic, in my opinion.

Thompson had a good night too, but it's too little too late for him.

Fred Thompson did a great job in last nights debate. I'm not a republican but he sure got my attention because he spoke with clarity, facts and spoke from the heart.

Realistically speaking, no one is the perfect candidate in politics. Everyone has changed their position on something...usually because circumstances and perspectives change when you are being briefed about on information that we (the American public) don't have access to. Something, unfortunately, the flip-flopping is a matter of character in that the person doesn't actually stand for anything.

This country needs a middle of the road candidate to stop polarizing politics. No extremists on either end – no left wingers, no right wingers! Romney and Huckabee are not those people. Niether is Clinton for that matter. McCain and Obama are our best hope for the future of this country! Would that they could form a coaltion and run as P & VP together!!!!

Romney has spent multi millions of dollars to attack both Huckabee and McCain. I can not fault these two for takeing a few shots at Romney, especially since the flip flop charge against Romney is so very true. Romney will say or do anything to get elected.

This is a truly a great time in presidential selection for this country. It is a win-win situation. After seven years of the total dismanteling of our country by George Bush, it doesn't matter if you vote Democratic, Republican, or Independant, there is no way but up.

Mitt is reaping what he has sown. The other candidates despise him for his dishonest attacks and want him out of the race as soon as possible. I can't say I disagree.

I thought Romney came out looking quite a bit better than either McCain or Huckabee. I lost a lot of respect for McCain; and gained none for Huckabee. Romney convinced me that he was the best man for the presidency.

I AGREE, partly.
Huckabee is a DC wanna-be, masquerading as an average guy. The glamour, power and attention will corrupt before his hand touches the bible.
I always knew McCain was a NUT.
He is utterly frightening. A wild eyed, loose cannon.
God Help us if he is elected the next President of these bedraggled United States.
And !!!!!!!
The disgusting, low class, immature behavior of the slug Thompson, bully McCain and the rest as they laughed and made faces during Ron Paul's comments.
Utterly Shameful.
Gutter mentality.
So typical.
No surprise.

I was shocked at how unprofessional McCain and Huckabee were in their interaction with Romney. I thought Romney came out looking quite a bit better than either of those two. I lost a lot of respect for McCain; and gained none for Huckabee. Romney convinced me that he was the best man for the presidency.

It was refreshing to hear a candidate support his positions, even when others do all they can to try and stop him. Romney did a great job in the debate. McCain and Huckabee both tried to attack him with snide remarks through the whole thing and both ended up looking stupid. Especially, when McCain kept trying to say amnesty wasn't amnesty even though it was amnesty but it wasn't amnesty because it was amnesty, which it wasn't. Then Huckabee's position on troops was ridiculous. The sounded more confused every moment he spoke.

Note: While submitting my comment I realized the email address was incorrect. I will re-submit my comment with the correct email address.

I'm a school teacher who is always concerned about the "bully" who harasses some kids and encourages others to do the same. Last night during the debate I saw "bullying" behaviors exhibited toward Romney–disrespectful jabs directed at him instead of addressing the issues. CNN afterwards aledged that the other candidates really don't like him. Can we trust to elect a bully? This makes me want to vote for Romney.

I'm a school teacher who is always concerned about the "bullly" who harasses some kids and encourages others to do the same. Last night during the debate I saw "bullying" behaviors exhibited toward Romney–disrespectful jabs directed at him instead of addressing the issues. CNN afterwards aledged that the other candidates really don't like him. Can we trust to elect a bully? This makes me want to vote for Romney.

I feel that Gov Romney handled the personal attacks by Senator McCain very well. He did not get angry and frustrated, but sticked to the issues and defended his use of advertisements to point out the strong difference between his and Senator McCain's positions on illegal immigration.

It seems to be a very touchy issue for McCain and his only defense was to backlash at Romney with personal attacks and slide remarks. For a 71 year old man with all his experience I feel it was a very juvenile display of his character.

Stick to the issues Mr. McCain. If you cannot properly defend your support of amnesty for illegal immigrants, admit you were wrong and take it like a man

The debates last night were a perfect illustration of why someone would have to have no ethics or morals to vote republican. The entire crowd of republicans,except Ron Paul,was just repulsively ignorant. If Ron Paul doesn't win the nomination, the republican party is dead. Paul was the only candidate that had the balls to mention that bush turned our dollar into toilet paper. This country is going democratic all the way. Bloomberg should run a libertarian ticket with Paul.

Huckabee seems to have made an unholy alliance with McCain. Both came across in last night's debate as childish and petty. They obviously see Romney as a threat and instead of sticking to discussing the issues at hand they took cheap shots and made slide remarks, very unpresidential. I wasn't surprised to see this type of behavior from old Huckleberry, but I am very disappointed in McCain. I was pulling for McCain, but now feel he isn't the type of person I want to see in the White House.

I don't have any respect for any status quo politician who uses thier position for personal gain and power by catering to the special interests/lollyists. They are voted in to represent the people. Yes, that includes Hillary.

Romney is the bully. He sure doesn't like taking what he gives out.

CNN,

Why did my previous comment need moderation? Nothing was changed from what I posted.

Gundy,

McCain and Huckabee had every right to go after Romney at the debates. Romney has spent millions in Iowa and NH running negative ads against them. If Romney's going to dish it out, he better be ready to take it. McCain and Huckabee shouldn't just let Mitt run over them. There was nothing cheap or degrading about it.

Mitt Romney stayed about the fray, as the Huckster and McCain took their preplanned shots agianst the perceived front runner McCain.

Rudy's game plan seems to be: hopefully nobody notices me for now and avoid any conflict until its time to roll east.

The republicans seemed more relaxed than the Democrats who seem to be ion over their head, clearly Hillary is in panic mode.

McCain is jerko #1 in my book. Cheapshot after cheapshot. The guy is as arrogant as Bush and will be just as bad for the country. And him seeming to object to the fact that Romney has placed some of his own 'personal fortune' on the line in his campaign? What is that about? The real question should be, why hasn't McCain? The guy has his own 'personal fortune' by any one's standard. Romney has shown some personal sacrifice in his run for the White House, McCain has not.

Those two men are eating their words. Hope americans will realize they can't better lead.

The former Arkansas governor earned his Huckster nickname as well as a great YouTube moment of shame when he challenged Romney’s support of the troop surge during ABC’s New Hampshire debate.

The YouTube clip shows exactly how dishonest Huckabee is. Two weeks after Romney issued a January 2007 press release supporting the surge; the Huckster does an interview deliberately distinguishing himself from other candidates by withholding support.

In the Jan. 24, 2007 interview on MSNBC’s “Live,” Norah O’Donnell asks:

“We have a Rudy Giuliani, who supports the president’s plan on Iraq. We have Governor Mitt Romney, who also supports a troop surge. How are you different from any of those candidates?”

Huckabee: “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.”

In response to John McCain's criticism of the pharmaceutical companies' part in blocking the American people's access to cheaper medicine from Canada, Willard Mitt Romney jumped all over McCain for “picking on the pharmaceutical companies” because, Willard Romney said, pharmaceutical companies do a lot of good and help the American people.

I hope people will pay attention to what phony hypocrite Willard Mitt Romney said last night. I am not crazy about McCain, but he is a lot better than Willard.

I would not vote for Willard Mitt Romney and I would not vote for the adulterous skirt chasing Giuliani. That guy Giuliani and his mistress turned wife have six marriages between them.

But wait...what's that I see on the horizon?!!

Why it's high kicking Chuck Norris, Mike Huckabee's secretary of defense!

Wow!!

Huckabee and McCain are so NOT presidential.

I thought Romney spoke very cogently and did a great job at staying clear-headed despite the onslaught from EVERYONE on stage. He defended himself without sounding overly defensive and sounded good on the issues and was one of the only candidates who stuck to the issues rather than stooping to personal attacks. Boy does it get old and just as all the dems love to attack Hillary, perhaps it's because Mitt's the candidate that everyone fears. In any case, I think if Huck won sympathy points in IA, Mitt deserves them this time around. McCain simply went too far and sounded like a schoolboy trying to pick a fight:

Objectively analyzing the debate, I deduced Romney won on points, but certainly it was no knockout. Thompson and Paul accorded themselves reasonably well, excepting Thompson's barbs directed towards Romney. As for these incessant attacks, the remaining candidates looked sophomoric and their responses to questions were ambiguous at best. Romney and Paul made the greatest attempts to clarify positions with Thompson providing acute, but overly general, responses. Again, Romney wins on points earned by the strength of his arguments and his ability to withstand excessively childish behavior exhibited by his opponents, which was entirely directed towards him in an unnecessarily personal manner.

I used to have respect for those two men... Know I realize they are just as cheap and degrading and anyone.

To Romney supporters,

You all claimed that Romney had contrast ads in Iowa, while Huckabee had negative ads. Wake up! What Mitt Romney did to Huckabee in Iowa and tried to do to McCain is disgusting. You said Huckabee and McCain cannot take the heat. You said the mass media lied when they pointed out that it is your candidate who started the attack. Learn the history, accept the truth. Romney action is shameful and every "objective" persons know that. Which is why every GOP candidates Saturday can no longer silently watch these shameful acts. Guiliani, Thompson, McCain, Huckabee all criticized Romney for what he is: a flip-flopper Supporters of all the other candidates literally despise Romney. Maybe when one day you have regain your objectivity, you will realize and regret that you have all helped Romney in his unholy task.

John McCain is a dangerous man. I saw crazy in his eyes.

McCain and Huckabee both tried to attack the man who WILL get the nomination and the presidency–Mitt Romney. It's one thing to compare and contrast issues as, Governor Romney does (which the press loves to call "negative campaigning"), but it's another to question a person's integrity just to get some post-debate soundbites.

Just for fun (not meant as an "attack")–here's something to ponder:
If these attacks seemed orchestrated–maybe the connection is Mike Huckabee's wife, who interestingly is named Janet McCain. Anyone researched her genealogy lately?????

Seriously though–Governor Romney is the only viable candidate who stands FIRM on illegal immigration, is truly conservative on lowering taxes, and will protect America and its economy. John McCain, Rudy Giulani, and Mike Huckabee all fail this important test in one regard or another!

Bu-bye, Mitt!

Spare me, both are in bed with God.

McCain acted like a child during the debate...I lost a lot of respect for him today,

Romney has changed his stance on several issues, but he openly admits it and says that he was wrong. I respect a man who can admit when he is wrong. That is the type of person I want in the Oval Office. Not someone like our current President who is not willing to stop and admit he has made a bad choice. Mitt Romney out weighs Huckabee and McCain on personal character, family values, moral leadership, economic intelligence and cross-party delegation. What I think he’s weak on is foreign policy. McCain, has great experience in this arena and would make an excellent member of Romney’s Cabinet.

I would urge every involved American to forget the “Mormon thing” and give Romney a serious consideration as we make this very important decision.

I think huckabee is honest and good person and i do believe he can win this election i like the guy so much.But one thing am not happy about him is the way he attacks Romney I think he needs to leave Romney alone the more he attacks Romney,the more people will get different view on Huckabee.I hope Huckabee will change and continue to be decent candidate.

While the American economy goes down the sink and Wall Street plummets this year, it's so comforting to know that we have scores of narrow-minded paranoid dupes who are actively campaigning (especially in the South) against the Mormon candidate. It was the well-concerted effort by many Evangelical ministers in Iowa who thwarted the Romney campaign. We all know Pope Dobson was rooting for the Huckster from the beginning. He finally came out of the closet and is gloating about the "Christian' candidate. I'm just sure the Huckster will use his business savvy to mastermind our complex economy with his divinity degree from Oachita Baptist College. Then, he will deploy his cerebral army of has-beens, like Ric Flair (professional wrestler), Chuck Norris, etc., to sell scores of cheese wiz in the can, by the caseloads to the Chinese, so that they don't just dump their American dollars on the world market, as its value continue to tank. After all, Chuck will give them all a swift kick. Besides, I'm just sure the whole world will magically be charmed by the Gomer Pyle, with the smile and want to buy cloudy Arkansas diamonds at full price. Besides, we don't need no Wall Street elitists, right Huck. Just play the class warfare card. I'm just sure your Jesus would. South Carolina is next. Praise the Lord and stop the Mormon cultist, right?
And furthermore, the Barney Frank crowd in Massachusetts is hell bent on getting revenge against Romney for his four years of conservatism in the bluest state in the Union. Frank probably called on the scores of jounalists from the Image Maker Machinery, in order to artifically prop up Mc Cain in New Hampshire from not only the newpapers, but to the television media as well, with the silly mantra, "the comeback kid". The forces of both the right wing anti-Mormon bigots and the left wing liberals are committed to stopping Mitt Romney. Romney may be the "rich" candidate, but he earned it and has also worked his gluteus maximus off the most, as well. He has also been the most positive of all candidates. His attacks against his opponents are sound and factual. Sounds like the American way to me. Trust me, once Romney gets bumped-out, the Image Maker Machinery will suddenly commence in drive-by journalism at those candidates they once artifically propped-up. Then, that will pave the way for the Democratic nominee. What a shame. Americans of conservative persuation will have primarily the bigoted wing of Evangelicans in Iowa, South Carolina and many other Bible Belt areas to blame. I know of several Evangelical friends who have already told me they too are discussted with them.
LET THE FRAGMENTATION OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY BEGIN.

I like both McCain and Huckabee, but it is downright weird how they seem to have an agreement to burn Romney...is that legal? It certainly doesn't seem cricket...I can still see a mccain/ huckabee ticket being the best chance the repubs have, as it gives them a solid base of evangelicals that would be exceedingly loyal. Interesting...

I thought McCain was very arrogant during the debate.
I would not vote for him.
After listening to his responses to the questions I felt that he cont. to have his own agenda.
The American people want to end the war and stop illegal immigration.
Do we want 4 more years of politics as usual, I think not.
The republicans need to listen to us.
It absolutely astounds me that anyone can say anything positive about the current president. He has divided this country and caused people all over the world to to view us as bullies. I was amazed that all the candidates praised Bush for his stance on terror. He will go down in history as the worst pres. this country has ever had.
Although I have always voted republican, I can no longer do this.
It is time for a change and I pray it is not too late!

Huckabee looked good. Fred Thompson makes good points, I'm liking him better more and more. Guiliani dropping fast.

McCain's comments and approach were tasteless. He seemed like a schoolyard bully, after repeated attempts to get him to lay off and focus on the issues. I lost a lot of respect that I had for McCain. Romney was under attack yet still seemed to have the best ideas He handled himself well. I just saw that Romney won Wyoming. Romney is the real deal.

After tonight I am even MORE PROUD to be a Romney supporter. McCain and Huckabee showed thier true colors tonight with thier personal attackes on Romney. Romney has never and will never personally attack any canidiate he only points out where his views are different from thiers.

Shame on Huckabee and McCain!!

The picture of Grandpa and his son Goober Pyle (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Goober_01.jpg) is priceless. I suppose Goober is getting boxing lessons from the person on the right; and Grandpa McCain is thinking to himself "don't fall and break my hip, don't fall and break my hip...". Stop inflating the competition CNN and start reporting it accurately. Ron Paul is winning it all!!!!! Ron Paul for Presidente' of Mejixo.

It is such a shame that we cannot hear a straight discussion of the issues without a disgruntled pair like Huckabee and McCain, neither of whom is without problems, interjecting negativism. Inexperienced and confused Huckabee and old and corrupted McCain should try to improve truth being told instead of spinning to hurt someone. I want to hear what Romney has to say. It makes me angry; when other make a serious effort to subvert my ability to hear the participants.. However, I guess it really doesn't matter when Diebold has the last word.

John McCain may be a war hero, but he is a jerk and a hypocrite. First, he gets on Romney for airing ads that contrast their positions. Isn't that what a primary is about; contrasting the positions between candidates to see what the voters want? Then he runs his own attack ads, but instead of criticizing Romney's record and contrasting it with his own, which would be fine, he attacks Romney personally. Talk about a hypocrite. And just because McCain is a war hero doesn't mean that he is ethical, honest, or smart. What McCain has demonstrated is that he is a hypocritical jerk. I hope that the good people of New Hampshire see through John McCain and vote for Rudy, Mitt, Fred or even Paul. Anyone but McCain and HuckaBigot.

What a bunch of childish remarks!!! Goodness sakes! McCain and Huckabee, who have no record they're proud to talk about, were left to take immature personal swipes at Romney.

Honestly, I am completely baffled that anyone can watch that debate tonight and not be (1) disgusted by the childish behavior of McCain and Huck (2) impressed by the composure of Romney under personal assault all night and (3) highly impressed by the clear, comprehensive, understandable, practical responses that Romney articulated on issue after issue.

Can it be any clearer on health care? As Romney said, everyone else can talk and speculate about this plan or that plan, BUT HE HAS ALREADY DONE IT. He's *already* proven that he has the practical experience and the leadership ability to tackle and solve a large and complex problem.

Just as he did with health care, he applied the same cadre of business experience and leadership ability to close the budget deficit in MA without raising taxes (something Huck wouldn't even dream of). He applied the same experience and leadership to turn around the financially distressed SLC Olympics.

Wake up people! Please, please be honest with yourself and get past this issue of his religion. Get past these false charges of flip-flopping. Get past these false charges of his "attack ads". Contrast pieces are not attacks. If anything, they're free advertising for the other candidate if that person is proud of their record. Get past all that junk and recognize the incredible talent that Mitt will bring to Washington.

VOTE ROMNEY – A *PROVEN* LEADER

Did anyone else think the attacks on Mitt by Huckabee and especially McCain were childish and uncalled for. This totally turned me off from McCain–after calling Mitt's issue-based contrast ads bad attack ads, and then throwing the personal mud-he seems quite the hypocrite and very unpresidential.

I found the comments of McCain, Huckabee, and Thompson very childish. The jabs that these individuals gave out tonight showed their immaturity. Fred Thompson treated Ron Paul inappropriately during there dialog and I am not a Ron Paul supporter. The only thing Fred Thompson did was made himself look like a jerk. This PRESIDENTIAL election does not need bullies making fun and belittling another candidate and that is what Thompson did. Now McCain and Huckabee made fools of themselves tonight. The attacks on Romney did nothing for McCain and Huckabee but, make them look petty and desperate. If the attack ads that Romney had were false, then McCain and Huckabee should have spent time addressing those issue and not throwing cheap shots. Hey, McCain, Huckabee, and Thompson IT’S GROW UP DAY.

Great to see Wyoming vote on the issues and qualifications needed to serve effectively as President! Congrats to Wyoming, Congrat to Romney!

Both McCain and Huckabee are as big of flip floppers as Romney...Maybe worse.
Huckabee is a contortionist when it comes to immigration! That is only one issue.

Mc Cain is a drama queen constantly relying on his history as a war hero to create a dust cloud to cover his political record. He is constantly attacking Romney on flip flopping, but he can't discuss immigration and tax cuts.

As soon as these two clowns knock Romney out of the race, they will turn on each other like rabid dogs!

McCain reminded me of a playground bully tonight. Making personal attacks, then laughing out loud. Not very presidential. I wish these candidates could talk just about the issues and not try to twist and contort the truth by using blanket statements such as "flip-flopper". Generalizations are not going to help us decide. We need concise points on where candidates differ. McCain came across looking tactless and childish tonight.

I also want the candidates to answer questions regarding the housing crisis and the upcoming recession.

I am an independent and I am curious. Why is it when Romney points out what he views as negative policies about his competitors, he is involved in dirty politics; but when they attack him personally and sarcastically on live TV it is somehow funny or O.K.? Please explain.

I thought the Republican debates tonight were interesting. Everyone talks about Romney and his "attack ads", yet I saw the others, who are "above negative campaigning" doing their negative campaigning in the debate tonight. It seems a little hypocritical.

Huckabee's attacks seem to go unnoticed because he says them with a a sweet voice and a smile on his face. It appears to me that he pretends to be one person, yet is subtly acting like a completely different person.

Sure Huckabee hasn't spent a lot of money on his campaign. He doesn't have to when the press shows his negative add, which he is "morally above putting on the air", yet it gets press in the national news. He is acting like a victim, yet is doing exactly what he is accusing Romney of doing.

At least Romney has the guts to say that he approves of his actions. The others are trying to make us believe they don't approve of "negative campaigning", yet they still do it.

Sounds like Romney is the only one wanting to discuss Issues. Do Mccain and Huckadean don't think the Democrats will bring the issues when they run against them? Better to have a fellow republican talk about the issues in a civil manner now to mute the point later. The stars are aligning for Rudy.

Romney handily won this debate. He was clear in his responses, and gave NH a chance to hear his positions that clearly set him apart as the undisputed leader in this race, and the only candidate that can effectively lead this nation. Romney is clearly the candidate that has a command of the issues, and the ability to fix them. McCain is a single-issue candidate. Thompson is in there just because he can't quit right now, but he will. Giuliani can't say anything other than "9/11". Huckabee has no place in this race.

The gang-up by the other candidates only proves that Romney is clearly the leader, and the candidate that everyone else fears most. They absolutely fear him, and clearly they see Romney as the most well-rounded, qualified candidate. How could it be any other way? As Huckabee said in the past, why would you kick a dead horse? You don't, and Romney is clearly the winner here. Quite a compliment to him for them all to pile on. McCain's cheesy, devilish grin showed how much of a coward he really is...not even able to look Romney in the eye with his cheap shots. If you're such a man, McCain, stand up for yourself and look him in the eye. I'm looking forward to seeing Romney in the White House.

McCain is the only one who can win in Iraq. Support the war or not, victory is essential. A slow withdrawal will put the troops at risk. The fewer there are the more will be killed because they are vulnerable. The more killed the faster the democrats or traitor Ron Paul will pull them out. If we allow the Iraq war to fail, America will be in a very weakened position. With no strong presence in the near East, America will have zero influence to effect change in Israel, Arabia or Pakistan.

John McCain in 2008!

Hmmmm...seems a few folks are threatened by Mr. Romney. Huckabee and McCain know their weaknesses...so together, they make an interesting team against Romney...though I don't recall this being a team event at this stage in the 2008 elections. With the economy being a huge issue on the Republican and Democrat front, I don't see Huckabee or McCain as economic leaders or financial gurus. I'll keep watching...

I'm an independent and I'm voting for John McCain. Ron Paul is a good choice but I'm not going to waste my vote.

McCain, Huckabee, Thompson, and Guliani ALL put Romney in the same class as Ron Paul. Romney will never shake off that flip-flop image he put himself in....

i have to admit that mccain and huckabee were hilarious in their subtle jabs at romney's flip-flopping. but in all seriousness, i think they did an excellent job in pinpointing the inauthenticity of romney. romney did not perform well at all in the debate, especially regarding the immigration issue. and fred thompson needs to improve his speaking skills...while he was fine on law and order, i think he needs to speak a little quicker and less guttural.

I was glad to see Romney flatter tonight. He's an okay candidate but he needs to step aside for the best man in the field- John McCain. Maybe Huckabee will be his vice president. Ron Paul did a good job, regardless of who wins he should have a place in the administration.

John McCain does not stand for amnesty! Amnesty means the government willing harbour illegals, that is not Mccain's position. The 'attacks' on Romney were more just jokes and jabs against a failing candidate. The country needs strength and John McCain embodies a strong leader. He is the one to lead use into 2009 and fix the mistakes of the Bush administration.

I wasn't sure who I'd vote for in the Rep primaries until tonight, but now I've made up my mind. Romney was the most presidential candidate on the stage.

I was considering Huckabee until he and McCain began the personal barbs aimed at Romney. I guess they figured that landing "zingers" is more important to Americans than substantive debate (which may be true, based on the polls). The hypocrite Huckster said just this week that his campaign would stay positive and not delve into personal attacks. (BTW, Huck…Romney's TV ads in Iowa included no personal attacks, just contrasts between your political records.) I lost all respect for Mike after tonight's showing.

Well, I guess since our party put in a Southern candidate who's low on substance and had little understanding of foreign policy 8 years ago, they'll probably do it again by chosing Huck this year. If Edwards gets the nomination for the Dems, I'll switch over and vote for him.

Actually, Thompson and Guiliani also attacked Romney about his flip-flop.

Saw this elsewhere:

McCain=Amnesty
Huckabee=Liberal in Conservative clothing