January 11, 2008
Posted: 07:52 AM ET

MYRTLE BEACH, South Carolina (AP) — Republican presidential rivals backed a blend of tax and spending cuts Thursday night to head off an election-year recession they generally agreed is avoidable.

"We should reduce taxes on middle-income Americans immediately," former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney said in a debate in the run-up to presidential primaries in Michigan and South Carolina, two states where unemployment exceeds the national average.

"The first thing is not to raise taxes," said former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee. "Cut the marginal tax rate, if anything, and eventually go to a fair tax," he added, referring to his plan for a national sales tax to replace the income tax.

Full story

Filed under: Presidential Candidates • South Carolina


RonPaul08!!!!!!!   January 12th, 2008 11:00 pm ET

Ron did a great job at the debate. How dare those propagandist at Faux attack him like that. I loved how Romney shot Paul in the back, after Paul actually stood up for Romney in an interview I saw the other day. Thanks Romney (note sarcasm) regardless Ron I wish you the best and I got your back. PeacE and long live the revolution.
Dr. Paul 08′

lee   January 12th, 2008 7:52 am ET

To Savageactor, Penna.:

I am so in agreement with you.

Thank you for your post.

Andrew Bernard   January 11th, 2008 8:54 pm ET

The ignorance on this thread and in the rest of the country is appalling. The treatment of Ron Paul is disgraceful and should be embarrassing to each and every American. Do you think this is how a "democracy" treats the opposition leader? Its plain to see the media and those that control the media don't want Ron Paul anywhere near the white house. In Ron Paul's defense I would say, "sometimes what's popular is not right. but its better to be right than popular."

A note about polls: think for yourself. why should you care what anyone else thinks?

Abweichung   January 11th, 2008 4:38 pm ET

The ignorance in this thread is amazing. Just like Mitt Romney's ignorance last night. "I think everyone on this stage is for securing our borders, except Ron Paul." "Not trying to be critical, I just don't know your stance." Did anyone else give two thoughts about this? Seriously, that is complete arrogance as well as ignorance. Those other men on stage are your rivals for the presidency, and you have the audacity to admit you don't research their platform? Are you an idiot? Of course none of his supporters will think twice about Romney's character after he said this.

Not too mention he has the nerve to make a crack at Paul about him reading Iran Newsletters (proof?). I'm sure others are unaware of the fact that Dr. Paul said the other candidates in his opinion we're treating Mitt unfairly not only because of his stances but also because he is Mormon. Stick up for someone and say something no one else would say, and then get shot in the back the following week.

And to Dr. Paul having "Libertarian Ideas" that don't follow the Republican Party. Well no duh, because everyone on the stage is a Neo-Con, his ideas are truly conservative before everyone started going pro-big government.

And two last points. Dr. Paul has said many a times he would not get rid of the FBI and CIA. He might SHRINK them or change how they operate so that they don't overstep their boundaries. Overthrowing governments, torture, etc. He wants to defend this country, and you can't do that without a good intelligence program. Also, what many of you don't realize is that if Dr. Paul was President and congress mandated him (AKA Declaration of War) to engage someone, he would. That's what everyone fails to understand, the Commander-In-Chief doesn't have the power to declare war going by the Constitution, hence why he always says these wars are unconstitutional.

This doesn't go for everyone here, more-so to the general populace, but stop being stereotypical ignorant Americans. No wonder when Americans visit other countries they don't always receive the warmest welcome.

Savageactor, Pennsylvania   January 11th, 2008 4:27 pm ET

Can anyone tell me what John McCains platform is made of. What are his issues? My friends tell me that he is a replica of Bush. I knew years ago that McCain utilizes more aids and advisers than any other senator. The "under" word in the house is that he "can not make important decisions" and "first guy to stab you in the back". I'm sure this relates only to political matters?
My backround is in psychology with emphasis on diagnosis. I recognize that during debates he often "snickers", rolls his eyes, laughs at opponents serious comments, and makes jokes about seriously painful issues with inappropriate jokes. On Axis 1. he definitely has a diagnosis of PTSD. If you watch him very closely you will recognize a retarded emotional growth and he talks passively with aggressive comments towards others that "he feels" are threatening to him. I just gave you all a clue to his Axis 2 dx. I can't see anything presidential in him and yes he does seem to be a carbon copy of Bush.
Appolo: are you paying attention? RON PAUL possesses all the traits and knowledge to do what you are whining about. You are not just wanting to hear yourself think, are you? Have you studied the "unplugged" version of Apollo, Apollo? If you have,nt, dont !!! I get the impression you may be a little to rigid and inflexible to deal with it. Good luck…..RON PAUL…

Joseph   January 11th, 2008 4:25 pm ET

Dear moderator:

Please don't give Allie a forum for launching her anti-Mormon diatribes. Isn't this board for POLITICAL commentary and opinions. How does bashing someone's religion fit into the purpose of this board? Check out her posts…they have nothing to do with Romney's political stances.

Ryan   January 11th, 2008 4:19 pm ET

Let's see if CNN will post my comment this time.

Allie, You stated that you could vote for a Catholic, but never a Mormon, because Mormons believe in more than one God. I was raised in the Catholic church, and let me tell you. It is the most polytheistic (worships more than 1 person) religion there has ever been in the history of the world. When the Emperor Constantine converted, he couldn’t grasp the idea of having only one god. Thus the “Trinity” was created (about 318 AD). This made the 3 in 1 God idea part of Christianity. And I'm guessing since you are "Christian" you believe this too. So now you have one god treaded as three. Then add in Mary (as in Holy Mary Mother of God). I know some will say this doesn’t count, but if you pray to someone, you worship them. And hundreds of saints, (I forget how many) some of which you have heard of. Again, if you pray to them, or have give them their own day, its still worship. I can’t defend the Mormons, but maybe you should look a little deeper into your religion to see where your beliefs come from. (the bible isn't an answer. It doesn't prove anything)

Rod   January 11th, 2008 3:51 pm ET

IKE are you serious or trying to be funny? Romney has flip flopped just about as much as McCain. Someone the other day on the Imus show, when they were doing a little "straw" voting, said, "Are we talking about the 2000 McCain or the 2008 McCain?" There is a big difference in the two. Personally, I liked the "old McCain" better. Even if he went back to those days, I would still be voting for a Democrat this Fall. The Republicans had their chance. They blew it.

Rod   January 11th, 2008 3:46 pm ET

Alice Newman - You words describe Mitt Romney to a "T." Do you reckon that he and Cheney hung out together during the Vietnam War. Sure, he is like so many of the Bush crowd in that his children will never be caught dead fighting in a place like Iraq. It is okay for them to send someone else's son or daughter to fight and die but not theirs. The Atlanta Journal had an article in yesterday's paper saying there have been over 150,000 Iraqis killed in Bush's war. Yesterday, Bush had tears for the holocaust victims of World War II. I bet he hasn't shed just one for the victims of the unnecessary war he created. Hypocrite!

ike   January 11th, 2008 2:18 pm ET

For all of those Anti-Romney supports, why do you just repeat the media and do no research? Tell me what issue he has flipped on! Lets see, he has always been pro-life, when he went to Mass. the law was pro-choice, voted on by the people not by the courts, and he said he would support the choice of the people. Wow, isn't that amazing, a person who doesn't want to force his veiws on someone else? We wouldn't want that would we? We the legislative body tried to pass further laws on abortion he vetoed ALL of them. As for gay rights. Do homosexuals not deserve to have rights? Romney fought harder than any other governor to establish the sancitity of MARRIAGE between a man and a woman, while still alowing homosexuals rights, just not marriage. What a shame? He actually respects people. Any other flip issues that you know absolutely nothing about that you need clarifying? All th other comments are posed by religious bigots who can't find their …. from their elbos.

NewPatriot-Arizona   January 11th, 2008 1:57 pm ET

Ron Paul for President 2008 ! The only candidate that understands the U.S. Constitution. The choice is clear !

Dan   January 11th, 2008 1:56 pm ET

Cutting taxes for who, not me not for the people earning under $100,000, but for corporations and those who who don't need a tax cut to improve their standard of living. In fact you could even raise their taxes and it would not effect their life style.

Ivan, I don't know what the cost of living is like where you are but in Maryland 100k is MIDDLE CLASS. The more disposable income I have the more I can use to to invest in my retirement and put my children through college. Enough of the class warfare garbage. It's old and boring. Let people KEEP they money they work for instead of handing it over to the government. Robbing Peter to pay Paul is nothing short of theft.

I don't understand why Democrats always want to raise taxes on the corporations that employ us then scratch their heads when those corporations leave because the cost of business is too high. Aren't they familiar with the saying "Don't bite the hand that feeds you?"

The government doesn't create jobs - private business does.

LDS in SC   January 11th, 2008 1:32 pm ET

Alli, your trying to put me in the same group as terrorists? What is that about? My church started in the USA. We are mostly white, middle class, born and raised in the United States. And until 1977, it was Missouri law, that I could be shot on site, just because of my religion. Oh, that's right, freedom of religion doesn't apply to me, because I'm not a carbon copy of you. How silly of me to think that I can worship how I see fit. I guess I'll have to move to Canada. They know how democracy works.

Democrat   January 11th, 2008 1:25 pm ET

Another question from a Democrat…. I know people don't like Clinton's cackle, but could someone PLEASE!!! do something about McCain's Beevis and Butthead grunt? Hunh! Hunh! Huhn! Huhn! Huhn! My friends….. What is that?

Democrat   January 11th, 2008 1:22 pm ET

Sorry, as a Dem I know I'm probably not supposed to …. but…..

I find the Repubs position on immigration weak. McCain keeps saying he will secure the border but refuses to address the incentives (anchor baby law, employer consequences, social benefits). Forcing taxpayers to subsidize labor is just another welfare program and I'm a Democrat! Paul is a little odd, but why was he the only one that discussed the cost? Why was there little security discussion? What about what's going on at the border?

If I hear another Republican say 'knowingly hire', I'm going to scream. The fake hiring companies that pretend to screen for legal status pop up and shut down. I notice the language has yet to shift to… you can not employ those with no legal status and you will be held responsible for every person on your payroll. (Want to bet the corps will break out the lawyers and will then outsource their payroll services?)

I thought Repubs were free market. How is forcing taxpayers to subsidize cheap labor for companies breaking the law free market?

I'm sorry, but this is economic, welfare, security and cost issue for this Democrat. It is also a matter of national security and National Pride for me.

I am disappointed in my Democratic choices. I still have time to change my registration but the Republicans don't look any better.

Allie   January 11th, 2008 12:26 pm ET

Ellie, with all due respect, I think that liberals and the liberal media love Mitt Romney. They are the party that is always trying to get more "affirmative action" and "diversity". Democrats OPEN the doors to Muslims, Islamists, Mormons, etc. who want to come into our Great Country. I imagine liberal news would be having a field day with someone so "diverse" as Mitt Romney.

Maybe they will even start a equal opportunity initiative to help him overcome his background. Isn't that always the problem with these people they want a "program", well Mitt here is a program, it's called Christianity!

Sean   January 11th, 2008 12:14 pm ET

I'm a supporter of Ron Paul and I would politely ask some of you to learn more about him if you haven't given him a second thought with the continuous ignorance from the mainstream media. Don't let me tell you who to vote for. There are numerous videos of Ron Paul on YouTube and would ask you visit his site ronpaul2008.com to learn more about him

Ellie, WA   January 11th, 2008 12:11 pm ET

Alice Newman, Do you know anything about the media at all? Of course, the media "recommended" someone else…the liberal media hates Mitt because he is intelligent and has proven that he can accomplish change. He's the only one who can compete with Obama's message of change because he actually has changed things (unlike Obama who at this point is just an inspirational speaker).

Chandra   January 11th, 2008 12:04 pm ET

Why did Sen. H.R. Clinton won in New Hampshire

During the Clinton Administration an illegal process call “Philip Curve” (an illegal economical device/maneuver/leverage) was used to declare WAR on MIDDLE CLASS CITIZENS, which the Bush Administration adapted and did not correct Clinton’s “interpretations” of the Law rather than the definition.

Voting for CHANGE will legalized this process and exonerate/unburden liabilities and responsibilities from Government Officials who tolerated this illegal process and who turned a blind eye to injustice, by destroying middle class America.

1. The Older Age Group, generation, is now involved voters- when they were Middle Class going through the process of hardship, to eliminate Middle Class America, they did not voted. They voted NOW because their dependency is on Social Security, Medicare…etc. this is their only way for them to be living (on a fixed income). Whereas, when they were the Middle Class they were “STRONG and VIABLE” to sustain the hardship, but now that they are old they cannot. So they have to vote in order to keep receiving their fixed income. Which they were forced against their will to accept because they were afraid to speak out that the process of hardship is forcing them to be undocumented citizens and poor person status.
2. The ones that are now loosing their homes and face with economical downfall is now the defunct class of citizens. This is a process of 10 years or more where relief is only in the OLD AGE bracket. A pre-mediated economical injustice and cruel & unusual punishment by Governmental Officials. All for the gluttons who seek to have control and power. The Relief for the illegal use of Philip Curve will come about by NON-Citizens over populating, with off springs, CHANGE the economic class where they are the majority and candidates who are running for Political Office will then do anything to get their votes.
3. Sen. H. R. Clinton is baiting the Undocumented Citizens; poor person (once the Middle Class Citizens) on ‘CHANGING” them back into Middle Class America with false sense of hope to force them into electing her. The Clinton’s Administration started the regime to end the Middle Class by allowing NON-Citizens the opportunity at “cultural diversity/diversify. Sen. H. Clinton will soon switch her stands – her “interpretations” of Middle Class is NON-CITIZEN.
4. Sen. H. Clinton had an influx of voters perhaps; NON-CITIZENS who were push through the process and system, to become citizens faster, to continue her husband’s plague upon the Middle Class; now the undocumented citizens and poor persons, by bringing hardship/difficulties and constant fear. Allowing NON-CITIZENS to become CITIZENS without having any “stringent guidelines” applying to non-citizens. A process for the Democrats/Republicans to be elected into office. Where is the equality?????? WHY VOTE FOR THIS TYPE OF CHANGE???? Ms. C. Jugmohan

LDS in SC   January 11th, 2008 11:59 am ET

Mechelle, amen! I agree with every word!

I read in one of the small local papers here, that "we" should vote for Huckabee "Because he prays like us". Huh? Is that how we should pick our next Pres? Besides, I don't know too many people that ask God to give them another chance to stick their foot in their mouth just to get more news coverage.

Attacks by the Establishment   January 11th, 2008 11:57 am ET

An ally is someone who does not attack other people without a declaration of war by their elected officials in a position to do so.

My father fought for 10 and half months on the front lines of that stupid UN action in Korea. He received two concusions and one time he was lifted off of a barbed wire fence with blood coming from his nose, mouth, and ears. I think he knows what he is talking about when he says he has no respect for those sitting on their rearends in congress and allow our young people to be used in such a way. He said many times those people (South and North Korea) hated our guts and were glad to see Americans get killed whether we were trying to help or not!

World War II- Paul would have done the same when the Japs attacked Pearl Harbor but the difference he (Paul) would not have allowed them to destroy the Navy there in order to fire up the American people and cause them to want to go to war in the first place. The Founding Fathers said many times that it was not our place to go around the world bopping people on the head and nation building but to defend ourselves if attacked and when we do attack do it with all the force necessary to win ASAP and not take dozens of years getting our young people killed for no reason!

Yes! Ron is mad and angry just like the rest of us. We are tire of the establishment brains such as those who support the status quo!

Allie   January 11th, 2008 11:53 am ET

I really think we should avoid Mitt altogether…he is probably just running for President so he can speed up his "becoming a god". Mormonism is incompatible with the precepts America was founded on. It was one thing to elect a catholic president, it would be another entirely to elect a non-Christian candidate.

I wouldn't elect a Muslim or an atheist to be president, and I can't in good conscience elect a Mormon. America is a Christian nation and we need a leader that is in touch with the morals that have made this country great not someone who believes there's more than one god and that god was once a man that "changed into a god". Please, Republicans, I implore you, let's stick together and fight for who we really are God-praising Americans.

Give me a candidate I can fight for!

Ben Elliott   January 11th, 2008 11:45 am ET

What is sorry about Johm McCain is he claims he will secure the borders but doesn't state how!?!

FYI from the worlddailynet pertaining to DUNCAN HUNTER!

"Hunter helped establish a 59-mile prototype for sealing a porous border section along his southern San Diego District boundary susceptible to illegal aliens, drug trafficking and terrorism, and helped pass the Secure Fence Act of 2006, which mandates the building of a double-layered fence covering 854 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border.

He's also sponsored numerous bills for providing resources to border enforcement agencies and has fought for the release from prison of Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean, two border agents serving long sentences following convictions for shooting an illegal alien drug smuggler.

According to Hunter's website, he's received 100 percent ratings from the Christian Coalition, the Eagle Forum and National Right to Life, as well as A-plus ratings from the NRA and Americans for Better Immigration. "

I hope that helps anyone ON THE FENCE ! :P

Ivan, Chicago, Illinois   January 11th, 2008 11:43 am ET

Cutting taxes for who, not me not for the people earning under $100,000, but for corporations and those who who don't need a tax cut to improve their standard of living. In fact you could even raise their taxes and it would not effect their life style.

Talking tough on Iran what a joke, other that diplomatically what can we realistically do? ZILCH, unless you want to start WWWIII. We don't have the manpower to send troops in, and Congress and the American People would not APPROVE going to WAR against Iran. That card was used up against Iraq.

As for bombing Iran into submission that was tried against Germany and Japan and did not work. IT TOOK THE ATOMIC BOMB TO BOMB JAPAN INTO SURRENDER.

S.B. Stein E.B. NJ   January 11th, 2008 11:23 am ET

From what I watched, I saw Ron Paul as being an angry man. He didn't seem to listen to some of what his competion said for at least one question. Ron Paul didn't seem to understand what the Israelis are dealing with when it comes to the Arabs. The idea that the Arabs would just be willing to sit down with the Israelis after decades of hate filled speech and wars is just unbelieveable! The Arabs are, for the most part, can't deal with the idea that there is another state in the region that is not Arab or Muslim. It would require the Arab world to acknowledge that they didn't accept the "Palestinians" when they were told to leave.

What qualifies as an ally to Ron Paul? That should be in interesting response. It seems to me that Ron Paul doesn't understand that there is no way for the U.S. to remove itself (all of us really) from the world. How would the U.S. reacted during WWII, Korea or other conflicts if Ron Paul had been president? I'd rather not think about it.

Alice Newman Center Harbor NH   January 11th, 2008 11:18 am ET

Apollo thinks "Mitt is presidential." … Noooooo - he just looks presidential!

He lies: starting with being a life-long hunter and about what is said in his ads - either he approved them like he says in the ad or he didn't see them like he said later … can't have it both ways. He lied about seeing his father march with MLK!

If he was so great, why did all the major newspapers in the NH/MA papers recommend someone else?

The jobs he created were for the illegal aliens doing his lawn … he hired the same company twice - and that company was never fined for breaking the law!

When asked about high prices at the pump, Mitt rambled off into the future with nuclear power etc … I'll be dead and buried by the time his convoluted plan (if he really has one - or if he doesn't change in the meantime) comes to pass.

It also sticks in my craw that the man who wants to continue the war states that his five sons are serving their country by getting him elected … what a nice safe place to put their rich little fannies … just like Dad who spend the Vietnam years trying to convert French Catholics to Mormanism.

jay, Snellville, GA   January 11th, 2008 11:12 am ET

All of what Dr. Paul states… encluding eliminating the Dept of Education was not only a Republican party plank in 1980 (Ronald Regean anyone???),

but also a plank of the "republican revolution" of 1993. It is not "Liberatiarn thought" it is Republican thought. However, the party as so McCain so candidatedly state at the CNN/youtube debate.

"went to change washington, but washington Changed them"

Of course it hasn't changed Dr. Paul. To bad Republicans have lost their way….I suppose Fox News dribble is blame for some, but poor memories is also.

mike   January 11th, 2008 11:11 am ET

Leave Iran alone, you freak.

Stop trying to start wars, America!

Johnny P.   January 11th, 2008 11:08 am ET

Jimmy,

I respect your views there, and think you're correct on everything except this: The "straight talk express" isn't about hardcore conservatism. It's about what McCain believes is best. Whether or not people agree with McCain is the problem with straight talk but the only way it derails is if McCain waffles. Again, I don't think he's going to win, but it'll be because people don't agree with his views quite enough, not because he waffles on his positions.

Which means the straight talk express keeps running, albeit in a losing message.

Mechelle   January 11th, 2008 11:05 am ET

Here’s my take:

1. Ron Paul is too radical for most republicans. However, he would make a great counter voice in the presidential cabinet.

2. Those who like Huckabee are blinded by religious preference. He clearly has no business running for president.

3. Fred Thompson lost when he went to pursue a career in hollywood.

4. Guliani has some “good stuff”, but he is not getting his message out. He and Romney are the strongest leaders of the group. Hew needs to get better organized. Opting out of early races is saying those states don’t matter. People matter, no matter the size of their state.

5. McCain has many positives, but he is not presidential. He will not do well with other countries and he is much the same of what is in DC now. His negatives outweigh his positives.

6. Those who side with Romney are your educated, business savvy type. The main negative for Romney is that religious bigotry is alive and well in this country. If he weren’t Mormon, this would be a landslide nomination for him. The evangelicals will ultimately lose a political partner for their treatment of Romney. Most Mormons are disgusted with their so-called religious friends at this point. The damage will take years to overcome. However, candidates of other faiths will no doubt benefit from this ground breaking run. Someday, religious bigotry will only exist among a minority.

Looking at the comments on this board, people vote by their “personal” preferences. They choose to skew the information to support or dog another candidate.

With Ron Paul entering the race at this point, it will take votes from McCain and Huckabee and propel other candidates to the top. Remember Ross Perot? If some of the lower tier candidates would drop out, first place finishes would be dramatically different than they are now, because those votes would be reassigned.

The beauty of democracy.

Mario   January 11th, 2008 10:56 am ET

reduce taxes and blow Iran back to the stone age, that way they can start history over.

Go Mitt!

Jimmy, Des Moines   January 11th, 2008 10:51 am ET

It was amazing how often the Huckster doesn't answer the questions put forth to him and decides to somehow turn everything into a comment about his religion and compassion towards people. I'm a christian myself, but I don't believe that it's the government's responsibility to take care of everybody the way the Huck does. Additionally, McCain stumbled through many of his usual talking points throughout the debate last night. I believe partially because he knows that what he is saying isn't truly what he believes or has done in the past. I'm a Fred supporter, but he is being way too lax on McCain. He had many opportunities last night to show that McCain isn't a conservative as he tries to make others believe. If he had jumped on those opportunities it would have been a huge win for himself last night. Many already thought it was (see postdebate reaction from the Zogby survey people at foxnews.com), but we could have derailed the Straight Talk Express, as well.

lee   January 11th, 2008 10:41 am ET

I don't buy "straight talk", the winking, or the "my friends" crap!
You've got Thompson running interference for you at the debates now.
You've squeezed your POW card and now added an adoption card.
You're a crusty old war monger who will bring back the draft and it won't be the illegals you allow in that will be drafted.
And your well known temper will ignite WWIII!
You'd be another disaster for this country!
Not to mention, you're hard on the eyes!

Jack K.   January 11th, 2008 10:40 am ET

Another bait and switch scheme on the middle class.

While reducing the income tax–they wil boost tariffs on government svs, fees to states/municipalities for communications/cigarettes/alchohol/gas–

The middle class gets just as squeezed from the GOP–it's just a little stealthier!!

Gimme a break. SOS diff. day.

Ed,Ellenville,New York   January 11th, 2008 10:39 am ET

If Mitt had switched partys years ago and joined the democratic side, the side that his views always reflected before, he'd be a contender now. His "new" values are a sham and are wildly unpopuplar. He's no longer viable. He laughed at Paul in the ABC debate to score points with the lunatic fringe. The lunatic fringe no longer picks presidents.

Chris, Middletown, CT   January 11th, 2008 10:32 am ET

Jonathan -

You are not wrong - Ron Paul has alot of valid points, but you need to temper them with his real Libertarian agenda….he would make an excellent advisor - but his "elimination of the CIA and FBI" as well as his "removing the department of education" (let the states fiend for themselves) approach is a turn off to most Republicans….he is a Libertarian…

We saw that all the candidates (besides Giuliani and Ron Paul) are right wing Christians that will use their positions to overturn Roe V Wade….and remove any gay rights….I am a moderate….I believe (with 70% of the population) - that we need a socially liberal/fiscally conservative president….WE are the majority…prove it and vote for Giuliani….everyone else is either LEFT or RIGHT wing….and we don't need that….not anymore

apollo   January 11th, 2008 10:29 am ET

Ha ha ha…another serious comment from the jester-in-chief.
He would be funny if we were back in the 1990s when the internet was just starting and nobody paid serious attention to islamofascism…but the times have changed. We need a serious candidate, someone who creates jobs (not just someone who hangs out at the burrito lunch truck with you), someone who understands the economy, why jobs come and go, how to create markets around the world for our products and how to fight for American IP.

Huck is long on laughs, short on knowing how to do these things. I asked him quite a few questions last month at a dinner, just me and him for about fifteen minutes, and he kept referring me to white papers–full of generalities–I was asking about specific market conditions and he referred me to papers that might have been written by him, but, probably not. I asked the same questions of Ron Paul, he was more comprehensive, but better at pointing out problems rather than sollutions.

Mitt Romney took each point, described tariff issues, dollar issues, trade issues, with specifics, not like the talking heads on msnbc, he understands the world, the markets, what makes jobs stay or leave and most importantly how government affects our markets and our jobs.

Mitt has created more jobs and saved more companies than all of the other candidates combined.

Look at the dollar, the price of oil, the job market. I need someone who will be fighting to help create an American marketplace where we excel. Huckabee created new jobs, 6000+ in government, paid for by increased tax dollars. We need more efficient governments, not more bureaucrats.
Mitt Romney is experienced at creating jobs and will create the marketplace for us to have jobs we need and that our kids will need in the coming years.

Mitt is presidential.

Vitaliy T   January 11th, 2008 10:28 am ET

-It was embarrassing to watch the way these candidates, the mediators and the audience treated congressman Paul during last night's debate. I am not his supporter but if anyone watched the debate, it was painfully obvious. I wanted Ron Paul to stop being the nice guy that he is and respond with more anger.
-Mac should really wipe the arrogant smirk of his face when other candidates are answering questions…he really thinks he knows better than everyone else. It amazing how openly he is able to say that he would rather bring our troops home with honor rather than alive…this war is about the principles now and not about democracy, terrorism or our soldiers.
-it is funny to listen to Huckabee, the former minister, talk about the execution he had to carry out…he would make a great comedian.
-Rudy jumping in to compare his record to that of McCain was a dare move and a bit delusional on his part…i did exactly what he proposed in his ad and tuned out that "noise".

blue   January 11th, 2008 10:23 am ET

Gulf of Tonkin

WWIII

Jonathan T   January 11th, 2008 10:18 am ET

I watched the debate on Fox News last night. Confronted with nonsense about his a fringe base of his supporters, Congressman Paul was able to deflect the attack and discuss his true conservative principles. When asked if he has credibility with the voters, when Fox had the audacity to say that he had none, the congressman pointed to his record. It is a record of never voting for a tax increase and being one of the few elected officials that believes in following the Constitution. A record of voting against the economic drain that is the war in Iraq. This man pointed to use of the Federal Reserve rate cuts as a factor in the creation of a recession even when conventional wisdom and financial insiders faun over each rate cut decision that only creates future recessive conditions. This man points to our involvement throughout the world as being regressive and harming both the future of our security and our economy. Every other candidate seemed ready to pounce on Iran. Dr. Paul is the only man with reason regarding how to deal with Iran, Israel and the Middle East. He wants to establish trade and not dictatorships. He does not wish to fund the nation of Pakistan that has seen violations of civil liberties. He does not wish to fund the nations and factions of the region that will ultimately become our enemies. Did anyone else notice Senator McCain’s ridiculous comment of trading with Al Qaeda? Do we truly believe that the people of a region aside from a small percentage are terrorists? The senator has no credibility with utterances of that nature. The congressman is the only one on either stage to speak out against the robbing of our social security fund. The congressman is the only candidate speaking of the repeal of our liberties, not granted to us by the government but granted to us by life. I will continue to support Dr. Paul in his campaign for president, even with the media coverage and its attempt to marginalize his message. His message must really be resonating to treat him so callously.

HH, Pittsburgh, PA   January 11th, 2008 10:10 am ET

McCain = Crazy, narrow-minded, bigoted warmongering freedom-hating old man. I'll salute him on Veterans' Day and then ask him to go away.

Pickles, Monaca, PA   January 11th, 2008 10:09 am ET

McCain has stated that he would be willing to keep Americans troops in Iraq for 100 years. Is that long enough for you?

Jen Cedar Falls, IA   January 11th, 2008 10:02 am ET

Sorry, I misspelled you're in Par. 2 ( I hate that!)

Jen Cedar Falls, IA   January 11th, 2008 10:01 am ET

Sorry, Mac, you're just too old! Sad, but true. A limited-to-one termer is NOT what the country needs. You can help in other ways.

Huckabee, go back to your jokes, or is your Fair Tax a joke? Yes, because it could NOT happen, nice pipe dream tho'. You're constant attempt at humor is making a mockery out of the Presidential Race. We don't need a funny pastor for a President.

Mitt, stay in this race and show people what you've done, what you want to do for the country and how you can work with people on BOTH sides of the aisle! You are our best hope.

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