January 24, 2008
Posted: 10:04 PM ET

ALT TEXT
The GOP presidential hopefuls debated in Florida prior to the state's primary. (Photo Credit: Getty Images)

(CNN) – The Republican presidential candidates seemed to distance themselves from the Bush administration's economic policies just hours after the president gave his approval to a stimulus package meant to boost the fragile U.S. economy.

During their Thursday debate, the Republican White House hopefuls faulted the president for unrestrained government spending over the last seven years.

Bush "signed into law two years in a row pork-laden bills…which are outrageous," said John McCain, who said he'd restore "fiscal discipline" to Washington.

Mitt Romney said he would "run away" from the high-spending, high-deficit record of Washington.
"They said they'd rein in spending," he said. "But somehow, every year more and more money goes in."

Mike Huckabee chimed in with a populist theme, saying the government should to pay more attention to Americans living paycheck to paycheck.

"I think people need in the president, is somebody who understands the totality of the American family, and not just the folks at the top," Huckabee said.

Rep. Ron Paul said what the country needed was a return to the "old-fashioned Republican program" of cutting taxes and reducing the size of government.

"I can't be identified with this," Paul said of the economic troubles plaguing the country. "I was waving the flag the whole time, saying, 'Slow up, slow up.'"

–CNN Associate Producer Rachel Streitfeld

Filed under: GOP debate


carole   January 25th, 2008 4:56 pm ET

Bush spent like Hillary will - if elected!

trent porter, tx   January 25th, 2008 2:52 pm ET

Dr. Paul wins again, he's definately got my vote!

Even if he isn't elected, at least I know I was part of the crowd who tried saving this country. I can't believe the sheeple actually want hillary or obama, what a sham. If we had Dr. Paul then all of us would be helped!

DOWN WITH BIG GOVT, RON PAUL 2008!!

He's definately the most intelligent choice.

josh 7911   January 25th, 2008 2:49 pm ET

Ron get the heck out of the GOP now now now!!!!!!!!! You are a different breed and you should rally those who are not into the current superstructure. Just run as an independent. Please Ron Paul. I beg you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Earl   January 25th, 2008 2:25 pm ET

Loved Mitt's blue suit.

Big Brother 2008   January 25th, 2008 2:03 pm ET

If the Media doesnt cover someone, that SOMEONE must be trying to tell you the TRUTH. Take a closer look at Ron Paul,A True American Patriot.

Justin   January 25th, 2008 1:32 pm ET

Hmmm…it's about time someone adressed Ron Paul - it seems as if even though he's been doing better than Giuliani, he still gets the back burner. When is the media going to realize that he is a serious candidate? If everyone thinks "why try for Paul, he has no chance" then he really won't have a chance! Every vote counts, and the media needs to recognize that Paul is real.

Duncan, Richmond, VA   January 25th, 2008 1:10 pm ET

I am really surprised by the ignorance of people. "Romney will bring change, efficiency and respect to the oval office!".. are you serious? Have you listened to him talk? It is typical politics. Promise everything and avoid giving details so as to get elected.. and then when in office, make excuses and ignore compaign promises.

Daryl Hensley   January 25th, 2008 12:46 pm ET

Why is it that only Ron Paul, Mike Huckaby and myself understand what this phony stimulus package is all about? The government wants to give us back a small portion of our own money. But we haven't given this money to the government yet! Our government will have to borrow this money from China and will have to be repaid by our children and grandchildren. The best investment we could all make with this money is to forward it to the Ron Paul for President campaign. The return on our money would be astronomical.

Bill, Covington,LA   January 25th, 2008 12:38 pm ET

Reggie, Anehime, Cal.

"Boy a third party looks good"
You are always free to join Hillarys 3rd Reicht.

CURTIS   January 25th, 2008 12:23 pm ET

I'M BLACK AND MY VOTE GOES FOR RON PAUL. HE IS EXACTLY WHAT THIS COUNTRY NEEDS. ALL THE RESTOF THE CANIDATES SWAY WITH THE WIND. AND GONNA SELL US OUT TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER SOME AS THEY TOUCH THEY OFFICE. THE GUY JUST MAKES SINCE. AND SHAME ON CNN AND THE PRESS FOR TRING TO SAY HES RACIST BECAUSE HE STARTED GAINING MOMENTUM.

Chris   January 25th, 2008 12:13 pm ET

Ron Paul made some interesting points, but more than likely he will not get hardly any legislation past through congresss.

Thought McCain came out on top.

Dave   January 25th, 2008 11:37 am ET

Sam, if you believe there is no media bias toward him then you would probably think that the Enron folks did nothing wrong. who do you think controls the media? do you know how long ago the main stream media was taken over by the elites (hint: think early Rockefellers and Morgans)? all these other candidates are CFR or have deals with the elites (corporations/bankers). Ron Paul does not so they want to ignore him. when that doesn't work they attack.

Darth Vadik, CA   January 25th, 2008 11:32 am ET

Weren't these guys praising Bush's tax cut economy 3 weeks ago?

Go figure…
Republicans…

Dave   January 25th, 2008 11:31 am ET

Cristina wrote: " Big Brother is supposed to be the democrats watching. Anymore, I feel like the republicans are the ones with there nose in my business for the sake of national…spending…on private contracts that benefit someone in the administration."

I hate to tell you cristina, but as a registered independent that has voted for several GOP, it does not even matter who is in office anymore. they are controlled by the international bankers and corporations. and they will all keep the big government going. it's just a question of do you want to drive toward the cliff at 70 mph or 40 mph? because that is where we are going. looks like the only candidate making any sense right now is Ron Paul. at least he would adhere to the Constitution and takes on the Federal Reserve (who has robbed this country for too long now) and strip down government.

DOC- ROCHESTER, MN   January 25th, 2008 11:25 am ET

After the debate last night and all the debates, for that matter, it's no wonder the media is affraid of Ron Paul. They asked him 6 questions and he won the debate. I've always observed that he's the only one to give straight answers, only to be ridiculed by the Emcee or other the other candidates, because he's right.
It's no wonder the media is trying to snowball him.
Ron Paul in "08

David.....Nevada   January 25th, 2008 10:23 am ET

There all wearing black suits except mitts wearing a blue one. Shows you their frame of minds. Black suits can look nice but they do get boring when your seen wearing the same color relentlessly. Fire the tailors and bring on some brightness to this doom and gloom bunch of elfs.

J. Dean, Juno Beach, FLORIDA   January 25th, 2008 10:11 am ET

MITT ROMNEY IS THE ONLY PERSON ELIGIBLE FOR THE WHITE HOUSE. ALL THE REST WERE ACTING LIKE "JOKERS" SPECIALLY RUDY GIULIANI AND JOHN McCAIN.
HOWEVER, AMERICA MUST LISTEN TO WHAT RON PAUL IS SAYING. HIS MESSAGE IS CORRENT HOWEVER IT IS COMING FROM THE WRONG MESSAGER.
A REPUBLICAN FROM FLORIDA

marvin hunter   January 25th, 2008 9:53 am ET

Here's your sign "S"
Returning my six hundred sort of caps "W"'s term, is that buying my vote?He's got big ones !
why not suspend all Government Taxes on fuel for one year that will stimulate the economy !
thanks

chonors686   January 25th, 2008 9:39 am ET

Did anyone think running questions into the debate from Democratic presidential nominee was dirty pool? Let's see if it happens on Democratic debates.

At least this time they identified the questioners. Last time, they tired to ring in some one-sided questions meant to take the Reps down without letting them know it was a setup. But of course, once more the Internet rode to the rescue identifying the questioners.

How much dishonesty do we have to put up with from the media?

Oops, I take that back. The NY Times today endorsed CLINTON and McCAIN.
Wow.

So if these two guys get the nomination, can't you use see the consternation at the editorial board of the NY Times as they TRY so hard to decide which of the two they will support.

Wow. CLinton the Democrat or McCain the Republican. I can't wait to see how that one comes out.

What phonies.

Melissa, Dallas, TX   January 25th, 2008 8:52 am ET

Why is no one reporting on Ron Paul's question to Mccain? He all but got Mccain to admit that the Fed isn't necessary.

Pa Guy   January 25th, 2008 8:49 am ET

Republicans in last nights debate are striking Hillary prematurely, but mention nothing about a challenge with Obama. Hmmmmm, who do you think they fear most?

W.D.Russell, East Liverpool, Ohio   January 25th, 2008 8:49 am ET

Bush economic policies —-What is that, some kind of a sick joke. Flooding the richest 5% with more and more loot, and ignoring the other 95%. I would not call that an economic policy.

Mary   January 25th, 2008 8:24 am ET

They look like a bunch of "undertakers". Where is the diversity???

D   January 25th, 2008 7:47 am ET

How can the GOP justify spending 11 billion a month on this WAR ….
Our nation debt is 9 TRILLON DOLLARS… Are you kidding me ????
Our ECONOMY is in a NOSEDIVE …
SAME OLE SAME OLE….
SPEND HAPPY REPUBLICANS….
All they want to do is SPEND spend spendddddd and BORROW from China …
WE ARE TIRED OF IT ….

John   January 25th, 2008 7:31 am ET

I would rather watched paint dry than watch your GOP debate again…..how awful!!!!

Warming up to Mitt   January 25th, 2008 6:50 am ET

The more I see of Mitt Romney the more I see myself warming up to him.

McCain is too extreme

Jeff, North Dakota   January 25th, 2008 6:26 am ET

Ron Paul is truly the right choice!

dwc   January 25th, 2008 5:35 am ET

Go Ron Paul!!!

Dem need to win   January 25th, 2008 5:15 am ET

on the name of Hillary the Republican will united and win.

Vote Obama or Edwards

rs wood   January 25th, 2008 5:09 am ET

A good and civil debate. I found Romney to be a yawn, but everyone else seemed to help their causes. I even supported Romney earlier in this campaign–he's just become the politician's politician. Running a country is far more than running a business–this nation has tons of issues that have nothing to do with money.

Ron Paul ain't terrible, though his cut-and-run humanitarian disaster plan keeps him effectively out of this race. If he wasn't so intent on that he'd be a perfectly viable candidate, as the rest of his domestic policies are decent. Too bad.

Gimme Huckabee or McCain (preferably Huck). Giuliani is a militaristic democrat, as much a friend to abortion-rights and gay-rights groups as Hillary or Obama.

G   January 25th, 2008 4:40 am ET

WHAT HAPPENED TO MY COMMENT CNN?
THE MSNBC DEBATE RESULTS:
MITT ROMNEY 41%
RON PAUL 40%
LOOK AT THAT TICKET. A WINNER.

Michael Ebury   January 25th, 2008 4:14 am ET

It is McCain the Democrats are afraid of.

Go McCain!!!!

Chris in Silicon Valley   January 25th, 2008 3:39 am ET

jacque,

I haven't had a chance to see the debate yet, but Ron Paul has been the real deal all along. He reminds me of a line from a movie, "Once you've heard the truth, everything else is just cheap whiskey."

What he is saying is more important than who wins this election. I plan to vote for him here (CA) on Feb. 5, and if he is not the GOP nominee, I will write him in in November.

Ian, Eastham MA   January 25th, 2008 3:05 am ET

Watch out for Ron Paul. He wants tax breaks for the wealthy. I mean, look at his record:

He sponsored a bill to exclude Social Security income from taxable income - So all those rich retired people on fixed incomes can afford their medication…shame on him.

He also sponsored a bill to exclude tips from taxable income. He's obviously pandering to the wealthy waitress and bartender lobby.

Hey, wait…didn't he also vote against the Iraq war and the PATRIOT act?

Wake up people!

Nikki   January 25th, 2008 2:30 am ET

Ron Paul is the only man that will serve the people. The disgusting NBC coverage, or lack thereof, is proof positive that BIG business, CORPORATIONS and THE MONEY GRUBBING ELITE who have taken control of this country fear RON PAUL.

Wake up people. His economic policies and foreign policies are the only ones that restore our country to its original intent and purpose.

Printing more money, rebate checks… we will go down as a country, while the elite continue to profit.

Ron Paul is the SAVIOR for this country.

The coverage of him was undeniably DISGUSTING on the part of NBC. Look into it people. Why are they trying to silence him.

Check out the MSNBC poll on who people think ACTUALLY won the debate, not what NBC analysts feed you.

Marko   January 25th, 2008 2:16 am ET

Ron Paul gives me hope.

Sam, Chicago, IL   January 25th, 2008 2:03 am ET

What is with all you Ron Paul supporters? Put your money and effort behind a real candidate that can truly win. It isnt media bias that is keeping Ron Paul behind it's that the public does not agree with him.

If he had a real message it would motivate voters to vote for him. Support Mitt or McCain. They are the only viable candidates left.

Terry in New York   January 25th, 2008 1:39 am ET

The only reason they are attacking Hillary, as someone said in another blog, is because they can beat her. Republicans will have a tough time against Senator Obama. Hold your Hillary horses for a bit…

Barack Obama '08

James Brown ( Independent )   January 25th, 2008 1:25 am ET

After watching this Republican debate , it is very clear that these guy's would rip Hillary Clinton apart if she is the Democrat Nominee. You can bet they have done there home work on her and all the trash in the Clinton's back yard is in one place ………..just waiting.

I am not the smartest person in the world , but i am smart enough to see that if Clinton is the Dems nominee , we will have a Republican back in the White House.

Belinda   January 25th, 2008 1:18 am ET

What a difference from watching the mud fly and avoiding debating on the issues the democrats (exception John Edwards). It was nice to hear what the candidates want to bring to the table whether you agree or not instead of trashing each other and not getting your message to the voters so that we can decide.

Hillary has no record, so she has to attach someone personally in order to avoid explaining where she stands and backing it up. Obama had a real message and it was drowned out by having to defend himself and get caught up in the mire. What a total shame.

Josh   January 25th, 2008 1:14 am ET

That "debate" sucked! The questions sucked, the answers sucked. It seemed fake and every word pre-planned. With the exception of Ron Paul all the canidates seem fake. If I were NBC News I'd tell Brian WIlliams to put the stopwatch UP, and Tim Russert that there is a small town radio station needing a janitor somewhere.

carolyn   January 25th, 2008 1:11 am ET

Ron Paul DOES have a chance, that's why we VOTE in this country.

Please look him up for yourself, he's the only candidate that has logic and common sense to his ideas.

He is exactly what this country needs.

Hondarider76   January 25th, 2008 1:03 am ET

For those on here that see themselves supporting a Democrat because they are a dem or a Republican because they are a republican ask themselves what the difinition of either really is. Bush is bashed because he is a republican that has ran our nation to the brink of disaster doesn't mean that he gives republicans a bad name.

In the beginning the parties were the same, and guess what they are still the same!!! Regardless of what someone calls themselves they are this top tier of media endorsed, large corporation backed presidential hopefuls that by all rights should never even have a chance at the job. Think about it there is no difference in how a Huckabee will act and how a CLinton will act. They will stand in front of the crowd and wave and recite a speech prepared by a speech writer. None of them are capable of acting on their own. Our government is too widespread to allow one person man or woman to truly lead. But one person wants to fix that, he stands by small government and if people don't believe that can be done then they are already fooled into thinking that the government must provide for us! Well that is wrong,

We elect them, the media does not tell us who is the best person to vote for, Read Bad News by Tom Fenton, he was a CNN journalist for over 20 years. He knows who controls the media and that is why we cannot depend on them for fair coverage.

Joe Nada   January 25th, 2008 1:02 am ET

I was teetering between Romney and McCain but after tonight's debate I'm going with Romney. He's finally showing who he really is, a very successful businessman who can turn around the American economy. The rest of the pack looked tired. Giuliani kept grimacing like a beaver, Paul looked like a wild eyed conspiracy theorist, and Huckabee is way too fringe for my taste. Go Romney!

Andrea   January 25th, 2008 12:54 am ET

I am a firm democrat, but I am interested in what these candidates have to say, so I watched the debate. I guess I shouldn't be surprised, but I was appalled by how Mitt Romney answered the questions as to how he would run against Clinton and her husband. His response was so blatantly sexist & so demeaning to all woman. I can't understand how his wife is able to stand by him after that. After the debates the commentary on it from Chis Mathews was ridiculous! Acting as though it was the best response of the night. These so called 'journalist' are getting more and more unbelievable. I would agree that all these 24 news channels seem to be following in the footsteps of Fox News.
Overall, I will have to say that all these guys look like they are lying through their teeth, except for Ron Paul, he is the only one with some backbone. The rest seem to be attempting to copy aspects of the George Bush campaign, and are not succeeding. Don't you think the American public can see through the same old BS he used by now - check his approval rating and it will give you the answer. As if some family that is about to lose their home really gives a crap whether they are amending the constitution so gays can't marry. Reality check people! For so many so called 'Christians' they sure don't take much of what Jesus said to heart.

jsh   January 25th, 2008 12:51 am ET

-I thought this debate in stark contrast to that laughable democratic play-pen fight that happened a few days ago, and I'm an avowed progressive democrat myself. Hence, I didn't agree with much of the policy points put forward, but at least they were putting forward policies, and I got a sense of that for which each of them stood. It just goes to show you the irreparable damage that the Clinton's are doing to the democratic party. They have put the level of discourse on my side into the toilet, as usual. Well, I never voted for them in the nineties, guess I won't do it this time either.

Ron Paul was left out though, and he really needs to get more airtime in these debates because he is the only one, probably on either side, who has any sense of how an economy works. For the republicans it's all cut taxes…the economy is good, cut taxes, the economy is bad, cut taxes, the market is a bear, cut taxes, the market is booming, cut taxes. I'm still trying to figure that one out. For the democrats, it's no better - spend, spend, spend, as if the bottom to top form of economics is going to work in a global market that the Clinton's created with NAFTA. Thus, Ron Paul's ideas need to be heard, and shame on Russert and Williams for not asking him many more questions about the economy. He's the only one who knows about the effects artificially low interest rates and high deficits have on the dollar, that is, they make it plummet.

Also, who was that whispering to Romney that Regan saved social security by raising taxes? What is McCain? Who was next to him? I can't remember. That was hilarious though, because Romney had no idea whatsoever what they were talking about. That needs to be replayed on the news ad infinitum. What a snake.

steve addison - wilmington, nc   January 25th, 2008 12:48 am ET

Ron Paul is a bumper sticker that holds zero weight. All the internet support and this, that, and the other…for what?

Carola   January 25th, 2008 12:44 am ET

I noticed that loud whisper of "raise taxes" just before Romney said just that, and I was surprised Chris Matthews et al didn't mention it in their discussions afterwards. I would love to know who really said it. Can't imagine it was a Romney handler or someone "feeding" hints to him, unless it was through a hidden earpiece…haha. Seriously…I thought it was very odd and wish I knew for sure where it came from!

Ron Paul is the only one of these Republicans I feel I would trust to be honest to the core.

About not being as savvy in financial matters, I don't think McCain did himself any favors by saying, "I don't know where you got that quote," when the after-debate commentators said the quote was from an article in 2005, and he made similar comments in December….just a month ago! Ooops.

Ruth   January 25th, 2008 12:27 am ET

There is a way Ron Paul can win. That is why the media is so afraid to include him and give him coverage. If they gave him the same fair coverage that they give the other candidates he would reach more people and win this election.

Now what can we do about this? Should cnn and other media be giving all candidates equal coverage? The viewers want a chance to know every candidate.
Its a little "communistic" to dictate and exclude a candidate. North Korea does this to control their people. Are we controlled by the media?

Wake up and open your eyes. Protest, write letters let them know you are awake and paying attention. Vote for Ron Paul his eyes are open.

Judi A. Nickels   January 25th, 2008 12:25 am ET

It appeared Huckabee stepped back from previous comments on changing the Constitution to meet God's standards. Do we believe it?

stan pitts pa   January 25th, 2008 12:19 am ET

mitt romney is the man!!! i think mitt did a wonderful job tonight! he was smart, charming and engaging best line of the night!wow best line of the night…mitt: i cant imagine the clintons back in the white house and bill having nothing to do, ouch that hurt!

Luk...OKC,OK   January 25th, 2008 12:14 am ET

I used to be a republican— I asked God to forgive me for that sin—but after watching Bush spending billions on a war based on lies, I no longer want to be part of that party. Bush turned me in to a liberal. And any candidate who keeps supporting this agenda will not get my vote. I like Ron Paul.

Carol   January 25th, 2008 12:06 am ET

I am amazed at how underwhelming it all was. It's scary that these are the options.

Big Brother 2008   January 25th, 2008 12:03 am ET

Wow!*********Im really impressed with the nominees of both partys.Not! Wake up America,we need to find and Independent that will work for the people and not the Elites and special interests.

Mary Ann   January 25th, 2008 12:00 am ET

There was most definitely a whisper of "raise taxes" that sounded remarkably like someone feeding info/answers to Mitt Romney about the Ronald Reagan/Social Security question. We TiVoed the debate and have replayed it multiple times. It does NOT sound like any of the other participants or moderators. The video is already posted on the web. Hope someone is checking this out to determine what was going on.

Richard, Mckinney, Texas   January 24th, 2008 11:54 pm ET

Hillary has the most earmarks…pork..265….than any other person running for president…

MJ Barger   January 24th, 2008 11:35 pm ET

This debate was a bit lack luster, Romney had good presence, Huckabee suprised me, McCain I kinda feel bad for him hes just so lost and I think he had potential, Guilianni …."please go away", Ron Paul is the real deal gotta love that guy…appeals to the smart people and scares the hell outa the corrupt, Ill vote for Ron if hes not on the ticket as at least vp… ill vote 3rd party

jimmy k   January 24th, 2008 11:33 pm ET

Did you see Mccain crap in his pants when Ron Paul asked him about the plunge protection team. Mccain had NO clue.

jacque masters   January 24th, 2008 11:33 pm ET

Ron Paul was the only "straight talker" in this debate tonight. MOST Americans believe exactly the way he tells it. Too bad he has been derided by the press and sneered at publicly by the other Republican candidates. He may not be perfect, but he is the only Republican who tells it like it is.

Chelsea, C Falls, MT   January 24th, 2008 11:28 pm ET

Mitt OWNED that debate! Even though I'm a huge supporter of his, I thought it was not fair that they didn't give ROn Paul a chance. Just because there is no way he can win doesn't mean that they shouldn't give him just as much as anybody else.

Tim   January 24th, 2008 11:20 pm ET

I found it so funny that Mitt, Huck , Rudy ,John are all starting to steal from Ron Paul!
What do I mean? Well we have huck talking about the IRS and others bringing up China now –these were all things Ron Paul brought up in the earlier debates and the rest of the snobs would snicker and make faces .. MSNBS is a disgrace they started off asking the same question to 3 of them and then skip over Ron Paul and then when they do ask him a question it has nothing to do with what they had asked the others !!! that is not a debate !!! I used to like Tim Russert but after i have seen the way he treats Ron Paul I know him for who he really is . Nothing more than an arrogant rich MSM goon . I no longer have any respect for him or MSNBC they are no better than FOX and FOX is the lowest of the bunch .. Ron won this debate again and even on MSNMC he is winning . I just hope that the audience saw past all the smoke and mirrors and listened to the only honest candidate running - Ron Paul - I think I will give my Gov. stimulus check to Ron in May - Hi Dad !

chris   January 24th, 2008 11:16 pm ET

Ron Paul 08

The media is a joke its time to wake up and take back our country
from the corporations

EntertainMeDontBoreMe   January 24th, 2008 11:08 pm ET

Hey Ivan from Chicago: You left off three zeros from your financial figures.

Annibelle   January 24th, 2008 11:07 pm ET

At least the candidates didn't waste people's time attacking each other during the debate. It's funny how now the economy has now become the dominant issue - Congressman Ron Paul got into politics 30 years ago because he was concerned about America's economic policy, and rightfully so. He is a self-dedicated student of Austrian economics and can talk circles around all of the candidates on this issue. His voting record in Congress has always been consistent and he understands and speaks for the economic plight of the American general public - not corporate businessmen, not politicians, and not lobbyists or people controlled by the Council on Foreign Relations. I know who I trust my future and the future of my fellow citizens with!

Bob   January 24th, 2008 11:07 pm ET

I heard the whisper to Mitt "raise taxes" when asked if he would do what Reagan did in the 80's… I guess that truly makes Mitt a stuffed shirt and brings reality to his statement "I'd have to consult my lawyers"

McCain lied on his first question, he did say in an earlier debate he wasn't comfortable with economics.

Hillary was talked about way too much.. stick with the agenda boys.

Ron Paul, no air time.. shame on the system, shame on MSNBC.

Mike Huckabee did a great job, especially with his comment that the stimulus package would stimulate China.

Rudy.. I don't like him..he didn't do poorly, but he didn't shine.

The worst performer was MSNBC for not giving Ron Paul equal time and asking questions based on useless polls. Russert is not a good moderator. Overall, it was a bad debate, but not because the candidates..but because MSNBC really sucked.

Trevor C   January 24th, 2008 11:03 pm ET

Well done Mitt Romney! You have a plan to improve our country and the entire world will be gratefull!

Romney will bring change, efficiency and respect to the oval office!

Ruth   January 24th, 2008 11:00 pm ET

Everytime i have a budget deficit in my house I cut spending. I work hard for my money and I dont expect a hand out. I dont appreciate giving to a governemnt that waste it. The government can learn to live without our income.

kobe   January 24th, 2008 10:57 pm ET

Romney all the way!!this is actually a man that has run a corporation before,just what we need in times of economic hardship!!!and oh he can take on both clintons!!let's go romney!i think somebody is gonna wake up from a dream come november,the clintons will not be allowed back to the white house!!never!!!!

Ruth   January 24th, 2008 10:57 pm ET

Exactly , only 6 questions were asked of Ron Paul. Bias? Do we have to be rocket scientist to know what the media is doing? If you think this is unfair? Write to the media and let them know how unjust they are. If enough people complain about the unjust and unfair treatment of the candidates then maybe they will do better.

Mike   January 24th, 2008 10:55 pm ET

Out of this group, I could live with McCain. However, for a guy that has been a Senator for a very long time, it is laughable that he is outraged by pork in bills. When hasn't there been pork in a bill over the past several decades? Did he vote down virtually ever bill that has crossed his desk…doubt it.

That said, Bush has driven our economy into the ground and McCain is right to scold him on his fiscal discipline….I just wish he did it starting 7 years ago!

Ruth   January 24th, 2008 10:53 pm ET

You might be able to paste and cut heads but Ron Pauls message rings true and is not interchangeable. Beside I would know him by his tie.

Jim G. Bethlehem,pa   January 24th, 2008 10:53 pm ET

These morons are going to turn Bush's deficit around by cutting taxes…Wow, pigs do fly.. How stupid do they think people are? Yea, everytime I have a budget deficit in my household I cut my income. That helps alot. Who swallows this crap anyway???

David   January 24th, 2008 10:52 pm ET

The wisper "raise taxes" wasn't from anyone talking to Romney…..you could hear wispering the whole debate, it was from one of the other candidates

Christina   January 24th, 2008 10:51 pm ET

I have a bumper sticker on my car that reads: I'm a democrate because who has ever hear of a great piece of elephant. That bumper sticker has drawn a number of people to me that tell me Democrats are for big government. However, in the last 7 years, Washington has taken a bigger role in my life then ever before. Where are the republicans who feel like they should butt out. No child left behind? Not a repubilcan issue from the capital. Gay marriage? not for the federal government to decide. The states have that right, thanks to the republicans. Or at least it was??? Why are there wire taps on our phones? Big Brother is supposed to be the democrats watching. Anymore, I feel like the republicans are the ones with there nose in my business for the sake of national…spending…on private contracts that benefit someone in the administration.

Andy   January 24th, 2008 10:51 pm ET

FINAL SCORE Question asked: romney 14 mccain 13 giuliani 9 huckabee 9 paul 6

Ivan, Chicago, Illinois   January 24th, 2008 10:48 pm ET

Just look at the picture being shown, you could paste and cuts the heads and no one would know the difference. They're interchageable.
Four Black Suits, and one Blue Suit.
Two Solid Blue Ties, Two Solid Red Ties, and One Striped Red, Navy Blue and Light Blue Tie.

Jeff   January 24th, 2008 10:47 pm ET

Americans should be ashamed that Ron Paul was ignored from debating.
MSNBC is another manipulative media outlet.

This is another sad day in American history.

Keep supporting Ron Paul & if you are against him….at least compare his positions from 19 years ago compared to today.

He is the only one who can say he stands by his voting record & is not connected to big money interests.

Then make your decision. Don't just accept the opinion of someone you respect.

Investigate him yourself. He is a great man.

Ruth   January 24th, 2008 10:46 pm ET

I am thinking about donating my $300 rebate to Ron Pauls campaign. Getting him elected is the only way to stimulate the economy and get this country to where it needs to be.

Right now our economic reputation is embarrasing. Our busy body attitude and foreign policy is embarrasing. Our government is a shambles and we are trying to teach the Iraq people how to run things. We have got to be the laughing stock of the world. When I travel I dont let anyone know I am "american" because I am embarrased and afraid. You know, nobody like us. You wouldnt like your nieghbor camping out on your property now would you? Nobody else gets to build bases here so why are we camping out on other peoples property?

Dr. Paul wins every debate because he is the only one with the courage to speak the truth. What is a real shame is that the media is ignoring him. CNN and others think we dont notice this. They are wrong we do notice.

LovingItInSC   January 24th, 2008 10:44 pm ET

The debate was great stuff, I am a Democrat and thought it was very telling that the only name mentioned by the Republican candidates was Hillary Clinton, over and over again. I agree with them, she will be the Democrat running against them.

Go Hillary!!!!!!

Ivan, Chicago, Illinois   January 24th, 2008 10:36 pm ET

Republicans after taking office with a $260,000,000 surplus have turned that into a $260,000,000 deficit.
Republicans are good at talking fiscal responsiblity when they're not in charge, but heaven help us when they are, they spend drunken sailors.

Reggie , Anaheim, Ca.   January 24th, 2008 10:33 pm ET

What a sad group! However it takes all kinds, to each it's own!
These guys need to stay in the private sector to impose less
harm to others!

Continue the past 29 yrs of Kraziness is not only stupid but
irresponsible! This platform must never rear it's ugly head
to rein power over the Commons again? Bad/ Short memory?

Boy a third party is looking real good!

Impeach bush & cheney / cohorts

Great tie!   January 24th, 2008 10:28 pm ET

Ron Paul's tie says it all! His colors are a combination of ALL the colors worn by the men around him, showing that he embodies ALL the dreams of the men shown standing with him! Hey…the tie don't lie!

Tyler   January 24th, 2008 10:26 pm ET

About 20 min into the debate Tim asked Mit a question and Mit had an answer whispered to him. Tivo it. Check it out you can distinctly here a loud whisper "raise taxes"

Doom   January 24th, 2008 10:14 pm ET

Of course it was Dr Ron Paul. He is the only one talking about economics without just printing more dollars as all the others want to do.

Ray   January 24th, 2008 10:12 pm ET

Looks like The Republicans are scared of Hillary! They keep bringing her name up!!

Ed   January 24th, 2008 10:09 pm ET

All their attempts to distance themselves from Bush have such a hollow ring. Republicans are going to continue to line the pockets of the wealthiest Americans while saying to heck with the rest of us. We cannot afford another Bush. We cannot afford another Republican.

Comments have been closed for this article

subscribe RSS Icon
About The Ticker

The latest political news from CNN's Best Political Team, with campaign coverage, 24-7. Sign up for our twice daily Ticker emails. Got a news tip or feedback? For complete political coverage, bookmark CNNPolitics.com.

CNN=Politics Screensaver

CNN=Politics ScreensaverTap into the power of The Situation Room. Download this powerful new tool that keeps you posted on the latest political news from the campaign trail.
Download (4.1 MB, PC only)

Follow us on Twitter

CNN on TwitterGet Ticker updates the moment they appear online via the Web, SMS, or instant messages.
Follow politicalticker

Categories
CNN Comment Policy: CNN encourages you to add a comment to this discussion. You may not post any unlawful, threatening, libelous, defamatory, obscene, pornographic or other material that would violate the law. Please note that CNN makes reasonable efforts to review all comments prior to posting and CNN may edit comments for clarity or to keep out questionable or off-topic material. All comments should be relevant to the post and remain respectful of other authors and commenters. By submitting your comment, you hereby give CNN the right, but not the obligation, to post, air, edit, exhibit, telecast, cablecast, webcast, re-use, publish, reproduce, use, license, print, distribute or otherwise use your comment(s) and accompanying personal identifying information via all forms of media now known or hereafter devised, worldwide, in perpetuity. CNN Privacy Statement.
Home  |  World  |  U.S.  |  Politics  |  Entertainment  |  Health  |  Tech  |  Travel  |  Living  |  Business  |  Sports  |  Time.com
Podcasts  |  Blogs  |  CNN Mobile  |  Preferences |  Email Alerts  |  CNN Radio  |  CNN Shop  |  Site Map
© 2008 Cable News Network LP, LLLP. A Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved.
Powered by WordPress.com