Why did the democrats in Florida show up to vote? They knew that their votes would not count. To take the time and go out of their way for something that was futile I do not understand.

Up here in the Northeast we have heard that the main reason that there was such a large turn out in Florida is that there was a very important vote on the ballot (not the candidates name) that would affect all individuals in Florida Is this true or a figment of someone's imagination that wants to slant the truth?

Please Florida respond.

CNN and Anderson Cooper destroyed this debate. It's plain and simple. Anderson Cooper should be fired. Cnn should be banned from American households. I hope their ratings coincide with the quality of the debate they held. "0″ Of cours they probably won't print this either.

Anyone but Obama or Clinton, but the best choices are Ron Paul and Mike Huckabee.

McCain is an old style leader - he "bosses people around".

Romney is the new leader - participative leadership that brings teams together to accomplish real tasks.

Rally to Romney, the Ronald Reagan of our time.

Well, as a Republican who has been feed up with the part for years, if I vote for a Republican canidate it would be for John McCain. And the reasons I would vote for him are the very reasons that right wing ultra conservatives who have dictated party policy are oppsed to McCain. As far as Rommney goes, the very fact that he is a buisness man is enough to ensure I would not vote for him. Buisness interests have bben placed over the interests of Amercan voters for too long, I am not interested in bring buisness savy to government, if I tried to run a buisness like government it would fail, the same is true the other way around. Government ran like private sector buisness is destined to fail, why, because government is not and can place profit above the welfare of the nation. Government must insure that what is best for the nation and the people happens not what is good for buisness.

I am about as Conservative as you can be, but I do not want buisness mentality running my nation, nor do I want right wing fundamentiat telling me what is right and wrong, or how I am suppose to act or think. As long as John McCain does not court the right wing christain fundamentalist of the party and acts as an American Canidate, I shall support him.

I cant understand everyones interest in McCain, he's a dotty old man with attitude, his war experiences and love for the present war will do nothing different for this country but keep us there for years to come. Every time Hukabee talks he shows he's unelectable although last night he didnt embarress himself. Now it appears the one chance we have to put an outsider with CEO experience in place and his race seems all but over. Whats with Arnold endorsing McCain, you knucklehead, do you listen to the issues? If McCains on the ticket in Nov, I'm going obama.. What have we got to lose?

And then there were four!

I am an American, and I want another debate to replace what I watched last night. That was not fair and equal!! At least Huckabee had the balls to say something about it.

I totally agree that the media is picking the nominees for president. They have created a Rock Star in Obama with no insight on what he would do. McCain they give so much attention to because of his military record of being POW. People have busy lives and they only hear the little sound bites the media wants them to hear. Most people are worried about how they are going to pay their bills and take care of their families to pay attention to the election. It really is sad that we have the media to do this.

I think republicans should unite around John McCain. He is more likely to unite and build a consensus than would Romney. Romney would further polarize America, much more then Bush/Cheney. I think McCain can attract many democrats who will be upset when their choice on democratic side loses in the primaries. People either Love Hillary and hate Obama or vise versa. McCain is a person I can comfortably vote for if my candidate (Hillary) loses. McCain is honest, a patriot and hero to most Americans and can be trusted.

Also, when are people going to get a clue. The media picks the President, not the American people. People listen to 30 second sound bites that the media wants you to listen to and steers you the way to vote. Here's how it's going to go down folks, trust me on this one. It will be between McCain and Obama and Obama kills him in the general election because he is the golden child of the media. I don't want him to be President but I guarentee you this is how it will go down. You heard it here first.

When will the media put to bed this idea that John McCain is some great bi-partisian conciliator? McCain has never taken a stand on anything that wasn't popular in public opinion polls, and that includes the troop surge idea which was popular long before it took place! We can hate various Republicans and Democrats all we want, but a lot of times the reason we hate those individuals is because they take a stand on something we do not agree with. The Clintons took all sorts of flak for governing by polls and focus groups. Why do we not hear this about John McCain. Can anyone name a SUCCESSFUL bi-partisian bill that he was instrumental in creating? McCain-Feingold? Horrible bill, that has made politics even dirtier than before. McCain-Kennedy? Horrible bill that even he will not stand behind any longer. "It will not come up for a vote" is NOT an answer to the question of if he still would support the bill he put together. Here is some striaght talk my friends, John McCain will say anything to increase his popularity and become president. This is NOT the man we want in the Oval Office!

Ron Paul is the man. When it comes to stating your beliefs and putting America first, the other fail miserably.

Thank you CNN for reaffirming my choice to not have cable. Not only was this debate unfair to Mike Huckabee and Ron Paul it was obvious to me and probably to others that it was set up to deliberately exclude them. Professionalism is something that I hold in the highest regard and your debate showed a lack of it from the top down.

I am a Huckabee supporter but I would have felt the same way about the debate if I was supporting McCain or Romney because I listen to everyone and exclude no one. No one is above or below anyone and should certainly not be treated as such.

Mike Huckabee is the only candidate on that stage who talked to the American people, not at them. That is who I want as President, someone who understands me.

I am concerned about the health of McCain, I realize he's 70 something, but in jan. 30's debate he looked very washed out, I'm sure the rigors of campaining have taken their toll, he really didn't look or sound healthy. To be honest it has me rethinking abot my choice…AGAIN

This was the first republican debate I've watched, and I was pretty disappointed that Ron Paul kept getting shafted on airtime. I didn't really know anything about the guy except that he seems to have an intensely loyal following; honestly I thought he was just some nut job who got people riled up. He changed my mind tonight. Watching the debate, he only got about 5 minutes (or less) of time to talk, but made more sense in that short time than any of the other candidates. At one point Anderson went down the line asking all the candidates the same question. He cut off Ron Paul halfway through his first sentence! then proceeded to let the other candidates explain their positions. Then all the debate "analysis" completely ignores him. Horribly biased coverage.

I know a vote for Paul is probably a waste since he doesn't poll higher than 10% anywhere, but I think I'll do it anyway just so I can live with my vote.

McCain is another Bush. McCain is not conservative but a career politician who has lost sight of his role as an elected politician.
McCain refuses to secure the borders, he will grant amnesty to millions of people who violated US law, he jeopardizes US sovereignty and existence, and he is part of the problem, not the solution.
Voting for McCain would be like voting for Clinton only in a suit as opposed to a dress. The only difference between McCain and Clinton is, McCain will blatantly tell you he will vote or be in favor of anti-US policy!
Look at the man’s political record, and it says it all. Look at his political speeches and he will tell you himself – he doesn’t care what the overwhelming populace wants, he does what he wants!
He is an admirable man for serving this country militarily, and brave at heart for lasting as a POW, but as a political leader in the current times he is not what the US needs now.

What's scariest to me is the prospect of having McCain walk through this process virtually untouched with regards to HIS flip-flopping on the issues. Mitt Romney has caught flack for catering his politics when it's convenient, but what should be apparent is the fact that McCain has lost the respect of many in his party with his teetering on the edge of so many issues. Bipartisan politics is one thing…playing the middle and muddling your thoughts is another. Romney should be receving more credit for his conservative views than he is. Unless the Republicans want a dicey general election in November, either elect someone other than McCain or force McCain to come back to his conservative base.

If you are a true conservative the only candidate that made any sense is Huckabee. I almost turned off CNN because I was so furious they were not giving equal time to Paul and Huckabee! Romney blew his chance. He should have allowed Cooper to read the quote when Cooper offered and then turned to McCain and said something like, "What part of straight talk do you not understand? Please quit wasting everyone's time with your distortions of what I said." Then when McCain came back with a retort he could have followed up with an old Reagan statement like, "There you go again, John. Distorting the truth. Read the quote to him again, Cooper!"

The problem here is that CNN and MSNBC and the mainstream (liberal biased press) would like to declare the winner of Super Tuesday before Super Tuesday.

Now for straight talk on my side. My comments should be taken knowing that I voted for Huckabee in Florida.

Blah, Blah, Blah! I agree entirely with Brian and Bob. The problem with the media is..they don't have jack else to report! These candidates go up and down on switch sides more than a drunk driver swaying while driving down the road. None of the current presidential candidates have said anything to me that would influence me to vote for them. None of the candidates show enough drive to stand behind what they talk; all they do is talk a game that they don't even know how they going to approach if elected into office. What Brian said about the war profits is sooooo true, big corporations are making a killer out here and yet we (the Soldier) cannot get repair parts to fix equipment due to Army wide shortages. Who is supporting who?

Shame on CNN - Shame I say! I came back to CNN (from FOX) because of Lou Dobbs now I am leaving because of Anderson Cooper. That was not a fair debate. I will note vote for the candidates the MSM is pushing! MSM is trumped by the Internet. The American people are alive and know the real issues, get real answers, and have real debate via the Internet. Super Tuesday is coming and our voices will be heard!

Ron Paul made Romney and McCain look like childish fools. Who wants to watch the two of them argue all night? I want to hear them ALL debate the real issues we are facing, not just the two hot-heads.

Huckabee should join Romney. That would be the best team in the field!

Romney was the clear winner…concise and a leader.

GO MITT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It was clear tonight that McCain should NOT be the Republican nominee. He's a one-trick pony (national security), has trouble with focus, and is a typical politician as demonstrated tonight on several occasions (changing the subject and misrepresenting Romney's quote about timetables). Huckabee did very well also, especially given the small fraction of airtime he had to work with. And thank God for Paul who is there to elevate the entire discussion one sentance at a time. I hope the GOP wakes up and dumps McCain. He'd be slaughtered by either Democrat. Romney could win the White House.

I'm a retiree (25 years in the USN) and loss my trust and confidence in Senator McClain as a leader.

Thank you everyone, my husband & I have been asking ourselves what is wrong with this country due to MCCain is old & cannot answer any question except if it has to do with the war. Our country is in trouble, we need someone who can get us out of this mess!!!! PLEASE DO NOT LET IT BE MCCAIN if so we will move to another country. All the comments are great on this board, I am so glad that people see the same way we do. Thank you

Brian I hope you meant embaressed and not embraced.
Because I choose to read that word in the 1st sentence as EMBARESSED and felt that was more of what you meant. It's ashame that they don't allow us to "Edit".

what a pathetic debate, why did you invite Ron Paul and Mike huckabee if you were not gonna let them speak.
Ron pauls speaks the truth and you are affraid to let america hear the truth.
america is waking up and we know the game you are playing, trying to force a bitter pow (not a war hero) and an elitest puppet down our throats.

anderson i hope they paid you very well for your treason agaist the american people. and i hope the rest of america understands that this race is not over, lots of states to go. Dont be fooled by the bias in the media, you decide not them.

Ron Paul 2008

I was truly disappointed to see a childish and petty argument be allowed so much airtime. Is this the Jerry Springer show? Please allow all the debaters the same amount of time to speak. Thank you.

Here is my official question count:
Romney: 19
McCain: 17
Hucakbee: 10
Paul: 6

Times I screamed at CNN to be more fair to candiates Huckabee and Paul: 10,000

CNN - you should be ashamed! "Shower of questions?" Ridiculous. Your bias is more than evident, it is disgraceful during such an important run for president.

To Brian all I can say is Amen, Amen.
It's really great to know that there is someone out there that really GETS IT!
There's not a single point that you brought up that I don't absolutely agree with a 110%, if that were at all possible.
I've said from the beginning that the one Candidate that has stood out in every single debate was Ron Paul for the Republicans and John Edwards for the Democrats but have you ever seen any of the Media News Outlets even focus in on that, not CNN, not MSNBC, and not FOX.
If you checkout the Candidate that in every debate the PEOPLE choose as winning the debate you will see that Ron Paul was always the winner in the Republican Debates and John Edwards in the majority of the Democratic Debates.
But as usual not a word on the networks referencing that fact.
I'm just wondering when more Americans are going to wake up to the fact that we no longer can consider ourselves as a Democracy type of government but now with a "World Economy" we are and will be from now on a "CORPOCRACY" form of government. We will with the media's help always be Voting between in the General Election the Candidate from each Major Party that the BIG CORPORATIONS have made very sure are their Party's choice, which means it will remain "BUSINESS AS USUAL". Our elections now are becoming an exercise in frutility and just a big show for the rest of the World.
WAKE UP AMERICA!!!!

Ron Paul R3VOLUTION. Give us back our Constitution.

McCain may have achieved great things for the country, but what has he done for his state of Arizona???? I live there and let me tell you a few things:

Global warming: 79% of the state does not and will not recycle anything, everything goes in dump.

Minimum wage: Right to work state-an employer can pay you $1 an hour; it's a right to work.

Medical is prehistoric.

Education-49th in country-college's scrape to keep going, and still have a 10% cut in their budget yearly. So much for no child left behind.

Immigration-NONE!!!!!!!

Yes, I know it is not all the Senator's fault, but ask again what has he one for this state.

Can't help but agree with you Brian. It was a shame Paul and Huckabee were so disriminated against in regards to their question time. I'm a big Ron Paul fan myself, but after watching his performance tonight I am starting to fear that he unfortunately lacks the political tact to ultimately win. The beauty of Ron Paul is his principles and truth; however, he is so much of a purist that his timing and delivery is off in such a critical forum that is the remaining debates. Maybe his rushed and unbalanced delivery is due to his fear of not getting to answer any more questions! With that said, I totally agree if given the time he could equal any of the remaining candidates on debating the issues. Wow… McCain almost put me to sleep tonight.

Brian, I love Ron Paul as well! Just try to remember that the big business corporations that own CNN, FOX, and MSNBC also contributed to the Nazis and aligned with terrorists when the profits were on their sides. Vote for Paul, and pray he wins the nomination. The only way we can ever take back our own country is to put these criminal politicians in prison, and release the petty drug dealers and honester (is that a word?) citizens back to their own lives!

Viva Ron Paul!

Will CNN please pay the $9 Trillion debt so we can listen to more Romney-McCain. Otherwise, when the country defaults none of us will be able to afford cable. Was there one candidate that addressed the issue? No CNN was VERY careful not to talk about the coming reccession. Good Job!

Does McCain have Alzheimers? Seems he can't remember the past when presented the facts!

The frontrunners remind me of contestants on the Jerry Springer show, not that I ever watched that.. but have seen clips.

This debate was a disgrace to the democratic system. It is a disservice to the American people and our democratic process when the candidates, chosen by the people, are not each given fair time in a debate. I have lost a tremendous amount of respect for CNN by the way this debate was handled. Mike Huckabee and Ron Paul were the only one talking about the issues. McCain and Romney talk about themselves. Me me me me me, look at me. Those two need to go.

Question for Senator McCain,

I feel that by getting all the endorsements from Christ, Diaz-Balart, Ros-Lehiten,
Schwartzenager , etc. its Washington politics as usual. They endorse you, when you get elected you owe them.

Is it funny that McCain has all these well known names endorseing him while others just have no well know people behind them and owe no one anything.

It seems John McCain is practicing his Washington ways even before elected.
He is going to these people and telling them , stand by me and I will take care of you when I am elected—-and of course, these above politicians come on board because they know this is the way the game is played in Washington.

These above endorsements along with his sensible policy make me vote for Romney.

I never thought in my lifetime I would agree with Rush Limbaugh. Romney has my vote.

I too believe this was a poorly managed debate and the questions too one side to McCain and Romney.

None of the candidates with the exception of Huckabee gave a good answer for stimulating the economy, his was the best. Think like that and plans that produce jobs here in America and improve our infrastructure would really make some serious improvements and strengthen our financial belt here in America.

Pitting Romney and McCain against each other question after question robed us of really good time to evaluate the candidates. Even if Ron Paul has the poorest chance to win, he deserves, and we deserve to hear every possible reason we should consider him as a candidate. Who knows what tomorrow brings, he could be the only candidate left if unfortunate events occur or the other candidates have some issue that suddenly makes them unsuitable to finish the race, or be elected.

RON PAUL RON PAUL RON PAUL RON PAUL RON PAUL RON PAUL RON PAUL RON PAUL RON PAUL RON PAUL RON PAUL RON PAUL RON PAUL RON PAUL RON PAUL RON PAUL RON PAUL RON PAUL RON PAUL RON PAUL RON PAUL RON PAUL RON PAUL RON PAUL RON PAUL RON PAUL RON PAUL RON PAUL RON PAUL RON PAUL RON PAUL RON PAUL RON PAUL RON PAUL RON PAUL RON PAUL RON PAUL RON PAUL RON PAUL RON PAUL RON PAUL RON PAUL RON PAUL RON PAUL RON PAUL RON PAUL RON PAUL RON PAUL RON PAUL RON PAUL RON PAUL RON PAUL RON PAUL RON PAUL RON PAUL RON PAUL RON PAUL RON PAUL RON PAUL RON PAUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Need I say more?

The debate started out as a rumble of two guys, but I could not be more impressed by Gov. Huckabee! He is really intune not only with the people and the issues our country is facing today, but also with the correct respect that should be offered to all. Gov. Huckabee, you have my vote!

It seems the media wants to characterize Ron Paul supporters as loony or weird, but the truth is, I'm undecided and I think this guy really makes sense! Why in the world is the media so biased against this guy?? He is the only one I hear making straightforward proposals on the economy.

Ron Paul is the only one I heard tonight that didn't give me a "sleezy politician" feel.

Ron Paul seemed to be the only candidate who wanted to have a debate and CNN shut him out. We are sick of CNN. The most boring, mind-numbing news network.

They should be afraid of the the American People. We are waking up! We are discovering that they are all in bed together….media, government, federal reserve…and they are not for the sovereignty of this once great nation! This debate made me almost throw up and now I need a drink.

Brian, I had to read that first sentence a few times. Consider looking at a dictionary.

The candidate that won the debate tonight was Mike Huckabee. I was an undecided voter until tonight. Seeing McCain and Romney debate seemed liked watching children argue. Who cares that the buzzword was timetable? I wish that CNN would stop trying to select the Republican candidate by focusing purely on McCain and Romney.

Tonight, while those 2 bickered, Huckabee stood out. As a Reagan Republican, I am planning on supporting Huckabee.

I agree wholeheartedly and think boycotting the major networks is the best idea I've heard in a long time. Let's do it. Ron Paul is the only candidate that is listening to the American people and has been for many years. He has never switched his stand on any of the constitutional issues. He is man of principle and will not deviate from his faith in America and the American people. Let's put him in office and test and see that he is a good man, worthy to lead this great country.

Brian…I like your idea!! Believe me…Hillary would LOVE to run against Ron Paul! A huge landslide?? Where has the support been thus far? Come on…the voters have spoken already. He has been on every ballot. Where you get landslide out of all this is a mystery.

Awesome… Looks like Romney won hands down on the "People Meter"

I hope the Republicans get behind the true conservative - let the liberals endorse McCain all they want… they can have him. I want someone who doesn't come off as 'despicable' or 'surly' as McCain has been described. He's too full of himself.

I agree with Brians views except that the only candidate that answered the questions directly was Huckabee.He was the only candidate that gave reason to vote for him.

As for the debate it was a joke and blatantly biased against Ron Paul and Huckabee.

The questions were meaningless and asked by parrots.

The only good question came from Anderson Cooper directed at Romney ,"are you running for Governor or President".

I'm still waiting for the answer.

I too think Ron Paul deserves a closer look. I think he has some sound ideas that harken back to the principles under which this country was founded. He appears to understand fiscal policy better than any of the candidates and what our country needs long term. I think it's time we got back to running the country constitutionally with a view for the future rather than the right now.

doesn't the first paragraph say four candidates? maybe i blinked but i only see two

The only endorsement I care about is Huckabee's endoresement from God. Why is Fox and CNN both avoiding Huckabee? Florida got it wrong earlier this week, don't be the next state to make the same mistake. Neither McCain or Romney are presidential, McCain is a babbling baboon bordering a heart attack and a tooth that needs to be pulled, while HUCKABEE is the TRUE REPUBLICAN! Republicans, show the liberal media who want McCain to win, that we will not stand for their biased coverage and views, and go vote for Huckabee. McCain is for gay marriage, he will raise taxes, he supports the effort to combat the non-existent global warming while China is experiencing global freezing, and he opposes drilling oil in our desolate areas so we can become less dependent on foreign oil. Huckabee offers a flat fair tax of 23% versus the current 33%, opposes gay marriage, does not support to stupid global warming crap, and he will drill oil in desolate areas to help reduce our gas prices. VOTE HUCKABEE!!!!

Give me a break regarding Ron Paul … I admire him for sticking it out, but he is out of his league and looks rather foolish up there, even when he opens his mouth.

I think the republican party better wake up and take a look at McCain - he can't focus on a direct question - he will be a disaster vs. the likes of Hillary or Obama in a debate…

Thank you CNN for your equal and unbiased coverage of all the candidates….
You can be partially to blame for the demise of this country. So much for giving anyone a equal say. Is no winner in these debates. The american people deserve better and should get to hear everyones voice to form their own opinion. Save this country from more of this CR@P save our freedom and vote for RON PAUL! I would demand more coverage of anyone who sets fund raising records places second in multiple states and receives more money as donations from the troops than anyone. I SUPPORT THE TROOPS I SUPPORT RON PAUL!

Wow no mention of Ron Paul. I am so shocked.

The communist news network strikes again!

Prepare for the boycott.

CNN should be embraced, as should all republicans, as well as, our country! This was the worst political debate ever! This was nothing more than the McCain-Romney Bickering Show. Seems to me that Ron Paul was the only Candidate that brought up and wanted to discuss anything that related to the will of the American People. What is CNN and BIG MEDIA so afraid of? The will of the American People? Maybe they should be. The Stock Market is volatile right now. How well would their stocks do if every angry American decided to boycott them for not holding respectable debates? How about discussing the issues for once? How about equal talking time for each Candidate? Is this too much to ask? You have to ask yourself… Are the big media corporations trying to sway my opinion? If so, for what reason? Would it have anything to do with the fact that these media outlets are owned by the same corporations that profit off of war? The same corporations that are making billions in profits while the rest of us are watching the economy decline, and negatively affect our wallets?

Thanks CNN for opening my eyes!

I don't think Romney, McCain, or Huckabee could out shine Ron Paul in a one on one debate. He’s also the only republican that could win by a huge landslide against either democrat.