John, if you think Clinton was a great president, you've been drinking the kool-aid and are blind to the deception and amoral slime which oozes from that man. Ronald Reagan wouldn't let bill clinton carry his dirty underwear, soaked in his urine. Clinton is a swindler and a whinner too much less a "amoral toad"

Vote for Nancy Reagan and Ron Paul.She did a great job for eight years.

McCain looked like a crotchety old man. Using every moment to hit at Mitt Romney. I was disgusted with McCain - he relies on the old leadership style of "Bossing people around". Mitt Romney has the participative leadership style.

Romney is the better leader!

McCain has just shown his true colors. He will take a parts and pieces of information available to him and use it for his own good and further his personal agenda. Example: the erroneous interpretation of the "timetable" attack on Romney. What if this situation was involving going to war against Iran or China. If McCain used similar information twisting, that he is now guilty of doing, this country would find itself in another terrible situation. Do you think Bush relied on bad information following 9/11? Consider information that is purposely twisted and then verbalized to the American population in attempt to further his personal agenda! Leopards can't change their spots and McCain will continue to twist the facts and mislead. He is no leader at all!

Valintino Cross,

Are you serious? Like having Lincoln back from the dead? Let's not get carried away. Lincoln was our greatest President, bar none. Reagan couldn't carry his shoes. And let's face it, at best Reagan is only the 7th best President in the 1900's, far behind FDR and Truman, and also behind Wilson, Kennedy, Eisenhower, Clinton, and possibly LBJ. He does beat out Hoover, Coolidge, Harding, Carter and Nixon, but a blind squirrel could do that. This misinformed love affair with Reagan is perplexing at best.

MC has done his share of flip-flopping , although the media never seems to protray this…Immigration…. so he says… i was for comprehensive immigration but now I'm not. He dances and skirts around alot of issues.. Soon as the questions are asked, he prefers to spin the question immediately and go off on some wild rambling reasoning.. No thanks Mc… Ur still the same old gamer..He starting to cackle like Hillary too..

What's really going to be interesting is seeing how the candidates performance in the debates translates into any votes on Super Tuesday.

Or, at the very least, if it budges McCain's lead in the polls. With 2 consecutive victories (South Caroline & Florida) every pundit in America is crowning McCain as the pre-eminant Nominee for the Republican Party.

With this much momentum, can McCain be knocked off his pedestal?

Conservatives may talk a big game but come November they may have to make a difficult choice between voting for their core values or voting for who can best beat Hilary/Obama.

Can CNN include a column in their "Election Center 2008″ which lays out the past accomplishments of each candidate? I.E. What did they promise when they were governors/senators/etc….and what actually transpired for the American public during their term(s)?

All presidential candidates love to tell the American public what they will do if they were elected president. They were all elected to an office in the past…what exactly did they do in the past…both positive and negative…

Isn't it true that when we apply for a job….we all get judged on our past accomplishments?

I endorse…you guessed it…Mike Huckabee.

Brett wrote: January 30, 2008 10:24 pm ET

Can't anyone see that McCain is really a Democrat. If he wins, then we will have two Democrats running for President. Also, if McCain wins we might as well get ready for another Depression.

Hey Brett,in case you did not notice,we are already in a Depression.The Republicans have bankrupted the country the past seven years.We have to be constantly borrowing from Foreigners to keep this country afloat.Maybe 10% of the Military Budget has been spent wisely under Bush.Those idiotic Neo Cons have ruined this great country.Bush has made the citizens of most nations despise America.I`ve visited 20 countries in the past 5 years and know what I`m taking about.Go back down to your hole and stop your inane nonsense.

So, is Bill and CNN going to risk their reputation's upholding McCain like this?

I feel badly for Mike Huckabee and Ron Paul. They are left on the outside of the party even though they have some viable contributions. Why? Because it is obvious from the primaries and caucuses thus far that the majority of the people are voting for McCain or Romney.

Why can't John McCain articulate his true positions without bringing up his past service as a war hero, or the radical Islamic terrorists? Why can't McCain present himself as a true leader of the people without presenting false quotes and misrepresenting what Romney actually said? Why can't McCain act like a presidential leader? Why doesn't McCain admit that he has swtiched his position multiple times and "flip-flopped"? Every one of us flip-flop in our opinions of things, especially as our understanding of circumstances changes! Why can't John McCain really unite the Republican conservatives? Because, McCain is hiding like the wizard of Oz under a cloak of secrecy that he really doesn't have any idea how to guide this country unless we are fighting against the radical Islamic jihad.

Romney may have his faults, as does every candidate, but at least he has the proven ability to organize and lead people to accomplish those things that seemed mired in quicksand. I fear for this nation if we don't elect a person with strong moral values, strong family values, and who is willing to forego the presidential salary in order to help this great nation. It's not about the money, it's all about the man. Vote Romney in 2008.

If Reagan would endorse you, I would not vote for you.

Reagan was about as much of a dimwhit as Bush is. Why would these guys place so much importance on Reaganess?

Deborah Holland, Please elaborate!

Lauren, while I understand your viewpoint, I respectfully disagree. Huckabee has done plenty of mud-slinging in the previous weeks and months - and he's done it in the name of his "Christian faith." I find that offensive. I have yet to make up my mind on which candidate to choose on Tuesday, but I applaud Romney for calling McCain on his dirty political strategy in bringing out the "timetable" issue only days before a key primary election. If he disagreed so strongly with what Romney said so many months ago, why not say so then? Instead, he waited until Romney was neck and neck with him, with Romney gaining in popularity. Then, he pulled the rug right out from under him. Romney had every right to demand some time to set the record straight.

I've followed the events, candidates, and news coverage of this election very closely for several months. None of the candidates are perfect and they've all done their share of "dirty politics," but after combining what I learned tonight, with everything I've gathered to date on ALL of the candidates, I'm leaning towards Romney. He truly has the most well-rounded qualifications (i.e. business leader, governor, and Olympics Chairman) and seems the most "Presidental" leader of the bunch.

McCain constatntly lies about people's quotes and misleads them. He can't stand and defend his record because it's a horrible record.

He was also part of the Keating 5 ( a MAIN member) who almost took out the savings and loan industry, which are usually to help the average citizens of America.

He was let off the hook before people found out his wife's father paid over $400,00.00 to Keating for a strip mall. John "stragiht talk" McCain denied even knowing him. Look all this up on google and find the HUNDREDS of articles on this scandal. For the average american indeed…so I can just get richer!

He lies about Romney's record, he lied about Romney''s tax increases ( check factfinder..they were not increases.)

As an economics major from a small liberal arts college in Michigan, where former President Ford the trustee, I will always vote for either the Democratic or Republican party's best plan for the economy with a proven track record.

Regan, Clinton, and Mitt Romney have taken bad situations and turned them around in the long run. Sometimes, as we learn in Econ 101, to keep the business going, we have to lay off employees. Watch the screen on CNN, and see how many companies are still shedding empoyees. Regan and Clinton were some of the best economic minds to come along. We now have another one, and the press is just letting these lies slide right on by.

Shame on you for unbiased reporting.

I am a republican for Romney. I want someone for President who is ethical and don't appreciate McCains tactics of lying and slick talk. After all, we have had that with the Clintons in office for too long! Vote for change, America!!

Funny. I'm pretty sure I remember Raegan shifting positions before beginning his term.

Good old McCain, trying to sneak every possible way in to try and do some dirty damage to someone is more qualified.

It's official. I won't watch CNN anymore. Your reporting is biased and small. Anderson Cooper is a lightweight who not only couldn't phrase a question in proper English, he wasn't prepared. Terrible and I demand better. "Would Ronald Reagan endorse you? Way to go Anderson… get back in the sandbox.

Rick
Port Orange, Fl.

Huckabee won for sure. Even with so much less time! He shows he can and will fight for us, the people.

endorsements? that is BAD NEWS. from a political scientist, endorsments mean bureacratic politics and favors, favors, favors, not what is best for the country. The fact that Romney is using his own money is a GOOD thing. It means he won't be forced to make poor decisions to appease people who supported his campaign.

McCain and Romney were popular in Florida because of the seniors. Not to worry. By November a percentage of those seniors will be dead.

AGREE WITH MICHIGAN MIKE!!! I, too, voted for McCain in the Michigan primary … however …

If McCain gets the nomination, it will be Bob Dole all over again … I like him, don't get me wrong. However, it will be a seemingly washed-up person against a young, vibrant, well-spoken Democratic nominee … whomever that may be!!! Bob Dole vs. Bill Clinton all over again…

Can't anyone see that McCain is really a Democrat. If he wins, then we will have two Democrats running for President. Also, if McCain wins we might as well get ready for another Depression.

CNN proved itself to be sold out to everyone, but "we the people" Anderson Cooper stooped to lying to Ron Paul. I'm done with CNN's Anderson Cooper 360.

MCCAin is scary! Everything out of his mouth is WAR and MILITARY. I thought about supporting him if Hillary is the Dem nominee, but I would like to see someone else maybe Romney or Huckabee.

What is the Reagan Revolution and why should I care?

Obama 08

McCain appeared to be a mean, old man tonight. Periodically he seemed to lose his train of thought. Is that age related? The other candidates were sharp.

McCain & Obama are like father and son, thinking they know how to run our nation
and really know nothing…

They ( McCain & Obama )can not answer to any plan they have for the U.S. because they have no plan..

I feel McCain is a old run down foot soldier boy still trying to play army,

O'h ya McCain can build FENCE..( I HOPE ) Maybe he can call in support.

Our great combat leader McCain should of already built a fence.

But If he was the great combat leader he says he is. then he would know he should give it up and go home..

He has never supported the soldiers in Irac. If he has what has he done…????

Can't say more than unequivocally, Ronald Regan or my military career makes me the best candidate.
So, out of all ppl going for the seat of President, no one but McCain is qualified? Hummmm, McCain….arrogance should be another word in your vocab-u-lary…

For the first time, I realized how bad McCain really is. He is a dirty old man playing childish political tricks. Give me a break. Romney was by far the most understandable and intelligible. Huck also did great. McCain is fighting the losing battle. I hope he goes down quick.

It really is disgusting that CNN has made an obvious attempt to select the next president for the American people!
Please try to be more objective with the Democratic debate tomorrow night. Don't let Obama filabuster.

Dusacre, don't feel bad aboyut Romnry, he did good, insane McCain didn't, it isn't over.

Romney!

Romney was most definitely the most presidential I think. He was very straight forward.

even though Ron Paul got less time, he clearly won the debate and again shows why he should be President.

Now that it has become close I made SURE I sat and watched this debate. I will preface this with the fact that I am an Obama supporter but not a get on the train recent one though.

I had to see McCain and Romney for myself and guess what……Both of them played it too slick for me…they are clearly from the same cloth as Hillary. It was funny when McCain was asked the same question THREE times and after giving a LOOOONG dodging non answer the first two times he was asked so that means NO? and he DODGES AGAIN!!! All he says is " I can go through the whole long explanation again if you want me too" If This is the Best the Republican party has to offer we are in trouble.

McCain IS Old fashioned Politics. He isn't even a good liar..he stumbles over his words and is so repetitive. The most IRRITATING thing he does CONSTANTLY uses that FAKE and Codecending Half laugh and " My Friend " Line all he time whe he talk to people like they are Idiots ( Just like Bush). I am SURE the puppetmasters who have been running Bush for the last 7 years are FULLY prepared to slip their hand in the back of McCains shirt as soon as Bush is out of office.

Why does the candidacy fear Ron Paul?

McCain is a pathetic old man. How many times will he lie about taxes, immigration and Romney's support of the war. McCain is a Washington insider who is wrong on basically every issue.

He's dirty, surly and particularly stupid.

No Amnesty. The party needs to unite around Romney!

It's a shame that John McCain is no better politician than he is. He can only speak of the Iraq war and has be out of the military and out of touch with the people of the USA way too long. The only thing he has going for him is that Fox News will cry a river the size of the Amazon if he doesn't get the nomination. Well Shawn Hannity eat your heart out because you and you network are supporting a loser.

Romney handled himself very well against The smirking Mr. McCain. we all know that John McCain was a hero, and has been a senator for many years, and would put himself first for the country, etc, etc-But so would they all-All this proved once again was that MCCain was and is for the war in Iraq , and took the hard hawkish approach and has lucked out-But is wrong on immigration, which he does not like to talk about- see him dance to-night ! And he's obviously unsure on the broader economy issues. Huckabee took advantage of his shorter time on camera with some homey remarks, which made me wonder if he is a part-democrat. Romney sounded pretty capable overall, and looked presidential, which is not mandatory, but doesn't hurt. He has a strong list of accomplishments, and I think he helped himself at McCain's expense. But will it be enough to tighten the Feb. 5 races- with Huckabee splitting voted in many of the States, it is doubtful

McCain as an independent I was leaning toward voting for you in '00. But you sho looked smug tonight. You got a long way to the nomination and tonight I think you made it longer. You did not seem to be able to shoot straight tonight.

"John McCain, and radical American extremism, will remain the biggest threat of the twenty-first century."
-Ronald Reagan

For the first time I felt very bad for Romney. He is fighting a losing battle. It is too bad that he will not be the nominee.

During the Michigan primary, I voted for McCain. I had been a long supporter due to McCain's past efforts in D.C. However, having been more engaged with the entire process since the Michigan primary, I observed in tonight's debate and through the various comments that perhaps a person's past actions is Not the best guarantee of their future actions. Instead, I suggest that one should put more weight in character and position statements to select the next leader of the free world.

Tonight, I was genuinely impressed with Huckabee. I suggest that the Super Tuesday primary voters take a close look at this unlikely candidate. IF he eventually loses out to McCain or Romney, he would make a great VP.

Arnold/Terminator lost my support! I will turn the channel when he comes on. Has anyone noticed that McCain cannot answer any questions without throwing in his "I'm a war hero" speech?

I will not vote if McCain become the nominee.

As a Democrat, the only Republican candidate I fear in the general election (and then only barely) is Mitt Romney. McCain has image problems, Huckabee is too easily painted as a religious zealot (though I don't think he is), and Paul, well, not worth mentioning.

Romney looks Presidential and that goes a long way with an aunt of mine. How many out there are like her? A lot, I'm afraid.

I am so grateful that I lived a life of two terms with President Reagan I think that all the candidates are paper dolls compared to such a great leader. It was like having Abraham Lincoln back from the dead. I think the debate was fitting to have at the Reagan Library to remind the American people where they are in relation to the times of Reagan. It made people more aware of Ronald Reagan’s legacy and what true leadership is meant to be and what should be cherished. If there were any leaders in tonight’s debate was Huckabee at the end he defined the entire evening by putting everything in perspective. All the candidates are looking after there own self benefit, Reagan truly loved this country I don’t see that in any candidate but Huckabee. And that is truly what is needed. God Bless Ronald Reagan and God eternally preserve the United States of America. Thank You for Everything… Sincerely, Valintino Cross

Why is it when a liberal becomes more liberal that is great and not flip flopping?Remember when Al Gore from TN ran for the Democratic nomination the first time? Now go forward to the Gore Bush race? This was not the same Al Gore, but the press never said a word about what happened to the moderate Al Gore from TN.

Romney stated he wished he could have been in the armed forces. Why was he not?? Unless he was unfit to serve, WHY?

Oh. I just realized that this isn't even a real forum for voicing opinions. Thanks, Big Media!

Duh.

Romney shouldn't have started anything but I can't blame him becuase McCain was underhanded and was dealing with symantics. PLEASE! Get your Facts straight. McCain is not who I want running the White house with his More Liberal views and his Horrible temper. If it's McCain or Clinton I'm not going To vote!

Romney has not shifted positions he has just become more conservative. I dare anyone tell me that they have never changed their mind on something. People grow and change and that is what Romney has done. If you can say you have never changed then you are a liar. McCain has flip flopped on dozens of issues over the years and no one says a word. Huckabee is a real nice guy but take a look at his record and compare it to what he says now. The only candidate that can beat Obama or Hillary is Mitt Romney.

I am sick and tired of the moderators skewing the direction of the debate. Governor Romney has made valid arguments about his ability to steer the US economy in the right direction. Giving McCain another, and yet another chance to defend his archaic position is unfair and unjust to the other candidates. IF CNN has decided who has the Republican nomination, keep it to yourselves and let the rest of us decide based on the merit of the conversation.

Signed,
a democrat interested in REAL discussion,
Adriane

The U.S. electorate will not elect elect a Republican to the U.S. presidency even if She/He were God. Ronald Reagan knew he was not God, no matter how much some of his countrymen/women and media tried/try to make him into such.

Actually, it was kind of a strange statement that Reagan always stayed the course when you consider Reagan was Democrat who changed parties to become a Republican. Everybody changes, the important thing is where you end up.

Remember excitable school yard fights attracting attention and attendance? Sadly CNN succumbs to the politics of titillation to corner a view of an excitable spectacle while those offering mature, broad minded contributions are minimized. No wonder John Edwards, Huckabee, and Paul feel the media is not paying attention to issues… it’s obviously more interested in simplified soap opera theatrics.

Romney's hypocrisy is appalling.

Yes it was sly, but you know what is more outrageous?

This so-called debate was hardly a debate.

The "debate" was trivialized by questions meant to bait an onstage version of the Romney-McCain feud. For the love of God, when will a debate actually be a debate on substantive issues? CNN's handling of the whole process was an insult to us Americans who want to hear a discussin of the issues, of policy, you know, things that actually matter about a president. I applaud Ron Paul for pointing out the silliness of the argument between Romeny and McCain over technicalities.

To CNN I say stop trivializing the debates and creating front-runners for us. Do us all a favor and actually focus on the issues, not on petty meaningless arguments. Let us hear all the candidates speak with equal time. I was really looking forward to hearing all the candidates weigh in on the issues in turn, but that clearly is not as interesting now is it? God forbid, we might actually start to have a real conversation about politics.

Shame on you CNN! This whole debate is a sham as well as this so-called 'blog.' From what I can tell, you are doing everything you can to marginalize Ron Paul. If this is true (which it most certainly is), then are you are guilty of trying to directly persuade public opinion. Correct me if I'm wrong, but this is not the role of the media. I am disgusted at the very prospect…

McCain is really hurting himself. People are starting to see the real agenda behind his coments. I truly believe he may be going senile. In addition to that…there is a very fine between being pro surge and being pro war in general. He seems to be more the latter. That's a scary thought to have somebody who's as deeply inbedded in the thought of war in general, not just doing what it takes to protect our nation. He goes a step further. He's an angry man with what seems to be an angry and dangerous agenda.

speaking of whose hand near the missile button…….i hope the general public who viewed this debate noticed what a hot head romney appears to be. talk about 'hot head'

I just wasted the 90 minutes of my life watching this pitifull excuse for a debate.

I understand it's natural for debates to focus on the 'main' candidates, but this was just despicable. What kind of debate focuses 95% of the time on only two of the candidates? God forbid they talk about IMPORTANT things. But nope. I sat there watching the two 'main' candidates bickering over who said what?

Newsflash: We The People, don't care.

Show us all of the candidates views, the way you guys sidelined Huckabee and Ron Paul was just sad.

If this debate did anything to 'change my opinion' it was that I'm never wasting my time watching CNN debates again.

Rommey won the first 3 quarters and Huckabee the last quarter. Paul makes the most sense. McCain looked horrible. Being a prisioner of war does not make him the best candidate.

McCaine is a RINO and eveyone knows it

I feel that it was despicable the way you allowed the moderators to exclude half of the panel. If you just wanted McCain and Romney you should have had two debates. One for them and one for Huckabee and Paul.

How about the fact Reagan has supported Paul before and believed in the gold standard! Who was laughing at Paul in the last debate about that?

Get rid of Anderson Cooper. He did not handle this debate in a fair manner. He only concentrated with McCain and Romney. I am not surprised why Huckabee complained three times that he and Ron Paul were not given equal time to voice their opinion on other questions. This is not the way the debate should be handled. If Anderson wants to concentrate on McCain and Romney then they should not invite Huckabee and Ron Paul. These two guys deserve to be heard.

I believe that CNN did not handle this debate well. Anderson Cooper should not be given the chance to officiate the future debates.

The one who won the debate was Huckabee. He was very presidential in his thoughts on issues, ie. abortion, Iraq and the last question on Reagan's endorsement. He was the only one that makes sense by answerting that "he is endorsing Reagain on his beliefs and principles.

Didn't Reagan Flip on abortion prior to running for President similar to Romney? I'm pretty sure he did.

Does McCain think we are idiots??

Was Ronald Reagan running for re-election? A Reagan love fest.

It's interesting as the subjects get deeper, the other candidates quote and take sides with Ron Paul.
Dan

Yeah McCain really made a strong case saying Reagan would respect how John never flip flops on issues. Uh, does that include immigration senator?

Because McCaine has much to explain when it comes to his brand of coservitism

What really is starting to sicken me is all the 'Endorsements' McCain is piping on about- this just proves his insider status and that more of the same will be in store. America is at risk of stagnating folks - we cannot have more of the same. We need someone who has not spent their life in politics in the same circles. We need someone with real world experience and not just military experience. I am getting really tired of McCain's 'War Hero and "Look who just endoresed me" stance. Lets get someone in with real world ideas - Romney 08. Also - if you want a republican in the WHitehouse - it will never happen if McCain is up against Obama - he will not be able to compete.

Schneider, I am a Ron Paul supporter, and I couldn't give two CNN poll points what you say about any of the others, but you are coming off pretty biased. You really love bashing McCain. "More Puzzling Answers from McCain?" Is that fair? I guess you really want Romney to win. Funny, with a name like Schneider, I wouldn't figure you for a Mormon. You should treat McRomnabee equally. All three are weak. Ron Paul is the answer. You never even mention that he was there. Do "Edit…search" on your pages and Paul doesn't even show up! And you wonder why the college kids think there is a Ron Paul burying media conspiracy? Knock it off. Do your job as a journalist and report on all four candidates.

McCain should retire!!!

I agree with Katharine! A man of few words proves to be VERY wise. I think Gov. Schwarzenegger is regretting having agreed to endorsing McCain — due to his nods and agreements throughout (the very few) comments by Huckabee and his conversation after the debate with Huckabee.

Romney- You are the most qualified candidate. You have the experience, the leadership, and the morals we need to lead us.

We support you overseas! You are the man.

Go Romney 2008!

McCain's positions have "changed" on a dime for no rhyme or reason other that political expediency. If he was principled he would stand by McCain-Kennedy. If he is "correct" now and was "wrong" back then, his judgment should be seriously questioned.

McCain is a liar. I hope February 5th voters see him the cheap DC politician that he is.

Hey Lori — I'd like to add the word "particularly" to McCaines inability to articulate. He really needs to choose words he can pronounce. MAN! And we make fun of Bush?

Bill we all know that you media people want McCain so that he can get his compromising butt handed to him by the ruthless Clintons. There is a reason why Bill Clinton wants to face McCain: he knows that he will be easily defeated.

We all see through your ridiculous bias Mr.Schneider.

Bill, is Romney paying you by the comment?

Although Ron Paul's comments/answers are always more mature and logical than other PC candidates he never gets enough coverage by the media. Why the censorship? Maybe becasue Ron Paul is the only candidate who is not connected to special interest groups?

If McCain were a Brillo Pad, he's be worn out and rusty.

hey steve fom texas, check out his POSISTIONS on abortion over the past 10 years

mc cain didn't answer the question on regan if you listened closely. he said what regan would do. i think mc cain is a good man,but he's wrong on alot of thing . you sound look back and she every thing is not rosy.

This was the worst debate I've ever seen, I mean that literally. The hosts left Huckabee and Paul out of the mix and let McCain and Romney argue over technicalities on an issue they agree upon…I would expect such sensationalism from entertainment tonight not cnn

I watched most of the debate & got sick of the "McCain/Romney" show & finally changed the channel. I was hoping to hear what Huckabee had to say on a lot of different issues, but it seemed that there were only two canidates at the table!

McCain if fighting for his life in this race. I think that even good men lose their way when they let their ambitions overtake their principles. Though both McCain and Romney have some of the same positions, Romney is by far more Presidential.

TV Broadcasters and CNN should be ashamed that they purposefully framed McCain and Romney to be the center of attention tonight. Huckabee was the ONLY candidate tonight that was respectful and had benefitial comments to make on our economy and state currently. I was undecided before this debate, but after researching up on the candidates a little more while they discussed their views/opinions, I FULLY support Huckabee. The media is trying to make this a run between McCain and Romney by only giving them air-time, but it's not. Huckabee is the ONE candidate with values who does not mud-sling and focuses on how to IMPROVE the U.S, not how to put down other republicans. Republilcans should rally behind the one candidate who focuses on how to improve our country instead of how to put down other republicans.

The way CNN marginalized Huckabee and Paul was an absolute fraud.

If McCain is so conservative and understands economics why was his campaign going broke last year? Can't wait for the Q4 numbers to come out tomorrow.

Dear Schneider ! You don´t remember that Ronald Reagan was a reg. democrat, a liberaldemocrat , a tradeunion leader?

If California ever succeedes from the American Union, I hope Ron Paul will run for Premier of 2nd California Republic!

This so-called "debate" was a farce. Ron Paul was blatantly disregarded on every issue. As an American I am very dissatisfied with this process of selecting a president.

mccain was fightin for his life and at times appeared uncomfortable - i think romney won but it does not matter because i'm voting for hillary

Hey Bill, why no mention of the very important point made by Congressman Paul: Iraq is an immoral invasion of a sovereign nation and the invasion was done against our own Constitution?
We shouldn't be there period. Why haggle about the terms?
And the war for oil (Greenspan) in Iraq is the cause of most of the economic problems in our country right now: the huge deficits, the borrowing abroad.

Romney won the debate in a walk. McCain was ineffective and inarticulate. Clinton or Obama would eat his lunch. If Rebublicans don't go for Romney, they can kiss the White House goodbye.

I found McCain disgusting. Tear down the opposition because you have no ideas of your own. Being endorsed by all these bureaucrats is a good thing????

This was a sham of a debate. Anderson Cooper was clearly favoring McCain and Romney while giving Huckabee little time and completely cutting off Ron Paul.
What an insult and disgrace to all American people. This type of "journalism" is what's wrong with the Country today.

The whole "debate" is a typical American farce. It's not a debate. Both Romney and McCain lay snugly back in their arrogance knowing that CNN mediaphile will pay no attention to the truths which Mr. Paul presents about the US Empire and its foreign policies.

I guess the truth hurts, Paul. McCain really is that awful.

Biased against McCain? Are you kidding biased for Huckabee and against the two front runners especially the honorable governor Romney!

Ronald Reagan was a reg. democrat - 30 years !

RONALD REAGAN WAS A LIBERAL DEMOCRAT .

And after that in the 60 - libetrarian.

Oh for heaven's sake, Bill, stop slamming Romney at every opportunity. He is making a great case and McCain is soft on immigration. We're not interested in YOUR personal politics.

Gee, I could have sworn there were four candidates. Ron Paul was there too, CNN. Where do you take your directives from? Are you to report only on McRomnabee? As with each of the debates, Ron Paul gave the winning answers. Started with 11 candidates. Now Giuliani whimped out. Ron Paul is one of the four left standing (Huckabee will pack it in next.) Stop trying to bury Ron Paul. He is the best thing for this country and the worst nightmare for the establishment–the GOP who have "broken" this country and our economy. Anyone who is frightened by Paul's message (Hannity, O'Reilly, CNN, ABC, etc.) is unAmerican. He preaches the United States Constitiution. He is a true conservative.

Because the only thing better than helping an underdog get ahead is toppling a front-runner?

Considering Romney's C and Huckabee's F from the Cato Institute on economic conservatism and McCain's record of government spending and entitlement, it's doubtful any of these would get his endorsement.

Then again Reagan himself grew government by even more than Billy Boy did, so he might indeed endorse one of these poseurs.

Ron Paul wouldn't because of his foreign policy and anti-drug war stance, although other than that Reagan is widely regarded as libertarian.

I understand that this debate was held at the Reagan Library. However, I think it is pathetic that these candidates continue to invoke his name whenever possible. The man was president 20 years ago. Republicans are in BIG trouble unless they start looking ahead. The times and the American people are leaving them behind. The only candidate who is remotely with it is Paul - while the media ignores or mocks him and the candidates snicker as he speaks, the economy keeps tanking and inflation climbs. Are the candidates that stupid to think that printing more and more money will solve our problems? It's simple supply and demand. Look at post WWI Germany. That is where we are heading. These people have their heads in the sand and are leading us to ruin. Why would anyone vote for these people???

GO RON PAUL!!!!

What about the two votes against the Bush tax cuts by McCain. That sure has the taste of a flip-flop to me. You want "straight" talk ,then McCain should come clean and admit he has shifted his position on several issues as well. We all have the right to change our position if the facts help us do that. McCain has switched his opinion on the tax cuts just to look more like a republican not because the facts have changed.

SCHNEIDER

MANY OF US KNOW THAT YOU FAVOR OBAMA

PLEASE BE FAIR OBJECTIVE AND BALANCE TOMORROW NIGHT AT THE DEBATE

OUR LIVES ON THE LINE…THIS IS A CRITICAL TIME

DONT LET RHETORIC BE YOUR INFLUENCE

REALLY LISTEN TO ISSUES…STOP YOUR PERSONAL FAVOR ON OBAMA

FROM,

A CONCERNED CITIZEN ON VERGE OF HOME FORECLOSURE

Funny how we concentrate on the debate irrelevant jabs and not on the true meaning of the debates. ISSUES? Has anybody heard anything logical coming out of McCain's mouth? Anything?

Who care's about Reagan?It's 2008 hello.If Reagan's legacy is so great how come we're in the mess we're in?Oh and by the way how about letting each canidate get a chance to answer each question without being interupted.p s just keep drinking the kool aid

and also,

aren't all of these misquotes and misdata calculations and sly untrue jabs from McCain going to be eaten up by the democrats if he's our nominee?

Anyone who thinks that McCain was justified in calling Romney out on shifting positions needs to take a better look at the Senator himself!!! He wouldn't even vote on the bill he co-authored… or so he says today! And that's just one example on his list of flip-flops.

The ONLY reason Mike Huckabee is not #1 is because of the heavy exposure the newscasters have given to the other two fellas. He's clearly the most intelligent and equipped of them all.

Why did CNN select someone so strongly biased against McCain to do the ticker comments?

can someone actually clarify what shifting positions that Romney has had?

McCain is a proud, stubborn mule with absolutely no adaptability. He's a soldier at heart - A FOLLOWER - one who takes orders and does what they're told to do. He's sneaky, mean-spirited and not a trustworthy person. He's a back-slapper and needs to be accepted. He's a dangerous person to have to rely on.
He's not a leader in anyway.

McCain keeps pleading his case as a Regan foot soldier. Time is NOW. Time for change. Time to come out from the Shadows of Reagan (with all due respect). Romney is making his own opinions as his own person. That is what a leader is - not someone who keeps living in the legacy of their subordinate position of a prior great leader.

Umm, Kevin? That would have been a war that Reagan inherited from Nixon, it was declared something like eight or nine years before Reagan's first term.

Can McCain say anything other than 'unequivocally'? He sounds as bad as he looks…old.

You must have been watching a totally different debate, but from our point of view Romney, once again, shows that he's not only the best candidate but that he's willing to take on McCain and the Press, who's obviously siding with McCain, why? Just because it makes for a good story. The guy who was almost knocked out a few months ago, has claimed the majority of the delegates, does he deserve it? Let's just say, I don't want another liar in the White House. Sorry, Bill, you're way off on almost every comment you've posted so far.

Huckabee answered this correctly. Romney and McCain can throw stones over things that happened in April 2007 and hog air time, and presume that Reagan would endorse them. But come on, that's a ridiculous question. The correct answer is "I hope he would" as Huckabee stated — and we should use Reagan's legacy and guidance to help us now.

There is however one significant difference between McCain and quite frankly every other Republican candidate. That is the fact that his view changes came after beating his head againsts a cement wall and realizing he was screwed on issues like comprehensive immigration as well as taxation. To be forced to change your stance is harder to trust or believe in then someone who changes their views on their own.

Yes, I wholeheartedly agree. Stooping to the same tactics that George Bush used in the 2000 campaign against him, he uses well-known and successful procedures for saying little, but inflicting much damage.

And besides, what Republicans can remember that far back, to remember when George called McCain crazy and unstable? We all took George at his word then, and again when he said it wasn't HIS fault he allowed the 9/11 attacks to happen, and we believed him when he said that Iraq had WMD, so now it's just time to forget Bush said all those things.

Or is it? If we forget that McCain is crazy and unstable - we have to forget that Bush is blameless for all his other mistakes.

McCain depresses me. Huckabee won the debate and he barely got a chance to participate!

good point Kevin, but for him the only person who shifts positions is Mitt Romney.Hypocrit

Amnesty… If one does not understand their own policy of Amnesty, how would they expect Romney's comments… Pathetic

How in the world is McCan't the front runner right now. Has we become that desperate?

Huckabee clearly gave the best answer on the Reagan legacy. You know, if people actually voted their heart and weren't so easily swayed by popular opinion and worthless polling data, Huckabee could win this thing. Just like Harry Truman did in 1948. He didn't stand a chance but people voted for him anyway because they liked him.

ITS CLEAR RON PAUL WON THIS DEBATE.

I agree with Jason. Seems to me McCain's going negative at this point is VERY risky. Given the momentum he seems to have right now, I'd be on the high road and focusing up, up, up at this point …

CNN…

Who's this Bill Schneider guy making all these ridiculous comments. Bring in someone without a transparent self-serving agenda.

Complete cheap shot by McCain.

Mc Cain is a disgrace, he gonna bankrupt this country

I guess if you call immature attempts at trying to cut down someone who is clearly the best candidate –

Here's a new ticker: President Reagan was the second worst President of the United States- other than his Vice President's son.

Overall, the debate showed how awful and petty McCain is. Hope the country is paying some attention.

How about the war that Reagan started that we are still fighting and losing….The war on drugs. Silly that the debate was about Reagan and his policies and not one question about the war on drugs.

Bill: like McCain hasn't shifted his positions on immigration and taxes, two huge issues. Common Bill, tell the truth.

i look forward to seeing the amount of face time each candidate had, so that maybe someone will try to shift that complete imbalance. to blame the questioners would be to not give enough credit to romney and mccain blowing hot air for way longer than what i would have thought was their alloted time.

McCain spoke of Reagan's unshifting Conservative principles. Too bad McCain doesn't have Conservative principles!!!!!

Limiting free speech
Increasing taxes
Amnesty

Not really a Conservative, is he?

Funny thing though I can still remember the Bush Campaign making the same exact claim about McCain 8 years ago…

Huckabee and McCain gained. The others lost.

Again, why the use of the weasel word sly? You're supposed to be somewhat impartial, you know.

I disagree, that was a cheap shot and totally uncalled for considering the question. The question was would Reagan endorse you and why, not why wouldn't he endorse the others.

Dirty trick by the man who shouldn't claim to have ever heard Reagan! He has never at least in the last decade voted as if he was in the 'Reagan camp'!

These two candidates really hate each other, and it showed throughout the debate. This cannot be overlooked

MCCAIN REMINDS OF BILL CLINTON IN A BAD MOOD

Ya we want hot head McCain with his hand real close to the missile button.

didnt you feel like this was a cheap shot?

WHO CARES WHAT Ronald reagan has to say?!? This election should focus on the people and who they believe will be best in this election. Reagan is dead lets not ponder over what his opinion would’ve been and lets focus on the numerous domestic problems we have.

Go Obama/Huckabee!!!!

Wow you are biased. Why wouldn't they put someone on a blog who doesn't have an agenda.