January 30, 2008
Posted: 07:41 PM ET
 CNN is set the Republican presidential debate.
CNN is set the Republican presidential debate.

We want your real-time reactions to what the candidates are saying. Do agree or disagree? Who's making the most persuasive arguments? Who's dodging the questions? What would you ask the candidates? Sound off on the CNN Political Ticker.

Filed under: Republican Debate


Daria   February 4th, 2008 6:29 am ET

Shame on CNN and Anderson Cooper. There are 4 people on stage, not 2 candidates. I'd like the opportunity to hear from ALL of them - the media should not be in a position to make my decision for me.

curttwo   February 2nd, 2008 11:59 am ET

Go ahead and keep on ignoring Ron Paul.
Rudy snickered at him and look where he is now.
It will be too late when the "sheeple" of America realize how right Ron was.
Just like when Ross Perot talked about NAFTA back in the '90's.
Will we wake up before it's too late?

Chris   February 1st, 2008 10:51 am ET

Please. Don't try to insult us with your farce of "letting Ron Paul speak". We know it was not aired to people who need to see it. You, instead, spoke to the choir and made yourself look even more like a farce and a joke.

I hope you enjoy the U.S. you leave to your family, children and loved ones. The one man with true integrity, honor, and an answer to the problems we are facing..you black-out.

Thank you so much for sensoring our comments. I am very happy to know we still have a First Amendment. Enjoy the world you have helped create.

jimmy   January 31st, 2008 5:51 pm ET

yeah CNN deleted alot of my comments…like the one about why so many people on here are for RP…they are the only citizens out there that are smart enough to see through the sleaze presented to us by the puppet lapdog media and know who is best for American Freedom and the ending of the deceit required to bring on the NWO!

drew   January 31st, 2008 3:43 pm ET

let paul speak

Kit Maira   January 31st, 2008 12:47 pm ET

We have seen some terrible debates, but the CNN debate last night was by far the most worthless. Anderson Cooper was about the worst "moderator" I have seen. He was especially rude to Ron Paul, cutting him off on several occasions, then promising that he would get time to talk about the issues "in two minutes, no two question" that never came. Meanwhile he allowed McCain and Romney to dominate the whole 90 minutes with meaningless drivel. Huckabee actually came off the best I have seen him, yet Cooper purposely excluded him from most of the debate as well. I don't see why Anderson Cooper even has a job on CNN, he is that bad.

Ray   January 31st, 2008 12:43 pm ET

Disgusting display of bias journalism. "I promise" huh Anderson, I never thought CNN could be worse than Faux, but I guess I can always be wrong. Poor sheeple, they will get what they deserve.

Creampuff   January 31st, 2008 12:41 pm ET

It was a charade and showed just who they want people to vote for. It was unfair and not very professional. I will boycott CNN if they don't get more equal in it's coverage of ALL candidates.

They removed my previous identical post, they must hate the Constitution just like Bush does.

[What's the matter free speech, not in your vocabulary?]

nancy   January 31st, 2008 12:33 pm ET

I am disgusted and appauled at the way Ron Paul was ignored. He is a man among arrogant boys!!!

RAY RHODES   January 31st, 2008 12:33 pm ET

I can sum it up in one word ! Pathetic.

Vicki   January 31st, 2008 12:25 pm ET

I am flabbergasted at the blatant censoring of and straight out rudeness to Ron Paul. The man has more guts for tolerating that kind of treatment than any other candidate could possibly endure. Yet, he continues to be a gentleman, never attacking, and never changing his stance on the issues instead of saying what he thinks people want to hear as all the others do.

Adam   January 31st, 2008 12:23 pm ET

I was very disappointed with CNN last night. Anderson Cooper was extremely disrespectful towards Dr. Ron Paul by repeatedly cutting him off. I used to think CNN was more fair than stations like FOX News, but I see now that I was wrong. Looks like I'll be watching Super Tuesday results on MSNBC.

Daughter of the American Revolution   January 31st, 2008 12:06 pm ET

Wake up AMERICA> Think about what kind of world we are creating for our children and grandchildren. Pray about the candigates and vote your conscience. McCain is just like our current president. War and more War 100 years…..

Eric, Los Angeles   January 31st, 2008 11:50 am ET

Obviously, whichever candidate the media ignores the most is going to be the BEST candidate for America.

That means Ron Paul is the best man for the job, hands down.

Is this CNN or is this FOX? I cant tell with the way they anointed McRomCainney.

Dano   January 31st, 2008 11:43 am ET

If the American people do not see that therring media is steering us to 2 candidates then I am ashamed to be American. Wake up Sheeple.

Dano   January 31st, 2008 11:40 am ET

VOTE AGAINST THE MEDIA. VOTE RON PAUL

Liz   January 31st, 2008 11:40 am ET

I thought there was supposed to be 4 candidates in this debate? I pretty much only saw 2. The 2 that like to sling mud. So when will the other 2 get their debate? You know the 2 that care about the issues not just who they can beat on.

Joy   January 31st, 2008 11:33 am ET

Are you still moderating my comments from last night? And why? Approx. 9:30 P.M. I see you allowed my smaller comment and the longer one wasn't nearly as long as some you have posted. This happened the last time I wrote.

Dano   January 31st, 2008 11:33 am ET

CNN is censoring our comments now too.

earl   January 31st, 2008 11:05 am ET

what a farce,anderson cooper promised paul a response,and never gave it..
why cant all canidates have equal time? isnt that what a debate is?

Snippy   January 31st, 2008 10:42 am ET

I agree with the majority of comments on here…Anderson Cooper did a "P" poor job…and I thought FAUX NEWS was bad…The rudemess shown to Dr. Ron Paul was disgusting to say the least…..thank goodness Huck spoke up or I think that end of the stage would have been forgotten completely…I do hope people get a clue and see whats going on here…by the response on here I sure hope so…you don't have to vote for Ron Paul but for goodness sake lets hear what the man has to say so we can make up our own minds…

Josh   January 31st, 2008 10:40 am ET

Im tired of this bullcrap, Romney blows, Huckabee is a great a powerful wizard who wants you to pay no attention to that man behind the curtain, Mcaine, honestly do i need to say anything about him? Im tired of hearing the same crap from the same people, LET RON PAUL SPEAK!!!! VOTE RON PAUL!!!!!

Allan   January 31st, 2008 10:33 am ET

Worst debate ever. I am surprised Anderson Cooper receives a salary for what he does. Pathetic.

Tim G   January 31st, 2008 10:30 am ET

For shame Anderson Cooper, for shame. I have often thought that CNN was aligned with the Democratic Party, as many others also believe, and I think it was solidified in last night's debate. Let's face the facts here. Does anyone actually think McCain or Romney would be able to snag many Independent or Democratic votes when either Hillary or Obama finalize their role in the Presidential election? Of course they cannot. Does anyone think Ron Paul might be able to do just that? I believe so.

What happened at last night's debate was CNN wanted to poke McCain and Romney to get them to fight like two brothers not wanting to sit in the middle seat for a long family trip. It would benefit Democrats greatly to see McCain or Romney in the final election bid.

Ron Paul is a threat to the Republicans spend thrift attitude and war mongering as well as being a threat to the Democrats ideas on the welfare system. Ron Paul is the only fiscally conservative government representative we have up in the GOP, the only candidate that will focus on the people's right and not on the governments.

We cannot expect the media to be fair and balanced as they all have their own agendas. Shame on you Anderson. I used to look up to you.

katie   January 31st, 2008 10:09 am ET

I am really disappointed in last nights debate. As a first time voter, I need these debates and I need information so I can make a clear decision. It is very clear to me that your program is not for fairness and equality. My mom and dad have always liked Anderson and watch his news show constantly, but after last night, they are both disgusted and do not trust his comments or judgments anymore.
I would like to see Anderson offer an apology to Ron Paul and also to Huckabee and until he does that, he is off our screen and out of our house along with all
those advertisements that support the show.

Victoria   January 31st, 2008 10:07 am ET

I was sickened by this so called "debate" last night. I can't stand Romney and his "rich kid" attitude. I can't stand McCain and his plea to make him president because he was a POW….he's doing exactly what Giuliani did by crying 9-11! Huckabee sounded OK. BUT, Ron Paul was the only candidate on that stage with any sense. How can people say that he can't be president? He understands what needs to be done and he isn't afaid to say so. He isn't overbearing like Romney and isn't full of himself like McCain. He's a man with principles and integrity. THAT is what I want in a president. CNN is a joke, along with all the other media out there. Anderson is pathetic…go back to hosting stupid "Mole" shows! I am sick of how we are being treated in this country by forcing the president on us….choose Ron Paul. At least he will stand up for you.

RE:Paul from Louisiana   January 31st, 2008 10:04 am ET

Paul is sincere and correct. Anderson Cooper has shown his true colors. The networks are all the same..puppets.. all the strings leading to the same military industrial complex corporations who profit from war presidents. And so they give time to only the two candidates who pledge war forever and more of them. Also, notice who the sponsors were during the break..there were only two.. Cisco Systems and natural coal - ask yourself why.

This debate like all you will see on mainstream media are a sham. Putin must be blushing with admiration.

Last man standing   January 31st, 2008 9:41 am ET

TURN OFF THE TV PEOPLE! I can't believe the American public actually buy into this MSM censorship! If you want to learn about the candidates use the internet. We are living in the "Information Age" and still we rate and select our leaders base on information spoon fed to us from "News Professionals" with corporate interests. ARRGGHHH!

Jeshua   January 31st, 2008 8:09 am ET

The only one who made sense was Ron Paul. Too bad, he didn't get as much air time as the rest. I would like to hear more about this man.
There seem to be a bit of bias against this man - he seems to have the balls to stand up for what he believes in, the others seem like clone politicians to me.

Chris   January 31st, 2008 1:26 am ET

How about giving equal time for ALL Candidates??? AC - Show some courtesy to Ron Paul!!!

Bill   January 31st, 2008 1:14 am ET

The american people should be up in arms but they never seem to be. Again the rich and the media will force us to choose between the lesser of two evils.

FirstCasualty   January 31st, 2008 1:14 am ET

Stop watching the idiot box. CNN MSNBC FOX ABC. They are all the same. They didn't let Huck debate and they never will. How do you defeat networks that will not listen? Turn the idiot box off and go watch the debates on Livevideo or Youtube. They cannot broadcast if no one's watching.

Chris   January 31st, 2008 1:14 am ET

Being well versed in monetary policy, I found the discussion highly disappointing. I like both Paul and Huck – Paul has better ideas and Huck is a better speaker. I am very afraid of the country we are leaving for our children after this debate. The problems in the country have only grown over the last 60 years. No one is actually doing anything but providing gibber gabber explanations. I pay enough taxes for 4 median income families. I don’t mind paying my fair share. However, what does Iraq have to gain for us except make me money on my BP stock? Especially when those profits I make are going to be drained at 90% to pay my lack of Social Security in 30 years or the debt we owe China and other neighbors. If you are not scared then you are in for a serious wake up call. But… the sub primes should teach all of us of American ignorance in finance and our willingness to borrow.

James Moore   January 31st, 2008 1:13 am ET

Equal Time - Your kidding me.
C'mon - I'll get back with you in a couple of minutes.
What was that about.

CNN - I thought that I saw four people running for president.

I think that you only saw two.

I think that the we are starting to understand what is really happening.
The jig is up!

Paul from Louisiana   January 31st, 2008 1:13 am ET

Mr. Cooper should be ashamed of himself. Go read the transcript if you missed the debate.

He "promised" TWICE to let Dr. Paul respond in TWO minutes or TWO questions, which he did not, simply ignored him. Even tho Dr. Paul did not get to respond to the previous question and had only spoken for a few seconds before getting cut off.

He called on Dr. Paul to respond to another question, then let Romney continue then ignored him after.

Both Mike Huckabee and Ron Paul got robbed in this debate. I will not watch another debate on CNN ever with Mr. Cooper as moderator. I'm very saddened by his performance tonight, I used to look up to him for how he handled himself during Katrina here in Louisiana. Why is it SO difficult for these guys just to be fair and balanced? That's all we want.

Good job, this makes it official. CNN has dropped to dirty levels of FOX.

Great day for democracy. What ever happen to all Candidates should get EQUAL air time? And if there was no rules to time limits as he pointed out why was Dr. Paul cut off over and over, yet the others were allowed to babble on for minutes?

I've also copy and paste this answer and if you "moderate" my comment out i'll keep reposting it till it goes through. Last time I came to post a comment on your blogs I had to post twice… It's annoying…

Adam   January 31st, 2008 12:36 am ET

I'm really disappointed in CNNs inability to host a fair debate. Why were Huckabee and Paul totally excluded tonight? Did CNN decide that either McCain or Romney is going to be the Republican nominee?

timone   January 31st, 2008 12:35 am ET

Coverage was fair.
Needed coverage of other issues "housing crisis".
Not really interested in the Supreme Court

Could have asked more on the economy
Everyone seemed informed
Nice debate format
Should have given Huckabee more time
On Iraq they should have gone more into their plans
Rebuilding the Military etc.
Each candidate should have had a tough question for the others
Don't Really think much of McCains 100 years in Iraq

Please don't let the candidates ramble
Anderson should have stopped Romney a couple of times
Unless they answered the question they should not get more time.
Loved the debate overall!!!!

jerry   January 31st, 2008 12:35 am ET

This had to be one of the worst debates I have ever seen, I thought their were suppose to be four people running for President, instead CNN acted as if their were only two. Those two acted like children, Ron Paul makes the most sense, I will vote for him, and how about Mike H. for V.P. The news media is beyond comment, no words to describe how bias they are, I hope people go to ronpaul2008.com to find out his views and how much we need him.

Mark   January 30th, 2008 11:22 pm ET

Moderation was extremely poor. Huck and Ron Paul were virtually ignored. I'm including CNN in with my "Fox News" category of journalists.

Where's the objectivity? Don't journalists have some code you are supposed to follow, or are you working for someone else?

Alejandro   January 30th, 2008 11:19 pm ET

Rommey and McCain fought unprofessionally… Paul a craying baby… Was Huckabee the most centered at the dabate?

What Debate TOM   January 30th, 2008 11:12 pm ET

What debate All I saw was a pathetic attempt at a PR campaign for Romney and MCCain. Shouldn't CNN have to report this as a political contribution to MCain and Romney. Go Dr. Paul. People are waking up.

Eric   January 30th, 2008 11:12 pm ET

When did Murdoch buy CNN???

njz   January 30th, 2008 11:07 pm ET

McCain is bumbling and fumbling.
how did he get to be a front runner?
hard to imagine that Schwarzenegger might endorse him…talk about jumping on the band wagon!
this is sad.
is this the best the GOP has to offer? no wonder the Republicans aren't united on a candidate.

Dave   January 30th, 2008 10:47 pm ET

Come on Anderson, your performance was terrible. Dr. Paul called it silly, I call it criminal. I, like many Americans were looking forward to a good debate, there where 4 canidates but you only wanted to listen to 2. Shame on you for cheating the american people by not allowing Dr. Paul or Huckabee have equal time. I think both men should have walked out on you.

Jane   January 30th, 2008 10:47 pm ET

I can't believe how incredibly rude Anderson Cooper and the rest were to Dr. Ron Paul during the California debate tonight. It was so childish and glaringly obvious.

First, Mr. Cooper and company blatantly ignore Paul (one question in the first half hour). Then, when Paul finally had a chance to talk, he politely called Cooper out for skipping him. (Justifiably so.) Then, Cooper rudely cuts off Dr. Paul and skips over him yet again without even giving him a chance to answer the original question he was asked!

For shame, CNN, for shame.

The rest of the candidates get to blab and bicker all they want (and what a fine job they did!), and Dr. Paul was censored so unfairly. I would have loved to have heard him. What a sham of a debate. Oh well, I'll just stick to getting my news from those who aren't in the pocket of big business and the powers that be.

Here's to the Ron Paul R[ ƎVO˩ ]UTION!

Greg   January 30th, 2008 10:47 pm ET

It's time for a tea party with our mainstream media. My stomach is literally upset over the treatment of Paul and Huckabee.

redpillawake   January 30th, 2008 10:25 pm ET

Google RON PAUL!!!! Ron Paul 2008

jANIE   January 30th, 2008 10:25 pm ET

It's clear that CNN and the rest of the MSM has "annointed" who we will have as our candidates. Pravda - here we come!

Brad P.   January 30th, 2008 10:24 pm ET

Well it amazing how a multi millionaire, a 72 year old vet., and a southern baptist preacher can all act like spoiled little babies. Huckabee prefaced every response with a childish complaint about not getting a lot of time. McCain should rename his campaign "The Double Talk Express". Romney just can't control himself from laughing at Ron Paul for no good reason. Also why did Anderson Cooper cut Ron Paul off twice, when Paul barely spoke for 20 seconds after watching the other 3 candidates give very long stuttering diatribes? Ron Paul was the clear winner when he was afforded the time to speak. I do have a problem with the way all of the networks divide theh time up in these debates. McCain and Romney are allowed to have a 3rd grade back and forth argument all the while a true policy guru is out there in the wilderness.

avis   January 30th, 2008 10:24 pm ET

CNN should be ashamed of how unfair this debate was handled. Ron Paul and Mike Huckabee were given very little time to answer questions. Anderson Cooper was clearly favoring McCain and Romney. Also, do most people know that Juan Hernandez, who has dual citizenship in both Mexico and US, is McCains senior advisor? If McCain becomes president it will be amnesty for all ILLEGALS. Why is the media, CNN, so afraid to give ROn Paul equal time. Could it be because he speaks the truth???

Disgruntled   January 30th, 2008 10:22 pm ET

With All Do respect to Senator McCain and his military record…do the Republicans want every question answered with a summary of support from Iraq! Better yet, must we continue the push of the Iraq war down our throats as the center piece for his presidential campaign bid…There are other pressing things to discuss/debate and resolve for the betterment of this country and I would like to hear about something else from McCain other than IRAQ.

Perry Shaw, Porter, Texas   January 30th, 2008 10:22 pm ET

CNN - your discrimination against Dr. Ron Paul is becoming more and more evident as the field of candidates narrow. Do the American people a service and allow Dr. Paul's positions some daylight and broaden the debate beyond the petty "who said what when" poking between McCain and Romney.

Patty   January 30th, 2008 10:22 pm ET

I've heard it said that the media elects the next president. By tonight's debate I'm beginning to think this is true. It looked to me like there were 4 candidates that were ready and eager to respond to the questions. Shame on you for allowing McCain and Romney to dominate the debate. What an insult to Ron Paul and Mike Huckabee. McCain and Romney did nothing but waste valuable time arguing about nothing. McCain was so busy dancing around the questions he never did answer anything directly. In my opinion, Mike Huckabee is not afraid to answer directly and gets right to the point. I sure wish you would have given him more opportunity to share his ideas. You (the panel) did a great injustice tonight to all of us who were waiting to hear what the candidates had to say.

John Camarillo   January 30th, 2008 10:13 pm ET

Can someone please tell me at what peace table will the US sit, where a peace treaty will be signed, and with whom to demonstrate that all is safe in Iraq? Because it ain't going to happen!

Angie   January 30th, 2008 10:13 pm ET

My Grandfather was a war hero, that doesn't mean he should be President!!

libby   January 30th, 2008 10:13 pm ET

I feel John McCain acted very unpresidental as he listened, if he did, to others opinions and answers. I feel his temper started to come through during the interchange between him and Romney. I disliked tonight, the pompous attitude and smurk on his face. Being a war hero, and we is, does not transilate into a president. His temper could be a real problem for our country.

Anonymous   January 30th, 2008 10:07 pm ET

Diogenes was looking for Ron Paul and never found him; he was right in front of you and you didn't see him!
You performed disgracefully and are a discredit to your profession. My view of the questioners has been forever sullied.
Since nothing was addressed substantively, you have added to the further decline of our culture by continuing the "dumbing down"of the citizenry!

Michael   January 30th, 2008 10:07 pm ET

McCain is the ONLY Republican who can beat Clinton or Obama in November. All the polling data in head-to-head match-ups show that McCain is the ONLY candidate who can beat the Democrats. It's not surprising. He also appeals to Independents and Reagan Democrats. Even political analyst Dick Morris says that McCain CAN win in November, and he (Morris) also says that there is no way Romney can win.

Caroline   January 30th, 2008 10:07 pm ET

Would it really have been that hard to give all the candidates the same amount of time to answer the same questions? Ron Paul was seriously shafted tonight, but he STILL makes more sense in 30 seconds than McCain and Romney make with their 10 minutes of scripted drivel.

Dr. Paul has the cure for what's killing this country.

Covelo   January 30th, 2008 10:07 pm ET

Oh, and one more thing: I note CNN is not offering a text-message vote on who won tonight's debate. Is that perhaps because Dr. Ron Paul has won all the previous debates?

Mike   January 30th, 2008 10:07 pm ET

It is becoming clear that the Republican faithful have decided to support McCain. All of these well timed endorsements from popular Republicans smack of a Republican party strategy session where deals have been struck. It is also clear that the Democrats and the liberal press (which includes CNN) have also decided to support McCain, probably because they think that he is the most beatable in the general election. I have finally gotten to the point where I feel the Republican party is hopeless. If they are stupid enough to try and get John McCain elected, they will not get my support any longer . If Romney is not the candidate, then I will write in my vote for Ron Paul in the general election.

PJ   January 30th, 2008 10:07 pm ET

Things you won't hear tonight:
Mortgage crisis:
It's not just bad lending, it's about the thousand of jobs that went overseas and the current 'American" corporations that have employees in other countries so they reap larger profits.

Illegal Immigration:
lets speak the truth..these people are not 'immigrant's…they are foreign nationals who have breached our borders. They do not have the same rights citizens do.
Just when did politicians become exempt from obeying American Laws?

National Security:
It's not about a wall. It's about our government turning their backs on the welfare of the American people so their friends can have more money.
Notice that no one ever mentions our ports and airways.

Trade:
What comes in is equal to, or less than, what goes out.

A New President:
The person who stands up and says, " If I'm elected I will lead and represent the American People…and ONLY the American People" gets my vote.

Brandon Lamm   January 30th, 2008 10:06 pm ET

I completely called it, and they did it several times. They ask McCain a question about Romney JUST so they can ask Romney for a response. Then they ask Romney a question about McCain JUST so they can ask McCain for a response.

Barry   January 30th, 2008 10:06 pm ET

WE WANT HUCK!! We love Huckabee!!!

Jared   January 30th, 2008 10:06 pm ET

Paul,

Great post. Look at all the support for Ron Paul in this Thread.

I really despise McCain. I don't hear anything of substance coming out of his mouth. All I hear is fear and warmongering

Dan   January 30th, 2008 10:05 pm ET

People, please listen: HUCKABEE CANT WIN!! On the news the other day, they even stated that the reason Huckabee is still in the race is so that he can snatch votes from Romney. What McCain did tonight was ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTING!! He kept laughing over and over and was arguing about semantics. Please, if you don't want John McLame in office, vote for Mitt Romney!!!

mike watkins   January 30th, 2008 10:05 pm ET

what do mean votes are being wasted evan who is your man

gail   January 30th, 2008 10:05 pm ET

I found McCain and Romney both arrogant, Bush is arrogant, we don't need that type of attitude in the White House anymore. They reminded me of two teenagers with the smirks they diplayed on their faces when Ron Paul was talking, he may be a bit radical but he was right about alot of the things he said. When it came to issues they were all about the same. But Huckabee is by far the best republican running

Lyn Kristesen   January 30th, 2008 10:05 pm ET

I am an American living in Europe. Without doubt McLain is the best qualified of these four. contenders. Huckabee also appeals but was given little chance to prove his worth. The only contender I actually fear is Mitt Romney- he is a politcal
turncoat as well as in truth a champion of the rich.
In our opinion McCain is without doubt the best Rebuplican representative.
He can also heal the sores of the last eight years.
Good Luck
Sicerely Lyn Kristensen

Mark   January 30th, 2008 10:05 pm ET

These debates are simply typical. The moderators need to ask substantive questions and stop asking questions, which degrade the process. I am less interested in what the candidate thinks about each other than I am about particular issues.

We need to know (in no particular order and certainly not inclusive):

1. What are they specifically going to do about crime?
2. What do they think about the North American Union?
3. Are they going to protect our sovereignty?
4. What do they think about the proposed Amero?
5. Specifically how are they going to deal with illegal aliens?
6. What is their position concerning Israel?
7. What is their position concerning abortion?
8. Specifically what are they going to do about the economy?

Stop asking softball questions. Get specific and demand specific answers and when it is not answered, ask it again. We want a real debate and want specific and honest answers, not political rhetoric.

Be fair; ask questions concerning all candidates and not just the ones, which you think we want to hear from. Do not try to make our decision of whom we are going to elect for President.

Vincent Lee   January 30th, 2008 10:04 pm ET

Thanks cnn for censoring my comment, mine was right after a comment BY Walter Sobchak, but for some odd reason mine was left out, there was no cursing or slander!!!! Boycott Main Stream Media

Fiza Yusufzai   January 30th, 2008 10:04 pm ET

McCain needs to stop reading his scripts or cue cards. doesn't he know what he believes in? Is he not clear of his own plans? what a puppet!

Mark- Texas   January 30th, 2008 10:04 pm ET

Anderson Cooper and CNN, Why bother to invite Ron Paul to the Romney and McCain Show? You didn't allow him time to speak. Your blatant bias and propaganda is repulsive! Your new motto, "CNN…the spin starts here!"

Ivan Sanzana   January 30th, 2008 10:04 pm ET

When voting next fall, Think of Uncle Paul !

Nancy   January 30th, 2008 10:04 pm ET

I realize Romney & McCain are leading this race, but I would have liked hearing more from Mr. Huckabee & Mr Paul more. I have listened to every debate by both the Republicans & the Democrats and I truly believe it doesn't matter who becomes President my needs won't be met. I am a senior citizen with a teenage son and I haven't heard many say anything about me. Mr. Huckabee has made more since to me than a lot of them but I also liked Mr. Edwards views and look where he is now. If Clinton becomes our President Bill Clinton becomes our President too and that will be a terrible disaster. This year I feel the true candidate for the President of the United States won't be elected anyway.

Randy   January 30th, 2008 10:04 pm ET

If we cannot trust CNN or other news agencies to properly conduct debates, how can we expect them to report any news in a trust-worthy manner? That is, if CNN is not willing to provide a fair and balanced environment for debates, what makes anyone think that the election numbers they report are accurate? If a news agency can sway a debate without question or repercussion, what guarantees that they will convey truthful election outcomes? Let's face it: everyone needs to do more research on their own to ensure we aren't being spoon-fed biased information… about everything. How else will you know if you don't do your own research? Without your own information, how will you make your own decision? Or, do you want the biased corporate media to decide for you?

Simon   January 30th, 2008 10:04 pm ET

Ron Paul is right about SOUND MONEY.
Read GATA's advertisement in The Wall Street Journal tomorrow.

Mark   January 30th, 2008 10:04 pm ET

RON PAUL is Simply The Best !!!!

To bad that interview online wasn't on regular TV. He would have WON a bunch of Votes with that interview. He is the best on the issues… Iraq, Economics, Policing of the World.

Bill   January 30th, 2008 10:04 pm ET

Shame on CNN and Anderson Cooper. There were 4, repeat 4, candidates on stage. Cooper and the other newsies seemed to avoid 2 of them - Paul and Huckabee - at every opportunity. If you were going to host a 4-candidate debate, they should all have been involved. Cooper allowed it to be the 'McCain and Romney' show.

Bill
Herndon, VA

HPPYGRL7   January 30th, 2008 10:04 pm ET

This debate was very poorly run. We want to hear all the candidates. This program made CNN look extremely angled and dishonest in their approach and I will not bother watching this station again. Run a debate that appeals to the American public's wishes, not your own political interests.

Andrew   January 30th, 2008 10:04 pm ET

CNN manipulators,

I agree, I have a hard time just getting my comments asking for more time to be given to Ron Paul. Huckabee deserved more time too. Problem is Ron Paul is so polite the moderators take advantage of him. I can't believe we had to spend time listening to McCain make innuendo insults. It reminded me of what I couldn't stand about McCain in 2000 when he ran against Bush. Bush and McCain both acted like childish school girls. 8 years later, it is McCain and Romney acting like childish school girls.

Delimar   January 30th, 2008 10:04 pm ET

I've left 5 comments and none have been posted. What should I say that is politically correct enough for you to post it? Should I endorse McCain?

Natalie   January 30th, 2008 10:04 pm ET

It's not just this debate. Ron Paul's picture was not included in the graphics that were flashed going to commercials. NH said he couldn't join the debate because of a poor showing in Iowa. Except they invited Guiliani who had a worse showing, so Jay Leno flew him out and had him on the Tonight Show. More importantly than McCain versus Romney versus Huckabee. You should all be frightened to death, literally, that the media, which is all corporately owned, decides who you get to see and hear and who you don't. It doesn't matter whether you like him or not. None of the candidates or your choices are as important as realizing that the airways which have a policy to report the news equally, flagrantly don't. There was a headline on cnn.com today about Guiliani and Edwards dropping out and at the bottom there were links to Guiliani, Romney, McCain. Now they are going to play "significant" parts of the debate in case you missed it. We can guess what they will show. I've always noticed CNN's bias. How's this? The Boston Globe endorses…, the New York Times endorse…the New Hampshire main paper endorses…why are "news" papers endorsing anyone ever? Doesn't something about that smell?

lynn   January 30th, 2008 10:04 pm ET

shame on you CNN

Shame., Shame, why not let all the canidates get equal time!!!

Now you truely are a liberal news station!!!!!!!!

SHAME ON CNN
SHAME ON CNN

by the way im voting for John McCain

Lyndsey   January 30th, 2008 10:04 pm ET

Endorsement, Schmendorsement. Does anyone realize all of the moderate conservatives that are endorsing McCain. Besides, any American who votes based on what a newspaper editorial board thinks, needs to do more homework.

JReitr   January 30th, 2008 10:04 pm ET

Although he was given the least amount of time to speak, I think Ron Paul articulated the most reasonable explainations for what is going on in the world.

Anderson Cooper did a good job allowing the other candidates try to explain their positions (even clarifying Romney's position for him), although I still do not have a grasp on what Romney or McCain vision(s?) for America are.

Phicrappazappa   January 30th, 2008 10:03 pm ET

Question:
What do you call B.H. Obamas' Presidency?
Answer:
An Obamanation!

Mary   January 30th, 2008 10:03 pm ET

McCain is a liar. He supported the Democratic senators last summer. Did no one watch the senate debates last summer. He will give every illegal amnesty as soon as Harry Reid reintroduces the bill. Did you hear how he tried to dodge the question. I am so mad. CNN would not make him answer the question. This country is in exponential population growth with low skill foreigners who are opeinging restaurants with illegals from their country. Illegals are getting 300 dollars a child because the government says they are orphans. They irony is that their parents are applying for the SSI payments. Of course, McCain wants to limit Social Security - he wants to get votes from the illegals.

kris   January 30th, 2008 10:03 pm ET

by the way - it kind of cracks me up that Arnold's endorsement is now breaking news - I'm sorry, but I just can't take him seriously.

Dale   January 30th, 2008 10:03 pm ET

There is NO significant different between the Democrats and Republicans. The only difference is the war, healthcare, and moral issues. The two parties will eventually merge into one and a new party will arise.

Fredy   January 30th, 2008 10:03 pm ET

Cooper "promised" to give Ron Paul a chance to speak about Liberalism and Conservatism, this comes to show that he has no integrity and is not fit to be a news reporter. CNN is adding fuel to the wave of angry Americans. Ron Paul did kept his cool and showed that he has true strength when it comes to making irrational decisions.

Stephen   January 30th, 2008 10:03 pm ET

This debate was a joke. CNN and Cooper should be ashamed of themselves.

The Democratic debates are just as bad.

Go Bloomberg!

Warren   January 30th, 2008 10:03 pm ET

I'm afraid of having this proud self deserving Jon McCain as President. On the other hand, although Huckabee and Romney have govenoring Experience I think Ron paul clearly showed who wasnt dillusional about our policies on monetary issues, foreign issues at home and abroad, and, he even had some simple solutions to very complex issues. Im a 28 year old black man and tonight I sat for a hour and a half and was genuinely interested in what 4 White men were saying at a national republican debate. In this debate, I seen a 1 man that would get into office and conform to the cycle of the Washington we now know; another man that would have goodwill in everything he would do but could not protect us; and a self deserving war monger who i personally think would start World War 3. Ron Paul is neither of these. I will let you tag the candidate with his rightful description.

Warren Guess

Pete   January 30th, 2008 10:03 pm ET

Substantive issues lacking out the woozoo.
– Can't we have some transparency on the economy,
– on immigration,
– on our existing failed market-led rapidly globalized supply-side agenda?
– Nothing on NAFTA,
– GATT,
– WTO,
– MFN(most favored nation/NTR) questions lacking,
– Suggestion of social services shifted to the states (Romney).
– Spending on fences while attempting to make tax breaks permanent? This sounds like tax cuts and spend. More debt folks. They will sacrifice entitilements to build a porous fence? Build it and they will clime. Come on, rediculous. We all know the failures of NAFTA; catering and promotion of illegal immigration via bilingualism.

This debate was just as bad as Paul getting snuffed by Anderson when trying to answer a previous question; however, McCain and Romney get all the time in the world to make their voice heard?

I can't wait until Diebold time; where's my receipt incase in case I ned to return something?

jason detrick   January 30th, 2008 10:03 pm ET

They should have cut MAC and MITT off when they went on and on and on about things that don't matter… Long winded and negitive… Huckabee is the only true conservitive and true republican… AMERICA WAKE UP AND CHOOSE HUCK!!!

Kristian Morey   January 30th, 2008 10:03 pm ET

I really hate McCain, he is open boarder all the way, Im ashamed that anyone would call him a republican…

Greg   January 30th, 2008 10:03 pm ET

Ron Paul is the only one who is telling us the truth. I am sick of the other politicians fighting over things that don't matter and the news media playing along with them. This country is about to go the way of the Soviet Union with a financial collapse if we don't act quickly to get things under control. Empires have always ended badly, and we are sure looking like one. Ron may be combative, but that is what we need right now.

KEM   January 30th, 2008 10:03 pm ET

CNN intentionally ignored Ron Paul?? They ignored Mike Huckabee?? What kind of debate is CNN carrying on.. The Black Caucus debate was a better debate. The candidates all had an opportunity to answer the questions asked. The Republican party is in trouble if MCCAIN AND ROMNEY are the best choices… I have never seen so much arrogant stupidity between two individuals. All three democratic candidates are better then those two delusional individuals. "MCCAIN is George Bush on steroids." some one stated. GOD help America if any one of those two are president. They are appropriate successors to the party that nominated George W Bush one of the worse presidents in the history of America.
Why do we care who Ronald Reagan would endorse hes dead??? Ronald Reagan would have wanted to change parties because those two are a disgrace just like the incumbent. Ron Paul is entirely too real for the Repulsive Republican debate. CNN just endorsed Mccain and Romney with their slanted and jaded questions. CNN please learn how to conduct an unbiased debate because the networks preferences showed with the question and was reflected in the time that they let the candidates speak. Could CNN not be so obvious in the way they went on that the news station has a preference in certain candidates.

WAKE UP AMERICANS!   January 30th, 2008 10:03 pm ET

America! Wake up! You are being led down the road to perdition! Don't let the MSM and the world globalists decide WHO it is YOU vote for! Ask yourself this question, why won't they give Ron Paul the SAME amount of time to answer the SAME questions given to the OTHER candidates? Because THEY DON'T want YOU
to know what RON has to say, BECAUSE, RON PAUL HAS THE ANSWERS!!!

AND the TRUTH HE POSSESSES THREATENS THEIR HOLD OVER YOU!!!

DO YOUR HOMEWORK AND RESEARCH RON PAUL BEFORE YOU CAST YOUR VOTE!!!

Marine Vet   January 30th, 2008 10:03 pm ET

You have got to be kidding me!! Cooper was a Joke, as was this debate. Almost makes me ashamed to have defended my country so these big media people could take the rights away from the American People. I'ts obvious who Daddy Warbucks is telling us to vote for, wake up people this is a joke. I had no clear cut candidate before tonight but after tonight I'm going with Paul or Huck, must be some reason they want to keep em quiet.

GEORGE KRAMER   January 30th, 2008 10:03 pm ET

I do not believe the moderator was controlling the debate. He was allowing Rommney & McCain argue about who said what like Ron Paul said. This is not what we wanted to hear. WE WANTED PLAIN COMMENTS ON WHAT AND HOW THEY WILL SOLVE OUR DOMESTIC PROBLEMS. Of course only a comment or two about the war.
INSUFFICENT TIME WAS GIVEN TO HUCKABEE AND PAUL.

I think it was a "bad" job of conducting a debate by the moderator.

michael   January 30th, 2008 10:03 pm ET

hey cooper what did the other 2 candidates say?

BJ Tyson   January 30th, 2008 10:03 pm ET

CNN, looks like Jay Leno will be tearing up another "fake" debate and network. Even a simple-minded adult with minimal intelligence is able to see that Dr. Ron Paul is a Patriot who KNOWS the Constitution IN and OUT and is an economic scholar…not a polished-tician who wants more power. He LOVES America and wants to help GUIDE her back to the Founding Fathers protective guidelines.
We cannot continue to finance wars that WE started with NO money and no more soldiers' lives. I WILL NOT allow my sons to go overseas for Romney, McCain, or Huckabee to fight for WHAT…..oil interests for the RICH INVESTORS?! The middle eastern countries are in a HOLY war and have been for over 2,000 years. We DO NOT have the REAL money, jobs, or people to FUND this unwinable war. This is NOT again TERRORISM….There is not country called Terror, There is no race called TERROR…… Any soldier knows you FIRST have to identify the enemy! Bin Laden IS the enemy, and HE is enjoying our spending our economy into the ground along with our wonderful serviceman. NO> NO>NO> THIS IS WRONG, and I just woke up to that fact about four months ago! NO MORE NEO-CONS! NO MORE DEMOCONS! No more big wasteful government.. and WHY do Congressmen NOT participate in Social Security, but WASTE the funds we have given?

bonniebleau   January 30th, 2008 10:03 pm ET

Another debate, another joke. Ron Paul has studied economics for 30 years, these people had better listen up. They will wish they'd of given Ron Paul a few more questions when they discover their 401K is gone and the money they've been saving is useless.

Go McCain…let's keep our grandchildrens' grandchildren in the middle east for 100 years. How prolife is that?

4cubsfans   January 30th, 2008 10:03 pm ET

Would Reagan endorse Ron Paul? The 'Taxpayer's Best Friend', he who has NEVER voted to raise taxes or for an unbalanced budget. Ron Paul is the only one Reagan would even see as Republican.

Tom   January 30th, 2008 10:03 pm ET

Where is the poll to see who won? Dr. Ron Paul has the cure for what ails us.

Clark Guelde   January 30th, 2008 10:02 pm ET

Paul, Does Dr Paul have wide spread support within the military??????

Lee   January 30th, 2008 10:02 pm ET

Integrity is exactly why Huckabee needs to remain in the race. We need people with integrity in the office. Now that's another word Romney knows little about.

Huckabee for President!

Freedom First   January 30th, 2008 10:02 pm ET

Give each candidate a fair share of the time… don't force a candidate on the people. Let them choose.

Paula   January 30th, 2008 10:02 pm ET

Thank you Ron Paul for sticking to what you believe in. I get such a feeling of encouragement when I here you speak, even though CNN was very unfair, and didn't give you much time to speak.

Paula   January 30th, 2008 10:02 pm ET

I think Anderson Cooper was rude to Ron Paul. This was not a real debate. Why not focus on the real issues facing our country.

Denis   January 30th, 2008 10:02 pm ET

Except Mr. "flip-flop" Romney, good debate.

Jason   January 30th, 2008 10:02 pm ET

i was not a Ron Paul supporter but after tonight.. i am.

By the way.. Cnn you make me sick to my Stomache.

John   January 30th, 2008 10:02 pm ET

So will we get anything like an answer about the why there was such a question and time disparity between the candidates? Ron Paul did better than McCain in Nevada and still gets no respect from the mainstream media. I hope enough people out there are not controlled by CNN and Fox news and will use youtube and other internet resources to hear about all the candidates.

ben   January 30th, 2008 10:02 pm ET

wow, what a fixed debate. Let McCain and Romney bicker at each other for hours, don't let Paul or Huckabee speak, then when Paul does try to speak Cooper cuts him off and promises to get back to him on that question but never does.

What a joke of a debate that was. Just like all people should be treated equal-all candidates should be too, and that means equal air time for each politician

Kate   January 30th, 2008 10:02 pm ET

Ron Paul and Mike Huckabee had great things to say. I wish we only could have heard more.

Gabriel   January 30th, 2008 10:02 pm ET

I believe that the debate has gone well overall. Romney's views on immigration are insane, he is taking it a little too far. Immigrants are how this country was built. Immigrants that are already here and are not criminals should be able to stay. Why would you send someone back when they have established a position and a family in the United States? They are contributors to our economy. I thought Romney was Mr. Economy!!!

Walter Cheeks   January 30th, 2008 10:02 pm ET

If Ron Paul runs as a 3rd party candidate and gets Colin Powell to run as his VP, there would be no way that we could lose.

Cameron   January 30th, 2008 10:02 pm ET

Shame on you CNN! To tell Dr. Paul that you would get back to him on the topic of Iraq in a couple minutes and then to ignore him for 15 minutes before asking him an unrelated question is pathetic and shows how little journalistic integrity you have left, let alone common courtesy.

Louise   January 30th, 2008 10:02 pm ET

Not enough time about REAL ISSUES
What about this NORTH AMERICAN UNION—-that we are know connected to
Canada & Mexico??????
No One Talked about that?????
RON PAUL knows about this.

Bill   January 30th, 2008 10:02 pm ET

Ron Paul came in 2nd in Nevada!

Ron Paul won Louisiana, but the GOP will not release the results with the provisional ballots counted!

Where is the real news coverage?

Charles   January 30th, 2008 10:02 pm ET

I am going to Ron Pauls site and make a contribution to his campaign!

Kraig Vardaman   January 30th, 2008 10:02 pm ET

oh my gosh…they're playing over the drama fest…Mitt vs. Mac. Sheesh! Can we just talk about what really matters? Who cares what paper endorses you? Who cares about the arguement on timetables or how one candidate is trying to paint the other? What the heck does any of that matter?

What matters is what each and every candidate thinks - on their own - with an open ended question - and no 'hey what do you think about what he said?' - that stuff starts arguements that nobody wants to see.

Can we ask Mitt, "Exactly how do you propose to 'fix' Washington? What's your specific plan?" Can we ask Ron Paul, "Explain to us how borrowing kills the economy and how to specifically get back on the gold standard?" Can we ask Huck, "Explain how we can build our infrastructure without borrowing?" THESE ARE THE QUESTIONS THAT MATTER!! Can we let them answer without interrupting and without what the other guy thinks about what the other guy thinks?

This debate was despicable due to CNN's control over it! However, it was great because of what Huck and Paul said. It was boring because of Mitt vs Mac - blah blah blah. It became even more boring because of the continuous replay of Mitt vs Mac. Bleah!

Keith   January 30th, 2008 10:02 pm ET

Ron Paul and Mike Huckabee were the only candidates who truly demonstrated real leadership.

Both McCain and Romney have proven that they are out of touch with the American people.

jordan   January 30th, 2008 10:02 pm ET

Gary,

it's hard to take you seriously when you cant even spell 'wasting'. Please place your head back in the sand.

Jeffrey   January 30th, 2008 10:02 pm ET

CNN disgusts me. Thank you for the unbiased debate! (For those of you who couldn't tell, the second sentence is sarcasm.)

joe lomonaco   January 30th, 2008 10:02 pm ET

First I just want tosay that this was the worse managed debate I have ever watched. It was clear that questions were targeted to the front runners and the choice of questions…"looking into Putin's eyes..what do you see is so very presidential"; Unlimited response time made sure that all candidates wouldn't be able to share their thoughts. The moderator..allowing the 10 minute rambling of Mccain and Romney was sickening…a waste of precious time for voters to learn about the candidates.
The questions were too generic and without substance. They may have been questions voted on by the viewres, but having those as a choice of questions says reams about CNN. CNN should have thrown them out and really asked the hard questions.
thanks for taking the time to read this.
joe

Tim   January 30th, 2008 10:02 pm ET

Ron Paul is truely an Independent American running as a Repulican only so he can get some traction in the media. And they still ignor him. Hopefully American's can see through this.

Kyle   January 30th, 2008 10:02 pm ET

I am not a Ron Paul supporter, but you people who talk about Ron Paul being out of touch with the times sound like programmed "BIG Government" robots. It seems as if the idea of the people being empowered to the point of dictating government policy is an obsolete idea and that is a tragedy. It is the nature of our Government to grow, unless we the people keep it in check.

Matt   January 30th, 2008 10:01 pm ET

Mr. Cooper and his producers have done a terrible job with this "sham" of a debate. I was hoping they would be different than FOX & MSNBC - a futile hope, I guess. The media *should* be asking all cadidates the same questions and allowing for an equal amount of face time, to present the candidates to the American people in the same light. The media *should not* be rationing time between the candidates in the same ratio showing up in the polls. As Mike Church likes to say, that's what makes them the Parrot Press: they repeat, they don't report. Alas, they have the right to conduct the debates the way they seem fit. I surely will use my right not to watch CNN anymore.

Clark Guelde   January 30th, 2008 10:01 pm ET

I dont think the Republican party has a clue how much trouble they are in!!!!!!

Wayne M. Davies   January 30th, 2008 10:01 pm ET

I watched tonight's debate with the hopes that it would be a fairly moderated debate that allowed equal time for all candidates. My hopes were quashed with Anderson Cooper's first interruption of Ron Paul. When he did it again I was dismayed! What a blatant disregard of one of our finest congressman. I'm sick of this kind of treatment towards Ron Paul! Then to allow Sen. McCain and Gov. Romney to carry on, taking up most of the debate time with a fruitless argument; utterly disgusting! Why is CNN, MSNBC, and FOX so afraid of what congressman Paul has to say? Why won't you cover his campaign and allow him to participate as much as the other candidates in the debates? How is the American public supposed to an informed decision when CNN and others won't allow Ron Paul's views to be heard?

Maria   January 30th, 2008 10:01 pm ET

I would have liked to hear more of what Ron Paul had to say. He is the only one that made any sense this evening and acted mature.

Kevin   January 30th, 2008 10:00 pm ET

Despite what the media believes, the AMERICAN CITIZENS choose their president. Be an INFOMRED voter. Research the candidates on your own. Go to Ronpaul2008.com for more information on Ron Paul.

Sam   January 30th, 2008 10:00 pm ET

This "debate" was a mockery. Like others have said before me, CNN - Censored News Network. All candidates deserve equal time! Huckabee and Paul a running for president as well, but the way CNN covered it, one would never know.

Gary   January 30th, 2008 10:00 pm ET

If you thought the crash of "29 was bad, it will be nothing compared too the next one. Romney and McCain dont have a clue about true economics. Kill a countrys money and you dont even have to fire a bullet! Ask Soros, he shorted the dollar and then tells the world on national tv the Americans are a bunch of crap! Theres only 1 man that tells the REAL truth and Joe-Blow doesnt understand it because he's too busy watching The World According Too Jim. Like the Govt. says "just keep 'em stupid" These top four will forsake America for there own personal gain. My vote is for RON Paul without question. Isnt it funny Paul has talked about the real issues and now all the rest follow after they grind up the other 'fluff' issues. Because of the Hardee's crowd you mite see a One World Government yet!!!!

Ron Wendoloski   January 30th, 2008 10:00 pm ET

To ALL THOSE WHO SAY "Time for Ron Paul to Go Away - He has only a tiny percent of voter support"

We all know how smart the general public is. That's why morons have been elected to office, and why we are in the mess we are in now. Elections are won simply by name recognition / popoularity / money spent on advertising. In terms of truly understanding the problems this nation faces and how to begin working toward solutions, Congressman Paul is far, far above all other candidates. He is also the most honest.

Yes, Paul has little or no chance of winning, and Mr John Q Public wants to "go with a winner" and "not wastehis vote". But if we were voting for the man who truly reoresents America's ideals and who could do the most good for the country, then we would vote for Congressman Paul. That is, of course, if you were smart enough to. But then again, we all know John Q Public isn't too smart!!!!

If Congressman Paul would run as an Independent, I'd vote for him and thus take away a vote from the other clowns running. But then, Ron Paul is probably too smart to run to waste money on a campaign he won't win. Of course, it would be nice to see him run to make point - i.e. how many people (popular vote) actually support true conservative / libertarian principles and true ideals of our American nation.

brandon   January 30th, 2008 10:00 pm ET

I am heartbroken…… almost to tears……. I can not believe the obvious level of discrepency when it comes down to talk time…… Ron Paul has such a greater understanding of the economy and what makes it fail…..This two hour debate was consumed by babbling. This is crazy to watch Romney and Mccain argue like children….. Those men are clear supporters of war which is obviously the main cause of our nations Bankruptcy threat….. Mccain says we need up to one hundred years in Iraq if need be……. my god….. help us America, vote for the man that will stop this non-sense. Ron Paul is the only one that swears to bring us home immediatly and MAN enough to admit this countries mistakes. HELP US PLEASE…… Ron Paul for president… no room for mistakes….

kathleen   January 30th, 2008 10:00 pm ET

in case I wasn't clear, I think Ron Paul is the only man (or woman) in this election cycle (or any other I can recall) who actually makes any sense. He is a voice asking the people of this country to take stock, refocus, and get our priorities in order. Pres. Eisenhower first warned about the dangers of the military industrial complex, which now owns and operates this country. Ron Paul is the only person out there with enough objectivity to see how far we have gone and supports moving us away from our dangerous ways. He is the only one who understands basic monetary policy.

and to kris, long term, yes infrastructure projects would do all those things unless we let the big developers undercut living wages for American workers by hiring illegals and whoever will work for the least amount of money.

Bill   January 30th, 2008 10:00 pm ET

Gov. Huckabee said more in the limited time he was allotted than both McCaine and Romney put together. Anderson should have had more control and balanced the time between all the candidates.

Patricia   January 30th, 2008 10:00 pm ET

I am disapointed in the debate, dominated and controlled by "ron" McCain and Mit "ronny" . I want to hear more from Huckabee and Paul.

Johnster   January 30th, 2008 10:00 pm ET

Well, the debate was most obviously won by Dr. Ron Paul. He is the only one who speaks the truth and even LOOKS like he is speaking the truth.

Tony D Miami   January 30th, 2008 10:00 pm ET

This is nothing but a McCain-Romney interview!!! Ridiculous. How can Huckabee and Paul be ignored for so long- I caught Paul looking over at Huckabee and both shaking their heads when talking-head Anderson brushed off their responses to ask McCain more questions. This has truly been a very disgusting event, it makes the Fox News debates actually seem "Fair and Balanced".

Joshua V   January 30th, 2008 10:00 pm ET

I don't think many know enough about our government and it's intended role for anything said by Paul to make much sense. As for the other candidates, talk about 'change', and 'progress', and 'leadership' has really hit home with those who love single words. Multiple words in a string can carry a logic, which if understood, can take further logical thought to come to a point, counter-point, objection, explanation, rebuttal, expounding, etc… Those are words we could share with Anderson Cooper or the brains behind this fraud.

youtubeRon   January 30th, 2008 10:00 pm ET

Clearly this debate was biased and unfair. They gave McCain and Romney more time and all they did was dance around the question and brag about how great they would be. Ron Paul answered every question straight forward with reasoning and logic. Dont let CNN decide who you should vote for, they have there own political agendas.

CNN, FOX NEWS < think for yourself.

PDC   January 30th, 2008 10:00 pm ET

The thought of McCain as President is terrifying. The only thing that he brings to the table is his military experience. He is not equip to lead this country through our ecomomic challenges, immigration problems, and the war against terrorism.

Here he goes again…..when asked why he is a more qualified leader, the only thing that he can talk about is military service. Isn't he a Senator….I am sure that the people of Arizona wanted him to be a leader….apparently, he has not been a good leader during his time as Senator, or he would have given that as an example.

Fiza Yusufzai   January 30th, 2008 9:59 pm ET

Paul President, Obama Vice President. The world would be like heaven on earth. :)

Jim Leveroni   January 30th, 2008 9:59 pm ET

Everyone needs to view Aaron Russo's, "America, From freedom to Fascism"
Get bulk copies for a buck twenty five each at freedomtofascism.com, and get them into the hands of the baby boomers who don't go on the internet.
I guarantee they will be leaving the dark side of ignorance and be rallying around Dr. Paul.

Mike C.   January 30th, 2008 9:59 pm ET

Mike Huckabee won this debate, hands down!

R Wing   January 30th, 2008 9:59 pm ET

Shame on you, CNN!
Very disappointed in your debate.
I am a Republican (at this time considering switching sides) who is very interested in what ALL have to say during a debate. The smartest guy on the panel, who may have no chance to win, still adds huge value in bringing an enlightened point of view to be discussed!! Ron Paul is certainly unelectable but I grew frustrated watching your host "go for the ratings of a good fight" rather than an intelligent discussion. I think Huckabee is scary as hell, but I still wanted to hear what he had to say.

redpillawake   January 30th, 2008 9:59 pm ET

The BIOmetri's comments of McCain only made me cringe. Google Aaron Russo's interview regarding Nick Rockefeller telling him the elites wish to give us all the chip, so they can control everyones lives

Ronald Reagan   January 30th, 2008 9:59 pm ET

Noooooooo! Get these guys out of my library!

Paul O   January 30th, 2008 9:59 pm ET

This wasn't a debate. CNN should be required to charge McCain/Romney for airing their infomercial…otherwise, this should have been subject to FEC campaign finance contribution limits.

Joe   January 30th, 2008 9:59 pm ET

What a sorry excuse for a debate. The media have hand-picked their favorites. What a joke.

kristine   January 30th, 2008 9:59 pm ET

CNN you should be ashamed. You completely shut Ron Paul out. What a tragedy.

renee   January 30th, 2008 9:59 pm ET

I thought the debate….was a joke!! This wasn't a debate amongst 4 runners it was a childish argument between 2 so called grown men about who was the better "man". Ron Paul nor Mike Huckabee really got a chance to speak and I am seriously irrate that Ron Paul was interrupted mid sentence and cut off more than once, was not allowed to really speak and what happened to the promise we will come back to you in 2 questions to answer that question he wanted to speak up on….I applaud Huckabee for saying what he did about he wasn't there to ref a ballgame.

Dianne   January 30th, 2008 9:59 pm ET

I admit I came in late…but I agree that they seemed to ignore Huckabee & Paul.
Again…I won't vote for either McCain or Romney.

Rick   January 30th, 2008 9:59 pm ET

There is no doubt that Mitt Romney has the vision, the leadership abilities, the values, the brains, and the demonstrated track record of success to be our next President. The slimy way that McCain tries to mis-state his positions is pathetic. He tried to jab at Romney every chance he got, rather than emphasize his own positions… a sign of his own weakness. Vote for Mitt Romney, the man that has the experience and track record of success to lead our country.

Did you notice from the audience meter that Mitt's scores always shot up into the 80's, while McCain's nose dived under 50? People know a liar when they see one.

Wade   January 30th, 2008 9:59 pm ET

QUESTION….
Who is more likely to steer the debates?FOX or CNN?
Thanks for the invite atleast CNN, You do not speak for the people, you exist to inform the people of every opinion of each candidate equally….

So I thought… FAILED

Evan   January 30th, 2008 9:59 pm ET

Huckabee needs to exit the race with the sliver of integrity he has left. Votes are being wasted!

RonP Fan   January 30th, 2008 9:59 pm ET

Notice how Ron Paul is the only guy who got cheers and claps??

Dee   January 30th, 2008 9:58 pm ET

It would be nice that each candidate had equal time to respond to the questions and not be rushed in their comments. Just watch the other candidates with smirks
when they have to let someone else talk. Why does the camera pan to them
when the other candidate is talking?

Ed   January 30th, 2008 9:58 pm ET

Fire Anderson, we deserve better, someone that is more fair on conducting a debate. We want to hear ALL of them not just two candidates.

Carmella   January 30th, 2008 9:58 pm ET

I was very upset with the way the debate was handled. The only thing I was hearing was McCain and Romney argueing about who was better than the other and there sat Ron Paul and Mike Huckabee not being given the courtesy of hearing what they had to say. Paul and Huckabee were the only two who had anything good to say WHEN they were allowed to speak. Out of the hour and a half Paul and Huckabee only got about 10 total of air time. I think it is absolutely absurd the way McCain and Romney kept whining about nothing instead of addressing the issues at hand. I don't think either one of them should be elected President since they can't even answer a simple question with a straight answer.

Hey I have a great idea PAUL AND HUCKABEE IN 2008!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tom Miller   January 30th, 2008 9:58 pm ET

very well run debate. thanks cnn

Jeff   January 30th, 2008 9:58 pm ET

Ron Paul is the only true conservative running. I don't understand why THE conservative talk show host, Rush Limbaugh doesn't give him the time of day. I'm absolutely more of a Ron Paul supporter now than before the debate tonight

Thom   January 30th, 2008 9:58 pm ET

Not much of a debate. Huckabee and Paul were left on the outside…unfortunate. Now CNN will continue to run and re-run snippets of the Mcwar/SlickRomney.

Huckabee has the vote!