Interesting watching both Rep & Dem debates. My husband and I thought it would have been more informative to pose same questions to members of both parties. Areas of discussion were too different for those of us that are not hard line Rep or Dem but vote for the person.

The Democratic debate was much calmer than the Republican! WHEW! How refreshing!

With the media, Huckabee and McCain all crying "negative" campaigning by Romney when he uses air time to point out differences in H & Mc's past record, the 2 candidates took CHEAP, childish shots at Romney. Immature is another word that comes to mind. Romney's ads are NOT personal attacks but pointing out records that show the differences between himself and them. He does NOT make snide remarks in his ads nor have I noticed snide, disrespectful comments in the debates in regard to other's character. I don't trust Huckabee since he said as a Baptist minister did not know much about Mormons, followed by the sly, intentional question to slam Mitt's faith. No, no, don't believe that one for a minute! And, therefore, will find it hard to believe lots of other things he "innocently" says.

I had no impression of Romney before this debate. I watched with an open mind and ears. I heard nothing but rhetoric but I did become interested in the amount of money pharmaceutical companies contributed to his campaign. He did sound and look camera ready...great for Miss America. Not what I want in a President.
McCain and Gugliani who I thought I would hate actually peaked my interest and we be on my watch/listen list. Huckabee just more ????? The rest are done.

As for the demos "change"...yes. What are the specifics. I'm a Hillary hater but all I could think of was she is the one that sounds most "President ready". I wish the question format would have been the same, that would have provided a clearer picture.

CC,

Huckabee shouldn't have made the comment while admitting he didn't know much about mormons. He should've researched, studied the major flaws and danger areas of the Church of Latter Day Saints, and THEN he should've made a sly comment from a thoroughly schooled postion.

Please read this site and others like it. Romney is a dangerous person practicing a dangerous "religion."

While I overall thought this was the best debate I’ve seen yet with these candidates (because it was an actual debate), there were some elements that were both disrespectful and inappropriate. If you believe you are in the lead, there is no reason to engage in childish personal attacks. (Please take note Mr. McCain, my respect for you after tonight is at an all time low. I will try to chalk it up to excitement, but losing your cool like that does not bode well for my opinion of you as a possible president and face of America.) If you believe you are behind they just make you look desperate (Mr. Thomspon, that’s one for you.)

Ron Paul seemed less angry which is a step in the right direction, but he clearly demonstrated once and for all tonight that he does not have a grasp of global politics. (Please note that at least in some respects the world IS flat.)

I liked Giuliani better tonight, he’s been in hiding which just makes me wonder, but I believe that if he keeps himself in the press, he may just be able to take this and run with it. Romney is currently my favorite candidate. I don’t enjoy the idea of mandating things, like health care, but his plan is better that our current version of socialized medicine, in fact a lot better than I had previously imagined. I could live with his plan after he explained it tonight.

Bottom line Huckabee (screams intolerance) and McCain (His idea of reaching across the aisle comes to close to stepping across the aisle) seem to be forming a running mate alliance: I think this would be BAD for America (and I do mean with a capital “B”.) I think Romney and Giuliani aligning would be BEST for America (and I do mean with a capital “B”) Before you rush to judgement, this is the first time in this race that I have ever felt like I could support Guliani on any level, but tonight he did a good job of saying “I can do this.” I am not even really particular about which, Romney of Giuliani, are president and which vice-president, though I do slightly favor Romney right now. I don’t know if Giuliani would take a vice-president role though.

For a country founded on religious freedom, it's amazing how many people freely bash Mormons.

As I watched the Republican debate, I felt like I was viewing a bunch of school boys led by their leader, McCain trying to bully Romney, with the rest jumping in for good measure. In all fairness,however I must exclude Ron Paul from this imature and boorish behavior. However, McCain did look foolish, and old while fumbling to explain his "non amensty plan."

I lost respect for McCain tonight. He used personal attacks on Romney the entire night. It was distasteful and very childish. Romney handled the many personal attacks like a mature adult would. The most presidential nominee of the whole night was Giuliani, Obama, and Romney.

Romney sounded and looked the best and it was amazing to see how everyone ganged up on him. I think he's tough and very feared by wacko evangelicals who think mormons are brainwashed as well as liberals who think he can win should he get the nomination.

Romney's got my vote.

Go Mitt Go !!!!!!!!!!

After hearing for the past few weeks Huckabee and Mccain call for a stop to the negative campaigning it was sad to see them both sink to negative laced cheap-shots against Romney tonight. They didn't practice what they have preached - and it is ironic that they call Romney a flip-flopper! After watching the debate I came away decided that Romney is positive, addressing the issues, and not personal attacks against the others. He handled his reaction to the cheap-shots like I would hope our American President would.

The way Romney has stuck with the issues and responded to personal attacks is admirable.

The way McCain, Huckabee, others in the past have attacked him personally is disgraceful and in bad taste.

And the way he's been labeled a liar and a flip-flopper is incredible. He changed his position on abortion and has explained that 1000 times.

McCain has changed his position on immigration more recently, opposed Bush tax cuts, and has acted as a Democrat on many issues in the Senate.

Huckabee changed his position on the surge, lied about who his foreign affair advisors are, and is running on rhetoric that doesn't match his record.

Romney's record is the only thing people can't take from him and it's the only thing they know they can't attack.

That's why they don't. Instead they attack him. They must be jealous about the hair.

Look at the records. That's what I've done, and that's why I'm voting for Romney.

I feel that Gov. Romney did an excellent job in tonight's debate by sticking to the differences between his and his opponents' possisions on the issues, and not participating in their personal attacks and mud-slinging. I agree that McCain and Huckabee feel that he is a major threat and therefore stoop to such low levels. Shocking for a candidate that bases his candidacy as taking the higher moral ground (Minister Huckabee). I hope that the voters of New Hampshire see through this childish and desperate attempts of these two candidates and vote for the best qualified person with the best track record of success and experience . Romney in my view is the best person for the job.

Figured it out.

McCain's not jealous about the hair, it's that all his campaign big wigs left his campaign to work for Romney's. That's got to sting.

I was taken back and how immature Huckabee and McCain were tonight. Huckabee talks like he is on the high road but really in the gutter with his actions. He makes me sad that he is a Rep. running on a Christian platform.

Romney has been making difficult situations have a positive outcomes in the business world and Olympics etc.... jugdement on record should be the major criteria.

Romney did a great job tonight. Huckabee showed his true colors as did McCain. I am convinced after this debate that Romney is the only one that can go the distance.

McCain lost my vote tonight.
Huckabee came off as a pollster.

I struggle with them calling Romney a flip-flopper, when they are both 'sucker fish out of water'.

Ron Paul has good thoughts but comes off as an extremist.
Guiliani looked good.
Thompson showed no clarity only rhetoric.
Romney had a tough night but came off as a strong candidate. I could feel comfortable with him in office. He can handle pressure and not stoop to McCain and Huckabee. He's someone who could represent us on the world stage.

A Romney-Giuliani ticket would be the best fight against an Obama-Edwards ticket.

They keep saying Mitt is doing negative campaign. what's wrong with contrast ads? It is informative and can be rebutted if it is not true. I rather have this kind of campaign than a personal attacks (whisper attacks against someone religion).
Issues, issues and issues that what I need to know
I'll vote for Mitt.

McCain acted like a jerk and Huckabee took a cheap shot as well. Both of them did not say a lot tonight while acting less than presidential. The more I see of Huckabee the more I don’t like him. He likes to fill his time with a lot of fluff and quotes that may make people feel good but I want more details from this guy and less smooth talking fluff! Huckabee is sounding more like that other smooth talking member from Arkansas named Bill Clinton! That should scare all of us! My hats off to Rudy and Mitt for not attacking their fellow candidates and staying positive. I was going to vote for McCain but he lost my vote tonight! He looked like an old cranky wise cracking CO I use to know in the military. It’s now between Mitt and Rudy for my vote! Mitt looked very presidential while under attack and stayed cool under fire. What Mitt said about immigration is spot on! Mitt can save the countries economy while Rudy has the toughness to not let anyone push our country around. It's a two man race for my vote.