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.

bautista,

Mitt already addressed religion's place in a presidential election. And he got it right.

Please stop trying to bring it up again. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has expressed their political position--the are neutral and don't tell their church goers how to vote. If they did, there wouldn't be a Harry Reid AND a Mitt Romney. There are Mormon's across the spectrum and in the political world, they are like you and me, AMERICANS.

coMITTed

i do not begrudge the hard-working, honest, caring, dedicated members of the mormon church. i can't begin to express how much i MEAN live and let live.

i see danger in a man who has such a high standing in a religion with such ideology as no separation of church and state,

i just think this situation is dangerous.

but, it was a stimulating debate, and i hope you have a good night, as well. :-)

Huckabee is a nice guy, no doubt, but he blew it tonight. He sat back and wasted the momentum gained by winning in Iowa.

McCain is a good man, an honorable person. Tonight, he also blew it because he looked and acted very much like a guy who is losing. His personal attacks on Romney were not appropriate, nor were they effective. He is not funny, not charismatic, and not witty. He tried to be all of the above and failed miserably. Instead, he and Huckabee ganged up on Romney and tried their best to beat him up. I think they hurt themselves more than they hurt Romney. They sort of fell into their own trap.

Romney is smart, and would bring much needed integrity, hard work, and business savvy to the Whitehouse.

It is so interesting that people watching the same debate can come up with so many different opinions. In my opinion the immaturity of Huckabee and McCain (as well as several others) was classless. Seriously, if the worst they can do is continue to point out the old "flip-flop" issue then they must not have much to work with. Romney has not been afraid to explain his cause for change. I personally want a president who thinks about issues logically and isn't afraid to change their stance if they truly feel they were wrong. I thought Romney acted with class in dismissing the jabs and rebutting with facts. Also, with regard to the drug company comment by Romney, it is refreshing that he understands how drug companies really work. Drug companies take a big risk when putting money into research for a new drug. It is a business of high stakes, and as a result high proffits. The industry works on the capitalist model. Sure, the proffit margin does seem high at times, but without the incentive the innovations would not continue. It is a fine balance that most of America truly does not understand.

Hey Ef!
I understand your concern but don't agree with it. Ask the people in Massachusetts if Mitt Romney has made their lives different because of his faith.

To assume that our country would be in jeapordy and your life would be negatively affected because of Romney's faith, is paranoid and simply not justified.

What is it that makes our country so wonderful? It's this, the fact that we can discuss, debate, and feel free to do so.

TAP...

Good on ya man. No more talk about faith and religion.

Personally, I don't vote the party line, nor the religious line. I vote for who I think is the best choice.

I like Mccain and I like Romney. However, if neither of them win the nomination, my money would be on Obama. Even with his lack of experience, I think he "gets it". Plus, he seems to be completely genuine, intelligent, and driven.

But TAP, mutual respect and have a great weekend!

promise, this is my last post.

thanks, mitch. that was an impersonal, intelligent argument.

i will consider what you wrote, and i appreciate the way it was written.

i do agree that it IS wonderful to be able to debate ideas in a free country where. that's definitely one of the things i love about america.

signing off now, i swear! it's 1:30am here, and i'm sleeeeeeepy.

take care, mitch. :-)

Media Influence amazes me.

I watched the debate tonight (GOP) and then I watched the post-debate commentary.

I have a RIGHT WING theory and I'm interested in hearing responses.

The media is all pretty much saying that Romney got hurt tonight. I have to admit that it seemed like everybody was punching him. But as I watched the "punches" being thrown, they were pretty weak. Not much substance to them, mostly just jabs.

OK, so here are my questions, if you would, answer these for me. Please note that I am really not 100% committed on my vote, I really do want your opinion.

1-I believe that most media is liberal and because of that, they may see Romney as the biggest threat to the Dems. If so, it makes sense that they would want Mitt to do poorly. Do you believe that the media wants Mitt to fail?

2-Mitt Romney has been singled out as the only guy who runs negative ads. Is he really the only one out there running negative ads or is it because he has raised and has more money to run more ads?

3-Who is your vote for President and Vice President RIGHT NOW?

To ef, I hoped you would just reflect on the idea of taking care of your OWN stones. When wrong info is thrown out to the world, to me it is like yelling fire in a theater. That is why people, including myself, have responded to your postings. You claim that you are informed, but your comments make it clear that you are not.

No candidate has faced more scrutiny than Mitt Romney, well maybe Hillary. Every single candidate has changed a position in their political career or life and no one gets crucified for it like him. It was a very personal issue as well. He is strong on the issues and tonight showed me he was clearly the more articulate, professional, and ready to be President. If America is ready for a leader that is KNOWN for being successful in everything he pursues he is the man. He is quick to say he is not perfect, makes mistakes, but he was clearly groomed by his father and successful people around him to be a leader and settle for nothing less than success. He has a financial head for business and will keep America's economy strong. He had the most energy on that stage and I read he was very ill. McCain looked like an old man and Huckabee won't stop talking in parables. Romney and Guiliani were the most impressive.

Huckabee did an excellent job---the best out of anyone on the stage. He stood firm on the issues and answered questions in a positive straight forward manner. He is a very refreshing politician---he has my vote.

I do agree that the media has been excessively negative towards Romney and has ignored the thinly veiled personal attacks by Huck and McCain.

My Pres./VP ticket right now....Romney/Gingrich!!!
Both have concrete free-market plans for improving concerns that face this country. I think they're a winning conservative ticket. Gingrich's recent book on free market solutions to environmental concerns and Romney's free market health care would pose an intimidating and cost effective alternative to liberal policies. Thanks for asking.

Mitt Romney was great tonite, trying to stay on issues and what he has done and wants to do. The others hateful attacks on him were ugly and demeaning for them. McCain was awful, Huckabee is not to be trusted, something in the water in Arkansas? Smacks of "Clinton" same old politics!

This is the first presidential debate that I have watched so far. I was really impressed with Mitt Romney. I liked what he had to say...especially about what he has done for health care in his home state. He seems to be a real leader and has shown strong leadership qualitiesIin the private sector and as State Governor. Not sure why he was the only one being attacked. The others must feel him a real threat. I saw that he won Wyoming Caucuses yesterday. Religion, to me, is a non issue. He has strong conservative principles and moral values, faith in God, dignity (as shown by not attacking others as they attacked him) etc.. He seems more than qualified and capable to be President of the United States.

Unbelievable! In a country formed out of the motivation of religious freedom and that has presidents of a variety of different faiths - I can't believe faith has become such an issue.

I hadn't seen a republican debate yet but Mitt Romney really stole the show in my opinion. Sure everyone was going at him, but they were just emotional cheap shots. I don't know of anyone who could have sat there and taken all of that with such poise as that guy did. As of now I'm voting for him.

So tell me, Erik, you didn't want John McCain before tonight? Tonight's what did it for you? What I saw tonight was Romney giving McCain a chance to clarify his opinion...an opinion that ultimately does result in allowing millions of illegal immigrants to remain in the country. Let's call a spade a spade...that's amnesty. Whether for free, or at the cost of $5,000...it's still amnesty. If it were a change in immigration policy it would read..."any foreign immigrant wishing to apply for US citizenship can pay $5,000 and get in the back of the line." It rewards people for breaking the law.

Romney comes across as completely disingenuous. While I admit the snide remarks by McCain were a bit much, it is clear that the other Republicans don't like Romney. And it is not cause they fear him. He is transparently insincere.

Hi Mitch:

I only watched part of the GOP debate as redfishing in Galveston Bay was a higher priority than following my candidate for once.

I agree that Huck and McCain looked like bullies. I don't think the liberal media is against your guy (Mitt) or mine (Paul). I don't really worry about so-called negative ads unless they get to the level of the 2004 Swift Boat campaign. I don't care for the subtle anit-Morman stuff going on and pray the SB will see the light and reject it.

I don't have a problem with Mitt or several of the other GOP candidates - but I hope they listen to Paul when it comes to economics and big government. We simply cannot afford to police the world and really don't need to. Think about families, small businesses and the like - it all comes down to living within your means and controlling spending. If you don't live within your means, you threaten the viability of your family and, indirectly, your community. Multiply this by ten million and you have a picture of our country as a whole and the potential damage that can result from out-of-control spending.

I believe that monetary policy, inflation, currency devaluation and deficit spending is the real 800-pound guerilla/terrorist in the room. We have become so comfortable with our lot that we look to the Middle East as our own ship slowly sinks without a single life-jacket donned.

It is nice to see all the Romney staffers posting here tonight. Us average Americans see right through this propaganda. Get some sleep. You candidate is done.

Hi Joseph,

Full disclosure - I'm not a Romney staffer...

But, I thought Romney had an excellent night. He held up under pressure and came across as very intelligent..

McCain had been my #2 choice, but no longer. I thought the debate was rather revealing. McCain's attacks on Romney were petty, ugly and embarrasing to watch. Huckabee was in the same vein for a bit. I like how Romney kept reminding his attackers to stick to the issues.

I am so glad Huckabee stood his ground. Flip Mitt had 14,000 attack ads or as Mitt says CONTRAST ADS. What a fruit cake.Can't you people see how fake Mitt is? He can't possibly relate to an average American . He was born with a damn silver spoon in his mouth. Go Mike Go

Joseph- just because we see through the lame & personal jabs thrown by McCain, doesn't mean that we're Romney staffers. I'm just embarrassed and dissapointed as a Republican looking for a win in November to see that kind of stupid comment come out of somebody running for our highest office. McCain had obviously been waiting for his big chance to lob that canned line about the 'candidate of change.' And then to chuckle at himself- what a loser. I wish I were in New Hampshire so I could keep my vote away from McCain, and his new best friend Huck.

After tonights debate I am conviced of at least three things! John McCain, who I was leaning toward voting for, is mean spirited, obviously jealous and threatened by Mitt Romney. Huckabee is shallow and dishonest and fake, and so much for being the non-attacking sort! He's so worried about mormons being boogymen that he attacks Romney with no actual reguard to his positions.Amd that Mitt Romney seems to be the only level headed, accomplished businessman, who can bring ethics, morality and common sense to the Whitehouse.

Mitt Romney is a superstar in business and the Republican Party is not going to be so stupid not to see what the press is up to. The press keep propping up Huckabee and McCain because the Democrats pray they are their opposition for the very reason that they will eat those two for lunch. McCain is too hot headed for a debate in the general election with the brutal intensity of the Republicans vs Democrats. Huckabee can't keep telling aw shucks stories and speaking in scriptures and run this country. His answers have very limited content.

Mitt Romney is the Republican's answer to the Obama bandwagon. He is successful, articulate, business savvy, energetic, enthusiastic and has the family that we all want to spend the holidays with. It was obvious to me tonight that Mitt pulled away from the others if given an honest chance. Media stop drinking the DNC koolaid and stop anointing McCain or Huckabee. Anyone that votes for them are voting for the DNC ultimately.

I learned how much trouble John and Mike are having with Mitt pointing out their record. Imagine if they had to go against the democratic smear machine. ouch! Mitt did show the ability to stay level headed and hold his line on substance in the debate. I thought Rudy and Fred also did well in the debate.

I just don't understand why so many Americans seem to think that religion for any candidate is such a big issue. I have employed a handful of Mormons for over 20 years and I can't say enough good about them as true Christians. Anyway, to the debate.

I reckon that Rudi and Mitt seemed the most presidential. John McCain seems doddery and for the first time last night (I'm slightly younger than he is and I would struggle to meet the physical demands of the office), he came over as foolish.

McCain will have lost many committed and more undecided potential voters. Huckabee too. I suspect many more will see their childish and ineffective tactics as grave political errors of judgement. I wouldn't want men like that representing my country, especially a truly great country as the US. Is it just me or is Huckabee looking decidedly smug since Iowa.

As for the democrats, I still think that Hilary is in with a chance and Obama is interesting due to ethnicity and newness. It's between those 2.

Good luck America. Choose wisely.

Jason:
I have been watching debates, visiting websites and going to many events since early summer 2007 so that I can make an educated decision. Mit Romney (and oters)have made my quest for knowledge a challenge by misrepresenting the immigration bill. The immigration bill is a large and complicated document but I had to dig in and read as much as I could and research it so I could clear up the confusion about what was really in there. As I understand it - closing the borders was always the first phase of the bill followed by exporting all illegals who had committed crimes. The development of an identification system and going after the remaining illegals were next steps. All illegals remaining were required to pay their fines and taxes and go to the back of the line in their quest for citizenship and learn English. I think there was a provision for returning the head of household to the country of origin while waiting for citizenship but I was not clear on that. But instead of passing the bill and getting the borders closed now we continue to have open borders. We could already have made some progress. McCain still stands by his plan, just in smaller steps - the first still being to close the borders. I can not imagine the cost of deporting 12 million people - you, Mit and the Pharmaceutical companies can pay that bill. I also believe that there would be a cost to our economy as there are jobs that illegals fill that most Americans would not do. I don't think we should allow illegals to come/stay to do those jobs - they need to achieve citizenship and contribute to the tax base to pay their way. On a non-financial matter I think there needs to be some thought given to the innocent children brought along by or born to illegals and my thought is not to displace them and destroy their young lives. To answer your initial question - yes, I made up my mind for good when Mit outright lied by saying he has not accused McCain of Amnesty. I don't know where you are or what you have seen and heard but Mit has been attacking McCain for months in New Hampshire and one of his biggest assaults has been regarding amnesty (while illegals tend to his yard work by the way). I think Mit's health plan (socialized in nature though it may be) made sense for MA and he has shown some excellent business skills but my concern over his lack of foreign policy experience and (his now confirmed) inability to be honest and consistent exclude him from candidacy for me. Jason - regardless of our differences I commend you for caring and being involved in this most important process and right that we as Americans have. McCain 2008!

If Romney were any phonier, his face would be on Monopoly money!

There is something mean-spirited about Mr. McCain, more like malevolence than anything, a natural response to inner fear that he will lose power. His approach is a manifestation of the old familiar but decaying political behavior that requires replacement by those who demonstrate more mature diplomacy and statesmanship.
It is now quite clear in my mind that Romney has what it takes. I only hope that fair-minded delegates will see this in time.