Just finished viewing and I have to say right off the bat, as a Paul supporter, that I was very disturbed by the end at how little time Paul got. Especially considering the post debate talk where the pundits all talked about how "Who gave their best first impression to people just starting to pay attention?" Well how can Paul even compete to give a good first impression when they don't even let him speak?? Giuliani got more time, Huckabee got more time, and don't even mention McCain and Romney. This is just so frustrating. Especially since Giuliani is in last place so far. Especially since Ron has done better than every single one of those candidates in at least one state. Especially since he got a 2nd place finish in Nevada. After the, what I considered to be compared to this, fair treatment he got at the hands of Fox at the SC debate, where in my opinion he had a very good showing, I'm extremely disappointed and, again, frustrated by MSNBC's show.

Now that my rant is over, I agree with the pundits. Romney did very well in terms of projecting a man who knows what he wants, and is willing to do what it takes to get it. Were I first time viewer, I would be pretty impressed.

McCain also did well, but not as much as Romney. Giuliani's answers weren't all that impressive. Huckabee I thought did pretty good too in terms of trying to be the common sense man. (I did however get pretty mad when he said he's the only one who said the economy was going to go bad. Paul's been saying this for YEARS!)

That's all in terms of presentation. In terms of content, I obviously favored Paul the most. I wish the other candidates were pressed more on how they'd continue to pay for this war while still cutting taxes and recovering the economy.

What did other viewers here think of the debate?

http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/01/24/607248.aspx

From MSNBC, amount of time and chances to speak of the candidates:

Total Times
Romney: 21:11, during 13 times
McCain: 16:00, during 13 times
Giuliani: 13:50, during 11 times
Huckabee: 12:11, during nine times
Paul: 6:31, during six times

I'm frustrated mostly by the time given to Giuliani. That man has been a complete flop so far in this campaign.

The numbers speak for themselves.

Interesting little video, not sure of its provenance:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NlIMQ31EjY

It seems to show Romney being prompted electronically for an answer during the debate. It was a catch off the MSNBC website, I think - it's been pulled from there, if it ever was.

To me, the question itself sounds like a setup and lends credibility to a suspicion of coaching and rigging - it's an odd thing to ask, and expect a candidate to know details of off the cuff.

Here's Romney, at a debate a few years ago, giving somewhat different answers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9IJUkYUbvI&NR=1

To me, the question itself sounds like a setup and lends credibility to a suspicion of coaching and rigging - it's an odd thing to ask, and expect a candidate to know details of off the cuff.
I was aware that Reagan had raised payroll taxes, I don't know why Romney wouldn't be.

After the, what I considered to be compared to this, fair treatment he got at the hands of Fox at the SC debate, where in my opinion he had a very good showing, I'm extremely disappointed and, again, frustrated by MSNBC's show.See, Fox is fair and balanced. At least compared to the mainstream media.

The same Fox that didn't let Paul in their debate?

Tim Russert asked Mitt Romney, "Will you do for Social Security what Ronald Reagan did in 1983?"
Immediately afterward someone whispered "he raised taxes" that was heard by everyone.
It is evident in the clip below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NlIMQ31EjY

Now a lot of people are saying that it's a conspiracy, that someone is helping out Romney, but it is probable that someone whispered to Tim Russert "he raised taxes" as a way of telling him to elaborate on or clarify the question. The problem is that most of the clips that cry foul cut off Tim Russert restating the question shortly afterward, such as the clip above. The entire question and answer are provided in the clip below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcmFvg24XK4

This video has all 6 min of Dr. Paul's airtime :(

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPij7fyIiUQ

The same Fox that didn't let Paul in their debate?

True, but it's the same Fox that at least gives Paul a reason to be at the debate. At least they let him answer questions and give him time to explain his positions. MSNBC was ridiculous, it's almost as if Paul shouldn't have gone to begin with.

Huckabee, who I can't stand, should have received more time too. He did win Iowa and he's done fairly decent in the primaries thus far. Again, Giuliani didn't deserve anywhere near the amount of time he was given.

Yeah, I do have to admit that I was waiting for Paul to simply walk off the stage in protest.

Debate Highlights and Final Score:

http://hotair.com/archives/2008/01/24/debate-highlights-huckabee-on-the-economic-stimulus-romney-on-iraq/

I thought Romney won. Easily. He is the best so far. :yay:

The comments about Chuck Norris were priceless. :D

I cringe every time McCain tosses out the "here's some straight talk" catchphrase.

I cringe everytime he opens his mouth. Did you know that freakshow Juan Hernendez has joined his campaign? :eek:

http://hotair.com/archives/2008/01/25/dr-juan-hernandez-has-joined-the-mccain-campaign/

Everytime I see him on tv I want to throw a brick through it.:(

I'll admit I had no idea what Paul was talking about with his question to McCain, and didn't understand McCain's answer. But as it turns out, neither did McCain. :D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPm8ptvIMPs

I'll admit I had no idea what Paul was talking about with his question to McCain, and didn't understand McCain's answer. But as it turns out, neither did McCain. :D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPm8ptvIMPs

:D They're both pretty nutty imo. :D

The other thing I forgot to say is how classy the Republicans are in their debates. They don't slime/character assassinate each other like the democrats. HUGE difference.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22829780/