Perry vs. Romney

By: Erick Erickson (Diary) | September 7th, 2011 at 09:49 PM |

RESIZE: AAA

Forgive me Father, for I have sinned. I gave MSNBC ratings. But in doing so I can say this is a two man race — Perry vs. Romney. It is also clear in this first debate that Perry is the front runner now. I would still prefer to have a few more debates on this before declaring it, but below I’ll explain why it is clear he is whether I want to think so or not.

The most shocking bit of the whole debate was at the very end. I felt a great disturbance in the Force as if millions of Republicans cried out in terror and suddenly realized they were watching MSNBC.

First, I don’t think Perry had as strong a performance tonight as he could have. He stumbled several times. Romney had a stronger performance — the strongest of anyone on stage in fact. But then, Romney has been in this dog and pony show since 2007. Perry is just stepping up to this level. He made no major mistakes, but could have been stronger on the HPV issue and a few other issues.

Second, it is clear Perry is the front runner given the pile on from the other candidates. It was not just pushed by MBNBC and the Politico. The other candidates took willful potshots against Rick Perry. Perry, despite some stumbles and the pile on by the moderators and other participants, held his own and will only get stronger the more of these he does. And if he doesn’t? Goodbye frontrunner status.

Third, Michele Bachmann’s star has faded. The recognition of this is the reporter focus on Perry v. Romney buttressed by Bachmann’s own outgoing campaign manager, Ed Rollins, that the race was a two man race between Perry and Romney.

Fourth, Newt Gingrich. What an intellect. What a mind. What a debater. What might have been.

Fifth, I am thankful I did not somehow get on tonight’s rapid response email list for all the candidates. Usually I am. Tonight, the only campaign doing aggressive rapid response into my email inbox is the Paul campaign. And 100% of his rapid response emails attacked Rick Perry.

Sixth, Warner Brothers wants Marvin the Martian back in Looney Tunes. Thus ends the Ron Paul campaign.

Finally, I think Mitt Romney’s “play it safe” strategy is about to come crashing down on his. In the exchange between Perry and Romney on social security and ponzi schemes, Perry gave a less than stellar answer. But Romney then tried to pile on by rejecting the idea that social security is a failure.

Republicans should pay attention to this. Mitt Romney proclaimed making several generations of Americans dependent on the federal government for their retirement a success. That may play well to Washington, D.C. But it increasingly doesn’t even play well with senior citizens worried about their grandchildren’s futures.

Tags: 2012, Mitt Romney, Rick Perry

COMMENTS

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Locked and Loaded

The wife and I cheered heartily when he busted the media in the mouth.
She actually started to tear up.
Common_Cents

they are just bashing the entire slate.

Gingrich came off the most prepared, succinct, clear, and deliberate. How does this guy get a boost to get back in the game? Get a thumbs up from Palin if she doesn’t run?

Gingrich went after the moderators, I’m glad he did.

You could definitely tell this was a setup to get everyone to gang up on Perry and each other.

Shame on PMSNBC.
bk

He could have said, “Like in any Ponzi scheme, the people who get in early think it’s great.”
http://www.redstate.com/thesophist TheSophist

Although I have to say, I really wish Herman Cain had more traction, as the guy makes so much sense….

Romney was much, much better than I expected. You’re right that it is a two-man race now. But the stumble on Social Security goes to the heart of what I find problematic about Romney: I don’t know what he really believes. The impression of the “weathervane” remains.

Plus, I’ve recently had conversations with committed DEMOCRATS in their 30′s and 40′s who know for a fact that they won’t get to rely on SS. Even diehard liberals know SS is a ponzi scheme. For Romney to defend it as he did is… let’s just say counterproductive.

It’s high time for some of the minor candidates to fold up their tents and start helping one or the other of the two main guys.

-TS
http://travismonitor.blogspot.com Freedoms Truth

C’mon, can we get the candidates to have the cohones to say “NO” to liberal media debates and get more conservative or at least balanced debate moderators?
http://www.fpcr.org balloonjuice

This question will continue coming up until Perry puts it to rest. He needs to arm himself with some info about the East Anglia emails and why hockey sticks are a guess not science.
http://www.planettron.com NickDeringer

I was worried how well Perry would do in heavy traffic, but he kept himself from making any serious gaffes. He deflected some of the shots from the other candidates with skill. All he has to do is play error free ball from now on and he’ll be in good shape.
http://impudent.edublogs.org/ kyle8

none of them did poorly except that they may have said things you just don’t like. So some people would score Romney poorly if they just didn’t agree with them, Likewise I thought Santorum came off as a sanctimonious ass, but then I have always thought that of him.

None of them changed many minds with this debate, but Gingrich was more like the old Newt, and was really effective.
tailfins1959

From a GOP perspective it’s to see who can take a punch. If they can’t handle a liberal Ken doll, a candidate won’t withstand what Hurricane Obama and company dish out. I would rather see someone fail in 2011 than in 2012.
runner12

1. Romney and Perry did about the same. Both stumbled on some answers and Perry could have been prepped better, but no major blunders on Perry’s part. He held is own. His answer to the gotcha question regarding TX death penalty was golden.

2. I thought Bachman was solid and well-prepared during the portion I saw. Her answers were smooth and confident. She held her own and maybe gained some. I thought Cain also did well in the portion I saw.

3. Huntsman’s doubling down on the AGW question came across as arrogant and insulting. He also had an odd orange tint to himself, does he tan? If so, he should stop. Now.

4. Newt is a smart guy, good answers. Too bad it does not translate into good governance.

5. Ron Paul. What can I say? One minute the man sounds sane and you find yourself agreeing with him and the next minute he whips out the crazy. His comment re: the border fence was just…well…bizarre to put it mildly.

6. I heard one answer from Santorum and it was not bad, it just was not really good either.
DerKrieger

“Romney: I don?t know what he really believes.”

And is why I won’t support him for the nomination.
http://impudent.edublogs.org/ kyle8

There is a lot of anti global hysteria information and next time he is asked he should be prepared to rattle out chapter and verse.
powertothepeople

did you like the “awesome spray can tan job of Huntsman?” I think he may be the first ever representative from either party that appeared on stage with a bronze face.
http://impudent.edublogs.org/ kyle8

liberal ken doll, you mean clean, white, slender and sexless?
runner12

It was doubly insulting that the media hacks chose the Reagan Library to sneer and snarl at the GOP candidates.

I heard Newt took them to task, sorry I missed that part.
http://impudent.edublogs.org/ kyle8

nt
lineholder

Man alive, he is by far the most knowledgeable and articulate one in the bunch! I wish I knew even half of what that man must have forgotten by now. Still don’t trust him. Wouldn’t back him unless I had to. But respect the man’s knowledge? Oh, yeah, do I ever.
jout99

We need a way to get Newt back in the game.
tailfins1959

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rcg_-8hB4E
powertothepeople

with the whole persistent we are friends answers. I think he knows he is done and wants to resurrect his political career in the government of the republican winner.
bobojake

I think they got the message that American citizen/voters/taxpayers don’t TRUST people of their foney Journalist Positions and the third one brought in to try and sway the illegal alien vote was a disgrace, Wasn’t Williams and Harris capable of asking the question?.
The RNC needs to can like FIRE, Willams and Harris and get real Moderators not obama biased ponies.
CMaree

and the stunning setting will encourage many to visit the Reagan Library. And learn more about our Great Conservative Communicator.
http://impudent.edublogs.org/ kyle8

he is one of the few I would trust to both understand, and do what is right.
runner12

The guy is as sharp as it gets, but as lineholder said I don’t trust him enough to support him in the primary.
powertothepeople

but i was actually referring to the presidential stage but should have been more clearer.
acat

Newt’s one of the few people smart enough to make heads or tails of that charlie foxtrot.

Mew
gekster
RichmondG30

I was thinking the exact same thing.
traversecityconservative

is about Newt. If I could vote for the smartest person, the person who knows the most about the country, the Constitution, regulation and how to get our freedoms back, it would be Newt. The person who says it like it is and cuts through the crap. And it’s possible that I still might jump from Herman Cain to Newt. We’ll see…

The only thing that happened to Perry tonight is that he got called out about a lot of his negatives. I expect him to drop i the polls after this. And if you keep driving this Perry train of yours, I will cease to visit Redstate.
lineholder

has dumped into the system, I’d love to see Newt take on the position of cleaning that up for us. He knows the law. He doesn’t take any flack. He’d get it done.

Maybe that’s actually a waste of his undoubtedly estimable knowledge and talents though.
izoneguy

of TDA – The Dismantlement Agency
Bill S

I’m with you on every point.
izoneguy

the highlight of the evening…..

After Brian Williams asked his question he was very surprised
with the audience applause. Typical liberal reaction.
onemovoter

Except for RP and Huntsman, but even those 2 would be much better over BHO.

I did like how there were times when each of them complemented each other on things. Wish there was more of that, at least pointing out good ideas that are out there.

Overall I was impressed with the debate, seemed pretty even.
iidvbii

I thought all the candidates did fairly well in their respective roles. The good govenor of Texas looked and sounded exhausted. I can only assume his week has been a hard one with the wild fires consuming Texas. I thought he missed a couple of golden opportunities with SS,Gaurdisil and global warming but he has a couple more bites at the Apple. The questions he got and their phrasing betrayed the obvious bias of the moderators and frankly gave me the last reason I needed to parental control MSNBC on my tv lest my children should stumble across it by accident and suffer irreparable brain damage.
CMaree

of women, seems that they believed the frontrunners Perry and Romney were still frontrunners, with the former in the lead. Newt’s answers for them were spot on but they did not seem him in anything but an advisory position. Bachmann’s answers resonated but somehow the shine was off this evening. Cain was polite but too predictable with his responses. Sadly, Santorum seemed quite defensive on the offensive.
The women thought Huntsman was as insincere as his tan.
Finally, all agreed Congressman Paul needed meds.
The focus from here out, unless a newcomer enters the race, will be on the current Governor versus the former MA governor. Let’s roll!
pttx333

he hit the ground when he returned from SC, he has been on the run. He has been all over the television, being out in the field with the folks, etc. The fires are all over the state – not just confined to one place. It has to have done a number on him. He did stumble a couple of times, but he is a very strong man and will overcome it all.
http://www.fpcr.org balloonjuice

Will look something like this:

Perry loses debate to Romney — Surges in polls
barleycorn

Ron Paul, Jon Huntsman, and Rick Santorum are wasting everyone’s time. Huntsman is very icky in my opinion. Sorry, but no higher brow word really seems to fit.

Bachmann went down some in my estimation tonight. Some of her answers seemed canned. And her hair was awful, and yes it does matter because she’s a woman and don’t blame me because I didn’t invent human nature. Sure, Santorum’s hair was pretty bad too but I challenge you to find me one person who cares!

Newt is Newt. Spot on with most of his answers. Very rarely does he go into canned mode. First class mind, second class temperament, third class character.

Herman Cain was solid. He has improved a lot since the early debates.

I thought Perry and Romney both did well. I think the hand wringing in some quarters about their performance is over done. This is still basically spring training. Very few Americans watched this debate and almost none of them will make a decision in November 2012 based on tonight.

Romney was more human tonight than I’ve seen him before. His answers were in the main well stated and correct.

Perry really got hammered by his “fellow” Republicans and the “moderators”. The fact that he maintained his cool and composure is a HUGE positive.

My laugh out loud moment was due to Bryan Williams’ snippy tone as he asked Rick Perry what he thought of the applause on the death penalty question. Talk about out of touch.

I maintain my position that Perry is the one to beat. Tonight was a strong start and he should improve as he catches the rhythm of a national campaign.
http://dezignworx-ae.com tsquare

Education Secretary… a perfect fit.
skponggol

- “Forgive me Father, for I have sinned. I gave MSNBC ratings.”

I believe your Father will forgive you on this particular sin.

But I doubt your Father will ever forgive you for going to CNN to not only boost their ratings but help them to attack and smear your fellow conservatives for a mere 30 pieces of siliver.

Bless you.
popdaddy

The fact that Governor Perry has had a lot more on his plate this week than to worry about prepping for PMSNBC and washed up GOP whiners.

Governor Perry has been doing business of the State of Texas while all the others were practicing debate tactics and clich?s with their handlers. In addition to the hundreds of wildfires, Tropical Storm Nate has been forming the last couple of days off Cancun with the Texas coast in the path.

It?s time to cut the fat on this slate of ?candidates?, time to drop the second tier and move to 2-3 candidates with a prayer, maybe throw in Newt for introspective as long as his wife lets him participate.
gsnieder

ole Erick appears to have let a little cable news celeb go to his head…pmsnbc does exactly what they do and Erick eats it up???… remember… repentance comes before forgiveness.
aesthete

…
Rusty_S

.
libbasher

The most telling line of the night came from the clown from Politico when he tried to bait everyone into a free for all about the individual mandate. Just after Newt beat him like a dirty rug, he came back to the topic. He made the statement that as he understood “you conservatives’ ” objections to Obamacare they are…. He revealed that he really doesn’t understand our objections, thinks they don’t have any validity, but just wants to point out have wrong conservatives are about this issue. He’s a better PR flack for Obama than he is a “journalist.” And, he’s a poor excuse for a journalist.
runner12

The setting was beautiful, too bad the moderators had to spoil the scene .
Scope

n/t
clowngirl

on almost every question he got. Especially on jobs and increasing revenue. Wish he’d gotten more questions.

Perry held up well under pressure and has an excellent presence, voice and an engaging speaking style. Looked and sounded Presidential. The questions he was given often put him on the defensive and he – but he seemed a capable debater and someone who knows what he believes and will stand up for it. Really liked his answer on when asked why 1/4 of Texans didn’t have health insurance — bringing up how federal regulations got in the way.

Thought Romney sounded less confident than usual, and Michelle Bachman’s performance was not nearly as good as in her first debate.
runner12

NT
http://www.usdebateboard.com usdebateboard

and they lap it up.

Who does Romney think he’s ingratiating himself with, anyway?

I think we know.
Scope

like the far leftist Brian Williams? When in the hell will these idiots all, start refusing to debate with those that want nothing more than to marginalize the. I have a serious problem with Republicans agreeing to debate in front of leftists. Didn’t we already freaking learn that the left will make every republican candidate in the worst light possible.
cmcalum

The moderators and other participants took it to him and honestly he didn’t respond very well if we are objective. He only answered one question well and that was the death penalty question. If he continues to perfrom as he did his front runner status will be fleeting. Gingrich who has been good in every debate, continues to separate himself from everyone else as he was very good.

Romney was also very good as was Santorum. I have questions about Romney as many do but you couldn’t really question what he said tonight. If he follows through with what he said as President we would all be very happy.
cmcalum

The moderators and other participants took it to him and honestly he didn’t respond very well if we are objective. He only answered one question well and that was the death penalty question. If he continues to perfrom as he did his front runner status will be fleeting. Gingrich who has been good in every debate, continues to separate himself from everyone else as he was very good.

Romney was also very good as was Santorum. I have questions about Romney as many do but you couldn’t really question what he said tonight. If he follows through with what he said as President we would all be very happy.
http://www.usdebateboard.com usdebateboard

No excuse for handing this over to the Imelt Television Network.
Carol Tarasewicz

It was almost an all out attack on Perry, it seemed like it to me. Perry did well considering that he’s been dealing with the devastation to TX by fires. He did not come off as practiced which I liked.
I was shocked when Romney stopped the Guardasil attacks on Perry. I had RS up and know it was Romney acting presidential.
What exactly does Romney stand for? I live in MA and I am not sure and he was our governor. He ran for governor as a way to start his POTUS campaign.
Can we get rid of Huntsman? He came off as an elitist, which he is and I believe he’s there to attack for Obama.
lineholder

when it comes to getting rid of all the regs the Obama admin has put on us, I think getting rid of those regs needs to be high on the list of priorities for the next admin. Very high. And it wouldn’t bother me in this case to have a Czar do it either.
lineholder

Given Newt’s comment during the debate, it’s pretty obvious that education is an issue he’s very passionate about.
runner12

I was unable to see the very beginning of the debate, but it seems from other commentors that the earlier performances of the debate were similar to what I saw.
perry4prez

The race is indeed now between Perry and Romney. Both were well spoken but Perry was the only person who was willing to give a clear answer about Unconstitutional wealth-redistribution programs being a Ponzi Scheme. Michele Bachmann gave a very good answer on Libya and I still think that Perry-Bachmann would be an excellent ticket to oust Obama.
lineholder

out of there after this myself.
windwaker24

SS needs to be reformed NOW! I’m 27, and SS will be bankrupt when I’m 52. I get nothing and yet I have to pay into a broken system. I guess as long as the old people get theirs everything is okay! Give me a break! I loved Cain’s idea! CHOICE, CHOICE, CHOICE!!!!!

God bless Cain and Perry!
runner12

look tired. He has been very busy with the widfires in TX and doing his job. Unlike Obama he has not been on vacation playing golf while his constituents are suffering.
RJD

If he is to be back in D.C. He’s the “Ideas Guy.” But, I’d prefer him not to be in line for the presidency.
JSobieski

than later from foaming at the mouth liberals.

There is a reason why people like Reagan and DeMint didn’t go around calling SS a ponzi scheme or unconstitutional. Perry is going to have to reassure seniors on this issue. Better he do so now, so we can be sure that he is up to prevailing on this issue.

Imaging if Romney didn’t raise the issue, and Perry won the nomination without having to address it.

We want issues to be raised and candidates to be challenged.
lineholder

by a young mother, age 28, over at Hot Air.
RJD

Love it or hate, Cain is the only one with a plan that offers details. He has definitely polished his delivery and responses since May. If he were a little younger and had a governorship under his belt…
atlracer35

Newt did a great job….so did Herman Cain….too bad neither got much time. To me…Perry was extremely weak…especially about all the hype. I hate to say it but Romney (who I won’t vote for) did much better if you want to compare the two media driven front runners.

Of course…I’m a common sense Cain supporter…I’m tired of politicians on both sides….and everyone but Herman is just that.
JSobieski

Reagan’s biggest strength as a communicator was the ability to handle people who were clearly hostile to him and his views. We need to see who among this crop of candidates, is best able to handle that stuff.

There is a reason why some conservatives are such big fans of Rudy and Christie. That reason is because both are really good at handling hostility. GWB was really bad at this, and it crippled his presidency.

I think that Perry is not quite as good at it, but that he is sufficiently good at to be a good President.
JSobieski

No offense, but comments like this sound more like the Huffington Post and Daily Kos every day.
runner12

I know that chunk the Feds take out of my paycheck will go to a program that I will never see the benefits of. I am paying into a broken, corrupt system and I do not like it. I would like to invest that money rather than forking it over to Uncle Sam all of the time.
acat

The Dems and the useful idiots (looking at the Maine Twins here…) would never confirm Newt.

Mew
windwaker24

It makes me angry to no end. I feel that we young people should start a class action lawsuit against the government! We would lose, but we can’t take this lying down!
onemovoter

That kept making me cringe, was when she would say “I’m afraid that…” when talking about possible bad things happening.

If she wants to stay in this race, she needs to practice in NOT saying that. It will only keep prodding the liberals into saying conservatives are just afraid and don’t like change.

I think that is why Michele just didn’t seem the confident person tonight.
RJD

Gov. Perry did look tired. But, he is now running for president. It won’t get any easier. He will need to figure out a workable balance between being the Governor of Texas and a presidential candidate.
acat

I’ve been paying into the system for decades. I’m sure that I won’t see dime one of my money back either.

The retirement age will be raised to be nearer the death age, and my people are not noted for longevity…

Means testing means my private savings will count against me.. even though I am accumulating those savings so I won’t be a burden on the general public….

And after all of that, I’m still willing to pay into the system for the rest of my life, if it means your generation, and my child’s generation can get out of this scheme.

Mew
Locked and Loaded

Goofy.
runner12

All of our candidates do need to be Leftist media tested, because of the attack dog nature of these groups.

However, Scope does have a point. Our candidates should agree to be moderated in debates by people who are clearly unbiased, not open hacks from MSNBC. These people do not even attempt to cloak themselves as journalists anymore.

You also are not doing anything to bring your message to the American people given the abysmal ratings of MSNBC. Those who regularly watch this station are devoted Left-wing crazies whose minds are not open to any rational thought or ideas. Therefore it is really a net-loss for Republicans to agree to any debates on MSNBC.
loganyung

Not consensus, peer reviewed science, where scientists individual reputations are put on the line to support something, not just answering a poll. For instance, NASA (previously a fan of the AGW theory) just released this peer reviewed science:

http://news.yahoo.com/nasa-data-blow-gaping-hold-global-warming-alarmism-192334971.html

Shows that the vast majority of the heat is being radiated into space, thereby blowing a hole in the tipping point argument.
littlehouse18

They almost all did a good job exposing the Obama administration, and we need those ideas out there continually. With each debate we get new articulations of our side. Hopefully the eventual nominee can gather the best arguments of the also-rans for his general election campaign. For example, although Newt should not be the nominee, in my opinion, it is very useful to have him still making his points for people to hear.

Also, why give the MSM and DNC more time to train their sights exclusively on the nominee? Now they still have to scatter their resources to some degree.

I would like to see R.P. leave now, however.
windwaker24

Cute cat by the way! I love cats! British shorthairs are my favorite!
florida772

will be putting up perry signs in their campaign headquarters
lineholder

your age weighing in on this. I’m 50. I won’t see anything in SS when I hit retirement age and I know it.
Locked and Loaded

and stick up for the Republican field.

My wife and I really did cheer; it was moving.

Another thing I saw that was quite astounding:

At one point, Huntsman was speaking and they switched to a camera angle that looked down the line, and Ron Paul is right there wiping the back of his hand back and forth across his nose and mouth. Wow! If that didn’t cause somebody to back away from him, well…
gekster

What make you think Obama wants Perry to run against.
Remington_Steele

and even though SS needs to be fixed, overhauled or just go away, the latter two won’t happen before 2014. The next GOP president has to fix the jobs issue first, Obamacare next, SS isn’t even on the docket until after that. Romney out politic’d Perry on this. How? This race is going to come down to Florida. I don’t care how red Florida is, it’s old red and old red wants their SS to not be messed with. I’m not just talking about Dems and Inds, many GOP folks on SS arean’t about to sign up for what Perry just said tonight. Thus, Romney, the “non-career, yet ever candidate”politican just out politicianed Perry. Disagree? I understand, but just wait for Florida… this will all come down to Florida.
californiagold

Mitt looked good, sounded articulate, but showed he’s just another politician with his social security answer tonight. Romney’s defense of the status quo contradicts his recently developed image of being the “outsider”. I really don’t get why people support this guy. It must be the hair.

Although Rick Perry will need to give more articulate explanations on the issue of social security in future debates, there is no doubt that he has raised the stakes by taking on an extremely controversial subject. How Perry answers this question in the next few weeks will determine his fate as the front runner.

Bachmann won’t be the nominee, but made a few good comments regarding Obamacare. In fact, she is the only person on the stage who explained how difficult it will be to repeal Obamacare. Romney said he would issue waivers, but never said he would repeal Obamacare. All the candidates need to be far more specific on how they plan to stop ObamaCare, particulary if the supreme court rules in favor of Obama next year.

Newt was, well, typical Newt. He is a professional debater and it shows. But he would not make a good president.

Herman Cain did well, and is by far the best candidate who cannot get elected.

Ron Paul looked tired and angry.

Santorum needs to get a job.

Huntsman made a few good remarks, but then threw all his good will away when he incorrectly stated that 98% of scientists believe in man made global warming.
Remington_Steele

yes, I am talking about the nomination process, and not the general.
http://908StraightSt.wordpress.com/ mbecker908

Just ask any of Palin’s fan club. Or RonPaul’s for that matter.
http://908StraightSt.wordpress.com/ mbecker908

some good practice now.
Locked and Loaded

You are two for two on that score now.
http://908StraightSt.wordpress.com/ mbecker908

discuss whether Romney is a Christian.
Remington_Steele

I follow with my ode to Palinistas and Ronulans:
.
.
.
.
nt
Locked and Loaded

Where did you get those Romney colored glasses?
windwaker24

SS is easy to fix. Politicians just need to step up, courage over career! Cain’s plan was beautiful. I hope someone picks up his plan if he decides to drop out. I have to go to bed now. Gotta get up early to go work to make sure old people get THEIR SS!!!!! Me, not so much! G’Night all!
lineholder

Get the issues out there. Discuss them. Know exactly where each of the candidate stand on the issue. (Little hard to do with Romney sometimes though)
Remington_Steele

I loved Cain’s 999 plan, and I hope others were listening too.
bk

that Williams thought the sudden burst of applause might be of the “oh I’m so glad you nailed him on this” variety. It was only after Perry answered to more applause that Williams realized he had it all wrong.
http://whattoreadtoday.blogspot.com/ Paula

Politico’s John Harris:”"Governor Perry, which scientist have you found most credible on this?” [disproving global warming] “Are there specific scientists or specific theories you’ve found particularly compelling?”

Funny, there was no corresponding question to Jon Huntsman when he was asked about his tweet on the subject.

But I agree, if you’re going to take gigs in the belly of the liberal beast, you better be prepared with answers in their native tongue.
bobojake

NT
Danielle Davis (ocleverone)

I thought he came across not only presidential but human as well.

Romney always does well. I didn’t like his Social Security response though.

Bachmann did very well but a couple of her answers came across a bit too glib.

I loved Newt tonight. Nothing like a little beeyotch-slapping of moderators.

I missed anything Cain had to say.

Huntsman is orange. No one orange should ever run for President. No one will listen. All they will be thinking is “Dear God…you’re ORANGE.”

Paul continues to creep me out. I never know which Ron Paul is going to answer. The one that makes sense sometimes or the crazy one that acts like he was just released from being locked in an attic.

Didn’t pay attention to Santorum..
bk

Obama: My opponent would end social security.
Perry (holding up a blank sheet of paper): This contains all the ideas Obama and other Democrats have proposed for fixing social security since the turn of the millennium. Just saying no to every proposed fix offered by the GOP means social security goes bankrupt in 2xxx (whatever the year is). If you are working and paying into social security and you believe doing nothing will get your money back when you retire, please vote for the president. If instead you feel you won’t have any chance of seeing that money, then vote for me and I’ll drive the changes needed to fix it so you get some return on it.”
http://whattoreadtoday.blogspot.com/ Paula

Right behind the moderators. They were aghast.
http://whattoreadtoday.blogspot.com/ Paula

NT
onemovoter

I got a big grin when Perry came back at Ron about the letter to Hillary with Ron’s letter to Reagan and put him on the defensive.

Seems there is now a picture someone snapped during the commercial break of Perry talking to Ron Paul.

http://news.yahoo.com/photos/texas-governor-perry-talks-during-break-rep-ron-photo-022735976.html

Contest started for captions for the pic!!
http://whattoreadtoday.blogspot.com/ Paula

It’s one thing to go into enemy territory during the general election when it’s unavoidable, but during the primary when there’s “family squabbling,” there’s no reason to take our business before people who are actively working against our candidates and our policies.
Carol Tarasewicz

He has no support, why is he still in debates? Is it is stance on global warming? It’s bull, I do not believe one word of it. Rush can supply the links that it’s bull. Huntsman is an Obama shill, he’s there to provoke our people.
Stan(ley) Pruss

http://wattsupwiththat.com/2011/09/02/breaking-editor-in-chief-of-remote-sensing-resigns-over-spencer-braswell-paper/
http://whattoreadtoday.blogspot.com/ Paula

Rick Perry complimented the president by saying, “The other thing this president has done, he has proven once and for all that government spending will not create one job. Keynesian policy and Keynesian theory is now done. We’ll never have to have that experiment on America again.”

As always, I love everything that comes out of Rick Santorum’s mouth in these debates. It’s a shame he can’t gain some traction. He’s the one who best articulates the uncompromising three-legged conservative position. Consistently.
californiagold

In politics, the money spent on negative ads does more to sway voters than a few debates.

Romney will spend millions running negative ads targeting seniors against Perry. And if Perry survives, then the Obama campaign, Soros, and the left will spend nearly a billion.

It won’t be pretty, and Perry better have a more detailed defense of his social security position than what he displayed tonight in his first debate.
trueredfromtexas

Keep in mind, employers are required to withdraw the SS and Medicare taxes from your paycheck.. It’s not like the elderly had a choice…FYI. And the longer one as been forced to contribute… the more that person could lose… depending on how it is revamped. Problem with Perry and Romney, since these are the likey two frontrunners… what exactly is eaches way of ‘fixing’ SS. Neither gave a glimpe of how Perry or Romney would ‘fix’ SS.
First step is to bring current and former members of Congress up on embezzlement charges… since they either changed the law years ago that brought SS into the general revenue funds… and for those that continue to use ‘our’ money for personal gain…congressional pay increases.
Personally, I do not like the personal accounts… as like 401Ks… they have the ability to lose a ton of your money overnight. Understanding the current SS crisis that one may not have it in the future… something has to be do to STOP the government from all the giveaways to the IMF and hundreds of Billions of dollars to foreign countries for aid and focus paying back the trillions (with interest) the government has embezzled from SS.
californiagold

Now that would have been interesting.
trueredfromtexas

BK

That would probably work if not that this great ponzi scheme requires employers withdraw the SS and ZMedicare taxes… there is no option for the elderly.
gekster
iidvbii

Look we have had this talk before, you have to take those pills everyday Ron, every freaking day. Where’s Rand he promised he would take of this….
californiagold

If Mitt Romney can run to the right of Perry on immigration, it’s probably not a smart idea for Perry to focus on this issue during the primary season. Ironically, Perry’s immigration positions will actually benefit him in a general election, while hurting him now.

The reality is, republican primary voters support a fence at the border, and oppose illegal immigrants from getting in state tuition rates equal to those of legal citizens.
azaeroprof

but just OK. (Hey, if Santorum can speak in 3rd person, why can’t I? ) Romney came across as considerably more presidential, though I didn’t like his answers as much, especially on SS.

Gingrich was awesome again. He should be Chief of Staff for whoever wins. Paul actually made sense a little over half the time, which was an improvement for him. And could someone please tell me why Huntsman is still even invited to these?

The scariest part of the evening was right after the debate ended. A frighteningly androgynous space alien appeared on our TV screen. I quickly scurried my family to our basement shelter until it was safe to return! Whew!
MikeG (Icythus)

I’m 24 and I don”t expect to see a dime of Social Security. The system is going to be defunct long before I qualify for any benefits. I honestly don’t even think of it as something I’m “paying into”; I see that line item on my pay stub and it registers as just another tax.
gekster

It is 8 parts, and it wont let me embed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QzG1uLPS5k&feature=BFa&list=SPC89D7664B106D3F5&lf=list_related
rightwingmom52

1. I’d give the slight edge to Perry considering what he’s been dealing with the last couple of days. He probably didn’t have near the time to prepare that others did since he was actually having to govern. I paused the DVR, stood up and cheered at the death penalty answer. My husband said he’s sure he pretty much agrees with Perry on everything, so he doesn’t want to hear what he believes so much as why he believes it. For example, he needs to brush up on why global warming is bad science in spite of the fact it was a gotcha question. We also noticed that the mods moved away from the death penalty question pretty quickly once they saw the response Perry got. I also loved the fact that Perry said liar instead of the politically correct not telling the truth or mistaken.

2. I like Bachmann and she gave thoughtful answers for the most part. Hubby said he wished Perry had given one or two of her answers.

3. I actually thought Cain was great. If he withdraws at some point and isn’t chosen as VP, I think it would be a huge bonus for any candidate to get his endorsement and go ahead and announce a cabinet position for him.

4. Newt had no equal in the debate as far as performance. I could have kissed him for the answer to the media, and I noticed a couple of times when it seemed others followed suit. I think he pretty much led the attack on Obama, but you nailed the problem. I don’t trust him to govern.

5. Ditto on Ron Paul. At one point, I told hubby that all I see and hear from him is “Blah, blah, blah, you kids get off my lawn, blah, blah, blah!” I think at some point he said something I liked, but I don’t even remember what it was because it was so overshadowed by all the loony stuff.

6. I think Santorum’s love of this country shone through. I know he won’t be the nominee, and he’s not my first choice, but I’m glad he’s in the race because he does bring an earnestness that I don’t see in others. I’ve certainly criticized his endorsement of Arlen, but if I can forgive others for their failings, I can get past this, too. I think he would certainly like a mulligan, but I’d like to hear him say so (unless he has and I just missed it).

7. As Huntsman moved into the AGW territory, I yelled at him to go ahead and tank any chance he had. Thank you very much.

Our DVR cut off the last few minutes, so I have yet to watch it as I’m having to record the later broadcast.

As for having the debate on MSNBC, I think it’s terrific and we should have more of them on liberal channels so long as Newt is in the race to challenge them. It puts them on notice that we’re not going to sit down and take it anymore. How many people do you think stood up and cheered in their living rooms when he said to them exactly what we’ve been begging somebody to say for years? The more chances we get to do so, the better because they’re stuck in a venue where they have little chance to respond, at least not until the next day.
rightwingmom52

I think we scored a ton of points tonight because Newt led the charge to take it to the liberal media. I say accept the debates with leftist mods and then expose them for the hypocrites they are. If they ask a gotcha question, turn the tables on ‘em. Refuse to answer. Refuse to be egged into an attack on fellow candidates.

Also, I meant to tell you I haven’t yet watched the full replay of the DeMint forum, and I’m not sure when I’ll get around to it. Maybe this weekend. If and when I do, I’ll let you know what I thought as promised if you’re still interested. Not sure it matters at this point since tonight’s debate will color my perspective somewhat. I posted my thoughts on that upthread.
Adjoran

and if we make it the issue, we will lose. It’s the Democrats’ only hope.

We can sell “reform” but if we are intent upon attacking the system itself, we’ve just committed the unforced error which blows it.

I’m not arguing that it’s a good system. I’m saying if you threaten older voters’ income, you lose.
rightwingmom52

I wish Perry had found an opportunity to discuss the Dream Act. Romney threw out a line about tuition for illegals, and Perry never had a chance to respond.

I also enjoyed the moment when Romney was listing all the great things about Texas, and I caught a glimpse of Perry sorta leaning back on his heels and nodding his head like, “Yeah, that’s my state you’re talkin’ about. Go on.” By the time Romney got to the but part of his comment, I was laughing too hard to pay attention.
LibertyWins

Perry maintains his frontrunner status. Romney did well and will get a bump for his very good economic plan. I cannot wait to see Perry’s response this plan. If Perry is the nominee, he would be wise to incorporate the Romney economic plan. The race is now officially Perry V. Romney.

Bachmann, Gingrich, Cain, and Paul are the minor candidates that will hang on until at least Iowa. Only Paul will hang on until the very end as he did in 2008. He has nothing to lose by standing on his principles. Finally, Santorum and Huntsman will be dropping out before Iowa.
trueredfromtexas

Most of these politicians will speak from the right, for now, as the Republicans voters will chose one to move forward. That nominee will then slide more to the middle to try and get some crossover votes, while not alienating the right.
easyb

nt
rightwingmom52

Wish I knew how to post it so it views without having to link to it.

Anyway, my caption.

“If you want to keep living in Texas, you’ll do as I say.” or “That’s President Perry to you.”
dbkohl

The GOP could use Newt’s intellect back in Washington, and in the position of Chief of Staff, he’d be in position to be the next “Architect”. As long as he doesn’t slide leftward as we have seen a few times in the past. Perry as POTUS would influence that mind to the right I would think. And you are right, we definitely don’t want him in line though.
trueredfromtexas

Some voters might bite at every chip thrown to them… but the comment that Perry made pertaining to ending ObamaCare at the stroke of a pen is a little far fetched. Wish it could happen with an executive order, but what Perry or the next Republican President can do is limited pertaining to ending ObamaCare… even with a President’s power. Bachman is correct, the Congress will have to overturn it
pttx333

All I can think in looking at that picture is that Ron Paul looks like a scrawny chicken in fear for his life. Neither one looked very happy with their “visit.”
trueredfromtexas

A wise politician will tell you what you want to hear. A failed politician is one that told the truth. In case that saying hasn’t been penned, it came from little ol’ me.
trueredfromtexas

I’m 55 and Congress has embezzled quite a bit of money from not just me… but millions of others. For those in SS for 5 or so years, perhaps they do not mind just departing with what the government took and write it off as a loss. Not me. I want my money now!!! … wait… that might be the words in a commercial. I just want the government to keep their thieving hands off SS and Medicare taxes that people have been forced to contribute to for decades.
Fix it. Fidn a solution. But I would like to hear more specific solutions from the candidates. Easy to say fix it… BUT HOW?
onemovoter

That were tried before, the President usually got shouted down and had to back off from it. Reagan knew that SS and Medicare were bad and would need to be changed. But he knew he couldn’t really do anything other than work with a Democrat congress to shore it up.

We now have what Reagan didn’t. A chance at an all Republican conservative government and a populace that has a sense of urgency about debt. Perry is driving the debate about SS correctly, by turning the tables on the democrats and democrat-lite (Romney) and alinskying the very program of SS by calling it what it really is, and something people can identify with.

Once a large majority identify SS as a ponzi scheme, they will be willing to accept a reform that moves away from it, because they will believe in doing so will protect themselves from financial harm. GWB didn’t do this and he got burned for it.

The political elites have no idea what’s coming their way.
http://www.mullinslawoffices.com/ Jim Mullins

I, for one, actually think Gov. Perry handled the question of identifying the handful of key scientists upon whom he relies very shrewdly. The left wants names so they can go out and target these individuals in a campaign of personal destruction and then ding Perry for relying upon advisors whose character and credibility have been savaged.
minister_of_war

Her exact quote was: “Romney should pick Gingrich as his Vice President.”

I told her that Newt probably has too much baggage to be anyone’s VP & that I’ve always thought that Newt was a great ideas guy who should be behind the scenes. He’d make a great Dick Morris.
trueredfromtexas

I’m willing to have SS reformed as well as Medicare, as both are taken from my paycheck… forcibly. I also am aware of the nightmare and drops that 401Ks incurs… with the blink of an eye. My 401K lost in the first crash a few years ago about $60 big ones. I had quite gotten it back… then the market crashes again. And again, my 401K tumbles. So no…. I do not want a transference of my SS into a fund similar to that of a 401K that will drop on the first bit of bad news. That does nothing for my own, or others, financial security except to make somebody else richer. A finacial consultant once said… when somebody is making money, somebody is losing money.
But when the quarterback is chosen, he/she should focus on jobs and the economy.
minister_of_war

The post-debate coverage almost made me vomit. And Erick was right – seeing Rachel Maddow’s face after a great debate almost ruined it for me.

I was very impressed by almost all of the candidates again tonight (except for Ron Paul & Huntsman). Perry came out looking very impressive. I smiled more when he talked than anybody else. His “Ponzi Scheme” line & defending it repeatedly really reshaped the entire political debate – not just tonight but our political debate in general. I don’t know how this will play out with seniors who actually vote, but I definitely liked hearing Perry say what he did about Social Security.

Romney also looked very good tonight. Erick was unfair by downplaying how well Romney did tonight & by saying that everyone was piling up only on Perry. They piled up on Romney too about RomneyCare & he remained untouched. The only pile-up on Perry was about the HPV vaccine issue. Other than that, Ron Paul continued to make his pot-shots at Perry, but Perry ignored him mostly. Romney probably won the debate. But Perry was a close 2nd if he didn’t win outright.

I think that the most Presidential moment of the night may have come when Romney defended Rick Perry on the HPV issue. Romney, once again, looked like somebody who is not rash & always tries to be reasonable. It was just the way he went about defending Perry & giving him the benefit of the doubt on an issue where Romney didn’t have any reason to give Perry credit & plenty of opportunity to jump on the pile after Perry hadn’t held punches on Romney. Romney’s line about Al Gore was also perfect.

I hate to admit it, but the only morons on MSNBC that I agreed with slightly after the debate was over were Ed Shultz & the anti-Mormon bigot Lawrence O’Donnell. O’Donnell’s observation may be most true though that Romney really escaped this debate alive & well. None of the punches that were thrown his way even phased him whatsoever. I think that Erick is completely wrong by brushing off Romney now.

But like I said, I was also very impressed with Rick Perry tonight. He had so many things that he said in the debate that I liked so much. He really does connect with the audience. Tonight really did make it look like we’re headed for a two-man race from here on out.
minister_of_war

…I think that both Romney & Perry did well on this question & from completely different points of view.

A huge percentage of the people who actually vote are seniors. Unless we can make it illegal for them to vote, then we’ve got to deal with the fact that they’ll always expect their Social Security hand out.

Yes, it’s a ridiculous system, but smacking “Romney in the face”? Really juvenile.
gekster

Romney should be smacked in the face for his answer.
He is trying to show he is outside the beltway, and just confiimed he is inside it.
Playing two faced is not a way to win an election.

And for claiming one thing and showing the other, he should be smacked by every thinking voter.
minister_of_war

… Any person in America who is receiving government assistance should be completely ineligible to vote in any elections, because they will only vote to ensure that their government assistance will continue to come.

The problem is that Social Security does not disqualify people from voting & those people were also forced by earlier socialists to pay into this ridiculous Ponzi Scheme too.

I wouldn’t mind being forced to pay to continue funding all the old people until they finally all die off with a promise that Social Security would go away & no one younger than 40 today would get a dime from this screwy system ever. And from there, the share would go higher & higher until we get to people who are 60 today & they would get their full share when they retire but nobody else. The system should be something like: 100% for people 60 & older & people who are 55 will only get 90%; 50 years old – 75%; 45 years-old 50%; down to 40 year olds only getting 30%.

Since I’m only 33 (and even though I’ve paid into the system since I started working at 15), I will happily get nothing for it as long as I can kill the freakin beast that is Social Security so my children don’t have to suffer living through it.
minister_of_war

Very mature for you too.

You may not agree with what he said, but there’s no way in this political climate that we’re going to just waive a magic wand & make FDR’s Social Security fraud scheme go away.

I wish it were so, but unless we can make it illegal to vote while receiving government assistance, it ain’t gonna happen. Old people vote. PERIOD. And they vote to protect their Social Security & Medicare first & foremost.
rightwingmom52

if a 53 year old wanted to smack Romney? Not literally, of course. If there was ever any doubt, Romney firmly established himself as the status quo candidate with his answer about Social Security.

And there are many of us nearing retirement age who have been pretty vocal in our call for reform. My husband and I have planned for retirement without Social Security, but I resent your characterization that it’s a hand-out for seniors. Unlike welfare, SS is a system through which the government has confiscated our money. We had no choice, and while I would like to have my principal back, I’m willing to sacrifice it if it means getting that albatross from around my son’s neck. Not to mention the fact that when we planned our retirement without SS, we didn’t take into account an administration so disastrous as to tank the market, causing an unexpected hit on our investments. So for some of us, it’s a double whammy.
gekster

Then maybe this liberal claiming to be a Republican will wake up.
gekster

nt
minister_of_war

Huntsman serves no purpose remaining in the debates. He has terrible poll numbers & if anything, he should be planning a Democrat Party Primary campaign for himself against his old boss.

I do agree with your point about a larger field giving a little bit better cover for longer for our eventual nominee, but regardless of how long it is before our actual candidate is chosen, Democrats will do EVERYTHING in their power to take that person down & destroy him or her completely.
minister_of_war

Romney won tonight. Or Perry won tonight. Or tonight was a tie. But whatever tonight was, it was not a blow out for anybody. The only blow out may have been that Perry & Romney blew all the other candidates out of any real contention right now. Those two are definitely the top 2.
rightwingmom52

For Romney to stand up there and declare SS is a great system was, as Perry so truthfully put it, a great big lie.

And stop calling me old. And stop accusing my 80 year old parents of voting to protect their SS and Medicare first and foremost because that’s another great big lie.

And stop with the let’s make it illegal for old people who get SS to vote. SS & Medicare are not the same as welfare. Perhaps those in my parents generation are guilty of naively trusting the government when they were told their confiscated money would be protected and returned to them one day. Not every elderly person on SS voted for those who put the confiscation plan in place, either.
rightwingmom52

…
minister_of_war

… He said that there was not yet on consensus on the subject. This was a perfect response & I’m glad it tweaked the nuts on the left.

The only thing that he could have done better was make the moderator look like an idiot for asking the question again.

“So, you’re a reporter, and you’re asking me who in the scientific community doesn’t agree with theories on man made global warming? Isn’t that your job to find those people & interview them yourself? Maybe, they could teach you a thing or two.”
minister_of_war

… I really didn’t like Santorum during this debate. I almost forgot to mention him… because I almost forgot that he was even there.
davesinsanantonio

department. We don’t need it, and it should be gone! Then he could move to the Dept. of Energy and do the same thing, because it only exists to kill drilling in this country. Otherwise, Czar of Dismantling is my choice.
davesinsanantonio

as large as his daddy’s stack of money.
http://billbotex.blogspot.com billbotex

Young people are the ones that made it possible for Obama to become POTUS!

We should start a class action against the young people!
mikeymike143

of course, we are talking about two losers who are not legitimate candidates for POTUS. although i suspect one or both of them may end up running as a third party candidate. no loss there as i think both are so far from being a conservative that they will take as many votes from obummer as they will the republican nominee.
http://billbotex.blogspot.com billbotex

I read that if all money stolen from the SS Fund even though it was LEGAL THEFT after Johnson switched the moneys into the General Fund – was returned to SS by the politicians, there would be a $200 TRILLION surplus! SO MAKE THEM PUT BACK IN WHAT WAS STOLEN, THEY ARE STILL CHEATING US BECAUSE THE INTEREST ON THAT MONEY IF LEFT IN SS WOULD BE BILLIONS MORE BY NOW!

DON’T BLAME OLD PEOPLE, THEY KEPT THEIR SIDE OF THE BARGAIN – BLAME THE POLITICIANS WHO STOLE THE MONEY TO USE FOR PORK!
jlsankot

We never hear how and why SS is broke. I’m sure people need to be reminded frequently. I know I had forgotten about Johnson robbing SS to put it in the General Fund. I was busy raising kids and my husband had to remind me of Johnson’s poor decision.
http://www.RiverRisingReview.blogspot.com rabbi

on politics? (Politics – Who Gets, What, When, Where & How is about relationships. Who is “more qualified,” then, than a rabbi to comment about relationships?)

Long time reader of the comments and commentator. First time to weigh-in here. Host a national podcast, Ramble & Rumble with Rabbi! and a blog at River Rising Review.

Lets get to the points.

Agree with Erick’s “former” list. Don’t agree that the debates tell the engaged and unengaged enough about the candidates. The format is less about the candidates policies and perspectives and too often about the media’s agent framing the questions.

The 115 comments (read 75+ before posting) were interesting. Some more carefully thought through than others.

Two points I am not seeing that I certainly consider important. One a deal breaker with regards to Governor Rick Perry.

Perry must answer fully the islamic connections. If he was duped, it is a deal breaker, for me, in Perry as POTUS. If it is intentional, that is, he gives “equal” status to allah and GOD through islamic connections, it is a deal breaker for me. The islamic issue cannot be ignored or handed-off to handlers to respond.

Gov Sarah Palin, if and when she announces she is a GOP candidate for POTUS it will be of her own time and choosing – unconventional. In that regard, Gov. Palin should announce her candidacy with the “tease” line … “I will announce my selection for vp and 5-6 cabinet nominees over the next ten days!” Her vp should be Bachmann (unless Bachmann prefers to run for United States Senator) otherwise Rep Paul Ryan.

There it is … the path to victory for Gov Palin …

BTW … when a site that invites … comments from others, but only after a certain undisclosed time frame of being registered [Error: You have not been registered long enough to comment.] (yeah, I know, you want to vet the moles and trolls … really?) then you have fundamentally communicated the old guard adage … come in, sit down and shut-up … well, it is both a “tease” (Erick’s new fav word) and unAmerican. I also made a $20.12 donation to RedState within hours of registering to comment to see if that made any difference in when my comment would be published. Enough is enough with the ‘tease’ RedState. Do you want ‘newbies’ to “Leave a Comment” or not?

Finally, political pundits, however much we may appreciate their ability with a sharp tongue and well-turned phrase, however lofty they may think of themselves as ‘right’ in their loudly expressed and megaphone broadcasting voices, the bottom line is simple: the decision to offer oneself in service to our country is not a decision to be cajoled by media elites on the left or the right. Media personalities who do cajole potential candidates with “in or out” rants are themselves the teaseor and have projected their sin on folk like a Gov. Sarah Palin, or Gov. Chris Christie or even Rep. Paul Ryan. Enough is enough with Erick and many others who use the word “tease” in an intentional barb toward Sarah Palin. She is still a beautiful woman but is still faithfully married. She may turn heads and hearts but not because she is a “tease” it is because of the lust (there I have said it!) in the flesh from those who must admire her from afar. Sarah does not have to dance to the tune or to the time of political pundits. So enough of your petty punditry.

–
Love & Prayers,
Rabbi Eukel
jlsankot

(For some reason my first response didn’t show up)

Yes, I was reminded by my husband that Johnson robbed SS money and put it in the general fund.

Why don’t we hear about this “little” fact from the media and the candidates. I’d bet I’m not the only one who was so busy that I forgot what Johnson did.
davesinsanantonio

Listen, Pinnocchio, no more going to carnivals with foxes and wolves.
radicalrighty

Lying is what the alarmists do.
radicalrighty

Ha!
acat

(cheshire grin)
texasmom2012

Agreed. Hubby and I are 49. We have saved since our 20s for retirement knowing we must not depend on social security for our old age (dang, getting too close!). We moved where the public schools are good, saving tuition. Oldest son in community college for at least 2 years, state college after that. Hubby has always brown bagged it, rarely buying lunch. Kids given allowance that they can spend on school lunch but they usually prefer to brown bag and save their money. We buy new cars, well actually trucks, but we keep them a minimum of 10 years whiled making most repairs ourselves. So our retirement will be secure if the country doesn’t default and the Congress is not allowed to steal private 401ks and IRAs…

As far as limiting voting rights, how about only printing ballets in English since this is a prerequisite for citizenship. And if your IRS refund is greater that your taxes paid for 3 years running you lose your right to vote until your tax paid exceeds your ‘refund’. That would get those who game the system off the voter rolls but would not affect those temporarily unemployed or who had a major loss due to weather or health issues.
texasmom2012

Nt
texasmom2012

Still private accounts will always give you a better return by far than any government program. Logically government just adds another layer of costs sucking off the top of your savings. That is without mentioning the fact that your payroll taxes were not actually saved, they have already been spent and IOUs left in their place.

SS needs to be reformed for younger workers say 50 and under… That includes hubby and me since we are 49.
jacket06

Social Security might be so much a Poncy Scheme if the “Raiders of the SS Trust Fund” hadn’t stolen it all – the Congress of previous administrations. While all of the deadbeats, near-do-wells and freeloaders – the non-contributors in our society – are screaming for money from Obama’s “stash”, we Seniors should scream loudly as well – that Congress pays off all of those IOU’s they put into the Social Security Trust Fund. Then SS would be solvent once more. If they won’t do this, then vote every one those Congressional free-loaders out of office at the very next opportunity. Rookies could do no worse than the current class of incompatents!
texasmom2012

It sounds nice in theory and I would like better questions with less gotcha social issue questions that are really irrelevant in this economy, BUT this will prepare our candidate for the brutal MSM assault in the general election season. Because the MSM will never give a Republican a fair debate, it is better to work on methods to counter them and polish responses prior to debating Obama. Always remember our candidate is up against Obama and the ‘moderator’ during any debate.

I would rather see a policy debate where the candidates are given the policy questions ahead. They each give a medium length proposal and then have a chance to rebut their opponent. More meat less fluff.
gsnieder

what was written. But when the Establishment Media decides to setup a two man race as if they are the final arbiters of what candidates are worthy to be in the finals and a supposed independent blogger eats up that analysis as if it’s gospel then those who still have their eyeballs are left to wonder whether a drunk should be forgiven while guzzling whiskey?
Locked and Loaded

I don’t necessarily want Newt as VP, but, unless he accedes to the Presidency, he would be on the kind of leash he needs. Chief of Staff gives him too much independence, IMO.
promise

Thank you!! You said EVERYTHING I was going to say!! Reading down through these “comments”, the subject changed from the debate to an attack on those of us who worked forty yrs and get very little back by way of “fruits” of our labor. BUT I do want SS fixed even if it means I lose mine!! So people please GO BACK to the debate and leave us out of this!!
Perry is my choice!! Even more now that the “gutter slime” took their shots at him!! I DO NOT EVER want another debate which does not have questions from “we the peple”. I’m not interested in what the moderators consider important, their brain cells are not all firing at the same time.
I was pleased Perry went to calif, don’t you know his heart and mind were still in Texas! No one else on that stage has the responsibities he has!!
minister_of_war

He was with it in his responses & some of his responses were so good & so pure. I loved his response to Social Security (although I don’t know how this will play with older voters) & his response to the question on the death penalty was perfect. I wanted to get up from my couch & cheer at that point.

If last night was Perry being tired, I’d be scared of him if he was well rested because he’d be that good.
vandalii

Would be nice to get RNC back to the basics on conservative values with a serious-minded and formidable leader. RNC needs ot quit trying to pander to the Dem-stronghold special interests and consolidate the fractious conservatives. If we don’t third-party ourselves again, we should have the votes. Unfortunately the various candidates have been behaving more like the various yap-yap dogs that make up the Democratic collective sniping at one another.

On a side note, would be nice to see Repubs begin with, “Anyone on this stage is better suited to be our president than our current sitting president” showing some level of solidarity within the ranks rather than sniping at one another like a pack of dogs fighting over a bone. Fortunately for us, the Dems did that so much in 2008 that Hillary was relegated to Sec of State rather than VP. An Obama/Clinton win in 2008 would have made 2012 a lot tougher, IMO. We still have Biden keeping up the “Dopey” impression rather than serious VP’s like Cheney or George H W Bush were.
vandalii

NT
barron44

The first order of business at the GOP Debate Sept. 7, 2011, was for Governor Perry to project the stature and image of a serious candidate for the Republican Party nomination. His No. 1 job was to equate, but not necessarily surpass the stature and image that Mick Romney has already had plenty of time to project during all the time that he has been in the race.

Nobody in the media can deny that Governor Perry can claim ?mission accomplished,? because he accomplished his goal. Now, the rest of the country can see why Rick Perry merits his front-runner status in his campaign.

After the debate, I forced myself to watch the MSNBC analysis direct from the Kremlin. That bunch of so-called analysts is really a scary lot of loonies. Their mission was to seek to destroy the Michele Bachmann?s campaign. Why, because the Left wants America to believe there is only one woman in the entire country that could ever, should ever, be elected President?Hillary, not Palin, not Bachmann?only Clinton.
Veronica

we haven’t listened to savage for years.

an on not minding paying into SS for “all the old people until they finally all die off” — crass.

this is why the think tea partiers and conservatives are a bunch of crazed fanatics who need to be censored for hate speech.

hate to think what you’ve commented about spics and other minorities. — my opinion.
Veronica

your first line and 2nd para were classic.

Since I’ve began watching RS again, I’ve enjoyed seeing an increase in your blogging.

But, you should think about writing columns. You’d beat Malkin and Dowd any day with your all-American style.

It’s not angry, it’s direct and speaks to us intelligently, like we’re not fools. Thanks.

/end what others might think as kiss-assery. :/
traversecityconservative

It looked like he couldn’t remember his memorized information…he kept pausing…
acat

Romney: retired.
Huntsman: retired.
Paul: congresscritter.
Bachmann: congresscritter.
Gingrich: retired.
Cain: talk show host – retired.
Santorum: retired.

Mew
onemovoter

When a speaker wants to highlight a point that they are talking about, they will give a slight pause. Many of the successful talk radio hosts do it too. There are times you can see that he is looking for a better word since he is talking on the fly, and not with a teleprompter.
windwaker24

Not all young people voted for Obama. I didn’t. But all of us young people are definitely getting screwed by SS.
windwaker24

Don’t know why War is getting all bent out of shape. Speaking as someone who has been “smacked” before for her smart mouth (by my mother, during puberty), there is nothing immature about it. Actually, it brings maturity to the receipent rather quickly!!! It only happened once, and once was enough!

O/T Gekster: Skyward Sword comes out November 20th. I’ve already reserved my copy. Have you????
gekster

And like you said, a good smack in the face (I got my share) will make some grow up quickly.

RS

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