Each debate I watch is interesting, because sometimes it involves different people (exit Pawlenty and enter Perry), and as the polls change, the dynamics change.
In Wednesday night's debate, there did not seem to be as clear of winners and losers as in previous ones. For the most part each candidate had strong moments and weak moments. They did also seem to unite around going after the policies of the current president versus attacking each other as much. There was a little "pinata" smacking with Rick Perry as he himself called it. Though, most people I believe, expected his polices to be attacked some since he is the "new kid on the block."
There were several great lines during last nights debate, such as when Newt Gingrich again called out the media, this time in reference to the moderator attempting to engage the candidates in attacking each other or Mitt Romney's comment that there were certain things Perry could not take credit for unless he wanted to sound like Al Gore taking credit for inventing the internet. My favorite line though came from Hermain Cain when he said that "If 10% is good enough for God, 9% is good enough for government."
The newcomer, Rick Perry, seemed relaxed and at ease, though occasionally came across as choosing his words a little too careful and not just going with the flow. His plan for securing our borders was one of the best of heard. By using actual boots on the ground and surveillance drones, it allows for human intelligence in the process. He was also very strong on military and defense which I expected. He shined when it came to his view of capital punishment and stating that execution is the ultimate justice.
Perry and Ron Paul did have some sparring, and the best was Perry's reference to a letter Paul wrote to Ronald Reagan, apparently not supporting him. Perry also dueled it out with Mitt Romney in a relaxed, but decisive way.
Newt Gingrich is brilliant, and has excellent ideas. He is always strong on the issues, he just does not have what it takes to be president.
Rick Santorum was strong on the positivity of immigration, but only when it is done legally. I agree, it was how our country was built and what makes us so great. Mitt Romeny also made a good point that illegal immigrants are attracted like a magnetic to our country because of those who are willing to hire them.
Ron Paul did make a great point that school lunches and the kids' nutrition is not the responsibility of the government. He came out against any mandate whatsoever, that they should all be abolished. However, the ones that need to be abolished are the mandates that no one has any out of such as health care, some like a driver's license are needed. But if a person doesn't want to get a license, then they have the option of just not driving. The choice is in the driving, not the license to operate a vehicle. He showed a bit more of his isolationist view point on the topic of immigration. But his biggest error was when he sticking his foot in his mouth by stating that the air conditioning for our troops overseas should be turned off for two reason: 1) help fix our debt, and 2) so the troops will come home. REALLY??? Turn the A/C off to get the troops home. It is one of the dumbest anti-American, anti-military comments I've heard.
Oh and in case you are wondering about Michele Bachmann and Jon Huntsman, well they neither shined nor flopped. There was nothing memorable about their response, particularly with Bachmann.
So, in summary, everyone had strong moments and some had very weak moments. Personally, Jon Huntsman and Mitt Romney are a bit too smooth for me. I will take a rugged Alaskan or Texan over the slick Mormans.
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