Live Blog Of CNN/YouTube Republican Debate In Florida (November 28, 2007)

7:02: And we are ready. 1 hour to go until tonight’s CNN/YouTube Republican Debate. The participants will be: Mitt Romney, Rudy Giuliani, John McCain, Ron Paul, Duncan Hunter, Mike Huckabee, Tom Tancredo and Fred Thompson. Alan Keyes (yes, he’s running) will not be participating. Keyes is taking the role formerly taken by John Cox, who, mercifully, has stopped trying.

7:20: The Giuliani campaign has sent out a pre-debate email discussing what they consider to be a high volume of negative attacks from Romney’s campaign [pdf]. It’s fairly extensive and is obviously intended to increase the press’ coverage of Romney’s negative attacks themselves (as opposed to any fallout that may come as a result of those attacks).

7:54: Lou Dobbs is ranting.  No analysis required.

7:59: The snowman apparently will not make the cut, as per the web preview on CNN.com. Three commercial breaks are scheduled for the two hour debate.

8:01: Charlie Crist is going to introduce the candidates, who are all going to fantasize about receiving his endorsement. From left to right in reverse order of their introductions: Tancredo, Huckabee, Romney, Giuliani, Thompson, McCain, Paul, Hunter. It’s mildly amusing to see them all trying to be nice to each other on stage.

8:06: CNN thinks Mitt Romney is still the unabashed front runner in the early states. Apparently they are holding this debate in October. It’s a dead heat in Iowa with Huckabee having so much more committment than Romney in Iowa.

8:08: Anderson Cooper previews questions. U-S-E-L-E-S-S.

8:10: A song that would get about 1,000 viral hits starts off the debate. This is really corny humor that will go over well with some and induce a lot of eye rolling by the rest.

8:12: The debate begins! A New Yorker asks why Giuliani ran NYC as a sanctuary city and if he would continue it. He explains why he left children exempt, why they could be treated, and why they could report crimes, and those were the only exemptions. Romney says NYC called itself a sanctuary city and that Giuliani brought a suit to that effect, and not everyone that was reported as committing a crime was deported. Two well-crafted and obviously practiced answers. Giuliani retorts by citing sanctuary cities in Massachusetts and a ’sanctuary mansion’ at Romney’s own mansion. Tough answer, and Mitt tries the direct response, and Giuliani retorts. Romney points out he hired a company and says he should not check employees of that company for immigration papers. Romney eventually segues into his record and the answer gets a lot less interesting. Seems like equals yelling back and forth, ending with Giuliani getting booed to the next question.

8:19: Pledge to veto any amnesty bill? Thompson says yes. This is inducing a lot of stump speeches. Thompson accuses Romney of flip-slopping on the Bush immigration plan ‘unsurprisingly.’ The Giuliani campaign is rolling, as we’ve already received an email about Romney hiring immigrants. Thompson accuses Giuliani of bringing a lawsuit to protect sanctuary city status, Giuliani repeats his exceptions line. McCain, using a really serious and low tone, says the plan was not amnesty and he would veto amnesty. Talks about lack of trust in the government to control the borders first, and everything else needs to be resolved second, and that the illegals are God’s children as well second.  Cites demagoguing of the issue, and that the rhetoric contributes nothing.

8:24: Tancredo basks in the glory. An employer of seasonal workers asks what he would do about it. Tancredo talks about the evils of immigration as a while, and that he rejects the idea that there are jobs that no Americans will take. Hunter makes a cameo appearance, and shockingly talks about the double fence he built in San Diego. Did he jsut send the tape of him to the debate ala Leia in Star Wars?

8:28: Why did illegal immigrants get to pay in state tuition but not children of military members? Huckabee said he supported a bill to allow people who had been in Arkansas their whole life to go to school at that rate, since he did not want to punish a child for the crime of a parent. Huckabee says a veterans bill of rights would be needed. A reasonable answer. Romney says it’s a great reason for giving money to illegal immigrants, and it is not his money, it is taxpayers money. Huckabee said it was not given, it was earned. Says we are a better country to punish children for crimes of a parent. Romney says they were here illegally and should not get benefits.

8:33: Question for Paul regarding a North American Union conspiracy. Says there is a move toward the North American Union like there was in Europe years ago, and money is spent on it. Talks about the international highway from Mexico to Canada. Sufficiently vague to not weird out many people and appease the most nut supporter (and I use that term endearingly).

 8:35: What to do about the national debt? McCain says spending has gone out of control, including a humorous example about bear DNA in Montana. Gets more passionate than his last answer, knowing his position is more in line with the GOP majority. Romney says McCain is right, and that vetos need to happen on pork bills. Mentions his health care record here in a public right. Giuliani says there should be across the board agency cuts and less rehiring when people retire, even saying Bush should do it now.

8:38: What are three programs you would decrease in size to save money? Thompson says there’s a lot of programs, and most programs would not solve the program. Thompson talks about reforming Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, and eliminating 100 programs the OMB cited as wasteful. Says reform saves a lot more money than a wasteful program here or there. He’s far better specifically on the issues than generally. Paul says that Washington did not change him. Paul says he would cut the Depts. of Energy, Education, and Homeland Security. Huckabee talks about the IRS and the Fair Tax, and that Homeland Securityis a mess. Lots of cheers for Paul and Huckabee. Good humor again showed by Huckabee.

8:42: Uncle Sam in a cartoon asks if McCain supports the Fair Tax? McCain says he does not and that it would increase some tax rates into the 30% according to the WSJ. Gives a serious answer about reforming the tax code. Then segues into attacking Ron Paul for isolationism and that it caused World War 2. Gets a lot of boos AND cheers for that answer, that it allowed Hitler to come to power. Cites Thanksgiving with the troops, who said to him ‘Let us win.’ Strong McCain answer, if off topic notionally. Paul cites getting the most money from military personnel, and that he is not an isolationist.

8:45: Grover Norquist, someone who already has a platform and a pledge, asks if the candidates would vow to oppose any tax cut. Thompson says he does not do pledges to anyone but the American people, and McCain agrees, although agreeing in spirit. Paul says the real issue is spending. Everyone agrees in spirit. Hunter says there could be a national emergency or something.

8:47: Why are there farm subsidies if you are fiscally responsible? Romney gets put on the hot seat. Romney compares food to energy and says it is importantto keep people farming, and that new energy technology may come from farms. Also says the competition is subsidized, and changes need to be made together. Giuliani agrees, saying the subisides in Europe are higher. (But aren’t third world subsidies a lot lower if nonexistant? Comments would be welcome.) Question to Giuliani on the police force, and they were handled, “as far as I know, perfectly appropriately.” Interesting, considering they seem to be billed horribly inappropriately.

First introductory video, for Tancredo, comparing him to Clinton. One solitary person clapped at the end.

8:51: What to do about lead toys, and what can be done to fix things. Tancredo talks about immigration of ‘things’ being illegal if the things are illegal. Hunter gets to talk about his other issue, and that it’s in the interest of America to buy American. Does not mention how much more expensive American toys are.

Thompson’s video attacks Romney on abortion and Huckabee on taxes, using their old clips. Cooper: “Senator Thompson, what’s up with that?” And welcome to the 1993. Thompson retorts briefly. Romney jokes about being young then, and says he was wrong then on abortion and he’s not the person who is going to always have been right on every issue. Huckabee says the sales tax was ‘one penny’ higher in his time. Huckabee says that when you get kicked in the rear, it shows you’re out front. Impactful video from Thompson.

First commercial debate.

8:59: McCain video retorting Clinton, including his moment from the last debate about being ‘tied up at the time.’ Cooper says the next question is about ‘guns.’ It’s like having me ten years ago host this thing. Hunter talks about using guns ‘as his son did in Fallujah’ and that the person in the video was unsafe in his use of guns, but that the tradition is from the American soldier. Hunter’s continuing use of his son is a little annoying as well; it’s as if he’s only there to campaing for his son who’s running for office.

9:02: To Rudy: Why should citizens be required to pass tests to own guns? Giuliani says laws on the books need to be enforced, and reasonable regulations can be imposed on them, such as criminal background and mental health background. Cites the Circuit Parker decision. Thompson says Giuliani supported a wide variety of gun control laws and attended signing ceremonies to that extent, and it’s not a choice but in the Constitution. Says DC took the same position as Giuliani in NY. (I don’t think Giuliani supported outlawing handguns. That’s a significant jump). Giuliani retorts to that extent. No mention of the test mentioned in the question.

9:05: Another gun question, anyone wanting to tell about their collection. Thompson declines to say where his are. McCain says he used them when in the military but does not own one now. Hunter talks about a gun type his dad showed him. Giuliani does not own a gun, and the only guns in Romney’s house are owned by his son. 

9:07: What about inner city black crime? What an irrelevant question for this debate. Romney talks about values and having moms and dads being important, and cites Bill Cosby. Not sure that Romney should invite comparison to Jello. Also talks about schooling and more policing and ‘drunk driving’ as if that’s what causes inner city crime. Giuliani says Romney has a mixed record on violence, and Giuliani touts his strong record in reducing crime.  Finishes off with the changes he made in NYC. Romney says he was not a mayor and did not have a commissioner, and did what he could, but agrees that Giuliani’s record is nice.

9:11: Should women be charged with a crime if they get an abortion if it is made illegal? Ron Paul says the crime should be to the doctor/abortionist, and that the penalty should be up to the state. Thompson talks about the procedural posture of the question. Talks a lot but eventually agrees with Paul in talking about twice as long seemingly.

9:13: If Roe v. Wade were overturned and Congress passed a federal ban on abortion, would you sign or veto? Giuliani says he would not sign it, and leave it to the states instead. Elaborates a little more. Romney says he would welcome a consensus on the matter, but America is not there right now.

9:15: On the death penalty: what would Jesus do? Huckabee says he was the only person on the stage who ever made that decision, and that he put more time since it was irrevocable. Says there is a place for it. Talks about the process of adjudication of a death and an individual making an abortion. When pressed, says that Jesus was too smart to run for public office. Effectively sidesteps the question. Tancredo talks about being McKinley-esque (my words) and praying for guidance.

9:18: Do you believe every word of the Bible? Huckabee attempts to jump in for help when the question goes to Giuliani. Giuliani talks about interpreting the Bible in a modern context, allegorically and what not. Romney says the Bible is the word of God. Does not mention the Book of Mormon. This is turning into a mess. Huckabee says the word is revelation from God, and chooses extreme examples to make his point (No one wants to pluck out eyes!) Finishes by saying that no one can understand the Bible ever.

Romney video. Vanilla ad. In a lot of ways, it perfectly reflects the candidate in that’s so plain I’ll forget it in two minutes.

Second break.

Giuliani video touting his reform in NYC, using humor like including King Kong, and finishing with a reference to Clinton saying something censored about him. First reference to Clinton tonight, as apparently everyone’s decided to start trying to win this race finally.

9:26: How do you improve image of America in Muslim world? Giuliani talks about staying on offense on terror, while the vast majority of people in those countries are fine. Giuliani gives his line about no Democrat saying Islamic terrorism again. McCain says the most important element is continuing the surge in Iraq. (Where are the troops going to come from after March?) Says a date for withdrawal is a date for surrender. Talks up his history of calling for a new strategy. Finishes up by thanking the troops. Hunter says Americans have helped out tremendously in the Muslim world and he will not apologize.

9:29: How can people disagree with McCain on waterboarding? Romney says he opposes torture, but as a presidential candidate he should not say whether it is torture or not, or what would be used. Sounds like a hollow answer. Finishes by saying that those in Guantanamo should not get legal representation in America. McCain accuses Romney of not knowing what waterboarding is, and that it’s imperative to get the high gronud. Romney with a bit of a smirk as McCain gives a pretty good answer. Romney again defers to answer what is torture and what is not, and says that he was advised to not say what is torture so people in custody will know what can be done. McCain says then you have to withdraw from the Geneva Conventions. Says that waterboarding is not needed in Iraq, and it is a defining issue.

9:34: What candidate will make a long term committment ot the people of Iraq? (not mentioning how much those people want us there). Thompson says it is part of a bigger picture, and too many people are vested in a policy of defeat. Paul says the Iraq people should be given their country back. Paul forgets the name of the Kurds when he says people are taking their country back, and what can be done in peace is better than war sometimes. McCain says no battles were lost in Vietnam, only thr battle of the American public, to loud applause. Says that Vietnamese did not want to follow us home, but Bin Laden and Zarqawi do. Paul gives a story about not losing a battle in Vietnam being irrelevant, and that the base in Saudi Arabia and such are the cause, to loud boos. Tancredo says Paul is not living in the real world. Would have more impact if the claim came from a candidate who mattered.

9:39: For Giuliani, are you using 9/11 to propel you into the White House? Giuliani says he wants people to look into his whole record, including the Haitian illegal immigration agreement he negotiated in the 80s. Giuliani has really shied away from 9/11 references since the Biden quip (and shortly before). Again, CNN is about a month too late.

9:41: Virtual Dick Cheney asks if the VP will have as much power as Cheney. Thompson talks about the role of the VP, and that it should be chosen on quality and brought into the administration, and have some legal training and some expertise. Wandering and vague all at once. Finishes by saying that the power of the VP depends on what the president gives him. Uh, Fred? McCain says reliance on a VP depends on their expertise, and that Cheney had national security experience. Mentioned straight talk, but didn’t really deliver.

Hunter’s video airs. Boring, and looks at the same issues he’s talked about so far.

9:49: Retired brig. General who is openly gay asks why American men ar enot professional enough to serve with gays and lesbians. Hunter cites Colin Powell regarding unit cohesion, and that most who serve in the military are conservative and should not be forced to serve with people who live against their principles. Huckabee cites the Uniform Code of Militrary Justice, and that conduct matters. Romney backs off a 1994 quote that said he looked forward to the time when gays and lesbians could serve openly. The questioner stands up and says he did not get an answer, and that unit cohesion is not the source of discharge. He starts to get boos. McCain says that he talks to leaders in the field, and that he hears ‘almost unanimously’ that the present policy works.

9:54: Would you take support from gay Republicans? Huckabee jokes about getting support from anyone he can get, although he disagrees with them on same sex marriage.

9:55: National debt question. What will you do to restore the trust. Fred Thompson talks about Social Security going into the red by 2017, and more about reforms on Social Security. His previous answer looks more prescient on the issue. Romney says there’s a lot of problems out there, and a new course is needed, and that ‘new’ course is the one Reagan set out; also a rare Clinton reference tonight.

9:58: The Mars Society gets their somewhat pointless question answered. Huckabee says he would not want to make that decision, just to make the decision to expand the space program, citing technological advancements. Says Hillary should be on the first rocket to Mars to loud applause. Tancredo says it’s a serious question, and that questions like this are why the deficit is out of control.

9:59: Why do African-Americans not vote Republican? Giuliani says it’s a failure to appeal to them. (My answer: look at the dodging answer of black on black violence earlier. Answer questions, don’t give talking points). Giuliani says moving people off welfare helped. Finishes by saying that crime continues to decline because of his policy. A shot at Bloomberg in the waning moments? Huckabee says 48% of African Americans in Arkansas voted for him, because he asked for it, citing care for diseases prevalent among African-Americans.

10:03: What does the Confederate flag represent to you? Cooper points out it is nicknamed the ‘Stars and Bars.’ Thanks, Anderson. Romney says it’s not the point. Romney says it’s a pointless divise debate, and concludes with an attack on the Edwards’ two Americas. (Edwards response inevitably: ca-ching!) Thompson says it’s a symbol of racism to ome, and means something else to others, and it’s appropriate that people decided to not display it publicly.

Paul video highlighting big turnout at his rallies. Good point to make.

10:06: Question about repairing infrastructure in America. Giuliani says he continued a program to rebuild infrastructure and that it has to be a sustained program, requiring separate accounting, and that it is different from entitlement programs. Paul juxtaposes blowing up bridges overseas to them falling down in America. McCain says he will veto pork barrel projects and get the line item veto that Giuliani opposed. Giuliani says the Supreme Court found it was unconstitutional, and that he beat Bill Clinton.

10:09: Paul says he has no intention of running as an independent. Cites his money bomb. Cooper: “I’ll take that as a no.”

10:11: Why did Giuliani root for the Sox after the Yankees lost. Cites being an AMerican League fan. He must have been a huge Joe Cronin fan growing up. As an Indians fan, his stance is patently appalling. That’s the only word I can think of. I would never dare to have such a stance, and I don’t know a soul who would agree with him. Romney says he always hated the Yankees. Cooper wraps up by saying welcome to anyone just joining. On the other hand, better than diamonds v. pearls. Umm, thanks Anderson.