RNC Live Blog - Day 3: Including Gov. Sarah Palin, Rudy Giuliani, Mike Huckabee, Mitt Romney

And we’re off…

[All times are Central]

7:56: Michael Steele takes the stage (no, he’s not the guy that Pierce Brosnon played, he’s the former Lt. Governor of Maryland).  He announces that they are not gathering tonight as Republicans, but as Americans.  It’s statements like this that really frustrate me about politics.  This is a party convention, for the purpose of selecting a party nominee.  This is not an event that’s intended to be inclusive of all Americans, rather, it’s for the Republicans, just like the Democratic Convention was for the Democrats.  Just saying…

8:00: Talks about the importance of putting country first.  Then, he talks about education vouchers.  Huh?  Now, he talks about less taxes and less dependency on foreign oil by promoting oil and gas production at home.  He says what is likely the awkward line of the line, not so much for the statement itself but the tone: “Let me make this clear, drill baby, drill.”  The crowd begins to chant “drill baby, drill.”

8:03: He concludes by saying that in order to put country first, then McCain and Palin need to be elected.  Hmm, it was my understanding that tonight wasn’t about Republicans.  I guess that’s not the case anymore?

8:06: Mitt Romney takes the stage.

8:07: He says that in order to bring change to Washington, Washington is going to have to stop looking to northeast elites like the New York Times editorial board and TV anchors, and instead, needs to look west to McCain and Palin.

8:08: Romney says that Washington is currently liberal and in order to bring a real change, it is necessary to elect a conservative.

8:11: Mentions the need to fight pornography in schools.  I’m not currently aware that this is a major problem.  Oh well.

8:13: Mitt Romney’s suggestion for energy conservation: a cute joke about keeping Al Gore’s private jet on the ground.

8:16: Says, “Just like you, there was never a day when I was not proud to be an American.”  Also says that he believes by the providence of god that the GOP will succeed in the November and that McCain will be elected.

8:19: Refrain from the song currently playing, “If you’re going to hell, keep on going.”  I’m honestly confused.  Why exactly would one want to rush to hell?

8:26: Mike Huckabee takes the stage.

8:27: Thanks the “elite media” for unifying the Republican Party.  Then proceeds to attack the press coverage the past few days.

8:30: So far, Huckabee’s speech is pretty good.  It’s empathic about economic issues and ties it into his personal background (which was impoverished).

8:34: Huckabee says that Palin received more votes runing for the Mayor of Wasilla, Alaska than Joe Biden received during this run for president.  This is patently false (I just fact checked it myself).

9:01: Okay, it’s Rudy time…

9:03: Tells undecided votes to imagine that they are hiring someone to do a very important job.  They have two applications to choose from, no names or party affiliations.  Both applicants are patriotic with intersting backgrounds.  On the one hand, you have one man that dedicated himself to service of the United States and has passed very test that life through at him.  “On the other hand, you have a resume from a gifted man with an Ivy League education, who worked as a community organizer.” (The crowd erupts in laughter at that point).  Then proceeds to hit Obama on voting present 136 times while he was a state senator.  Follows up by attacking his lack of experience.  Says that this is no time for on the job training. I’m confused as to how the GOP is willing to make this argument given Sarah Palin’s lack of experience.

9:15:  Says that McCain will keep us on offense against terorism.

9:16: Says that Democrats don’t like to say the word “Islamic terrorism” because they are afraid - afraid of insulting someone.  Adds that when you say it, you are only insulting the terrorists.  Look, we’re fair, we’re nonpartisan.  This is just an incredibly dumb statement that really has no bearing on the election and has an incredibly weak factual foundation.

9:19: Criticized Obama for not taking public finacing.  Then says that Obama was against wire tapping before he voted against it.  *sigh* At the risk of sounding like some Obama apologist, which I definitely am not (see my scathing critique of Obama over his FISA vote), but Giuliani’s line here about wire tapping is yet again completely misleading.  The issue wasn’t about wiretapping, it was about immunity for telecom companies.  Look, either Giuliani doesn’t understand this or he’s intentionally deceiving listeners.  And since it’s Giuliani, and he’s a tough New Yorker and feels the need to use a little New Yawk speak, I’ll break this down: Either, Giuliani is dumb and doesn’t understand what the FISA issue was or he’s flat out lying.

9:30: Sarah Palin takes the stage…

9:35: Mentions her son’s upcoming departure for Iraq on 9/11.

9:40: She’s still giving shout outs to family members.

9:42: “What’s the difference between a hockey mom and a bull? Lipstick.”

9:43: Just noticed that Pali is wearing a flag pin on her collar, but not an American flag pin … and Israeli flag pin.  Interesting…

9:57: Attacks Obama for being worried that someone won’t read “terrorists who are plotting catostrophic attacks on America” their rights.

9:58: Says that Obama supports plan to raise taxes across the board.  And will increase the tax burden on Americans by hundreds of billions of dollars.

10:04: Says that the presidency is not a venue for personal discovery.  I’m still not sure how she is able to sincerely criticize Obama on the experience issue given her own shortcomings in the department.  It’s truly confusing for me.

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I’d Discuss This Article If I Were Allowed To

Powerful AP story on campaign finance and both candidates breaking promises they had made. Unfortunately, the AP policy on excerpting prevents me from discussing this. WTG, AP. Thanks a bunch.

In the meantime, I’d highly recommend listening to the conference calls Angelo has posted the last two days, specifically on the offshore drilling re: McCain and campaign finance re: Obama. Both candidates have pretty boldly manufactured issues for pure political gain. McCain’s trying to make an issue out of drilling and insinuating it will do something about energy prices (it won’t). And Obama’s numerous “justifications” for opting out of the public finance system were all squarely in front of him over the past year when he had no problem making promises. The decision today made sense; his promises over the past year did not then and look even more ridiculous now.

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It’s Official: Barack Obama Opts Out Of Public Financing System; Did He Break His Own Pledge?

[Updated July 19, 2008 at 12:35pm]

This morning, in an email to supporters, Barack Obama announced that he will be opting out of the public financing system for the general election (video).  The announcement has been widely expected for a few months now, so it wasn’t very much of a surprise.

Obama explained his decision, saying:

It’s not an easy decision, and especially because I support a robust system of public financing of elections. But the public financing of presidential elections as it exists today is broken, and we face opponents who’ve become masters at gaming this broken system. John McCain’s campaign and the Republican National Committee are fueled by contributions from Washington lobbyists and special interest PACs. And we’ve already seen that he’s not going to stop the smears and attacks from his allies running so-called 527 groups, who will spend millions and millions of dollars in unlimited donations.

It’s completely fair for a candidate to contend that the problems with campaign finance system are so significant that it would be better not to participate in it.  However, there’s a bit more to this situation that raises some questions. Read more

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FEC Report: John McCain (April Monthly 2008)

On April 20, 2008, John McCain’s campaign filed its April Monthly FEC Report. This report covers the period of Mar. 1 - 31, 2008. Here’s the breakdown:

Total Raised In March: $15,428,882
Money Spent In March: $11,845,764.05
Cash On Hand At End Of March: $11,579,713.65
—> For Primary: Approx $42,500,000
—> For General Election: $8,600,000
Debts Owed To Campaign: $77,259.74
Debts Owed By Campaign: $707,041.91

As noted earlier, Sen. McCain prepared his finances last month in anticipation of accepting public funds for the general election.  Indeed, the fundraising disparity between McCain and his Democratic counterparts would ordinarily be a much more significant issue for his campaign to deal with.  However, the protracted Democratic contest has mitigated this disparity, at least for now.  Eventually, this fundraising gap will catch up to him (but by that point, he will already be using RNC funds to help balance things out a bit).

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FEC Report: Barack Obama (April Monthly 2008)

On April 20, 2008, Barack Obama’s campaign filed its April Monthly FEC Report.  This report covers the period of Mar. 1 - 31, 2008.  Here’s the breakdown:

Total Raised In March: $42,832,120.65
Money Spent In March: $30,591,210.20
Cash On Hand At End Of March: $51,073,999.99
—> For Primary: Approx $42,500,000
—> For General Election: $8,600,000
Debts: $662,784.55

Like last month, Sen. Obama is in a very strong financial situation.

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FEC Report: Hillary Clinton (April Monthly 2008)

On April 20, 2008, Hillary Clinton’s campaign filed its April Monthly FEC Report.  This report covers the period of Mar. 1 - 31, 2008.  Here’s the breakdown:

Total Raised In March: $20,931,870.78
Money Spent In March: $22,372,765.27
Cash On Hand At End Of March: $31,712,197.67
—> For Primary: Approx $9,000,000
—> For General Election: Approx $22,000,000
Debts: $10,321,562.87

*It’s worth noting that this report does not include the $2.5 million that Sen. Clinton raised at the recently held fundraiser with Elton John.

Sen. Clinton is in a similar financial position to the one she was in last month; it’s actually slightly worse when the numbers are analyzed, since her campaign actually began the month in the red with almost a million dollars more owed than they had available in primary funds.  A big win in Pennsylvania would certainly help her short term financial outlook.  It’s also worth adding that Clinton raised approximately $15 million online during the month of March, which demonstrates an increase in ability to raise money online.

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McCain Definitely Taking Public Funds

John McCain’s FEC report indicates that he returned a bit over $3 million in cash during March.  Jonathan Martin reports:

McCain’s camp last month returned over $3 million in contributions they received for the general — money they can’t accept under the federal program — and moved over $600K to an account created to comply with the public financing.

This is unsurprising, but there was a brief period of speculation that he wouldn’t take funds; speculation can now end.

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McCain Urges Obama To “Keep His Word” On Public Finances

Speaking in Dallas yesterday, McCain called on Sen. Obama to “keep his word” on public financing, saying:

“The fact is that he (Obama) is saying one thing and he’s doing another. I mean, that’s indisputable.

“He’s always talking in his speeches about how we need to keep our word with the American people. Please keep your word to the American people on the commitment you made in writing.”

As he’s done on other occasions, McCain also opened the door to not accepting public financing himself, adding:

“If Sen. Obama is the nominee and decides not to take public financing then obviously we have to evaluate our options on it.  It’s possible that I still will (take public funds) and it’s possible that I won’t.”

In short, the background on this situation is as follows: Read more

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Morning Briefing (April 9, 2008)

What’s news today…

• Mark Penn’s new role is clarified.  Despite all the hullabaloo, it’s clear that Penn will not play as influential a role as he was or what many still think he will.
• Sizzle: TNR scolds Obama for dismissing Clinton and McCain’s foreign policy experience as well as for  using his personal experience living abroad as a child to buttress his foreign policy credentials.
• An excellent look inside McCain’s campaign.  Is this what a McCain administration will look like?
• In our last podcast, we discussed Obama’s reversal on public financing and its political implications.  Coincidentally, it seems that Obama is preparing his justification for not opting into the public finance system should he become the nominee by contending, “We have created a parallel public financing system where the American people decide if they want to support a campaign they can get on the Internet and finance it, and they will have as much access and influence over the course and direction of our campaign that has traditionally been reserved for the wealthy and the powerful.”
• Why?  Howard Dean criticizes McCain and calls him “not a strong candidate.”  Somewhat ironically, one of the reasons he suggested McCain is a weak candidate is because “he is out of touch with the American people.”  To me, it certainly seems out of touch to suggest that McCain is a weak candidate.  I recognize that as Chairman, Dean has to support his party, but it seems that recognizing reality is often the fastest way to earn credibility.  Recognizing McCain’s strength is not mutually exclusive with opposing him.
• Bill Clinton’s recent trip to Puerto Rico could have gone better.  A report: While Clinton was giving a speech, in English:Nobody interpreted, and only a handful of audience members seemed to understand him. The crowd — raucous and dancing a few minutes earlier — remained mostly silent during the 10-minute speech. Some people left. Others chatted on their cellphones. ‘What is he saying? Do we clap now?’ asked Jerry Nieves Rosario, a college student who speaks only Spanish.
• Inform yourself: This roundup of Iran nuclear related news is useful.
• Can we just stop with the ‘calls to Al Gore‘ for the time being?  Honestly, who throws a shoe?
• A Democratic debate on Science?  Maybe, it’s still very early in the planning stage.  I like the idea, that’s for sure.

 

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2008Central.net Presidential Election Podcast (04/05/08)

During this show, the gurus discuss the state of the race, the Clinton tax returns, Obama’s strategy in Penn., McCain strategy, a general election preview and much more….

[Subscribe to 2008Central.net's Presidential Election Podcast]

Feel free to email us questions/suggestions for our next podcast (you can also email an audio file of your question and we’ll include it in the podcast). 

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Afternoon Briefing (3/26/08)

Here’s a quick roundup of what’s news…

• PBS’s FRONTLINE documentary “Bush’s War” is now available online. It’s a 5 hour documentary about the Iraq War. I strongly suggest watching it at some point.
• There are all sorts of rumblings about the Clinton Campaign’s subversive plot to pursue Obama’s pledged delegates; one blogger recalls Harold Ickes doing something similar in 1980 when he was working for Kennedy. I really don’t think this will ultimately be much of a factor and share Josh Marshall’s characterization as this being a “fog of nonsense” intentionally created by the Clinton Campaign. It’s worth noting that the Obama Campaign is pushing this story, which means they see a political advantage in this story getting press.
• In Wright news: Hillary Clinton says that she would have left the church if Rev. Wright was her pastor on the same day that a member of her finance committee compared Wright to David Duke.
• Audio for yesterday’s campaign conference calls are available: McCain’s, Clinton’s, Obama’s.
• Barack Obama released his tax returns for 2000-2006 and as his campaign increases pressure on Bill and Hillary Clinton to release their tax returns.
• Excellent and worthwhile read on McCain’s view on taxes and current proposals/plans.

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FEC Report: Hillary Clinton (March Monthly 2008)

On March 20, 2008, Hillary Clinton’s campaign filed its March Monthly FEC Report. This report covers the period of Feb. 1 - Feb. 29, 2008. Here’s the breakdown:

Total Raised In February: $35,826,665.44
Money Spent In February: $31,838,144.63
Cash On Hand At End Of February: $33,174,862.16
—> For Primary: Approx $11,700,000
—> For General Election: $21,00,000
Debts: $8,733,609.11

Although Clinton had a total of $33 million cash on hand at the end of February, a closer look reveals that she only had about $3 million available primary cash at the end of February. Here’s why: of the total cash on hand, $11 million of it was available for primary spending (the remaining amount is only available for general election spending). Once you subtract the campaign’s $8.7 million debt from that figure, a more accurate picture of Sen. Clinton’s finances is present - one that shows that her campaign only had about $3 million in available primary funds at the beginning of this month.

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YouTube Money Race: Clinton Is Not Even In It

Barack Obama has been out-raising Hillary Clinton the past few months. There are all kinds of theories and explanations out there currently addressing this issue - some of the good, many of them bad. However, I have yet to hear the simplest one: The Obama campaign is actually trying.

Take for instance, YouTube. Each campaign has their own YouTube page (Clinton’s, Obama’s). In terms of the battle over subscribers and video views, Obama is clearly winning. But, he’s also edging Sen. Clinton out in effort. Compare the information boxes that accompany their respective video and channel pages: Read more

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Live Blog Of MSNBC Democratic Debate In Cleveland, Ohio (February 26, 2008)

8:19: Underlying themes aplenty. Will Hillary Clinton continue her harsh attacks from the weekend on Barack Obama? Will Obama maintain his cool presence he’s worked hard to maintain in these debates? Will Tim Russert admit he attended law school at Cleveland State on national television? Will Clinton fight back against MSNBC, or have those battles passed? Will Obama keep up his attacks on Clinton? Will Brian Williams ask more or fewer than 4 pointless questions?

We have the answers for you, here, tonight. Live!

8:40: And, we’re up. As you can see, the site has a new layout. It’ll take a few days for us to get everything in order, but if you notice a problem, please let us know. Read more

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2008 Campaign Weekly Roundup (February 4-8, 2008)

A roundup for February 3-8 on the Democratic side…

• Super Tuesday Results:
  • Hillary Clinton won Arizona, Arkansas, California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma and Tennessee.
  • Barack Obama won Alabama, Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota and Utah.
  • The winner of New Mexico is yet to be determined, but with 99% of precincts reporting Hillary Clinton is currently ahead by 1,123 votes.
• Delegate Standings Projections (including superdelegates):
  • Hillary Clinton: 1076
  • Barack Obama: 1006
• The Obama campaign has stepped up its argument that if Hillary Clinton is the nominee elected Democratic officials in conservative areas may suffer from a backlash by sending out a mailer that blames the Clintons for Democratic losses between during the 90’s and the 2000 election.
• The Clinton campaign clashes with MSNBC and just two days after TPM asks “Is Obama Being Hurt By MSNBC And His Other Media Worshippers?”
• Debatarama: Hillary Clinton challenges Obama to a debate a week (including one on Fox News) between now and March 4. After some back forth, the campaigns eventually agreed to hold two debates - one in Ohio and one in Texas.
• Obama campaign pushes for the release of Hillary Clinton’s tax returns.  When pressed on this issue during a press conference call, Clinton Communications Director obfuscated by asking “When will Senator Obama release the complete details of his relationship with Tony Rezko?”
• Barack Obama picks up Washington’s Governor Chris Gregoire; Clinton gets Rep. Norm Dicks.
• Fund Race: Following reports that Hillary Clinton loaned her campaign $5 million dollars, the Obama campaign used this information to kick off a fundraising blitz, which the Clinton campaign countered.  Now that the dust has cleared, the totals so far since Super Tuesday show Obama with an edge, but Hillary Clinton isn’t getting blown away:
  • Barack Obama: Over $7.5 million (figures disclosed yesterday, so this number is sure to be higher now)
  • Hillary Clinton: About $8 million; 75,000 new donors (figures disclosed today)
• Bill Clinton promises to be nice going forward, clarifies his role in a Hillary Clinton administration; JW criticizes.

A roundup for February 3-8 on the Republican side…

• Super Tuesday Results:
  • John McCain won Arizona, California, Connecticu, Delaware, Illinois, Missouri, New Jersey, New York and Oklahoma.
  • Mitt Romney won Alaska, Colorad, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota and Utah.
  • Mike Huckabee won Alaska, Arkansas, Georgia, Tennessee and West Virginia.
•  Delegate Standing Projections:
  • John McCain: 724
  • Mitt Romney: 281
  • Mike Huckabee: 196
  • Ron Paul: 14
• Mitt Romney suspended his presidential campaign on February 6 and noted that he was motivated in part out of concern that continuing his quest would help get Obama or Clinton elected, which would mean surrender to terrorists (Romney’s argument).
• Fred Thompson endorsed John McCain and called on the rest of the party to get behind McCain.
• Mike Huckabee promises to carry on with his campaign and demonstrated his commitment to the trail by appearing as a guest on the Tyra Banks Show (you have respect anyone that wants something so bad that they’re willing to sit across from Tyra for an hour…*shudder*).
• James Dobson backed Mike Huckabee; Huckabee’s connection to televangelist Kenneth Copeland are likely to be the subject of a Senate investigation into Copeland’s ministry (we blogged about Huckabee’s connection to Copeland in late January).
• Ron Paul’s blimp was grounded after being vandalized.
• Question: Ron Paul making a third party run?  Answer: No.
• Cindy McCain taken to task on her “grudge list” among other things.

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Huckabee Digging Deep For Money, Supporters Selling Personal Belongings To Donate

In terms of finances, Huckabee is certainly struggling. As of today, he’s only raised about $3.4 million of his goal of $10 million by Super Tuesday. For starters, Huckabee really needed this money at least a few days before Super Tuesday in order for it to make any effect. Supporters of his campaign are currently organizing a “Max Out For Mike” event tomorrow. I’m all for grassroots efforts, but ones that suggest people sell personal belongings, work overtime or borrow against their anticipated tax refunds in order to donate as much as possible are somewhat unnerving. The organizers ask:

Although we don’t encourage anyone to contribute money they simply don’t have, look around you… what can you sell to a friend or online? Can you work some overtime? Can you cut back sacrificially on your spending temporarily? Also, how funny would it be to donate your forthcoming income tax rebate check from the government to Mike’s campaign and help put the IRS out of business!

Mike Huckabee’s campaign is promoting the effort on its official blog. I asked whether the Governor supports the suggestion that his supporters should go through the above mentioned lengths in order to support his campaign, but requests for comment from the campaign have not been responded to.

In other Huckabee fundraising news: Through the Huckabee’s Rangers program supporters are also offering matching funds to other donors in order to boost Huckabee’s coffers. Huckabee also turned to religion groups in order to raise funds. Last week, Huckabee, ostensibly skirting campaign finance laws, received approximately $1 million in pledges after a fundraising event at Kenneth Copeland Ministries in Texas:

The Trinity Foundation, a charity that monitors televangelists and viewed a live Internet broadcast of the event, said the fundraiser took in $111,000 and generated pledges nearing $1 million, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported in a copyrighted article Tuesday.

“Basically, Kenneth Copeland simply asked him how he could pray for him and the governor asked him to pray for physical stamina for the team and the financial resources that they need each day,” she said. “I’m not sure who called who.”

Huckabee’s campaign released a statement saying it rented a room for “a separate event that was hosted by a private individual” and was not affiliated with Copeland’s ministry. The campaign said the event conformed with campaign finance laws and tax regulations.

Huckabee has always had fundraising issues, but to his credit he does have a dedicated core of supporters. At this point, Huckabee’s lifeline will be Missouri, a delegate rich state and one where he has a legitimate chance to win on February 5. Huckabee himself recognizes the need to win Missouri, but he’s going to have to do a better job at convincing MO voters to support than he did at a recent campaign stop there. Right now, the momentum is with McCain and the money is with Romney, so Huckabee’s going to really need an effective Missouri strategy in order to pull out this critical victory and I really don’t think Ducan Hunter’s endorsement is going to make much of a difference.

[Photo Credit: NY Times]

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Live Blog Of CNN / LA Times / Politico Republican Debate In California (January 30, 2008)

[NOTE: If you're looking for coverage of the CNN/LA Times/Politico Democratic Debate in California between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, you can find our live blog of that debate here]

Tonight is the CNN/Los Angeles/Politico Republican Debate at the Ronald Reagan Library in Simi Valley, California. It will begin at 8pm est and will air on CNN and will stream live at both CNN and LA Times‘ websites. The participating candidates will be Mitt Romney, John McCain, Mike Huckabee and Ron Paul.

7:45: 15 minutes to go. I’m not sure what the seating locations will be yet, but I do know that McCain’s staffer won the first pick for location on the stage and had to call back to headquarters to confirm the location.

7:49: Format: No rules, No time limits. I guess ever since Wolf Blitzer threw out the rules at the last debate, CNN’s just decided to really go wild.

7:58: Lou Dobbs is expressing outrage (not necessarily about anything specific…just outrage…he wants you to know that he’s very disturbed).

8:00: And here we go! Anderson Cooper begins with a history lesson about the room they’re in. Usually, I’m opposed to these kind of explanatory intros, but given the fact that the debate is being held under the old Air Force One, I can understand the need to explain what the deal with the plane is.

8:03: First question, are Americans better off now than they were 8 years ago? Mitt Romney says that that’s a question for President Bush, then launches into defense of his record in Mass. Anderson Cooper gets indignant and wants an answer, Romney shows viewers that he’s able to stand up to Anderson Cooper, but does offer some discussion of the problems he sees in America now.

8:06: McCain says he’ll bring some straight talk, offers a bit of gloom and then talks about making the Bush tax cuts permanent. McCain states that he believes Americans are better off now than they were 8 years ago, if you look at everything.

8:07: Huckabee plainly states that he doesn’t think we’re better off now than we were 8 years ago, states that the President isn’t solely responsible, so is the congress. Huckabee says that Americans want someone that is honest and straight with them. I wonder if he’s aware that McCain already has that catchphrase locked up?

8:09: Paul states the problems are caused by foreign policy and we must acknowledge that those policies need to come to an end.

8:12: Romney takes a shot at McCain’s conservatism by noting McCain’s NY Times endorsement. McCain reminds Romney that both of Romney’s hometown papers, which know him best, endorsed him over Romney. Ouch. McCain continues to talk up his conservatism by mentioning some people that support him.

8:15: Romney defends his record on job growth by noting that some of the negative data on job growth included a time period under the former Governor. He also explains the fee increases under his administration. Romney also touts the work he did on health care and notes that when he left there was a balanced budget and a small surplus.

8:18: Huckabee talks conservatism: lower taxes, streamlining the government, amendment banning gay marriage and a life amendment. Something about these, “who is more conservative” questions seem sort of pointless at some point.

8:21: McCain is asked about Gov. Schwarzenegger’s environmental law proposals, which are much different than the steps that the Bush Administration would take towards combating climate change. Given the impending endorsement for Arnold, obviously McCain needs to tread lightly and he does. He responds by noting that he believes in federalism, which has really turned into code for “I won’t force you to do something. Please don’t shy away from me because of this issue.” McCain then gives his oft used version of Pascal’s Wager for support of green technology.

8:25: Romney says that he supports states’ rights to control and regulate their own emissions. Huckabee then tries to explain why Federalism is good, he then goes on to state that Alexander Hamilton was wrong. Uhhhh….he’s having a difficult enough time staying in this race against Romney, McCain and Paul…I’m pretty sure injecting Hamilton into this race would only make it worse for him. *sigh*

8:29: Paul asks for some time to discuss and issue and Cooper denies him. For a debate that wasn’t really supposed to have rules, Anderson Cooper seems awfully indignant.

8:33: Talk turns to the economy…excuse me while I relocate to the top floor of my building, preferably a seat near the edge…

8:35: On the economic stimulus: McCain says that we will probably need more. Wow! This is like saying that we need more puppies, fluffier pillows or locations that have Coke Zero available from the fountain.

8:36: McCain is challenged on his initial opposition to Bush’s tax cuts on the grounds that they favored the rich too much. McCain states that he was a foot soldier in the Reagan revolution…then proceeds with obfuscation.

8:40: The topic changes to immigration. Huckabee thinks we need to secure the border. He says that two things need to happen in order to do that: 1) build border fence and 2) all current illegal immigrants will need to go back to their home countries and wait in line. Ultimately, Huckabee thinks this is the most compassionate and kind thing…

8:41: Romney is asked about his statement that most illegal immigrants could be deported within 90 days. He didn’t initially recall saying it, and the questioner offered him the quote. Romney talks about being courteous deportation. For example, if the family has a child in school, you let the child finish that school year first. Romney reemphasizes he would not allow illegal immigrants to remain here permanently, then suggests that McCain’s legislation would have allowed for such a thing.

8:44: McCain is asked if his legislation were to come to the floor of the Senate today, and he states that it won’t happen. After being pressed, he states that he would not vote for it because it’s clear that people want the borders to be secured first. It seems somewhat inconsistent for McCain to tout sticking to his principles and ignoring the majority on Iraq…yet, so freely acknowledging deference to the will of the American people on the immigration issue.

8:47: Huckabee is asked if Reagan’s appointment of O’Connor was the right call. He won’t answer the question, but then launches into a discussion of why it’s important to support life and how he would want judges that were pro-life. Ron Paul is given a chance to respond, he says he wouldn’t have nominated her because of her view towards the constitution. Both McCain and Romney dodge the question and instead state the types of judges they would appoint. In a bold move, McCain cites Alito and Roberts as examples of the kinds of conservative judges he’d support. Romny ups the ante and cites Alito, Roberts, Thomas and Scalia as the type of conservative judges he would nominate (Yea, that’s right, take that John McCain). Then, stupidly, Romney takes a shot at O’Connor for apparently not following the Constitution enough and for legislating from the bench. I don’t care if you’re a Republican, Democrat, hardcore liberal or conservative, if you think Justice O’Connor was a bad Justice, then you’re either completely uninformed or completely incapable of making evaluations. Sheesh, and I thought Huckabee was going to take home the award for baseless attacks on historical figures (yes, I know O’Connor’s still alive, but she’s done enough to be part of history).

8:57: And we’re back. Maybe, they’ll finally include Ron Paul in this last half hour.

8:58: Romney is asked about Peggy Noonan’s contention that George W. Bush destroyed the Republican party. Romney states that George W. Bush showed everyone that when America is attacked, we’ll respond. Uhhhh….is that really the best defense he could give?

9:00: Romney promises success in Iraq, which he defines as no safe havens for terrorists in Iraq. He strongly stated that he does not have a date for withdrawal and does not support a timetable. He accuses McCain of being un-Reagan like by raising the issue before the Florida primary and indicates that it may explain the results of Florida.

9:03: McCain reiterates his argument by reading the quote to Romney. Romney asks him what it means. Romney continues to try and defend himself. The audience seems to be on Romney’s side on this issue. Romney and McCain bicker. McCain’s tone during this exchange, reminds me of my grandfather’s tone when we were having an argument about cathode ray tubes once (he used to be an engineer).

9:06: Anderson Cooper regains control, unfortunately, it required his blue steel look in order to calm things down. Cooper asks Romney why he wouldn’t comment explicitly on the surge back in 2006 as he was preparing to announce his run. Romney is mad and accuses McCain of “Washington style” politics.

9:08: McCain responds to the Washington style politics line, by reminding Romney of the negative ads he used against him and Huckabee. He also reminded everyone that Romney used millions of his own dollars in his campaign so far.

9:10: Paul is asked about McCain’s line that we could be fighting in Iraq for the next 100 years. So let me get this straight, the rare chance they include Paul, it’s to ask him a question about John McCain? Paul states that both Romney and McCain are parsing over minor details of the same general policy - both supported going in and both support continuing the war. Paul’s gotten the loudest cheers so far.

9:12: Anderson Cooper asks Huckabee the same question given to Paul. Huckabee complains about not getting time and questions. Then casually says in regards to the 100 year fighting line, “oh it doesn’t take that long.” Then goes on to say that he’ll stay however long it takes to win.

9:13: Huckabee is asked what he sees when he looks int Putin’s eyes. Huckabee states that Putin has taken actions that lead to concern and that we need to have a foreign policy that emphasizes strength. Advocates a stronger military, you know, for deterrence. Is he actually arguing that a return to mutually assured destruction is the only viable foreign policy vis-a-vis Russia at this point? *sigh*

9:17: Romney explains geopolitics: Russia using energy to control policy, China “the wild west of energy” using energy and giving nuclear power to influence policy, Al Qaeda using terrorism to influence policy and the USA, which stands for free enterprise and freedom of the individual. I don’t even know how to respond to this painfully oversimplified explanation of geopolitics. However, would Romney’s analogy make Chris Patten the Wyatt Earp of China? I think so. But aside from that, Romney didn’t even discuss the topic (that he himself said he’d address), which was how he’d deal with Russia.

9:21: Romney’s argument: people ultimately look to Governors and not Senators to lead this country. He was a governor, ipso facto, he should be the next leader. Aside from that, he worked in the private sector, and then goes on his economic argument rant…

9:23: Romney is asked why he’s more qualified to be Commander-in-Chief than McCain. Romney doesn’t believe you need military experience to be Commander-in-Chief. Romney says that he prefers chess to checkers (I’m serious).

9:24: McCain responds, takes an irrelevant shot at Romney for having led corporations that fired people. Another ouch. McCain mentions Tom Ridge for the second time this evening.

9:25: Ron Paul states that these people don’t understand that the President isn’t supposed to run the economy and reminds everyone of that fact. Paul then discusses the monetary system. Paul’s discussion of substance causes Andersoon Cooper to become impatient.

9:28: Huckabee complains more about time. Then talks about less government and why it’s important. He states that governors are good presidents because they understand that no issue is isolated..that everything is connected. Metakuya Oyasin.

9:30: Anderson Cooper graciously gives all of the candidates 1 minute to explain why Ronald Reagan would endorse them. This is an appalling question for several reasons, none the least of which is Nancy Reagan’s presence in the first row.

9:31: Mitt Romney says Ronald Reagan would support him because he’d lower taxes. McCain says that Reagan wouldn’t support someone that changes positions and that Regan would support him because he held firm on Iraq and because he was a foot soldier in the Reagan Revolution.

9:32: Ron Paul talked about how he supported Reagan in 1976, when only 4 other members of congress did and how Reagan campaigned with him. He states that Reagan was very sympathetic to the gold standard (an issue that Ron Paul is very much in favor of).

9:33: Huckabee doesn’t presume to know who Reagan would endorse. Then speaks to the goodness of Reagan and how it’s important to recapture that can do spirit.

9:34: And we’re done.

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2008Central.net’s Presidential Election Podcast (01/27/08)

This podcast looks at (1) results of the South Carolina Democratic Primary; (2) a brief discussion about the media coverage of identity politics and (3) a look ahead to the Florida and February 5th primaries…

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