The Trail: A Daily Diary of Campaign 2008

Yeah, I find it very interesting for Republicanos to talk about respect and integrity when it comes to campaigning - just look at the whole Swift Boat defamation attack, just read Ann Coulter, just see Mitt hold up a "Obama/Osama" sign and never 'bother' to see what it says. At least the YouTube people are trying to get the next generation of voters to participate in the system. I find that a good thing. They are trying to use formats where the same ol' candidates can't just mouth the same ol' platitudes so we can get a glimpse of the REAL person, not the plastic facade that has been crafted for them. I find that a VERY good thing. I also find it hard to respect someone who says that campaigning for president is just as important as serving your country in the military - to wit, as Mitt's five sons are doing...

Yes, Yes...Cheney For President...of Iraq!

Vote for your favorite GOP candidate:

www.freedomworks.org/strawpoll/

"ISNT RUE PAUL A DRAG QUEEN??"

Posted by: WILLEM1 | July 29, 2007 12:42 PM

Ruby Giuliani is the drag queen canidate.

I demand to know whether the CNN chief, as incentive to get Republicans to agree to do a CNN-Youtube debate is offering them special privileges, as permission to vet the questions, as a way of signifying "proper respect."

1. Romney is missing the debate because it is a scheduling conflict.

2. Mitt has done very well in all of his debates to date (typically crowned first or close thereto by Republicans), and there is no reason to believe he would be embarrassed in this one.

3. Mitt has nothing to be afraid of. Maybe his mind is too sharp for his good, and you just can't keep up (or more likely are not listening closely enough.) Of all of the candidates, Mitt seems to see the benefits of both sides of any issue most clearly, which sometimes makes him look like he flip-flops... It is refreshing to have a candidate who has such perspective of such substance on so many issues.

4. He is right that there should be dignity in this process, and I appreciate his commentary on the subject, including the snowman. Still, he can't decide everything, and I would really love to see the debate scheduled so Mitt can make it. Not sure I trust CNN to do it and not use the debate to further their liberal agenda, but who cares? Let him outsmart them, and the people judge.

News4me said these were the "actual views"...

Mitt Romney - 694,050
Rudy Giuliani - 585,643
John McCain - 451,973
Ron Paul - 2,471,838

In fact, those are the "channel" views, the number of times the channel page has been accessed. On my own channel, total video views tend to be about 10 times the amount. YouTube quit posting "video views" on the channel pages a while ago, although the statistic is still available to the channel owner. One wonders why.

Kudos to CNN for finally figuring out how to provide an alternative to (sometimes less-than-journalistically-responsible) blogs for people looking to participate in the debate. It's a great idea to solicit millions of people for debate questions...I think the variety of the questions asked was unusual. It is true, however, that some of the YouTube videos were a bit of a joke. Two possible solutions: either make sure the editors at CNN choose videos from people who are behaving seriously, or have the moderator read questions written by the public and submitted online.

Romney's wrong about one thing, though: he isn't afforded the respect and gravity afforded the office until he actually has it. Until then, he can suffer the indignity.

"My message to Mr. Romney. That was no snowman. That was an American!!"

Perfectly stated ron1bo! Bravo for cutting to the point!

If Romney thinks that the citizen who creatively used an animated snowman as a means of getting his or her question used on the debate was real, as his statements seem to imply, we should be very afraid of ever considering him as a serious contender for being our choice for ANY national office. What other means have been put forth thus far that allow us, the VOTERS, to give our consideration and consent to the presidential candidates? And ultimately our precious votes? But, perhaps our votes no longer matter?

I applaud CNN for actually giving regular people an opportunity to get back into having dialogue with presidential candidates. Everything is so scripted nowadays in debates and some (Bush) do not want to debate without having the questions beforehand, so they can be told what to say. It is about time we get an avenue to speak to candidates without paying $2000 per plate at a fundraiser. Mitt Romney saying the YouTube arena has breached the level of respectfulness to the office should realize the vast majority of people that vote look like those people on the videos, not just the elite group they usually rub elbows with. The Republicans are scared of being in a situation that is not scripted and not knowing what to say!!!

Is direct communication with leaders a better way forward? I believe so. I definately am willing to cooperate with persons that talk to me instead of about me. Words and intentions are missed when your message is delivered through others. Didn't we all learn that in social exercises in third grade?

Is direct communication with leaders a better way forward? I believe so. I definately am willing to cooperate with persons that talk to me instead of about me. Words and intentions are missed when your message is delivered through others. Didn't we all learn that in social exercises in third grade?

ISNT RUE PAUL A DRAG QUEEN??

My message to Mr. Romney. That was no snowman. That was an American!!

All of Romney's talk about dignity of the President and citizens showing respect for the President... He sounds like he's on the verge of demanding that his subjects kowtow before him. Shouldn't we be selecting a President who will serve his constituents, instead of demanding their servitude? If so, Ron Paul is a better choice. Certainly Paul doesn't seem to have any hesitation about answering whatever questions the governed might put to him through a YouTube video.

Good lord is there anything Romney won't flip flop about? They'll have to delay the debate an hour while he selects a tie, then another tie, then another . . .

Answering the peoples questions from youtube is beneath him but strapping the family dog to the roof of his car and driving cross country isn't?

Since when are the Republicans above being questioned by the general public? They are supposedly running for a public office to serve the public. If they keep this stupid policy in effect they will loose EVERY election they are in. As a member of the public I have the duty to ask all candidates questions no matter what I'm wearing. And, I expect a straight answer--don't talk about the moon when I ask about pollution.

Mitt Romney is so full of himself and the office he is running for, that he takes offense, when an American citizen uses a prop to ask a question in the debates. Mayhaps this citizen was to shy/introverted to ask the question in person. Mayhaps the citizen is an artist and chose this means of asking as an extension of their persona. Bottom line is, he puts his pants on the same as that citizen, and he is 'NOT' above answering a question from an American, regardless of its form of presentation.

I think the snowman was silly, but the question was not. We're in the midst of two terms with a president who thinks of himself as above the masses, we dont need another.

Exactly how is Romney afraid of anything? He's the one going on the campaign trail and having sessions where you can, "Ask Mitt Anything." And you literally can. But you have to do it in front of an audience. And you can't disguise yourself as a freakin' snowman.

Go look at Romney's website. I guarantee you that you'll find more policy discussion there than on any other website--Democrat or Republican. He's right on Obama. I can't believe that empty-suit is up there still parading around about "hope" and a "new direction." Zero substance. I'm no Hillary Clinton fan, but at least she knows something about statesmanship and of the duties of a President.

ofcourse romney wont go to the youtube debate just imagine a question like this. "how many wives did the 2 founders (smith and young) of the mormon religion have between the two of them" the correct answer would be approx. 150 wives !!
and this dude is agains just two gay man or just two lesbian getting it on !! oh jesus maria pleeze do we live in a wonderfull country or not!!

Vote in the FreedomWorks GOP presidential straw poll online at

http://www.freedomworks.org/strawpoll

It seems like every time we turn around, the "top tier" are ducking out.

Giuliani and McCain are ducking out of the Iowa straw vote.

Giuliani and Romney are ducking the debate in Florida.

And there's another one in Texas, I don't even know who is ducking that one.

I am so tired of this imperial attitude, like we should be honored to be graced with their presence, when it's actually a job interview.

Would you hire someone that pulled this crap during an interview? "Oh, haha sorry, I can't make the first interview, or the second interview, but I can really wow you in the final interview..." Would you do something so bone-headed during a job interview? I know I wouldn't! Not if I really wanted the job.

A scheduling conflict? In this video satelite-uplink age? Why can't Ropmney participate from wherever he is that night? Wouldn't that solve everything? Heck, you wanna see a fundraiser, how about tickets to sit in the same room, while your guy responds during the interview, erm... debate.?

I say hold the events anyway, and spilt the time among the ones that show up.

Don't respect us, Don't expect us!
Don't dis my state event and then come crawling to me in the primary, begging for my vote.

Romney is totally out of touch with reality. I can only hope that this putz will cough up his whole fortune in some self-possessed attempt to aspire to a job he does not have the tools to do. We will, hopefully, survive 8 years of one dilettante and somehow elect anyone but Romney.

Here's some food for thought. Check out the number of YouTube subscribers for each of the top Republican candidates:

Mitt Romney - 2,573
Rudy Guiliani - 2,067
John McCain - 1,478
Ron Paul - 22,418 (over 3 times the others combined)

Here are the number of actual views for the top GOP guys:

Mitt Romney - 694,050
Rudy Giuliani - 585,643
John McCain - 451,973
Ron Paul - 2,471,838

People actually want to hear Paul's message, but the media won't acknowledge his existence. He would wipe the floor with Romney and Giuliani in a true debate.

Mitt - Answer to the snowman! Maybe you also think it's undignified to answer a child's question or a woman's question or a foreigner's question. Mitt, the snowman calls for thee. Talk to him.

And this from a man who promoted: POWDER (the Bunny),COAL (the Bear)and COPPER (the Fox). All animated mascots of the 2002 Winter Olympics...Which, a little snowman told me may go away if we do not do something about Global Warming.

Youtube and the blogosphere serve a great purpose in promoting more direct dialogue between voters and their elected representatives and voters and other voters, all with the ideal of forming a more informed and involved electorate.

However, the CNN/Youtube format was a gross misapplication of a technology with great potential to accomplish the goal stated above.

The only difference betweeen the Youtube/CNN format and any other towhall style debate was that the questions were coming from videos with a bit of Youtube style flair. The questions were heavily vetted and carefully chosen by CNN in a way that stifled any semblance of a truly open forum. After watching about 30 minutes of the debate, it was clear to me that CNN chose videos that contained nothing more than echoes of the MSM ethos that CNN so desperately tries to inject into the socio-cultural fabric of our society.

Youtube should be ashamed for selling out its disruptive reputation to align with the leftist MSM heavyweights. CNN strapped a harness and reins onto Youtube and used a great technology to its own advantage. That Youtube and Google would agree to such submission and control by a traditional media outlet can only be explained by the political leanings of its founders and management.

Youtube and the Internet carry great potential to recreate and reenergize the public forum. However, that project should be carried out by the voters and their elected representatives without manipulative handling by the very traditional media machine that cheapened the forum in the first place.

Someone needs to tell Mitt that the snowman wasn't actually real. I know this may come as a big blow to him, but snowmen don't talk. They only melt. Psst, Mitt, that wasn't the snowman talking, it was a voter pretending to be a snowman. Somewhat like you pretending to be a serious candidate.

There is obviously some lack in Romney too. Who is respectless? CNN or the potential voters? Well, CNN seems to be responsible for the format, the voters are responsible for the questions and if Romney is not capable to speak with voters he may not be able to talk with other heads of states as well.

He looks like Marriot, Ken Livingstons former office, that is not so bad with its green tart at that place, but there is also Waterloo station.

I think Mr. Romney just blew it, big time. He is the creation of media consultants -- plastic, phony and utterly devoid of content. Now he has put the YouTube generation on notice that he thinks they are "disrespectful". Disrespectful of what, Mr.Romney? You perhaps? Or, maybe just whatever it is you stand for ..

Well, well, now we are beginning to see the real "cut and run" individuals. Proper respect? Tell me when the republicans have used respect in their presidential campaigns. I suppose that Ann Coulter is an example of republican respect. The republicans are scared because they know when the american people find out what they have done(once again) that many of them are going to jail. At least Romney or one of his team hasn't been caught in the men's room trying to solicit little boys yet; but give them time.

I disagree with Mitt Romney's policy of refusing to visit countries with leaders who are antagonistic to the US. Those leaders could have one of three reasons to disagree with (or hate) the US, whether those reasons are good ones or not. First, they may misunderstand the US, and in this case dialog would obviously help to rectify that situation. Second, they may have selfish ambitions or religious agendas toward which US ideals are an obstacle; in this case extensive dialog and attitude diffusion through displays of respect will help to make our ambitions and their's explicit and honest, and when agendas are made explicit, we can begin to reach compromises. Third, leaders of other countries may be hostile simply because US polities are wrong. Refusal to speak with hostile leaders with these views will only reinforce those views, of course. Whether those views are right or wrong, the best ways to dissolve the disagreement are through respectful dialog, and in the case that the hostile leaders are right, we might use the outside perspective to learn to improve our foreign policy. If the leaders are wrongly hostile, then this scenario is actually a special case of the first alternative that I mentioned, that the US is misunderstood by that leader.
I am much younger (and probably much more naive) than Barack Obama, so it may make sense that he and I share the same idealistic views on international dialog. Can someone share a defense of Mitt Romney's policy? I don't know the refutations to the argument I've made.

The reality is on the ground...

The youtube debate could freighting embarrass his campaign and he knows it big-time. Romney is the most calculating candidate on either side of the aisle in 2007/2008.

We wouldn't want to dare to ask him a question that challeneges his continously changing positions on about every major issue, except for the war which he supports 1000%.

As some one once said, Mitt, "lighten up." If holding a "Osama Obama" poster isn't beneath your supposed dinity, then answering questions from voters shouldn't be either.

Guiliani has also declined the invitation to the debate. This falls in line with a few previous observations on these candidates:

1. Both Guiliani and Romney are arrogant elitists and globalists, "too good" to deal with the American people's questions directly.

2. Both Guiliani and Romney are avoiding the tough questions. Note that someone like Wolf Blitzer, for example, was an awful and biased choice for a moderator in the previous debate.

Does the fact that Ron Paul, the most conservative member of Congress, will attend somehow diminish his founding father-like statesman qualities? I think not.

The person most likely to be affected by the person elected president is the common citizen and despite CNN's clearly slanted selection of questions, the people are very interested to see what is in store for them. They haven't heard much of it yet amongst all of the simple questions, spin and rhetoric. Go ahead and let Ron Paul speak. Washington and Jefferson would be proud. I don't think any historian would see the founding fathers smiling on the rest of the presidential candidates, do you?

Despite the oddity of some of the questions in the Democratic debate, they still sparked debate and gave the American public an opportunity to see where candidates stand on the issues. What are Romney and Guliani afraid of??? That we will see through their lies. That we will see that they stand for nothing and have no real plan for how to lead this country. It's so obvious that they are trying to coast to the primaries because all they have going for them is name recognition. The more they talk, the far less appealing they become - and they know it!

Since when are presidential candidates too good to answer questions from the American public - the people they are SUPPOSED to represent!!! What arrogance! What audacity! What's even more disturbing is to see that some of you people actually buy the crap they're feeding you. Don't you people have any sort of independent thought or are you just a bunch of lemmings?

I'm still undecided, but I can guarantee you Romney or Guliani won't be getting my vote. I want someone who's not afraid to answer the HARD questions.

Romney's "small mind," eh? Remind me who completed Harvard Business and Law (at the same time, mind you) near the top of his class.
Romney's right on the money on all counts: 1)Debate format is flawed, 2)People like Ahmadinejad (sp?) do not deserve a personal Presidential visit, 3)September will be a busy month, 4)That will be the fourth debate, mostly featuring those who won't be around for the Primaries, 5)The comments again show Obama's inexperience and lack of qualifications to be the Chief Officer of the Executive Branch of the United States Government.

... and on a personal note here, I frankly think the "Obama, Osama, and Chelsea's Momma" signs are quite amusing... I fail to see a controversy.

Go Romney!! Precisely the kind of response we should expect from someone who aspires to lead the United States. Romney is 100% correct on the YouTube (snowman) format. If CNN does not have respect for the office of the President of the United States, then the candidates should return the favor! This is the only guy to stand up to this idiocy, and he is increasingly becoming my guy.

Crooks and Liars Incorporated

It's interesting, reading all the puffery today about how Mitt is some how afraid of YouTube and then I turn on CSPAN and there he is answering a YouTube question...NICE!

Classic....from a class guy!

Romney is right on the money. The Main Street Media(cnn) has brought the presidential election to an all time low with this youtube debate.

I guess there trying to lower the bar knowing that Hillary Clinton will be the Democratic nominee against Mitt Romney.

Romney posed for a picture with a supporter displaying derogatory and misleading slogan about Obama and Clinton. He then blatantly lied that he never reads what is on placards. He has also flip-flopped on many issues. I do not know why he is running for president. Obama is inspiring a lot of Americans, young and old, black and white, republican and democratic to participate in the political process. Romney is eggregiously unqualified and unfit to run for president and I have no doubt that he will soon be democratically eliminated after the Republican primaries. I am sure that Obama knows that; he will not pay any attention to Romney's small mind, name-calling politics.

Isn't this exactly what Obama was indicating, that Hillarious' stance was in-line with the traditional Bush-Cheney approach. Romney sounds like he could be Hillary's running mate. And now to hear a YouTube/CNN debate is beneath him - sounds a lot like HC's comment to Edwards about sharing a debate with pretenders.