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Republicans Debate: The First Moments
The leading Republican presidential candidates spent the opening moments of tonight's debate in South Carolina discussing the state of the American economy, with former governor Mitt Romney (Mass.) coming out aggressively against Sen. John McCain's alleged pessimism on the matter.
Right out of the box, Romney went on the attack -- noting that McCain had said jobs were leaving Michigan that wouldn't be coming back. "I disagree," said Romney. "I am going to fight for every single job."
In his response, McCain hued closely to the "straight talk" message that won him the New Hampshire primary in 2000 and 2008, implicitly suggesting that Romney wasn't being honest with the voters. "One of the reasons why I won in New Hampshire is because I went there and told them the truth," said McCain. "There are some jobs that aren't coming back to Michigan."
The opening back-and-forth signaled that while tonight's debate is going on in Myrtle Beach, Romney and McCain both have an eye on Michigan's Jan. 15 primary. The collapse of the automobile industry has badly damaged the state's economy and is a major issue on the minds of Michigan voters.
McCain, enjoying his newfound frontrunner status, dominated the early minutes of the debate -- highlighting his work in Congress to cut spending and reciting several of his favorite lines including how the member of the Senate Appropriations Committee call him sheriff.
McCain also got a chance to tout his service as a "footsoldier" in the political army of President Ronald Reagan. "We have to return to those principles of less government, less taxes, strong family values and a strong national defense."
Romney refused to let McCain one-up him on praise for Reagan while also pivoting to his fundamental message that Washington is broken and has changed for the worse. "Washington has moved away from the Reagan coalition," Romney said.
By Chris Cillizza |
January 10, 2008; 9:34 PM ET
| Category:
Eye on 2008
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Next: Republicans Debate: The Halfway Point
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Posted by: donttreadonme | January 14, 2008 12:59 AM
McCain's claim that he has the experience to deal with the nation's pressing problems rings hollow.
What stand has McCain taken against the Bush Administration that shows he has an effective counter-strategy?
What people have McCain pushed forward that show he will have the adice and support needed to build the political coalition needed to clean up after Bush?
Most importantly, has McCain shown the steadiness and decisiveness needed to manage and assuage the multiplicity of challenges facing the next President?
When viewed on the basis of his ACCOMPLISHMENTS rather than his rhetoric, it is clear that McCain just doesn't have what it takes.
Posted by: pach12 | January 12, 2008 3:42 PM
Of course Washington is different from when Reagan was president. It was over two decades ago! Can Republicans please stop the grave robbing and admit they haven't had a new idea since Rush was popular?
Posted by: riff_raff17 | January 10, 2008 11:53 PM
donttreadonme, it would appear that you have answered your own questions. Rudy is selling a pig in a poke. Buyers beware.
Posted by: bsimon | January 10, 2008 10:27 PM
I'll say this, Rudy is an awfully tempting choice with this new tax plan that he released. I was almost convinced, until I remembered two things: 1) Rudy left New York City $4.5 billion in debt when he left, an increase of 50%. Can I really believe that he is not just paying lip service to cutting spending? 2) Will the legislature give him the cuts to sign? The President vetos bills, they don't write them. We need someone who will veto the big spenders.
Posted by: donttreadonme | January 10, 2008 10:01 PM
Fox News Republican Debate Winner South Carolina
Who won the ABC Republican Debate in South Carolina?
http://www.youpolls.com/details.asp?pid=1503
.
Posted by: PollM | January 10, 2008 9:51 PM
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pach12. What are you talking about? McCain called for the surge strategy before Bush adopted it. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16484446/
The guy is pretty smart and will manage this war to a close in much more efficient manner than any of the other candidates could *(minus possibly Ron Paul).