Politics

Fiery Charges: Romney & Santorum Assail Each Other in Pivotal Debate

Fiery Charges: Romney & Santorum Assail Each Other in Pivotal Debate

Republican presidential candidate, former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum, left, makes a point as former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney listens during a Republican presidential debate Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2012, in Mesa, Ariz. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

MESA, Ariz. (AP) – Primed for a fight, Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum traded fiery accusations about health care, spending earmarks and federal bailouts Wednesday night in the 20th and possibly final debate of the roller-coaster race for the Republican presidential nomination.

Santorum, surging in the race, also took his lumps from the audience, which booed when he said he had voted several years ago for the No Child Left Behind education legislation even though he had opposed it.

“Look, politics is a team sport, folks,” he said of the measure backed by Republican President George W. Bush and other GOP lawmakers.

With pivotal primaries in Arizona and Michigan just six days distant—and 10 more contests one week later—Romney and Santorum sparred more aggressively than in past debates, sometimes talking over each other’s answers.

Texas Rep. Ron Paul chimed in from the side, saying with a smile that Santorum was a fake conservative who had voted for programs that he now says he wants to repeal. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich acted almost as a referee at times.

On foreign affairs, all four Republicans attacked President Barack Obama for his handling of Iran and its attempt to develop a nuclear program, but none of the contenders advocated providing arms to the rebels trying to topple the government of Syrian President Bashar Assad.

The most animated clash of the evening focused on health care in the United States.

Santorum said that Romney had used government money to “fund a federal takeover of health care in Massachusetts,” a reference to the state law that was enacted during Romney’s term as governor. The law includes a requirement for individuals to purchase coverage that is similar to the one in Obama’s landmark federal law that Romney and other Republicans have vowed to repeal.

In rebuttal, Romney said Santorum, a former Pennsylvania senator, actually bore responsibility for passage of the health care law that Obama won from a Democratic-controlled Congress in 2010, even though he wasn’t in office at the time. Romney said that in a primary battle in 2004, Santorum had supported then-Sen. Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania, who later switched parties and voted for the law Obama wanted.

“He voted for Obamacare. If you had not supported him, if we had said no to Arlen Specter, we would not have Obamacare,” Romney contended.

Santorum was the aggressor on bailouts.

While all four of the Republicans on the debate stage opposed the federal bailout of the auto industry in 2008 and 2009, Santorum said he had voted against other government-funded rescue efforts.

“With respect to Governor Romney that was not the case, he supported the folks on Wall Street and bailed out Wall Street—was all for it—and when it came to the auto workers and the folks in Detroit, he said no. That to me is not a principled consistent position,” he said.

The debate had a different look from the 19 that preceded it. Instead of standing behind lecterns, the four presidential rivals sat in chairs lined up side by side. Romney, Santorum and Paul recently announced they would not participate in another four-way appearance that had been scheduled in Atlanta, raising the possibility that the 20th debate might be the last.

There was another difference, as well, in the form of polls that underscored the gains that Obama has made in his bid for re-election.

An Associated Press-Gfk poll released Wednesday found that Obama would defeat any of the four remaining Republican contenders in a hypothetical matchup. It also found that the nation is showing more optimism about the state of the economy, the dominant issue in the race.

But for two hours, Romney, Santorum, Paul and Gingrich had a different campaign in mind, their own race for the Republican nomination and the right to oppose Obama in the fall.

Fiery Charges: Romney & Santorum Assail Each Other in Pivotal Debate

AP

After a brief lull, the campaign calendar calls for 13 primaries and caucuses between next Tuesday, when Arizona and Michigan have primaries, and March 6, a 10-state Super Tuesday.

Romney is campaigning confidently in Arizona, so much so that his campaign has not aired any television ads.

But the former Massachusetts governor faces an unexpectedly strong challenge in his home state of Michigan, where Santorum is hoping to spring an upset. Santorum’s candidacy has rebounded in the two weeks since he won caucuses in Minnesota, Colorado and a non-binding primary in Missouri.

The result is a multimillion-dollar barrage of television commercials in Michigan in which the candidates and their allies swap accusations in hopes of tipping the race.

In all, 518 Republican National Convention delegates are at stake between Feb. 28 and March 6, three times the number awarded in the states that have voted since the beginning of the year. It takes 1,144 to win the nomination.

The dynamic of the campaign—Santorum challenging Romney—made their clashes Wednesday night inevitable.

Romney said Santorum voted five times while in Congress to raise the government’s ability to borrow, supported retention of a law that favors construction unions and supported increased spending for Planned Parenthood. He said federal spending had risen 78 percent overall while the former Pennsylvania senator was in Congress.

Santorum retorted that government spending declined as a percentage of the economy when he was in the Senate, and he noted that when Romney was asked last year if he would support a then-pending debt-limit increase, “he said yes.”

There was a clash over federal spending earmarks, as well, and Gingrich sought to intervene as if serving as a referee instead of a debate participant.

He said he supported the earmarks that Romney had sought for the Olympics in Salt Lake City in 2002, but then he accused Romney of observing a double standard by running television ads attacking Santorum for having voted for different earmarks.

He said it was silly for Romney to take the position that “what you got was right and what he got was wrong.”

In the hours leading to Wednesday night’s debate, Romney called for a 20 percent across-the-board cut in personal income taxes as part of a program he said would revitalize the economy and help create jobs. The top tax rate would drop from 35 percent to 28 percent, and some popular breaks would be scaled back for upper-income taxpayers. However, aides provided scant details.

“We’ve got to have more jobs, less debt and smaller government, they go together,” Romney said in an appearance in nearby Chandler. “By lowering those marginal rates, we help businesses that pay at the individual tax rate to have more money so they can hire more people.”

Romney’s proposal sharpened his differences with Obama, who favors allowing tax cuts enacted under President Bush to expire on higher incomes.

Santorum, who has emerged as Romney’s leading challenger in the Republican race, campaigned at a tea party gathering in Tucson, where he said his rival’s new tax proposal largely mirrored one he had had already made.

“Welcome to the party, governor, it’s great to have you along,” he said.

Santorum’s rise in the race has left Gingrich and Paul on the outside looking for a way in.

The former House speaker has yet to recover from a campaign nosedive that began after he won the South Carolina primary on Jan. 21, and he is pinning his hopes on his home state of Georgia to begin a comeback on March 6.

His campaign announced plans Wednesday to buy 30-minute blocks of television time in upcoming primary and caucus states for an infomercial on reducing energy prices.

Gingrich’s decision not to campaign in Michigan so far has allowed Santorum to compete against Romney without also having to fend off a rival for the votes of conservatives.

Paul has yet to win any primaries or caucuses.

He has weighed in against Santorum, though, airing an ad in Michigan that challenges the former senator’s claim of taking a conservative line against federal spending. The ad says Santorum voted to raise the debt limit five times, and also supported legislation that created a prescription drug benefit under Medicare.

Comments (214)

1 2 3 4
  • NWWADD
    Posted on February 23, 2012 at 2:59am

    Its easy to describe people like you…… You act like your christen but you truly are not. You are simply the same type of person that stood looking up at CHRIST yelling cucify HIM!!!!! You act like your GOD and judge people. Who in the hell do you think you are!!!

    Report Post »  
    • Diane TX
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 3:03am

      Huh?

      Report Post »  
    • NWWADD
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 3:06am

      @DEVIDEDWEFALL…. The reply function obviously not working. My comments are for you.

      Report Post »  
    • kessi7
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 3:45am

      Fantastic article on Romney
      http://fathersmind.blogspot.com/2012/02/boston-herald-has-piece-on-romney-and.html#!/2012/02/boston-herald-has-piece-on-romney-and.html

      Report Post »  
    • realindependent
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 4:48am

      4 MORE YEARS!!!! 4 MORE YEARS!!!!1 You guys got nothing on BO. No matter who wins the republicorp nomination. Stock market is up. job numbers going down. and he just signed a deal with mexico to share in the drilling of the coast. Which means gas prices will go down. He has put sanctions on Iran that are really working. prices of food and gas have doubled in Iran since the new sanctions took effect. He has killed more terrorists than GWB did in 8 years. And you Republicorps keep stepping in it about women health needs. Women make up 70% of voters. So good luck lame-brains whether its Romney or Santorum. its still gonna be 4 more years!!!!

      bwahaahaahaa

      Report Post » realindependent  
    • RJL
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 5:56am

      REAL prices have doubled in this country also since BHO’s regime took over.

      Report Post »  
    • kaydeebeau
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 6:28am

      Who are these people being polled? I don’t know a single person who believes the things the polls say are the opinions of a majority of Americans

      Report Post » kaydeebeau  
    • JJ Coolay
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 7:53am

      Realindependent.. gas is GOING THROUGH THE ROOF!!!

      Report Post » JJ Coolay  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 8:02am

      Who is Christen and who is acting like her?

      Report Post » Gonzo  
    • MOLLYPITCHER
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 8:05am

      @NWWADD
      Who are you talking to? Sounds to me like there‘s something in you’re eye.

      Report Post »  
    • lillymckim
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 8:10am

      The state run news and the Republican candidates haven‘t brought it up yet but the Obama attack machine will and they haven’t even greased the wheels yet …but they will.

      but a healthcare mandate be it state or nationwide as in ObamaCare is still a mandate

      is a mandate…and they will beat Romney up one side and down the other with his “own” enacted by LAW mandate

      Report Post » lillymckim  
    • Vechorik
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 8:17am

      Santorum definitely lost ground. Santorum – the latest candidate to try and establish himself as the conservative alternative to Mitt Romney – was hit hard.

      But instead of backing down tonight, he had the audacity to defend his Big Government record, including:

      >>> Voting for Title X funding, which sends tens of millions of dollars to Planned Parenthood;

      >>> Campaigning and endorsing Arlen Specter in a tough Republican Primary versus a true conservative – Pat Toomey;

      >>> Voting for bailouts and raising the debt ceiling five times.

      He even said at one point having limited government is nothing more than a pipe dream and hinted that the problems with existing Big Government programs, are more Big Government programs!

      These are hardly the marks of a conservative.

      Report Post »  
    • Vechorik
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 8:18am

      Rick Santorum – the latest candidate to try and establish himself as the conservative alternative to Mitt Romney – was hit hard.

      But instead of backing down tonight, he had the audacity to defend his Big Government record, including:

      >>> Voting for Title X funding, which sends tens of millions of dollars to Planned Parenthood;

      >>> Campaigning and endorsing Arlen Specter in a tough Republican Primary versus a true conservative – Pat Toomey;

      >>> Voting for bailouts and raising the debt ceiling five times.

      He even said at one point having limited government is nothing more than a pipe dream and hinted that the problems with existing Big Government programs, are more Big Government programs!

      These are hardly the marks of a conservative.

      Report Post »  
    • Obeckian1984
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 8:20am

      Here are Ron Paul’s answers

      http://www.infowars.com/ron-paul-highlights-from-2222012-debate/

      Report Post » Obeckian1984  
    • Obeckian1984
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 8:21am

      why do Republicans reject Ron Paul ?
      what debate answers are you against ?

      http://www.infowars.com/ron-paul-highlights-from-2222012-debate/

      Report Post » Obeckian1984  
    • Obeckian1984
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 8:22am

      another clear Ron Paul win

      Report Post » Obeckian1984  
    • lillymckim
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 8:43am

      I live in Florida where gas prices in some areas have hit the $5 dollar mark already!

      I want to know how I will be able to “afford” to drive to the office this summer!

      The construction industry has all but been wiped out in the state of Florida and we use gas for our trucks as well as for welding, compressors, generators etc; not just “transportation” …

      Somebody WE want to hear about the GAS PRICES and the state run news in NOT going to bring it up its detrimental to “their candidate”… Obama

      Report Post » lillymckim  
    • Vechorik
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 8:59am

      Dr. Paul writes a prescription for Santorum:

      http://i.imgur.com/hJeXL.png

      Report Post »  
    • sonnetswan
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 9:16am

      Ron Paul 2012.

      Report Post » sonnetswan  
    • Vechorik
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 9:53am

      SANTORUM: “Gov. Romney even today suggested raising taxes on the top 1 percent.”

      THE FACTS: Romney’s new proposal actually would lower tax rates across the board.

      Report Post »  
    • MS-GlenNBC
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 1:07pm

      I love the Ron Paul connection to Mitt Romney… I’ve said from the beginning that the two Democrats in the race (moles) were Romney and Paul…

      The two sets of Supporter could not have gotten a better gift than each other. Romney and Paul

      Hey PaulBOTS let me introduce you to RoBOTS RoBOTS let me introduce you to PaulBOTS.

      I wonder if that Wookiee Pat will now embrace the Ron Paul supporters……. Ha Ha!!!

      I love Trees
      I love Cars
      I love Lakes

      Mitt RoPaul

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHaMqHh5NZ4

      Mitt Romney is so conservative that he has teamed up with Ron Paul… This is too funny.

      Report Post » MS-GlenNBC  
    • kessi7
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 1:27pm

      WASHINGTON — Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney and a “super PAC” working on his behalf spent more than twice as much as they raised in January, underscoring how persistent challenges by rivals Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum have taxed the former Massachusetts governor’s financial operation.

      In a month when Romney lost two of the four GOP primary contests, his campaign raced through $18.7 million while raising just $6.4 million, according to finance records filed Monday with the Federal Election Commission. Restore Our Future, a super PAC run by his former aides, spent nearly $14 million, more than twice the $6.6 million it raised.

      The high burn rate highlighted how heavily Romney is relying on his super PAC — which is not allowed to coordinate with his campaign — as he tries to convince reluctant Republican voters that he can beat President Barack Obama.

      Obama, meanwhile, raised $29 million in January for his re-election and the Democratic National Committee, including $11.8 million for his campaign. Priorities USA Action, a super PAC backing Obama’s re-election, raised less than $59,000 in January. That paltry sum explains why Obama decided to reverse his stance on outside spending earlier this month and encourage his donors to support the super PAC.

      http://fathersmind.blogspot.com/2012/02/boston-herald-has-piece-on-romney-and.html#!/2012/02/at-what-cost-mitt.html

      Report Post »  
    • Vechorik
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 1:47pm

      Finance: Bloomberg “Paul Is Only GOP Contender Whose Policies Would Pare Debt, Analysis Finds”

      http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-02-23/paul-s-plan-would-lower-debt-while-rivals-wouldn-t-report-says.html

      Report Post »  
    • Patrick Henry II
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 5:11pm

      Vechorik
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 1:47pm
      Finance: Bloomberg “Paul Is Only GOP Contender Whose Policies Would Pare Debt, Analysis Finds”

      http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-02-23/paul-s-plan-would-lower-debt-while-rivals-wouldn-t-report-says.html

      Amazing Ron Paul, Mitt Romney, and Ron Raul supporters are all openly working together in defeating conservative candidates.

      Report Post » Patrick Henry II  
  • Diane TX
    Posted on February 23, 2012 at 2:58am

    In any case, I won’t vote for Obama. I’ll vote for whoever wins the Republican nomination. A vote for Obama is a vote for Big Government, and higher taxes, and uncontrolled deficits.

    Report Post »  
    • BehindBlueEyes
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 5:41am

      Diane I’ll take it one step further. A vote for Obama is a vote for the destruction of America and the dawn of the new world order (that’s progressive speak for communism).

      Report Post » BehindBlueEyes  
    • jhaydeng
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 7:54am

      we are screwed

      Report Post »  
    • Demaslut
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 9:55am

      I WILL NEVER VOT FOR ROMNEY. Nor will i vote for obama.

      Report Post » Demaslut  
    • bpodlesnik
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 10:14am

      And to go even further, not voting for the Republican nominee at all is a vote for Obama.

      Report Post » bpodlesnik  
  • NWWADD
    Posted on February 23, 2012 at 2:53am

    Its easy to describe people like you…… You act like your a christen but you truly are not. You are simply the same type of person that stood looking up at CHRIST yelling cucify HIM. You act like your GOD and judge people. Who in the hell do you think you are?

    Report Post »  
  • burnteye86
    Posted on February 23, 2012 at 2:53am

    Rick Santorum, I believe, just seems the one most likely to keep his campaign promises. Romney is a slick, quintessential politician and will say most anything to get elected. Santorum believes in what he says, and will do what he says he will do. (at least he will try. He’s not going to be dictator, like Barak Husain Obama )

    Report Post » burnteye86  
    • An Arizonan
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 4:24am

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=Qs0eJtsZDpo

      Report Post » An Arizonan  
    • Callie369
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 4:28am

      Agree!!!

      I also think there is something going on between RINO Slick Mitt and RINO Paulette. Anyone notice how they NEVER have a single comment about each other? Slick Mitt knows Paulette doesn’t stand a snow balls chance in you know where of winning the election. And Paulette is either too dumb to know how Slick Mitt is using him, or has struck a deal of some kind. If Slick Mitt wins the election, we’ll find out……..maybe even after the primary!

      Report Post »  
    • Simonne
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 4:43am

      Better do some research on how Santorum voting record as this guy is no fiscal conservative. Romney balanced the budget each year in office & cut taxes a number of time. He is a common sense conservative and he is running for president while Santorum sounds more like he wants to be the pope.

      Report Post »  
    • The American People
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 7:52am

      I agree 100% with BURNTEYE86! Rick Santorum is a true Conservative. Ron Paul contintues to drop the ball on foreign policy thinking that, like Russia, Iran will get happier if we just let em have whatever they want. For everyone dumb enough to think that, Iran is a theocracy, what they want, is to not stop AT ALL EVER until Jews and Americans are dead. Pay attention. SIMONE, you can try to compare Rick Santorum learning from his voting mistakes to Mitt Romney‘s being the only Amercian politician to chase down and get SOCIALIZED MEDICINE all you want but Romney will be anything he needs to be to get elected and he’ll be a car salesman about it if he got office as well. OMG Rick Santorum made a vote to get us a Conservative Majority of Supreme Court judges?!?! Say it isnt so!!! Ooooooooooh wait a minute, Romney made a couple socialist choices and has a liberal flip flopper past. Ooops you forgot again. Newt Gingrich is a SELF STATED, LOOK IT UP, PROGRESSIVE, so the american people should be more awake than that to begin with.

      Report Post » The American People  
    • lillymckim
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 8:48am

      callie369

      Yes, I agree!
      Something is up with Paul and Romney maybe a seat for his son “Rand” who I really like.

      Report Post » lillymckim  
    • sonnetswan
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 9:09am

      You can ‘believe’ whatever you want, but if you want to know the truth, look at all their records.

      I found that 3 of the candidates were trying to SCARE the American people into endorsing a unrighteous war. Are you scared yet? Want to go bomb all them mustlims?

      A bunch of warmongers. Sickening.

      Report Post » sonnetswan  
    • Copo
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 9:15am

      Absolutely. I like Paul’s fiscal policies better (I mean cutting $1,000,000,000,000 from the budget, this is what we’ve all been wanting but thought would never happen, and ending the fed, amazing) but Paul’s foreign policy, especially with Iran, scares the **** out of me. A vote for Paul in 2012 would be a vote for Sharia law in 2013. I want him to be secretary of the treasury (or economic adviser, with his kid as secretary of the treasury) with Santorum as president.

      Report Post » Copo  
    • sonnetswan
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 9:22am

      @COPO, why don’t you go to fight the wars and leave our finest home to defend THIS country and our Constitution. All thes politicians for this aggression should go to.

      Oh wait, I forgot Jesus said ‘Do unto others BEFORE they do unto you.’

      Bunch of hypocrits.

      Report Post » sonnetswan  
    • ashtongramp
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 12:51pm

      that was a really good video, thanks for the link. Romney has my vote.

      Report Post »  
  • WhiteFall
    Posted on February 23, 2012 at 2:53am

    The Drudge Report; COULTER: WHAT’S THEIR PROBLEM WITH ROMNEY? She makes perfect sense.

    Report Post »  
  • Diane TX
    Posted on February 23, 2012 at 2:50am

    Romney can’t win the general election because of things like “secret Mormon underwear”. I have no idea what kind of underwear Romney wears, and I haven’t even thought about it. The thing is, being a Mormon is somewhat exotic. JFK broke the barrier for being a Catholic a very long time ago. When JFK was President, the Pope didn’t run the USA.

    I would have a lot of problems voting for Mitt Romney, not because he’s a Mormon, but because of Romney Care. There’s a real problem in the USA with the mandate that everyone, citizen or not, gets emergency care in our hospitals. When an illegal alien goes to emergency for a sore throat, is that really emergency care?

    The USA is not like European Countries, or Canada that have socialized healthcare. I don’t want to pay for the healthcare of Juan, that shouldn’t be here in the first place. Juan should go back to his own Country, and demand healthcare from his own Country.

    Report Post »  
    • Simonne
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 4:45am

      It’s the state & the MA voters like it 3 to 1. It is not federally mandated like Obamacare.

      Report Post »  
    • Todd P
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 7:08am

      Romney has consistently said that each state should be able to have whatever type of healthcare plan they desire. “Romneycare’ was what 3/4ths of MA voters wanted; the fact that some in the Obama administration modeled the national plan on his does not mean Mitt ever wanted it for the whole country. Contrary to what Santorum keeps saying, Mitt did not want the plan for the whole country. What he said was that if that was what the whole country wanted, he thought it would be a good plan – but each state should have a plan that works for them. Also, unlike the Obama mandate, ‘Romneycare’ only had a mandate for 8% of the people in MA who had no insurance whatsoever, even though many could afford it. Those people were using the hospital ER like a walk-in doctor’s office. ‘Obamacare’ would impose the mandate on 100% of the citizens. Also, it did not cover abortions, and he kept vetoing legislation that would put it in. Finally, I heard Mitt talk to Sean Hannity on the radio an hour before the debate last night. Sean asked him how he would govern as a conservative – he wanted examples. Mitt listed about a dozen specific things he would do which only a TRUE CONSERVATIVE would do – and I could tell Sean was impressed. You should listen to what he says – not what bloggers say about him. He remains the only candidate that is consistently polling at or above Obama nationally. He looks and sounds presidential – he is!

      ROMNEY / RUBIO 2012

      Report Post »  
    • JJ Coolay
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 7:48am

      Yeah, people are JUST NOT GETTING THE DIFFERENCE.
      Yes, its not necessarily good—not at all.
      But it’s a state issue, not federal, #1.
      #2, the State of Mass WANTED IT.
      #3, despite Romneycare in Mass, Mitt says (to which I believe) he will repeal Obamacare.
      He favors states rights. NOT a federal mandate.

      Report Post » JJ Coolay  
    • Soundbyte
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 8:31am

      Ok, here is an analogy why Romney Care is constitutional and Obama Care is not. In my state of NJ, there is a mandate that if you must purchase auto insurance if you drive a car. The state has the right to require that mandate. However, If the Federal Government mandates auto insurance for every citizen in every state, it supersedes the State and is unconstitutional. If the citizens do not want the state level mandate, they can challenge it in the States Supreme Court or vote for someone that will repeal the mandate.

      Report Post »  
    • ImMormon
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 12:25pm

      For those who want to understand Romney care… what it is… how it got passed… how it works… why he did it… and why Romney instituted this for his state only… please watch this 50 minute video.

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=3aKEW3YCZO8

      For those who want to keep bashing him for Romneycare without a clear understanding of what it is, and continue to form your opinion by getting your information from op-ed’s, opinion blogs and the MSM… then don’t watch the video.

      But at least realize that you are not being honest with yourselves… you shouldn‘t definitively speak on an issue that you’ve never researched… it’s immature and belittling to yourself to re-spout someone else’s opinions on the matter, rather than forming your own by studying the issue yourself.

      If you’ve studied the issue yourself and still have the opinion, then that’s fine. I’m not talking to you. But 98% haven’t studied Romneycare, and are just re-spouting what they hear people say about him.

      If you don’t know where to start… this clip will give you hundreds of sources to start your OWN research on the subject. Instead of spending an hour on the blaze and other sites, spending 50 minutes doing some research on this issue. You‘ll be a much better for it because you’ll be informed. Once your informed, then you can make your opinion either way!

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=3aKEW3YCZO8

      Report Post » ImMormon  
    • ImMormon
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 12:39pm

      Soundbyte, what a great analogy. I hope you don’t mind me using it and expanding on it.

      Car insurance in most all states is mandated. It’s against the law to drive a vehicle without car insurance. Now why is that? Why would a state require drivers to have car insurance?

      To protect all of the other insured drivers on the road. It’s not fair if an uninsured driver causes a wreck or injures an innocent civilian and then cannot pay for repairs or medical costs.

      Almost 10% of Massachusetts residents were un-insured… many of them could afford health insurance, but knew that if they were uninsured could still get free care. Is that fair? Who was footing the bill when that happened. The people that were insured and the state. In both cases it caused insurance premiums to increase and the state had to pass their costs by raising taxes on the tax payer.

      This health care law was created mostly be a conservative group call the heritage foundation. It was based on the personal responsibility principle. That if you didn‘t have insurance you’d be on the hook to pay for your own care.

      It cost less then 1% of the state budget to institute and protected it’s residents from the mooching uninsured citizens. Romney veto’d over 100 items the legislature tried to put in the bill. Ultimate the democratically run legisature over rode all of his veto’s and instituted a fee for not having insurance. (Not part of Romney plan). Romney repeatedly said this is for Mass. only!!!

      Report Post » ImMormon  
  • conservativewoman
    Posted on February 23, 2012 at 2:30am

    You can argue all you want that Romney Care is different from Obama Care, and maybe in small ways it is, but it is STILL SOCIALIZED HEALTHCARE!

    How can Romney go after Obama when he had a similar healthcare plan? How? How in the heck is he going to pull that off? Voters will be scepticle and there is not getting around that!

    Report Post » conservativewoman  
    • JJ Coolay
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 2:40am

      The people of Massachusetts wanted Romney care.
      The people of the United States had Obama care shoved down our throats when the entire country kept yelling “NO, Mr President”.

      Romney is also in favor of states rights–allowing each state the right to choose for themselves what works for them. A national federal mandate is not the answer. That’s a difference.

      Romney also vetoed 8 different sections of Romney care before it left his desk but ALL 8 SECTIONS were overridden by the liberal Massachusetts congress—handcuffing Romney.

      Report Post » JJ Coolay  
    • JJ Coolay
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 2:44am

      The Romneycare bill was also 88 pages long.
      The Obamacare bill was over 900 pages long. Point being, Obamacare has MUCH MORE big government policy.

      Report Post » JJ Coolay  
    • JJ Coolay
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 2:48am

      I don’t agree with Romney care… don’t get me wrong.
      I’m just pointing out that there is a difference in Romney and Obama.
      I think mandating insurance from the government is bad so I don’t think Romney care was good.
      But Romney insists he will eliminate Obamacare, so regardless of what he did in Massachusetts, if he eliminates Obamacare, that’s a great start.

      Report Post » JJ Coolay  
  • conservativewoman
    Posted on February 23, 2012 at 2:24am

    Romney didn’t regain ground in my household. All he did was further annoy me! He is such a robot !

    Report Post » conservativewoman  
  • LifeandLiberty2
    Posted on February 23, 2012 at 2:17am

    While I will support the nominee there was only ONE candidate on the stage that when faced with forcing a tax increase on 6.5 million people including his fellow Republicans / Conservatives and compelling them to purchase a product and denying their Liberties he chose to sign the legislation.

    Report Post »  
  • Voice_ofFreedom
    Posted on February 23, 2012 at 2:12am

    Anyone who has questions about what kind of person Romney is should watch the end of that debate. It sums up what a complete idiot Romney really is. Asked about the worst misconception he’d endured on the campaign trail, he goes on to give a lame campaign speech. Even as the moderator called him on the fact that he wasn’t answering the question, he was dismissive and arrogant. He stated that they got to ask the questions they wanted, but he got to give the answers he wanted. Is this really the man we want in charge of our country? Feel free to flame if you want Romney supporters but the man is a fool.

    Report Post » Voice_ofFreedom  
  • sledgehammer44
    Posted on February 23, 2012 at 2:05am

    I thought they all did well but Santorum imho did the best. He answered honestly even if it wasn’t what you wanted to hear. The crowd CNN put in their was a joke. It was so clearly pro Romney, much like the Florida crowd at the last debates, it was shameful. They were cheering Mitt for stupid comments that should have barely received a clap and booed the others when they made valid points. Stupid lame stream media trying to sway who we vote for.

    Report Post » sledgehammer44  
    • pamela kay
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 5:07am

      SLEDGEHAMMER44, I agree. The debate itself made me distrust Romney and Paul even more. CNN is never going to fairly have a GOP debate.

      Report Post » pamela kay  
    • bTeri
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 7:19am

      What debate were you watching? Other than a few other random Santorum devotees NO ONE thinks Santorum did well. I’ve read countless headlines at sites that have historically been touting Santorum saying he missed his opportunity last night. . At every turn Santorum stumbled and was shown to be the prototypical politican talking out of both sides of his mouth. He is just another big governent Washington insider hiding behind his social conservatism.

      Report Post »  
    • ImMormon
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 12:43pm

      CNN didn’t control who was in the room. It was a lottery attendence.

      Not everything is a conspiricy! Romney had a good ground game to get his supportes registered for that lottery.

      Go find someone else to blame… it‘s doesn’t seem to be that difficult for you.

      Report Post » ImMormon  
  • lapitup
    Posted on February 23, 2012 at 2:01am

    Ok since all the radio pundits are going to get their talking points from forums such as this I have to put in my two cents about the debate. Oh by the way I am for Rick Santorum. However Rick Santorum had an awful night. I saw another post earlier saying that rick won this debate hands down no if ands or buts about it. I have to disagree 100%. Rick stumbled in a lot of places, more this time than other times. Then he went after Romney as well he should. But there were two times when Romney spoke than Rick Responded. The first time he ended up saying the exact thing Romney said prior, in a different way, that was one of the boo’s he got from the crowd. Basically he as agreeing with Romney in his answer, he is so out to destroy Romney that he is taking the same stance as Romney is and arguing about it. It didn’t fly and the audience noticed, unless you are blind to it. The other one was when Romney answered a question again. Rick was obviously not paying attention, because again he was saying same thing that Romney had just said, he got booed again on that one. Even Romney said “I agree with you” Interrupting Rick. Romney had a very strong showing I think his strongest yet! I love ya Rick I hope ya make it. But don’t fight so hard at your dismay. Just go with the flow and things will work out in your favor. If you try too hard you’re going to flub it up.

    Report Post »  
    • bambam1800
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 3:42am

      I noticed that Paul was spending an inordinate ammount of time attacking Santorum. Dont be supprised if it comes out that there is some collusion between Paul and Romney.

      Report Post »  
    • JJ Coolay
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 7:55am

      collusion? how so?

      Report Post » JJ Coolay  
    • Change-then-hope
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 10:47am

      Collusion? It’s called being the front runner. Mitt Romney has been attacked from all side for months. Were all the others in collusion? The real collusion question is, where was Newt? He never layed a glove on RS all night–even though RS took all of his voters away from him.

      Report Post »  
  • HighStandards
    Posted on February 23, 2012 at 1:50am

    I‘m surprised more people aren’t upset with Santorum’s “I always go with my convictions except when I have to vote with the team.” I thought it was an ugly night for him. I don’t like Newt but he did well tonight. When the focus and tension isn’t on him he does well. To bad the presidency is a high stress job cause he is funny when he is not stressed out. Then it’s just weird. I really did think Santorum did a really bad job, maybe the comments are from lefties trying to get him to be the nominee? Obama would love to focus on social issues instead of the economy. Tricky, Tricky!

    Report Post »  
  • TeaPartyForRomney
    Posted on February 23, 2012 at 1:50am

    Romney definately won the night, even if he didn’t win it completely in the debate, Santorum did very poorly and that will hurt him, propelling Romney to a victory in AZ and MI.

    What do you think?

    If you haven’t seen the whole debate, here it is in its entirety: http://www.thedailycandidate.com/video/2012/feb/gop_debate_20.html

    Report Post »  
    • Voice_ofFreedom
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 2:13am

      I think you must be smoking something that isn‘t prescription and isn’t sold over the counter.

      Report Post » Voice_ofFreedom  
    • bambam1800
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 3:45am

      Newt won the night…and I support Santorum. You are clearly blinded by your establishment guy.

      Report Post »  
    • Todd P
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 7:12am

      I think the fact that the crowd kept cheering Romney, and booing Santorum, makes it clear that Romney won the debate. As usual, Newt had a few good jabs at the MSM, which is always red meat for conservatives. Paul was rambling again. If you listened carefully, when Mitt spoke the crowd cheered, when Rick spoke they booed. The people of AZ know a president when they see one.

      ROMNEY / RUBIO 2012

      Report Post »  
    • Soldier7
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 10:31am

      Todd – I appreciate the fact that you support your candidate, but lets be honest about the debate last night. It was held in Mesa AZ, the second largest population of Mormons in the country and the state and national party got to pick who attended. The crowd was so overwhelmingly “Romney” to make it appear to everyone watching that he was doing great. This was definitely not Rick Santorum’s finest debate but if you ignored the crowd (which I did) and just listened to what was said, Romney had as many stumbles as Santorum did. His biggest stumble was the last question. Instead of taking the opportunity to describe a misconception people had of him, he went on this rabbit trail about the american people and then got arrogant with King about his right to answer how he wants.

      Report Post »  
    • Patrick Henry II
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 5:15pm

      I think Romney and Ron Paul are working together. Ron Paul will NOT assail Mitt like he does the others.

      Report Post » Patrick Henry II  
  • Got2bRoni
    Posted on February 23, 2012 at 1:44am

    Lol. What debate did you watch? Romney won. Santorum was exposed as not being a conservative. Giving up your principles “for the team” is absurd. Romney is our only hope. I am sure this will get deleted anyways. The blaze is pro Santorum. Sigh…

    Report Post » Got2bRoni  
    • cantbelieveallthisgarbagecouldhappenwhodoislap
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 2:11am

      Sorry! If mitt is even close to connection with obama care.
      YOU ARE VERY WRONG.
      Hope are kids .Get to live a happy lifeI dont want your kids to hurt,and mine either!
      seems to me,the truth is not easily found with politics today,If your a working stiff.
      seems a person has to put 4-5 hours a day,just to compair stories from one report to another,then you have to remember other stories from the past and connect them,then you have to remember even older facts,then look them up just to not fall for the todays lie!
      Think I have my mind made up on poUS

      Report Post » cantbelieveallthisgarbagecouldhappenwhodoislap  
  • EJ1979
    Posted on February 23, 2012 at 1:32am

    romney = 8 years obama…take it to the bank

    Report Post » EJ1979  
    • TeaPartyForRomney
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 1:45am

      Sorry that can’t be further from the truth. TeaPartyForRomney.com has proven that incorrect. Watch their analysis of RomneyCare and how different it is from ObamaCare. Romney is the best candidate for America, fiscally as well as every other way.

      Report Post »  
    • Voice_ofFreedom
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 2:06am

      @TeapartyforRomney You must be joking. Romney will lose badly to Obama the same way McCain did. The problem is he’s just too similar to Obama and willing to say anything to be elected. He even admits openly to running as “pro choice” in Mass. but after he got in office doing things from a pro life point of view. This man is a used car salesman and far from what we need to get America back on the right track.

      Report Post » Voice_ofFreedom  
    • JJ Coolay
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 2:27am

      Obama could be ANYONE if we dont unite behind the GOP nominee… whoever it may be.
      People saying Romney= 8 years of Obama tells me one thing—- you’re fool enough to waste your vote on a 3rd party candidate or not vote at all. Which means you’re merely self-fulfilling your own prophecy.

      FOOLS!

      Unite or face the consequences.

      Report Post » JJ Coolay  
    • JJ Coolay
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 2:29am

      Voice—why don’t you find out what Mitt REALLY is like before you post things.

      Mitt NEVER ran as pro choice. He ran as a pro-lifer with the intent NOT to change the pro-choice laws.

      Report Post » JJ Coolay  
  • DividedWeFail
    Posted on February 23, 2012 at 1:29am

    I won’t ever vote for Shxty Mitty or his lard a%% RINO progressive pal Chris Chrsite so it doesn’t matter.

    Go ANYONE but Obama or Romney – the ONLY TWO non-Christians born to polygamous fathers born in foreign countries. Say no to the M & M’s.

    Report Post »  
    • DividedWeFail
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 1:30am

      M & M’s being Muslim and Mormons.

      Report Post »  
    • Got2bRoni
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 1:48am

      Lol. You must be on something. Get over your hatred. Try praying…

      Report Post » Got2bRoni  
    • North_Star
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 1:50am

      you sound like an old fashioned bigot to me.

      Report Post » North_Star  
    • NWWADD
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 2:50am

      It is easy to describe people like you…… You act like your a christen but you truly are not. You are simply the same type of person that stood looking up at CHRIST yelling cucify HIM. You act like your GOD and judge people. Who in the hell do you think you are?

      Report Post »  
    • Luke611
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 2:52am

      Dividedwefail….

      How ironic that your comment spews such division. ..you serve your master well.

      Report Post »  
    • Simonne
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 4:47am

      True Christians are not bigots.

      Report Post »  
    • Todd P
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 7:16am

      You must be voting for BHO.

      Report Post »  
  • BoehnerMustGo
    Posted on February 23, 2012 at 1:19am

    Santorum / rubio 2012 !!

    Report Post »  
    • jonnyfontain
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 1:29am

      I love how this old man who is really considered a bit of a weirdo by the general population attacks Rick Santorum a man who is above all God Fearing which is EXACTLY what we are lacking in our country. Not once have I heard Ron Paul talk about the importance of the “Family”, the importance of “abstinence”, the importance of Jesus Christ and Religious Freedom. Just because you think that the Government shouldn’t get involved in social issues (which I agree with that) doesn‘t mean that you shouldn’t be a role model for our children and the goodness of society! Ron Paul doesn’t give ANY speeches in supporting Christian Values and if you believe in God than you must believe that our first goal as believer is too live for that God! We have got it backwards America. We all have become self-ritous, greedy, and selfish. We would rather do for ourselves than for the common good of all mankind. We have dropped the ball, we need to get on our knees and pray for forgiveness from God for becoming a country where 40% of children grow up in single parent homes where the poverty levels are 5 times higher because their is no father in the equation. Its not just the mans fault, its both women and men’s fault for becoming self serving a$$ holes and putting the children last instead of first where they belong. We need to pray and ask for forgiveness for electing an un-christian poser like obama, who has done more for our enemies than the people of America.

      Report Post » jonnyfontain  
    • Timothy_Reid
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 9:05am

      @johnny Interesting point of view. That one should look to speeches for a choice in role models rather than example. Ron Paul doesn’t need to give those speeches, he lives the example. A gradiose speech should be irrelevant. Fortunately his record standsa for itself. While he is not perfect (last I checked that has only happened once in history) he lives what he believes. When a 50+ year marriage, a strong family, and humility do not serve to provide you the role model you’re looking for……what speech will?

      Report Post »  
  • BoehnerMustGo
    Posted on February 23, 2012 at 1:18am

    I love Santorum. SANTORUM / RUBIO 2012!!
    I dont trust how CNN may have filled the room. They want the PERCEPTION to be that Romney won so we can foolishly pick the most moderate again, like 2008, and Obama can win. There were too many POINTLESS boos when Santorum was speaking….. didnt make sense.

    Report Post »  
    • HighStandards
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 1:42am

      Rubio supports Romney, you know that right?

      Report Post »  
    • AngelAuthor
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 1:43am

      Yeah, it’s pretty stupid all the booing that went on at times when Santorum was speaking as well as when other candidates spoke. That kind of dumb crap is what leads to the hopelessness which guarantees Obama will win again.

      The morons that support our current President are too drugged and dopey to feel any despair and not vote for him again. We have to stand solid and put Obama’s polar opposite in office if we are to stand a chance and that person is Santorum.

      Report Post »  
    • Simonne
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 4:45am

      They booed because he deserved it.

      Report Post »  
  • Mil Mom
    Posted on February 23, 2012 at 12:57am

    I didn’t get to see the entire debate but what I saw, Wow! It sounds like their finally getting it, and may even learn to take it to the left. EVERY ONE OF THEM WOULD BE SUCH AN IMPROVEMENT. (Although rp’s Foreign policy still puts this country at high risk in a dangerous world.

    Report Post » Mil Mom  
  • Diane TX
    Posted on February 23, 2012 at 12:56am

    “Paul has yet to win any primaries or caucuses.”

    That says a lot. It’s clear that his support is too small to win the Republican nomination. He‘s just wasting everyone’s time.

    Report Post »  
    • Abraham Young
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 1:18am

      That’s what YOU think. The delegate count is still up for grabs.

      Not that it matters, who is “popular” and who is not. That’s how we got GW Bush, the biggest government expander up to that point in history. I’m done with “popular” RINOs.

      Report Post »  
    • JJ Coolay
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 2:33am

      Abraham… to date, Ron Paul has won 11% of the popular vote through 9 states primaries.

      11%!!

      His base is not big enough and while you’re right the delegates are up for grabs, it would be a complete travesty of a democratic election process for someone to win a nomination while handily losing a popular vote.

      Report Post » JJ Coolay  
  • circleDwagons
    Posted on February 23, 2012 at 12:53am

    Santorium actually did better than romney. imo romney was awful except when he went after obama. If it was not for Paul santorium would have had a good night.

    Report Post » circleDwagons  
    • Todd P
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 7:24am

      I guess we all see what we want to see. If you are a RP supporter, your hero shined. If you love Newt – then you still do. If you ignore the crowd booing Santorum and cheering Romney, then Rick did great. LOL. The debate I watched had Romney as the clear winner, a.e.b. the crowd’s reaction.

      ROMNEY / RUBIO 2012

      Report Post »  
    • bTeri
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 7:32am

      I think if you look really hard you can find the 4 others on the web that agree that Santorum did well last night. He clearly blew his moment in the spotlight. Throughout the entire debate Santorum showed himself to be big government, Washington insider hiding behind his social conservatism. I have my preference to win the nomination but will vote ABO in the general election – Santorum DOESNT HAVE A PRAYER of convincing Independents to vote for him. If Santorum wins the nomination its four more years of Obama’s destructive policies and DECADES of destruction from his Supreme Court appointees.

      Report Post »  
  • 3monkeysmomma
    Posted on February 23, 2012 at 12:52am

    I attended the Ron Paul veiwing/after party in Mesa tonight.
    It was standing room only. Very inspiring!

    Report Post » 3monkeysmomma  
    • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 1:01am

      How many people can fit in the back of a minivan anyway?

      Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
    • Abraham Young
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 1:19am

      Apparently you and your family can – DARMOK

      Come out and sniff the fresh air!

      Report Post »  
    • sonnetswan
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 9:36am

      Wow, I wish I was there. Dr. Paul is and will remain my choice. I’m pleased that there are other sound minds in this forum.

      Report Post » sonnetswan  
  • drobarts
    Posted on February 23, 2012 at 12:47am

    Class is dismissed, you can go home now Rick.

    Report Post » drobarts  
    • DMG8487
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 1:09am

      Nice try but you can forget about it! Rick Santorum is not going anywhere but up in the polls because he is one of the only candidates honest enough to tell the truth about what he has voted on in the past even to the point of being able to admit when he has made a mistake. Romney can’t seem to ever come accross as honest and will never admit the debacle he created in Romneycare was a bad idea and Ron Paul just makes me sick! He just keeps attacking anyone who takes the lead away from Romney and NOBODY calls him on this! Is he running to be Romney’s VP or what? And I don’t think Newt is quite done yet either. All that said any one of these guys is better than what we have now although Ron Paul is still dangerous when it comes to foreign policy which pretty much keeps him from getting anywhere near the nomination.

      Report Post »  
    • Todd P
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 7:22am

      LOL – He always looks like a petulent school boy to me, especially with his sweater vests. He frequently flies into temper tantrums. He clearly does not have the temperment to be president. BHO would make him look like the joke that he is. Newt talks good (when he’s not building moon bases), but he looks old, has had multiple affairs, and has so much baggage that he would never appeal to independents. Romney is a clear conservative (if you doubt it, aske Sean Hannity who was quite impressed with him in a radio interview just prior to the debate), and he looks presidential. He also has a steady temperment. And, best of all, he is the only candidate who consistently meets or beats BHO in the national polls.

      ROMNEY / RUBIO 2012

      Report Post »  
  • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
    Posted on February 23, 2012 at 12:33am

    Reminds me of South Parks “Cripple Fight” Timmay. J J Jjjjimmy

    Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
1 2 3 4

Sign In To Post Comments! Sign In

Sign Up For Our Newsletter!

Glenn Beck Radio

Listen to Glenn Beck 24/7 Listen Now
Restoring Love