Politics

GOP Candidates Square-Off in Fox News/Wall Street Journal Debate (Includes LIVE Blaze Debate Chat Transcript)

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (The Blaze/AP) — Under heavy debate pressure from his rivals, Republican presidential front-runner Mitt Romney defended his record as a venture capitalist, insisted he bears no responsibility for attack ads aired by his allies and grudgingly said Monday night he might release his income tax returns this spring.

“I have nothing in them that suggests there‘s any problem and I’m happy to do so,” he said. “I sort of feel like we’re showing a lot of exposure at this point,” he added in an apparent reference to the campaign to come against Democratic President Barack Obama.

Romney came under criticism from the opening moments of the debate, the first of two in the run-up to this weekend’s first-in-the-South primary in South Carolina. The former Massachusetts governor won the first two events of the campaign, the Iowa caucuses and last week’s New Hampshire primary, and leads in the pre-primary polls in South Carolina.

One of his rivals, Newt Gingrich, has virtually conceded that a victory for Romney in South Carolina would assure his nomination as Obama’s Republican rival in the fall, and none of the other remaining contenders has challenged that conclusion.

That only elevated the stakes for Monday night’s debate, feisty from the outset as Gingrich, Texas Gov. Rick Perry and former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum sought to knock Romney off stride while generally being careful to wrap their criticism in anti-Obama rhetoric.

“We need to satisfy the country that whoever we nominate has a record that can stand up to Barack Obama in a very effective way,” said Gingrich.

The five men on stage also sought to outdo one another in calling for lower taxes.

Paul won that competition handily, saying he thought the top rate should be zero.

And in a state with a heavy military presence, the tone seemed more aggressive than in earlier debates.

Gingrich drew strong applause when he said: “Andrew Jackson had a pretty clear idea about America’s enemies. Kill them.”

The debate began hours after Romney reaped an endorsement from former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman, who suspended his own candidacy and urged the remaining contenders to stop attacking one another for fear it might benefit Obama in November.

The former House speaker and Perry led the assault against Romney’s record at Bain Capital, a private equity firm that bought companies and sought to remake them into more competitive enterprises, with uneven results.

“There was a pattern in some companies … of leaving them with enormous debt and then within a year or two or three having them go broke,” Gingrich said. “I think that’s something he ought to answer.”

Perry referred to a steel mill in Georgetown, S.C. where, he said, “Bain swept in, they picked that company over and a lot of people lost jobs there.”

Romney said that the steel industry was battered by unfair competition from China. As for other firms, he said, “Four of the companies that we invested in … ended up today having some 120,000 jobs.

“Some of the businesses we invested in were not successful and lost jobs,” he acknowledged.

It was Perry who challenged Romney, a multimillionaire, to release his income tax returns. The Texas governor said he has already done so, adding he believes Gingrich will do likewise later in the week.

“Mitt, we need for you to release your income tax so the people of this country can see how you made your money. … We cannot fire our nominee in September. We need to know now.”

Later, a debate moderator pressed Romney on releasing his tax returns.

The answer was anything but crisp.

“But you know if that‘s been the tradition I’m not opposed to doing that. Time will tell. But I anticipate that most likely I‘m going to get asked to do that in the April time period and I’ll keep that open,” he said.

Prodded again, he said, “I think I’ve heard enough from folks saying look, you know, let’s see your tax records. I have nothing in them that suggests there‘s any problem and I’m happy to do so. I sort of feel like we’re showing a lot of exposure at this point, and if I become our nominee and what‘s happened in history is people have released them in about April of the coming year and that’s probably what I’d do.”

Santorum stayed away from the clash over taxes, instead starting a dispute of his own. He said a campaign group supporting Romney has been attacking him for supporting voter rights for convicted felons, and asked Romney what his position was on the issue.

Romney initially ducked a direct answer, preferring to ask Santorum if the ad was accurate.

He then said he doesn’t believe convicted violent felons should have the right to vote, even after serving their terms. Santorum instantly said that as governor of Massachusetts, Romney hadn’t made any attempt to change a law that permitted convicted felons to vote while still on parole, a law that the former Pennsylvania senator said was more liberal than the one he has been assailed for supporting.

Romney replied that as Republican governor, he was confronted with a legislature that was heavily Democratic and held a different position.

He also reminded Santorum that candidates have no control over the campaign groups that have played a pivotal role in the race to date.

Romney added that the millions in outside dollars are “one of the things I decry” about the current system. At the same time, he has repeatedly refused to denounce the negative ads that the group supporting him has been spending millions to run in early states.

“It is inaccurate,” Santorum said of the ad assailing him, seeking the last word. “I would go out and say, `Stop it. That you‘re representing me and you’re representing my campaign. Stop it.’”

The five remaining candidates also sought to outdo one another in calling for lower taxes.

Paul won that competition handily, saying he thought the top rate should be zero.

Romney has victories in the only two contests of the campaign thus far, the Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary earlier this month. Gingrich has conceded that the former Massachusetts governor will likely be the party’s nominee if he is similarly victorious in South Carolina, an assertion that none of the others in the race has so far contested.

That raised the significance of the night’s debate, as well as another one scheduled for Thursday in Charleston.

Romney is the leader in the public opinion polls in South Carolina, although his rivals hope the state’s high, 9.9 percent unemployment rate and the presence of large numbers of socially conservative evangelical voters will allow one of them to slip by him.

Huntsman was the second campaign dropout to endorse Romney, after former Minnesota Gov. Tom Pawlenty. Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann, who quit after a last-place finish in Iowa, has not yet said which of the remaining contenders she supports. Herman Cain, who left the race in December after facing allegations of sexual impropriety, has promised an endorsement soon.

Huntsman’s parting announcement included a reference to the differences he and Romney had. But he left the podium without responding to questions about his remark last week, in the run-up to the New Hampshire primary, that Romney was unelectable and out of touch.

It was unclear why Romney did not attend the announcement. He was in town for a later campaign appearance and then the debate.

Gingrich and Perry both began their day at a Martin Luther King Jr. Day observance, where they praised the legacy of the slain civil right leader.

At about the same time, Santorum was complaining that attacks launched against him by the political action committee supporting Romney were lies. The attack on Santorum is patterned after one that helped send Gingrich into a nosedive in the polls in the final weeks of the Iowa caucus campaign.

Gingrich made similar demands on Romney then to rein in his supporters, but was ignored.

Paul, who generally keeps a light campaign schedule, addressed the Faith and Freedom Coalition forum in the afternoon. The Texas congressman cast his libertarian message in religious terms, noting the Bible speaks up for private property ownership and sound currency.

Comments (193)

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  • Debbie1927
    Posted on January 16, 2012 at 9:37pm

    No Ron Paul or Newt

    Report Post » Debbie1927  
    • KTsayz
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 9:45pm

      Fool, Santorums votes for no child left behind then steals Ron Paul’s position of ending the dept of ed. And then he steals Ron Paul’s stance on the disproportionate affect the War on Drugs has had on blacks! Santorum doesn‘t give a crap about that issue and wouldn’t do anything to end it.
      Santorum wouldn’t know what an original idea was if it smacked him in the head.

      Report Post »  
    • RationalMan
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 9:54pm

      And Ron Paul’s position on “Legalize Drugs” he stoled it from who?

      Report Post »  
    • David11
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 9:59pm

      I love how people call Paul a nut, but why aren‘t the other candidates nuts as they have stolen all Paul’s economic talking points after the first debate. Hmmm, I would have to assume Paul must no what he‘s talking about if they’re all copying his positions along with some of the top economists in the country saying Ron Paul is the only one with a serious plan and the right plan to get this country back on the RIGHT track. That’s fine though, you sit back and keep letting yourself get brainwashed from the same establishment that you hate….Some of you need to ask yourselves what you really want, because I don’t think you have a clue.

      Report Post »  
    • cous1933
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 10:04pm

      Ron Paul doesn’t steal ideas from anyone. His ideas are guided by the US Constitution and an understanding of individual liberty and his Christian faith.

      Report Post » cous1933  
    • RationalMan
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 10:09pm

      cous1933
      Ron Paul doesn’t steal ideas from anyone…
      **********************************************************
      Yes he did! ;)

      Report Post »  
    • hazmat_factor
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 10:29pm

      I take back any good I may have said about KTSAYZ, what a moron!

      Report Post » hazmat_factor  
    • kryptonite
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 10:44pm

      Over twenty years of all talk, zero results. Paul sounds like Obama in every way. Oh, those poor, poor black VICTIMS of judicial discrimination. By contrast, Newt talks about teaching kids to fish, so they don’t end up in the slammer. Santorum, too, notes that teaching young people the importance of not having children out of wedlock and finishing high school. Contrast the two sin-filled progressives to Perfect Paul, who has decided to play the race card a la Obama. Being the career politician that he is, he knows it’s time to deflect from his lame excuse, “I never heard, I never read” for the blatant racism in his magazine (geez, who does that remind me of — AGAIN?). Ah yes, Obama regarding Wright.

      Best thing I heard today was Perry’s call for TERM LIMITS. Stop the corruption in Washington. Go home, Paul. Time to fold ‘em.

      Report Post »  
    • kryptonite
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 10:55pm

      Correction: . Santorum, too, notes the importance of teaching young people not to have children out of wedlock and finish high school.

      Report Post »  
    • Unix
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 11:09pm

      Lookit people, if we don’t all come together for WHOMEVER wins this primary season, our country is lost, can I say it any more clearly than that – quit the childish bickering as to whose D__K is bigger. You are fools to think ANYONE is perfect, but ANYONE is better than Omarxist!

      Report Post » Unix  
    • AhLeahIris
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 11:13pm

      What the heck, Mitt? We have to vote for you BEFORE we see what’s in your 1040? Channeling Nancy Pelosi much? http://wp.me/p1HGwx-22U

      Report Post » AhLeahIris  
    • Ballot_Box_Revolution
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 11:13pm

      newt did awesome…. I would for sure make him head of the national debate team

      Report Post » Ballot_Box_Revolution  
    • SheriS
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 11:19pm

      I totally agree with you. I eliminated most of the so called candidates tonight and actually know who I will vote for.

      Report Post »  
    • SquareHead
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 11:33pm

      Debbie 1927
      Rick Santorum BIG GOVERNMENT. See for yourself: http://www.ronpaul2012.com/2012/01/06/red-state-on-big-government-conservative-rick-santorum/

      Where on one of those that listened to talk radio during the Bush administration and said that he had to do all the socialist things he did so the Democrats would not get elected and do them???

      WAKE UP, I like millions of Americans will write in Ron Paul, if he does not get the nomination. Even if it means getting Obama for another term. Yes he is dangerous, but he has ignited the Tea Party movement, which has helped get some real conservative “small government” representatives elected which is necessary for any real reform. If we elect Mitt, Newt or Santorum, it will most certainly deflate the momentum of the Tea Party movement, which is the last stand against tyranny, and socialism. Either the Republican party comes out and backs Ron Paul and he will crush Obama. Or you will “play it safe” and ensure Obama’s second term.
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IYoYaDNjnY

      Report Post »  
    • Patrick Henry II
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 11:35pm

      Everyone who wants to stop Romney in SSC vote for Gingrich. This gives conservatism a chance.

      Report Post » Patrick Henry II  
    • KTsayz
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 11:42pm

      haha Hazmat, throwing about ad homs doesn’t win a debate. Let’s here your ideas – if you have any.

      Report Post »  
    • Ballot_Box_Revolution
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 11:46pm

      You mean trade a turd for a much more tolerable turd in a bag?

      Report Post » Ballot_Box_Revolution  
    • Anamah
      Posted on January 17, 2012 at 12:02am

      Clearly the best in the Myrtle Beach Debate was Newt. He is simply brilliant and has the best solutions and ideas.

      Report Post »  
    • Scottsman
      Posted on January 17, 2012 at 12:04am

      I absolutely noticed that all the candidates stole Ron Paul’s main principles in the first 20 minutes. Romney, Newt and Santorum are all now finally talking constitution, liberty and states rights etc… Not until well after 20 minutes Ron Paul finally got a question.

      What a joke Fox News. You sidelined the guy who came in high #3 in Iowa and #2 in New Hampshire. Your bias is self evident.

      Report Post »  
    • JJ Coolay
      Posted on January 17, 2012 at 12:12am

      I’m sorry, why is it imperative we see ANYONE’s Tax Returns???
      Since when is someone’s income on trial here?

      Report Post » JJ Coolay  
    • JJ Coolay
      Posted on January 17, 2012 at 12:15am

      @Scottsman—- was waiting for the first RonBot to start whining over air time.
      Brett Baier clearly stated at the start he wanted to clear the air about the whole “Bain Capital” thing and so that was the hot topic for the first 15 minutes.
      After that, the debate was very much evenly distributed.
      Knock it off with the Woe-is-me, Paul-is-being-pushed-to-the-back-of-the-line bull crap.

      Report Post » JJ Coolay  
    • RationalMan
      Posted on January 17, 2012 at 12:24am

      RationalMan
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 9:54pm
      And Ron Paul’s position on “Legalize Drugs” he stoled it from who?
      **************************************************************************************
      Come-on Ron Paul supporters, you guys/gals are genius, who did Ron Paul stoled “Legalize Drugs”
      from???

      Report Post »  
    • marion
      Posted on January 17, 2012 at 1:42am

      David11, more than once many of us have said that Ron Paul is fine for the Federal Reserve and economic corrections needed in this country, but as soon as he opens his mouth about military and defense spending and the defense of this country, he makes BHO look like Patton, McArthur, Eisenhower, Gengis Khan, and Stalin all wrapped into one. 200 years ago, yes, and maybe even 140 years ago his stance would be good, but we don’t live in that world any more. As an example, look at Iraq. 185 countries, not just the USA, thought Saddam Hussein has CBR and possibly nukes, over 11 years time more than 1400 independent scientists in his weapons programs defected and every one of them said nukes, chemical and biological stuff still being developed, so we went into the country to get them after 9/11. We were partially wrong, partially right, won’t say which was right or wrong, but the point is, we all believed the wrong things because we did not have our people around to find out for sure what was correct, and needless to say, Ron would keep us in that unknown that much longer and tell you what, 9/11 was not a fun time for any military person.

      No Ron just because of this.

      I like Newt’s response. If they are enemies of the state, kill them.

      Report Post »  
    • mamatango
      Posted on January 17, 2012 at 2:32am

      One commentator last week described the GOP campaign trail as “A CIRCULAR FIRING SQUAD.”

      My feelings exactly! I’m sick of the bickering, and wish they would just state how they’d run the country, fix the debt, balance the budget–instead of constantly going over the same old crap. Then, the hosts should ask them to explain their voting record and past positions.

      PLEASE JUST STICK WITH THE FACTS; YOU KNOW THE IMPORTANT STUFF! Not the grade school bickering and insults. Scheeze!

      Report Post »  
    • decendentof56
      Posted on January 17, 2012 at 7:18am

      @ Marion…”more than once many of us have said that Ron Paul is fine for the Federal Reserve and economic corrections needed in this country, but as soon as he opens his mouth about military and defense.”
      Marion is correct on this one. Paul is right in that there is absolutely no regard for our Constitution as it pertains to domestic issues. That is where Paul supporters are right, but also the place where Paulites take the wrong fork in the road.
      The world is very dangerous. I’m not saying we can or should nation-build, we cannot (Afghanistan?).

      Listen, I’m convinced that there are Islamic cells in the US with nuclear weapons. Do you know there are, literally, suitcase bombs? They have made their way down from Canada and up from below the border. Canada has ridiculously lax immigration laws which have allowed known, formerly arrested terrorists to become citizens.
      Have you heard of the “triangle” area? It consists of the tri-country region of Bolivia, Paraguay, and Brazil. That area is a haven for Islamists, and there are terrorists camps in remote jungle areas where training takes place.

      In addition, so many of the components to make dirty AND fission bombs were lost or sold from the former Soviet Union. Actual warheads have disappeared.

      Does Ron Paul tell you this?…….This is not the world of 1850. We must stay involved internationally to some degree, even if it is just covertly.

      Report Post »  
    • Polwatcher
      Posted on January 17, 2012 at 8:05am

      I certainly wish we had less liars in the political and media circus to describe our candidates. Each candidate has some good points. Ron Paul is not a nut…he is a physician and libertarian. Newt is not a liberal…he is a fly-over country Christian conservative. Santorum is not a zealot…he is a dedicated Christian conservative. Rick Perry is not pro-illegal immigrant…he is a Christian Texas conservative. Romney is not a liberal…he is a high finance Mormon Massechusetts conservative. Any one of these candidates are light years better than Obama.

      My preference is Newt because he can articulate his thoughts so well. Obama is also a great articulator but only with a teleprompter. Without a teleprompter, I believe that Newt will demolish Obama in all debates.

      Report Post »  
    • sonnetswan
      Posted on January 17, 2012 at 9:17am

      I’m just fed up with Beck trashing RP. It just makes me sick. Whether our choice is Obama, Romney, Gingrich or Santorum, we get the same policies. I’m either going to write in Ron Paul or forget about voting.

      Report Post » sonnetswan  
    • smithclar3nc3
      Posted on January 17, 2012 at 10:50am

      disproportionate affect the War on Drugs has had on blacks
      What does that even mean I’ll telll you ,more blacks the whites see drug dealing and a viable choice as opposed to working a legal 9-5 job. So more blacks in up in prison. You know black commit a disproiportionate amount of armed robberys and home invasions compared to whites as well so maybe we should just boot those laws also just leave the registers open and the doors unlocked. Because apparently those are racist laws. Fact is if you look at most crime especially violent crimes a disproportionate amount of black are committing them.,…… So end the rule of law and establish personal justice OR ENFORCE THE DAMN LAW

      Report Post »  
    • Vechorik
      Posted on January 17, 2012 at 1:18pm

      Ron Paul moves into 2nd place nationally 1/15/2012
      Washington-Post/ABC News National Poll:

      http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/polls/postabcpoll_011512.html

      —————–

      Paul Gains Endorsements from 4 S.C. Senators

      http://springvalley.patch.com/articles/paul-gains-endorsements-from-4-s-c-senators

      Report Post »  
    • Shelly
      Posted on January 17, 2012 at 3:33pm

      “Not Romney” (on YouTube)
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARnzBOkKAiE

      Report Post » Shelly  
    • Vechorik
      Posted on January 17, 2012 at 4:30pm

      Was Jesus booed in the SC debate? yep

      Debate reaction on the Robert Scott Bell Show 1/17/12

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?&v=zk8p9zBoYmY#t=390s

      ———–

      Know what Nazi soldiers had on the face of their belt buckles?

      “God is with us”

      I kid you not.

      http://www.ebaumsworld.com/pictures/view/1069962/

      Report Post »  
  • Debbie1927
    Posted on January 16, 2012 at 9:35pm

    It should be either Santorum or Perry

    Report Post » Debbie1927  
  • Canyouhearus
    Posted on January 16, 2012 at 9:34pm

    So, where’s the questions for Ron Paul/! He’s doing well in the running! Let him speak! Nothing like the media deciding who our president will be!

    Report Post »  
    • SheriS
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 11:23pm

      The less Paul speaks the better! The man is a nut–the only thing I could appreciate about him is his stance on the Constitution, but that is the end of him for me! He still comes across as the angry old man—like a grandfather talking to his grandkids!

      Report Post »  
    • colt1860
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 11:48pm

      @sheris The holy Bible is full of “angry old men” talking to their “grandchildren”.

      Pro 13:1 A wise son heareth his father’s instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.

      Report Post »  
    • WakingSheep
      Posted on January 17, 2012 at 4:03pm

      Nice COLT!

      Report Post »  
  • THXll38
    Posted on January 16, 2012 at 9:33pm

    Hey, Dr. Paul Do you want a chair? Since they will ignore you, you might as well leave — screw Fox.

    Report Post » THXll38  
    • JustMel71
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 9:41pm

      Dr. Paul just handed Fox’s (Faux News) their butts. LOL.. lovin’ it.

      Report Post » JustMel71  
    • THXll38
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 9:44pm

      Freakin Awesome! Go Paul!

      Report Post » THXll38  
    • KTsayz
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 9:48pm

      What a pathetic debate. They are marginalizing Dr Paul and if they think the people don’t see it, they are WRONG.
      There are over 6,100 people logged onto the dailypaul right now. Don’t have to put up with newtsters or Satanorums there.

      Report Post »  
    • BetterDays
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 10:07pm

      They are NeoCons, Give Ron a chair so he can beat them over the head with it. That they understand!

      Report Post »  
    • JustMel71
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 10:28pm

      Oh man, Romney just stunk from here to high heaven defending the NDAA. Dr. Paul opposes it. Santorum opposes it for the most part. I’m listening to this tonight and come to the conclusion that too many people would rather vote for familiarity than vote against overseas contingency operations with no end in sight. I understand we have foreign terrorist but we also must look at our own borders. I firmly believe bringing large portion of our troops home. Rebuild our military here, stop the illegals from coming in and gobbling up our resources and declare war only by congress. If I’m wrong on my position, then I’m open to suggestions.

      Report Post » JustMel71  
    • Cosmos102
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 11:16pm

      All posters who are for Ron Paul should come with a disclaimer and be required to post their real age beside their screen names.

      Report Post » Cosmos102  
    • WakingSheep
      Posted on January 17, 2012 at 4:02pm

      Cosmos102
      Well under Romney, NDAA, and SOPA your dreams will soon come true.

      I’m a 26 year old quality engineer working for an esteemed aerospace company and I support Ron Paul.

      Report Post »  
  • Banter
    Posted on January 16, 2012 at 9:28pm

    Hell, Romney doesn’t need a superpac, he has Fox.

    Report Post » Banter  
    • netmail
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 9:41pm

      Im recording the debate, but after reading the posts here, I know I’ll be skipping thru it at blazing speed. It’ll be the lesser of the evils that win and this is no time in history for that kind of nonsense. It‘s very disappointing to read Blazer’s comments about this so-called ‘debate’.

      Report Post »  
    • KTsayz
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 9:52pm

      NetMail, I’m taping it, too, though watching inbetween writing comments. I leave when the ratbags start going after each other. There‘s only one true patriot in the race and he’s the one I want to hear from.
      President Ron Paul 2012!

      Report Post »  
    • Banter
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 10:00pm

      @Netmail
      Sadly, we have let this go on for years. Fox does have an agenda, and Romney is it during this election.

      @Ktsayz
      You could have left at the start of the debate, because they started going after each other right off.

      Report Post » Banter  
  • ddg7
    Posted on January 16, 2012 at 9:28pm

    Who was the first one to say, “Let me just take a moment to recognize the achievements of Dr. Martin Luther King on the anniversay of his birth”?

    Report Post »  
  • disenlightened
    Posted on January 16, 2012 at 9:28pm

    Santorum sure looked dumb attacking Romney about restoring the voting rights of murderers and rapists. Is that all he’s got? I’d be embarrassed.

    Report Post » disenlightened  
    • neverending
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 10:30pm

      Santorum is an embarrassment. They get their little attack plans all ready set to go and just flap on about them no matter how stupid. And talk about hyprocisy.

      Report Post »  
    • marion
      Posted on January 17, 2012 at 1:57am

      USA91773, the reason Santorum interrupted him was the simple fact Romney was doing his usual, “Don’t blame me, I didn’t do it!”, routine, which reminds me of the movie Rocketman, where they are walking on Mars and he is farting in his spacesuit, the two have to attach an emergency air hose to share air, and at one point the other guy says to Mitt (the farter), “you can‘t tell me that wasn’t you”, to which he says, “Wasn’t me,…..that was JULIE.” Point being Mitt has been hiding on his PACs doing ads and he is free and clear, he has an alibi, and nobody really believes it, but it’s the rule. Romney is going down, he stood up there and basically did several Freudian slips indicating he was cruising along because he knew he was the candidate. No, don’t like that at all.

      Newt definitely had the best answers, best reasons, best purpose for being there, best ways to actually fix things in contrast to Romney.

      Report Post »  
  • NILAP
    Posted on January 16, 2012 at 9:27pm

    What a phony bastard Romney is! After seeing him respond to Santorum. Never will vote for this guy – EVER!

    Report Post » NILAP  
    • WakingSheep
      Posted on January 17, 2012 at 4:05pm

      After seeing how much of a globalist progressive flip-flopper he is; he will never get my vote either.

      Report Post »  
  • RojBlake
    Posted on January 16, 2012 at 9:26pm

    Where does Romney get off with “I’ll answer the questions I want too”.

    And didn’t he just admit that he “won’t fight” for his so-called beliefs?

    This is electable..he’s an oppurtunist & a wimp!

    Report Post » RojBlake  
    • JustMel71
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 9:33pm

      This is why Obama will spank Romney like he did McCain. Do you hear Gingrich’s thought on Romney. lol XD

      Newt’s True Thoughts on Romney

      “Why would you want to nominate the guy who lost to the guy who lost to Obama?”

      Report Post » JustMel71  
    • usa91773
      Posted on January 17, 2012 at 12:58am

      You are wrong. Santorum rudely interrupted demanding an answer. Romney said he’d answer the question the order he wanted. Santorum is desperate , ignorantly drilling Romney on giving felons voting rights ? He looked like a desperate pandering politician on MLK day.

      Report Post »  
  • Canyouhearus
    Posted on January 16, 2012 at 9:25pm

    Why don‘t they just give them a sword and put them in the gladiator’s arena! I liked Huckabee’s debate the other evening but this pick-on-one-another-thing is a waste of my time! I’m not looking for firewarks but real answers to real questions.! Big mess up FOX… Should have Judge Napolitano asking the sensible questions! The ones that will tell us what they plan to do as President! Kids in school get suspended for fighting in the clasroom!

    Report Post »  
  • THXll38
    Posted on January 16, 2012 at 9:23pm

    The first segment was nothing more than a ******* match — lame.

    Report Post » THXll38  
  • Roaran
    Posted on January 16, 2012 at 9:18pm

    Are these questions for real? Who the hell cares about negative advertising… how about a question about the role of government in our lives…

    Report Post »  
  • 13th Generation American
    Posted on January 16, 2012 at 9:15pm

    Romney and Bain Capitol are job destroyers of the first order. They are horrible and despicable people without any moral character.

    Report Post » 13th Generation American  
    • READRIGHTHERE
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 9:24pm

      Incorrect.

      Report Post »  
    • hazmat_factor
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 9:36pm

      I see by your outfit that you are a socialist.

      If you by an outfit you can be a socialist too!

      Capitolism made this country. Any company that wishes to survive has to trim the fat. Unlessss…..you are the US government with beurocracies out the (pooper), then you can’t fire anyone, you can only hire their cousins, sisters, brothers, dogs…..you get the idea. That way you can claim to have created jobs.

      In the immortal words of the Joker from the first big batman movie, slightly paraphrased: “What this country needs is an ENEMA!”

      Report Post » hazmat_factor  
    • 13th Generation American
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 9:39pm

      Romney’s job at Bain, and his source(other than being born to the lucky sperm club) of unearned wealth, should properly be called, “asset-stripping,” because he didn’t create anything. He only destroyed and took whatever value could be extracted. I hate to agree with Rick Perry, but Romney is a “vulture capitalist.”

      Report Post » 13th Generation American  
    • Hobbs57
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 10:28pm

      Where do you work at 13th generation ? Just curious ??

      Report Post » Hobbs57  
    • 13th Generation American
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 10:39pm

      I work in World Wide Hi Tech Fiber Optic Data transport running various protocols namely IPv6, VPLS, MPLS, Sonet etc.

      Report Post » 13th Generation American  
    • JJ Coolay
      Posted on January 17, 2012 at 12:35am

      C’mon 13th Gen, you’re listening to the BS instead of catching the drift of business basics.
      Cut the fat off and make it a more productive organization.
      Save some jobs or lose all??

      Report Post » JJ Coolay  
    • Therightsofbilly
      Posted on January 17, 2012 at 12:59am

      @JJCOOL

      That’s the way the left rolls.

      If they save only some of the jobs, that’s not fair to those who lose them.

      They would much rather that a company fail entirely, and for all to lose their jobs.

      At least it’s fair that way. It’s all about fairness.

      @13THGERERATION

      So you’re a cable guy?

      And that is why we are as screwed as we are right now.

      Report Post » Therightsofbilly  
    • Therightsofbilly
      Posted on January 17, 2012 at 1:06am

      @13th

      I missed your “lucky sperm club” line the first time through.

      That says it all in a nutshell.

      You are bitter and envious of those who are born in to a more lavish lifestyle than your own.

      Did your parents have that outlook?

      If so, at which generation did your family lose it’s way?

      Sixth? Tenth?

      Report Post » Therightsofbilly  
  • abbygirl1994
    Posted on January 16, 2012 at 9:13pm

    Crap I can’t even get it to come up… so I am missing the whole darn thing. Anyone got any suggestions? I watch it on the computer but it won’t come up!

    Report Post » abbygirl1994  
    • JJ Coolay
      Posted on January 17, 2012 at 12:37am

      You can almost certainly catch it on youtube in segments within a couple hours??

      Report Post » JJ Coolay  
  • Losersblameeveryone
    Posted on January 16, 2012 at 9:12pm

    Ron Paul is a cross between Jane Fonda & Timothy O’Leary, NOT a good combination for a President who claims to be for Liberty. A Congressman who hasn’t supported a single Veteran or Wounded Warrior bill/law and has NOT supported a single Veteran intiated has NO business as President unless of course you want a Communism like Fonda in charge!

    Report Post » Losersblameeveryone  
  • Losersblameeveryone
    Posted on January 16, 2012 at 9:10pm

    #scdebate Ron Paul DONT support #wounded Warriors because of his #janefonda anti war stance, WHY??

    Report Post » Losersblameeveryone  
  • WAKEUPUSA2012
    Posted on January 16, 2012 at 9:09pm

    Why is Ron Paul at the end? He is in the top two. Fox=BS. This is a two man race now Paul/Rommney

    Ron Paul 2012

    Report Post » WAKEUPUSA2012  
    • gogogoff
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 9:13pm

      Because in SC, where this is, RP is in 3rd/4th.

      Report Post »  
    • JJ Coolay
      Posted on January 17, 2012 at 12:38am

      It’s a one man race, it just hasn’t been made official yet. Once SC and FL are done (2 weeks from tomorrow) it’ll be over.
      Romney is up by nearly 10 points in SC and 20+ points in FL.

      Report Post » JJ Coolay  
    • RationalMan
      Posted on January 17, 2012 at 2:20am

      Well, if you can answer his; Come-on Ron Paul supporters, you guys/gals are genius, who did Ron Paul stoled “Legalize Drugs”
      from???

      I just might believe you on what the hell you’re talking about!

      Report Post »  
    • Roaran
      Posted on January 17, 2012 at 12:01pm

      It‘s sad that people can’t accept freedom and liberty anymore, they have to be coddled by uncle sam and lulled to sleep by their favorite candidate.

      As far as I’m concerned, especially this site, there are far too many people parading themselves as conservatives when, in reality, they probably don’t even know what it means to be conservative. It’s equally saddening when Americans forgot what made America great.

      The dollar will collapse, Ron Paul could have made offered a path to prosperity and freedom, instead, we will likely end up with a world currency after the collapse and if you think it’s hard getting an audit of the federal reserve… imagine how hard an audit of an international organization will be.

      Santorum, Romney, and Gingrich, are all identical on policies. There is no difference, anyone squabbling between these three are being played. It’s a popularity contest, who has the better speech, who makes the better zinger, who has more money?

      Ron Paul is conservative, he is a christian, he is a real republican unlike many of the hypocrites around this country and in the presidential race. He stood on principle while those like Santorum went along to get along, and in the process put this country deeper in debt and stripped of even more freedom.

      We will all remember what happens this election, and one thing will be clear… we were offered a chance.

      Report Post »  
  • KTsayz
    Posted on January 16, 2012 at 9:08pm

    The bias of Fox is showing. Ron Paul should be center stage next to Romney. I betcha anything he gets the least amount of time to speak, too.
    Guess the left was right about one thing – that network really is Faux news.

    Report Post »  
    • noczars
      Posted on January 17, 2012 at 5:32pm

      WAAA! WAA! WAA! Have you seen the list of OccupyWallStreet supporters?

      Report Post » noczars  
  • THXll38
    Posted on January 16, 2012 at 9:04pm

    Any reason why Paul is at the end? Never mind — this is a Fox debate.

    Report Post » THXll38  
    • gogogoff
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 9:07pm

      Because in SC he is coming in 3rd/4th, and in FL as well.

      Report Post »  
    • JJ Coolay
      Posted on January 17, 2012 at 12:40am

      Seriously people… PODIUM PLACEMENT???? You’re crying foul over podium placement now?

      Report Post » JJ Coolay  
  • gpb129
    Posted on January 16, 2012 at 9:02pm

    YEa lets see how fair and balanced THIS REALLY IS…. in speaking real issues

    Report Post »  
  • SheriS
    Posted on January 16, 2012 at 9:02pm

    I’m disgusted the panel has a liberal on it in Juan the whiner

    Report Post »  
  • Vechorik
    Posted on January 16, 2012 at 9:00pm

    CNN Poll: Obama tied with Romney & Paul in November showdowns 01/16/2012
    http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2012/01/16/cnn-poll-obama-tied-with-romney-paul-in-november-showdowns/

    Poll: Only candidates Romney, Paul Tie Obama January 9, 2012 | 7:02 p.m.
    http://www.nationaljournal.com/2012-presidential-campaign/poll-romney-paul-tie-obama-20120109

    CNN Which Republican candidate is most electable?
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?&v=U7F3yt2Ot4U

    Report Post »  
  • Losersblameeveryone
    Posted on January 16, 2012 at 9:00pm

    As a member of a family of over 200 retired and active duty military members, we are all tired of the GOP refusing to openly and vigorously supporting US especially Wounded Warriors….

    We have minimum kudo‘s to Wounded Warriors and NOTHING about how anyone of them will fix or protect Vets benefits and medical care as those like Ron Paul and his drug supporters speak on blogs and forums about how much they want to take away vet disability pay and care because they all refuse to serve and think vets don’t deserve any of it because we all volunteered. Like someo how being a volunteer is communism.

    Ron Paul is nothing more than Jane Fonda with a penis and has more akin to Timothy O Leary than real military veterans with his lack of support of vets. Paul is a vet in name only, not in action look at his record against vet issues!

    Report Post » Losersblameeveryone  
    • KTsayz
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 9:10pm

      your name suits you Loser.

      Report Post »  
    • hazmat_factor
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 10:28pm

      @ KTSAYZ

      You said it, mega dittos!

      Report Post » hazmat_factor  
    • noczars
      Posted on January 17, 2012 at 5:42pm

      I agree with you Looserblameeveryone!!! Ron Paul does not like our Military (like Obama). He wants to CUT even more than Obama has after withdrawing our troops. Ron Paul is a Racist, Isolationist and a PORKER. Did you watch/listen to Glenn Beck’s radio program this morning? Bills would come up for a vote, RP would LOAD the bill with Pork then vote against it so he could say “See I don’t vote for pork”. AND RP’s district was the heaviest load of Texas PORK.

      Report Post » noczars  
  • gogogoff
    Posted on January 16, 2012 at 8:52pm

    Can someone exposes Rick Gingrich ? why is Rick S still doing all theses events WITH Newt ?? they are pimping each other.

    Report Post »  
  • hazmat_factor
    Posted on January 16, 2012 at 8:51pm

    Well, what do you know. I got the first comment, and nuthin’ to say…dang it!

    Report Post » hazmat_factor  
    • JustMel71
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 8:55pm

      Taps Hazmat on the shoulder and tells them “no you didn’t.” =)

      Report Post » JustMel71  
    • JustMel71
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 8:57pm

      Oops, you did. My mistake. This stupid way it is setup, newest/oldest or oldest/newest. Please proceed..

      Report Post » JustMel71  
    • hazmat_factor
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 9:29pm

      It’s all good!

      Report Post » hazmat_factor  
    • JustMel71
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 9:34pm

      @Hazmat Cool beans. =)

      Report Post » JustMel71  
    • hazmat_factor
      Posted on January 16, 2012 at 10:16pm

      I believe, from what Ive seen of the debate (nothing, as the software here at work is blocking the video) that the clear winner of this debate will be……drum roll please………………..

      Barack O’bama, from ireland. Just ask any liberal twit, progressive snit (sp?), socialist snotwad on any network, they’ll tell ya!

      Report Post » hazmat_factor  
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