Watch & Chat: GOP Debate Live From Iowa
- Posted on August 11, 2011 at 8:57pm by
Tiffany Gabbay
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Eight Republican presidential hopefuls will be pit against one another Thursday night as Fox News airs the much anticipated GOP debate live from Iowa State University. Please weigh in with your thoughts and comments on The Blaze’s live chat and watch the live debate here.
For reference, Fox News has handicapped each of the debate’s participants below:
BEST: Romney should “relentlessly contrast himself with Obama on the economy and jobs,” said Larry Sabato, director of the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia, “only indirectly jabbing the others.”
Texas Gov. Rick Perry’s unannounced, but expected, candidacy will loom like a shadow over the debate, said Fox News contributor Dick Morris. “Romney’s got to answer the questions about Obamacare, about his social conservatism – satisfy conservatives and show that he can be a passionate standard-bearer against Obama,” Morris said. “Because if he can’t, Perry will.”
WORST: “Getting drawn into a brawl with other candidates, especially the undercard contenders,” Sabato said. “Doesn’t look presidential.”
REP. MICHELE BACHMANN, R-MINN.
BEST: The Tea Party favorite and Iowa native has consistently stayed at the top of the polls since announcing her candidacy in June. Sabato said she should embrace her conservativism – “I’m the new mainstream and I can win in November.”
WORST: “Any gaffe on history or public policy,” Sabato said.
BEST: “Roll the dice and confront both Romney and Bachmann,” Sabato said, “explaining why you’d be a better president.”
WORST: The former governor has been struggling to find footing in the primary season. “Another poor performance, another poor showing in Ames might knock him out,” said Morris. Sabato agrees. “Pulling his punches, looking bland and boring, and letting another opportunity pass him by” would be the worst thing he could do tonight.
BEST: Gingrich stressed the importance of the Iowa straw poll Thursday, telling Fox News that the outcome was “the start of a national conversation.” Sabato said Gingrich should seize the opportunity to connect with a national audience. “Come across as likeable,” would be Newt’s best bet, he said, “not just knowledgeable.”
WORST: “Giving long, harsh answers as the lecturing professor,” Sabato said.
REP. RON PAUL, R-TEXAS
BEST: Paul’s staunch libertarian views have at times gone against the GOP grain. Sabato said he should “make a consistent argument that will appeal to a large majority of Republicans, not just the Libertarian wing.”
But Morris told Fox that Paul, in the wake of weeks of devastating economic news, should embrace the unconventional wisdom that has long isolated him from the beltway mainstream. “He may be the biggest winner from the events of the last week, because it shows that his very unconventional theories that differ sharply from the conventional wisdom in Washington, really might develop some sport,” Morris said. “What he needs to do is to capitalize on those developments to show how his policies that differed from everybody else’s in Washington, really could make the difference.”
WORST: Some of Paul’s remarks, however, have come back to haunt him – notably, a previous assertion about legalizing certain drug use. Paul found himself in hot water after using a comparison in which he stated that even if heroin became legal, it wouldn’t mean that people would start using it. The worst thing Paul could do in the debate, said Sabato, is “mentioning anything that evokes the same response as ‘legalizing heroin’ got.”
BEST: “What Cain’s got to do is to really distinguish himself,” said Morris. “He’s got to make clear how his performance as a businessman, his perspective, differs from the conventional wisdom in Washington.“ Sabato adds that Cain must ”explain convincingly why his lack of office experience will help and not hurt running against Obama.”
WORST: “Vague answers to important policy questions that underline his lack of policy depth,” said Sabato.
BEST: The conservative candidate has lingered in the shadows of higher-profile candidates like Bachmann. In his best night, Santorum would “excite the Christian base in Iowa by going hardcore right on abortion and gay rights,” said Sabato. “It’s his only shot to surge.”
WORST: “Canned answers that don’t distinguish him from the pack at this late date,” said Sabato.
BEST: One of Huntsman’s biggest challenges is distancing himself from his former boss – President Obama. He needs to “convince Republicans that, despite what they’ve read and heard, he’s a strong conservative,” said Sabato.
WORST: “Seeming as mushy and bland as he was at his announcement, and as moderate as parts of his record would indicate he is,” Sabato said.
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Comments (171)
macpappy
Posted on August 11, 2011 at 10:04pmYes, that is just so. I swear this debate has me taking shots of your name sake.
Report Post »macpappy
Posted on August 11, 2011 at 10:17pmThis was supposed to be a reply to Jackdanialz.
Report Post »lonewolf57
Posted on August 11, 2011 at 10:02pmThe Blaze chatroom sucks.Too many comments from the same people over and over.How about the rest of us out here?But its still the Blaze.A1
Report Post »The-Monk
Posted on August 11, 2011 at 10:08pmI agree and now we have a Saul Alinski lover in here stirring it up.
Report Post »macpappy
Posted on August 11, 2011 at 10:16pmBecause the ones that are posting are the ones that are posting. If you need anymore questions answered just ask.
Report Post »The-Monk
Posted on August 11, 2011 at 10:24pm@macpappy
Report Post »Were you in the Service? (not being sarcastic)
macpappy
Posted on August 11, 2011 at 10:28pm@Monk
Report Post »yes, the Navy.
The-Monk
Posted on August 11, 2011 at 10:31pm@macpappy
Report Post »Thought so… Corsair?
macpappy
Posted on August 11, 2011 at 10:45pm@Monk
Report Post »Sorry, Chief Quartermaster, last ride was Nimitz, tried to stay away from the flight deck, the F4U Corsair was a little before my time.
The-Monk
Posted on August 11, 2011 at 10:55pm@macpappy
Report Post »Thank you for your Service! When I see the name Pappy I always think of the Corsair and the Navy.
From a P-51D that had to land on a Carrier flight deck more than once. Looks easy until you see it moving up and down on approach.
macpappy
Posted on August 11, 2011 at 11:23pm@Monk
Report Post »Bravest men I ever met were carrier pilots, sitting on the Bridge just watching night operations was my onboard excitement. I have a model of the P-51D in my office. Thank you for your service sir.
JJ Coolay
Posted on August 11, 2011 at 11:35pmBecause the ones that are posting are the ones that are posting.
Report Post »———
Well said. I would have thought this was obvious.
It’s not like “the rest of you” aren’t allowed to participate.
poverty.sucks
Posted on August 11, 2011 at 10:00pmWhen we come back we’re going to take a break?
Who does that?
Report Post »retiredgranny
Posted on August 11, 2011 at 9:59pmRick Perry is a member of the Bilderberger Group and so was Clinton and I am sure they groomed Obama too. They are not putting his name yet on the membership.
Report Post »macpappy
Posted on August 11, 2011 at 10:23pmSo?
Report Post »The-Monk
Posted on August 11, 2011 at 10:46pm@retiredgranny
Report Post »Where’s your proof? I read a complete list of membership and he was not on it. True, they do “invite” people like Hilary and Obama to attend so they can “tell” them what they want them to do.
JJ Coolay
Posted on August 11, 2011 at 11:36pmMember???? Or 1 time attendee??
Report Post »macpappy
Posted on August 11, 2011 at 11:47pmI said “So” because there are other reasons to dislike the man. The Bilderberger group does not worry me at all. I mean we all know it is their world already right, it is the super rich elitist that decides who we war with, who we trade with, and who we elect for any national office. A billion dollars to reelect oboma…really. An honest man with great intentions has no chance against that kind of money. Being from Texas this the one thing I know about Perry. When George Bush was Gov. the illegal’s ran and hid. They scurried everywhere, and were almost controllable, with Ricky in office they now have storefronts, signs on the trucks, and have completely taken the construction business away from the legit contractors in my area anyway. So, Mr, Perry will not get my vote. I think he is not conservative enough for me. However, if he wins the primary I will cast one for him.
Report Post »Jack2011
Posted on August 11, 2011 at 9:59pmHoly CRAP!!!
Romney IGNORED the question of WHY HE APPOINTED LIBERAL JUDGES TO THE BENCH WHEN HE WAS GOVERNOR.
Pawlenty scored one off Romney, Romney PUNTED and Chris Wallace let it slide.
SHEEPLE
ROMNEY APPOINTS LIBERAL JUDGES…. LIBERAL JUDGES.
Yet ANOTHER REASON not to vote for him.
Report Post »jb.kibs
Posted on August 11, 2011 at 10:19pmRon Paul.
Report Post »TRONINTHEMORNING
Posted on August 11, 2011 at 9:56pmThe whole gig is kinda “soap opera” this evening. Little digs on everyone. Nice of them to let Ron talk again; he is a nice, smart man but….no White House for him.
Report Post »NILAP
Posted on August 11, 2011 at 9:50pmHa Ha – RHINO Romney is the only Presidential one out there. The others are petty Tea Partyers. Look at them sqaubbling like children. The Tea folks have to vote for Romney when he wins the Repub nomination. I love it.
Report Post »macpappy
Posted on August 11, 2011 at 9:57pmThey are not arguing with each other, they are contending with a moderator that is trying to start a fight.
Report Post »You better hide under your bed, cause the TEA party has changed this election, and it will influence the end game. They are the future, and will help Conservitives run the Progressives, and Liberal out of the Congress – both houses- so go hide and be afraid, be very afraid.
trolltrainer
Posted on August 11, 2011 at 9:58pmyep. But obama is history. At this point GW could run for a third term and beat Obama…
Report Post »The-Monk
Posted on August 11, 2011 at 10:01pmWe know who you are. You guys always have to do something to let others like know it. Your picture icon is the Rules for Radicals book by Saul Alinski. So now we all know who you are and why you say such stupid things and try to stir things up.
Report Post »Jack2011
Posted on August 11, 2011 at 10:02pmHa Ha – RHINO Romney is the only Presidential one out there
_________
Palenty slapped Romney’s a&& by REMINDING people Romney APPOINTED ONLY liberal judges to the bench as govenor of Utah.
Romney IGNORED the accusation and Chris Wallace didn’t catch it.
DO YOU WANT MORE OF OBAMA TYPE JUDGES ON THE BENCH?
If you like the government TELLING you what to buy, gun rights, etc. YOU would NOT and judges make those decisions.
Report Post »Banter
Posted on August 11, 2011 at 9:49pmFinally, someone (Gingrich) brings up this stupid, but very evil, super congress garbage.
Report Post »Jack2011
Posted on August 11, 2011 at 10:38pmI wonder why Wallace didn’t ask the other people what they thought of that super panel.
Report Post »Banter
Posted on August 11, 2011 at 10:50pmQuite frankly, I don’t see this as a serious topic in news anywhere, as it should be, other than the Ron Paul snippets. This would have been a great opportunity to expand on what the candidates think of this VERY unconstitutional act.
Report Post »Neversaydie
Posted on August 11, 2011 at 9:47pmNewt, I personally like you but your time is past! Pawlenty shut it! Michelle you got my vote! Your a fighter and never back down. Mr Paul, well I believe your a smart person but your not a leader! Romney, just can’t trust you. Huntsman, big no! Santorum, to cookie cutter.
Michelle kick their asses!!
Report Post »Jack2011
Posted on August 11, 2011 at 10:00pmBachman is great!!!!
Report Post »EyeofthePatriot
Posted on August 11, 2011 at 11:34pmThat is THE BEST rundown of the current field I have heard yet. Wow… lol and so well said at that.
Honestly. I‘m going to be reusing that if you don’t mind :)
Report Post »White Devil
Posted on August 11, 2011 at 9:46pmwhere’s the chat and the live video..no deal here , houston, tx
Report Post »poverty.sucks
Posted on August 11, 2011 at 9:46pmWhen Bachman where’s that suit, I think of Angelina Jolie Titanium Super Woman
Report Post »Banter
Posted on August 11, 2011 at 9:45pmPawlenty is burying himself.
Report Post »TRONINTHEMORNING
Posted on August 11, 2011 at 9:44pmThey keep saying our poser prez doesn’t understand this or that; he certainly does understand as he is doing everything to destroy the country. Get it thru your heads, candidates, Obama is a destroyer of what the founders created and Obama is doing the job he said he would do.
Report Post »poverty.sucks
Posted on August 11, 2011 at 9:40pmThem Men from Georgia are more articulate than all the others who are using whining tones.
Report Post »BlesstheJews
Posted on August 11, 2011 at 9:37pmGo away Newter
Report Post »macpappy
Posted on August 11, 2011 at 9:34pmChris Wallace is a Tool, All week he has been saying something must happen tonight to seperate the candidates, He is trying to start a fight and for one see an A$$ole when I see one. What a crock of crap this debate is and it is Fox News’ sorry moderation that is the cause.
Report Post »I wish Newt had walked down there and busted Wallaces’ nose. I know that is how he felt.
jules3589
Posted on August 11, 2011 at 9:42pmI agree! Who the heck chose Wallace to lead this debate. He is the ring master of an immature “******* contest”. Someone should give him the HOOK ASAP!!! before he ruins it for the GOP. Man, it was our time to shine. Thank God the candidates are not buying into his taunting!
Report Post »The-Monk
Posted on August 11, 2011 at 9:33pmGood smack down by Ging-rich, but I’ll never vote for him.
Report Post »dontbotherme
Posted on August 11, 2011 at 9:42pmMonk – I think he came across too angry. Maybe I’m wrong, but It seemed that he went a little overboard. I did not like Chris’ question though.
Report Post »The-Monk
Posted on August 11, 2011 at 9:48pm@dontbotherme
Report Post »One of the reasons I won’t vote for him… his temper!
macpappy
Posted on August 11, 2011 at 9:54pmAfter 4 years with Howdy Dowdy I’ll take a pissed off Newt any day. We really need someone who can get something done, and Newt could.
Report Post »Maybe Ron can’t win, but saying something like that is not the American way…..Remember Rocky.
We do things that “can’t” be done all the time.
I will vote for Ron and everyone I know by name feels the same. He has been good for Texas.
Jack2011
Posted on August 11, 2011 at 10:39pmWallace doesn’t like Gingrich – THAT is quite obvious. He asked two questions out of context to Gingrich and twisted their original meaning.
Report Post »ensemble
Posted on August 11, 2011 at 9:32pmI am stunned by Pawlenty’s attack on Bachmann. She voted and stood against Cap and Trade, Tarp 2, Obamacare, raising the debt ceiling, etc. and she was out voted by rinos and libs and he hammered her because her principled stance lost. She was just out voted, she voted correctly. Pawlenty was a punk to blame her for other peoples votes. She took her stand and she lost because of spineless repubs like Blackburn and McCain (house and senate). MB stood tall even in her voting loss, it is not her fault that rinos and libs out flanked her.
Report Post »macpappy
Posted on August 11, 2011 at 9:36pmYou should be as surprised at Chris’ questions trying to start a fight.
Report Post »Mr_Meaner
Posted on August 11, 2011 at 9:32pmWow..
Report Post »Newt just went off on Chris Wallace!
I have to admit, it was kind of funny.
Cork
Posted on August 11, 2011 at 9:40pmHe was right on target as well. The media is much more intrested in the horse race than they are in presenting the issues.
Report Post »Banter
Posted on August 11, 2011 at 9:29pmGingrich just b!tch-slapped Chris Wallace on the gotcha questions. Gingrich handled the response very well.
Report Post »PeachyinGA
Posted on August 11, 2011 at 9:35pmAgree. Gingrich doesn’t stand a chance to win the nomination, but it was fun watching Chris Wallace put in in place.
Report Post »jules3589
Posted on August 11, 2011 at 9:43pmYes It WAS!!!!!
Report Post »SDBorn
Posted on August 12, 2011 at 12:02amGingrich looked pretty decent tonight, if it weren’t for his past…. About time someone grew a pair and called Wallace on the stupid “gotcha” questions. Glad the audience let everyone know they approved as well by their applause.
Report Post »claymoremacm
Posted on August 11, 2011 at 9:26pmOMG Pawlenty is the biggest fool alive !!!!what an inane responce to Bachmann Thank God he has no chance and he just sealed it
Report Post »PeachyinGA
Posted on August 11, 2011 at 9:23pmSantorum looks whine and weak with his personal complaints about Bachmann. She won on the Wallace debate.
Report Post »PeachyinGA
Posted on August 11, 2011 at 9:31pmOoops,that was Pawlenty, not Santorum, debating Bachmann.
Report Post »godhatesacoward
Posted on August 11, 2011 at 9:14pmTime to step up or sit the fk down.
Report Post »trolltrainer
Posted on August 11, 2011 at 9:13pmOMG we are screwed…They are all idiots…
Cain is not going to tax or cut he is going to fill the tank with non-existant gas…
Romney totally dodged the veto question…
Paul was blindsided by Bair’s question…
Lord help us…
Report Post »Captain Crunch
Posted on August 11, 2011 at 9:25pmPaul was indeed blindsided but the question was pretty underhanded.
Report Post »trolltrainer
Posted on August 11, 2011 at 9:28pmYep. I like Paul, he has my vote. I just wish he had a chance…
Report Post »We are Americans
Posted on August 11, 2011 at 9:53pm@trolltrainer. It will be ok. Election
Report Post »still 14 months away. Politicians
are a special breed. Like used car
salesman. Can’t we reincarnate George
Washington? Lol
trolltrainer
Posted on August 11, 2011 at 9:57pmeh, any of them is better than Obama. As I said in another thread, I will vote for whatever republican wins the primary…
Report Post »Restored One
Posted on August 11, 2011 at 11:32pmAnd Bachman was still getting her make up touched up or in the bathroom. WTF. Bring on Perry.
Report Post »American Soldier (Separated)
Posted on August 12, 2011 at 11:14am@TROLLTRAINER To what end will you vote rank and file? If any other R wins the presidency other than Ron Paul, they won’t fix our country. Sure, maybe our demise will slow down, but we’ll still be heading towards the cliff. Then the Democrats will blame the Republicans for 4 years of not fixing anything, then we get someone even worse than Obama in 2016. I say, let Obama take another 4 years to really push us towards that cliff. Perhaps, maybe, we’ll get a real candidate like Ron Paul in 2016….
Otherwise, we’ll just continue playing our politics as usual game until Rome burns to the ground.
Report Post »TRONINTHEMORNING
Posted on August 11, 2011 at 9:01pmTime to knock of few out of contention. Bring it!
Report Post »