NPR: Republicans Have Polite Final Debate

Republicans Have Polite Final Debate

New Year's resolutions for an opponent?

Well, that's an interesting, out of the blue, question at today's Republican debate in Iowa. Not sure what it tells you about the candidates and where they stand, but there you go. Most of the candidates ignored the directions given by moderator Carolyn Washburn, editor of The Des Moines Register, and gave their own personal resolutions. Or like Tom Tancredo, used it to ask Mike Huckabee a question about why he changed his mind on immigration.

All in all, it was a very polite debate. More like a forum, really. No real fireworks on any 'hot' issues like religion or immigration. But lots of fiscal questions about debts and deficits and asking Americans about making sacrifices.

Huckabee didn't say anything that could hurt him. It seemed a good debate for Mitt Romney, John McCain and even Fred Thompson. The other candidates remained relatively in the background — even Rudy Giuliani, which was a bit surprising.

But the Republican debates in this state are past. Now it come down to boots on the ground — the organizations the campaigns have built over the months in Iowa, and making sure they get their known supporters to the caucuses on January 3. That may be the deciding factor in this race right now.

5:30 PM ET | 12-12-2007 | permalink

Comments (Send a comment)

How come I never hear about Ron Paul's contributions to these debates? He's the only republican who seems willing to talk about real issues, and make strong statements. And yet I don't hear about him at all from this outlet? You're doing a disservice to your readers (and listeners) by focusing on the rather shallow main contenders in this election (on both sides).

Shame

Sent by Jody Sol | 7:14 PM ET | 12-12-2007

The commentator and format of the most recent Republican debate were abysmal. No one can adequately answer a question in 15 seconds. The limits the commentator attempted to control served neither the candidate nor, more importantly, the voting public. This was by far the most embarrassing NPR program I have ever listened too. Don't let it happen again. The last NPR Democrat debate was much more informal and informative. Give the candidates and the voters more to go on.

Sent by Ed Goodstein | 11:06 PM ET | 12-12-2007

Bill Clinton knew how to reach out to the various 'minority' Democrat voters. In large part, that's why Bill Clinton got eight years in the White House.

What did Hillary not learn from her husband's tenure.

The Clinton camp is bringing up the issue of Obama's pruported past drug use, etc.

The whole of the Democratic Party's unity is going more haywire and disorganized with each passing day.

It is smart strategy for the Republicans to play nice amongst each other while the Democrats come totally apart.

And this is why so many voters are turning away from the disheveled Democrats. It's a question of choosing between orderliness and chaos.

Sure, there's a bit of controversy over the Evangelical versus Mormon theological interpretations. As the Republican field narrows down to only Mitt and Rudy and Fred, that issue will fade into the sunset.

Unfortunately, the rift created among the Democrats doesn't look as though it can be repaired. If Hillary takes the nomination (which is more than likely), offended minorities will not vote for her.

Sadly, the Democrats look like the vinidictive amateurs in the political diplomacy and policy department. while the GOP looks more the polished part in reaching across to each other.

fred call

Sent by fred call | 11:32 AM ET | 12-13-2007

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