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Big fights for votes heat up

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bwfedup | 2:19 a.m. Jan. 6, 2008
I think Mitt Romney controlled himself very well. His "attack" ads just tell the truth. When others indicate that these are dirty politics, I dislike them more for trying to cover up the truth of their positions.

I do think charging illegal aliens money and letting them stay in our country is AMNESTY. They must be deported. The children who have been born here can go back with their parents, or they can stay here with LEGAL relatives/friends. We are not the "bad guys" for taking this position - we are acknowledging the law. The parents broke the law when they came here ILLEGALLY.
Candid 8 | 2:27 a.m. Jan. 6, 2008
Oh baby! This is gonna be one Jim Dandy of a presidential race!
Kevin | 3:01 a.m. Jan. 6, 2008
Living in New Hampshire I have seen the so called �attack ads� that Romney has aired here, as well as the ads that he aired in Ohio. I can�t understand how the press lets McCain and Huckabee get off calling these comparisson ads attack ads. These two candidates are the ones on the attack when they call Romney a LIAR. Romneys ads call both men good men, outlines one or two key issues and they outlines each others positions and record. How is that an attack, and how does the media let these guys get away with that behavior? I voted for McCain last time, but his behavior the last few weeks has disgusted me.

McCain has lost my vote due to his poor character and his voting against the tax cuts that turned our economy around.

Huckabee is a morale conservative which I am but a fiscal Democrat who is week on defense.

Please do not vote for either of them. Romney has the complete package (fiscal, morale, and defense) but if your too bigoted to vote for him vote for Guliani
Comments continue below
KE | 4:34 a.m. Jan. 6, 2008
Romney was the clear winner in the debate. He remained calm despite the many childish attacks on him, stayed focused on the questions. McCain came across as angry and bitter, Huckabee as petty and snarky. Thompson and Guiliani were good. Paul was as delusional as always.

The fact that all these guys piled on Romney show that they see him as the biggest threat. Although the MSM were emphasizing the thrashing the other five tried to give Romney, on most of the blogs he was seen as the clear winner.

A lot of people who had been leaning towards McCain disliked what they saw. Lots of people said they decided to vote for Romney after his performance on tonight's debate.

Glad to see it. No one else has anywhere near the executive ability, brains, and analytical ability that Mitt has. TV's Jim Kramer says on a great YouTube video that Romney is the best businessman in America. Just what we need to keep the economy on track.

Stable, ethical guy with no skeletons in the closet. The Democrats worst nightmare--someone with integrity and genuine, proven ability.

Go, Mitt! Straight to the White House!
Harvey M. | 5:25 a.m. Jan. 6, 2008
I just don't trust Mitt Romney. Much too slick for me, reminds me of a fancy used car salesman, tells you what he thinks you want to hear. John McCain is more trustworthy in my opinion.
WakeWashington | 5:27 a.m. Jan. 6, 2008
The former Arkansas governor earned his Huckster nickname as well as a great YouTube moment of shame when he challenged Romney�s support of the troop surge during ABC�s New Hampshire debate.

The YouTube clip shows exactly how dishonest Huckabee is. Two weeks after Romney issued a January 2007 press release supporting the surge; the Huckster does an interview deliberately distinguishing himself from other candidates by withholding support.

In the Jan. 24, 2007 interview on MSNBC�s �Live,� Norah O�Donnell asks:

�We have a Rudy Giuliani, who supports the president�s plan on Iraq. We have Governor Mitt Romney, who also supports a troop surge. How are you different from any of those candidates?�

Huckabee: �Well, I�m not sure that I support the troop surge, if that surge has to come from our Guard and Reserve troops, which have really been overly stretched.�

Elizar | 10:32 a.m. Jan. 6, 2008
Romney is a loser! He tells different interest groups what he thinks they want to hear. He is a phoney and the most hated govenor Mass has ever had. I am sorry he represent my Church. If he is the best we have to offer, we ARE in trouble!
Elizer | 10:45 a.m. Jan. 6, 2008
WOW you are the one in trouble Mitt Romney would run the Country Very well. You think Mike Huckabee would do a better job WOW he's the loser.

baptist moron | 11:20 a.m. Jan. 6, 2008
Other canditates feels threatened by romney. They cant stand the fact that a Mormon could be the Next President.
Nephi | 11:35 a.m. Jan. 6, 2008
Romney's flip-flops to appease the religious [intolerant] right have now caught up with him. Too bad he didn't simply run as the liberal he truly is - I would have then voted for him, notwithstanding his quirky religious beliefs.
russ | 11:46 a.m. Jan. 6, 2008
I thought that Mitt looked good, so did the others. But no enthusiasm anywhere, thus the demos are going to have a very very good year.

As to getting rid of illegals, the candidate who says send them back is... part owner of Greyhound bus company? Let's do the math: 40 people per trip, and we need to remove 10,000,000 people. Hmmmm. Logistics... logistics... Not imposible, but darn dumb! No, the president is not going to put people on buses, etc. What ever idiot promotes that can't divide, can't envision the negative photo ops sent throughout the world, etc. ect.
Big fence, big gate, use available means to make citizens out of people. Busing is ... beyond the pale. Good grief. Get a grip on it.
to elizar | 11:53 a.m. Jan. 6, 2008
Look at romney's record as a governor, his record shows he is prolife, anti immigration, and supports a troop surge.

He also made Mass deficit a surplus w/o raising taxes, which means he cuts wasteful spending. This guy is money
GK | 12:04 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
Only a fool would vote for anyone other than Mitt Romney. Let's hope America is not full of fools!
Scott E | 12:51 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
I was between McCain and Romney before the debat. I lost a lot of respect for McCain....he just couldn't answer Romneys point that "but do they have to leave the country?" when refering to McCains immigration bill. Hey McCain, just say it...."No, they don't have to leave the country if they are here illegally". But he couldn't say it, all he could do was call Romney a liar and not back it up.
Romney | 12:57 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
Romney will say anything to get you to vote for him. I can't for a guy who is like Bush
Grammie | 12:59 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
i listented to the debates last night and I came away from all that, not liking McCain, Huckabee and Guiliani at all. the personally attacked Romney and was rude as was Gibson the moderator. Those media people pick who they want and then go after the one they don't want and they picked on Romney too. I thougth Romney did very well, but I just won't vote for those who were so rude and right down hateful to Romney last night. is that that tipe of person we want to be our next Pres. Haven't we had enough of all this type of junk the last almost 8 years??? I want an honest person and I don't see anything honest about Huckabee or McCain. McCain had his mother go on Hard Ball with him and she attacked Romney about being a Mormon. That is when I decided I wouldn't vote for McCain. I don't know or understand what people are seeing in a person like that, nor Huckabee who is surely using religion against Romney.
That opened my eyes | 1:01 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
Last night debates opened my eyes. Romney has got everyone scared. They are now ganging up on him. Instead of defending their positions they attack him with snide remarks or put downs. McCain and Huck stooped to the lowest political denominator last night. They can't talk defend their own records because Romney is right, so they barrage with insults like third graders.
JD | 1:10 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
McCain and Huckabee get passes from the liberal media, because the Dems know they can beat either one of them. Mitt has the best chance to unite the conservative movement and has the best chance of beating Hillary. The media knows this and thus, fuels the attacks against Mitt. If he can stand the heat, I like his chances in November.
A little Democratic balance | 1:40 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
The republican party is in trouble. Evidenced by their adolescent boy behavior put forth by everyone excluding Ron Paul and Fred Thompson. It seemed to me that they were far more focused on beating each other up than promoting themselves as a true republican candidate. On the contrary, the dems are looking good to me. I sensed a bit of team work from O'Bama and Edwards against an arrogant Hillary. Barack is charismatic, intelligent, and has put forth detailed plans- governmental transparency and citizen involvement seems more necessary now than ever.
russ | 2:09 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
Has anyone got an answer as to how 10,000,000 illegals get moved to Mexico, or Canada? no... not enough busses, money, fuel, etc. No. They got in... illegally, but now what?
Big fence, big gate, and use modern means to id everyone and let's move on.
Yeah, they got away with walking hundreds of miles through parched desert, working crappie jobs, and hiding from everyone and still sending money home, etc. Facing reality is a prerequisite for being a leader. Which republican is going to stand up for big fence, big gate, and modern means of iding people?

Now you do not have to follow that advice if you own a bus company with 250,000 buses ... and can put 40 people on each bus...

reality always interferes with idealism
Romney is an Idiot | 2:11 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
Mitt is an idiot and so are those who contributed to his campaign. Did he not have any clue that the bigots club he was trying to lead would reject him? So, $11 million(plus whatever he has spent from his personal bankroll) to spend a couple of months in the limelight while casting a poor light on his religion. Tell me folks, is it all worth it?
heidi | 2:34 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
Elizar,

When you look at Romney's qualifications, his education, his record on running businesses, his example of moral ethics, and his resilience toward the bitterness and anger of McCain, how can you say he is an idiot? Idiot? Who's the idiot?
RE: Romney is an idiot | 2:40 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
Idiot? Please. Go get an education.
Mark in Peoria | 3:07 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
I've been in debates that were more civil than this message board...
Such a pity Mitty. | 3:45 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
Let's face it, Mitt is not the brightest bulb in the tanning bed.
Mitt | 3:48 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
Everyone just can't stand to know that Mitt Romney will be the next President of the United States he is a good man with good morals.
Mitt has my Vote!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Re: Mitt | 4:08 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
Dream on, dream on. If you think Mitt is going to be the next president, you better have your head examined (or learn to read). He's losing ground by the day.
Anonymous | 4:10 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
After watching the debates, I still am at a loss as to what "change" the Democrats are proposing. What exactly do they plan to change? They obviously don't have a clue as to what they'll do if they win. The Republican debate was more informative, once they stopped beating up on Mitt Romney. The Romney bashing and personal attacks didn't win my vote, so I wish they'd stick to the issues. McCain loses because of his softness of illegal immigration. Hucklebee is the brightest and most articulate, but he's shown himself to be a religious bigot. Also, there's the question of all those gifts he and his wife accepted while he was governor. He apparently has his hand out to anyone with a gift. Frankly, Mitt Romney is looking better every day. At least he's not on the take.
Anonymous | 5:13 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
I still think Romney is a better choice!!!!!!!
Anonymous | 5:30 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
Elizar----Mitt doesn't represent the Mormon church,he represents himself
Yes, Brightest Light | 5:32 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
To those saying Mitt�s not the brightest bulb, idiot, etc��..

They have it exactly backwards. He is the by far the brightest of the bunch. Consider:

1. He obtained a Harvard Law degree AND a Harvard MBA. Each tough enough. But; he got them concurrently (at the same time; for those making the uniformed comments)

2. He raised $30 M in start-up capital and turned it into $40 B in managed assets.

Oh, that we were all such idiots.

The others in the race are faint, flickering candles in a room ablaze with Mitt�s bright light.

Of course he�s going to seem polished to those unaccustomed to seeing someone so articulate and bright. One does not get where he is without being exceptional.
no more CEO's | 6:04 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
I think Bush, Cheney and the the rest of the BushCo crew should be enough for most Americans to never put CEO's in power again.
Romney is another one of these.

We need statesmen - not CEO's.
Nikki | 7:03 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
Romney needs Obama to do well in New Hampshire so that votes from independents are pulled away from McCain.
Disappointed in Romney | 7:06 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
A clear question was asked that might be the most important of our time: 'What do you think of this new pre-emptive war-making doctrine of the Bush administration?'

Only Ron Paul gave an answer that was honest, decent, and factual.

The idea that we should be starting wars with other nations, policing cultures we don't take time to understand, and setting up a worldwide empire - especially uninvited - is the clear antithesis of what our divinely inspired Founding Fathers believed.

Until Romney has the decency and courage to recognize this, I am one Mormon at least who simply can't vote for him on any position that involves foreign policy.
Frank | 7:21 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
Romney is becoming an embaressment!
Spelling Bee | 7:51 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
Wouldn't it be nice Frank, if you could at least spell "embarrassing" correctly?

You, amigo, are the one who is embarrassing.

As for the Huckster, we all know what happened with the last Southern Baptist who got into office. He was more interested in chasing interns then running the nation.

Let's see what Mitt can do. He saved the Olympics and then ran MA very well.
GWashington1776 | 8:17 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
MCCAIN STILL AGAINST TAX CUTS
NBC's TIM RUSSERT (Jan 6): "Do you believe that voting against the Bush tax cuts was a mistake?" SEN. JOHN MCCAIN: "Of course not." (NBC's "Meet The Press," 1/6/08). In 2001, McCain Was ONE OF ONLY TWO Republicans To Vote Against The $1.35 Trillion Tax Cut. (H.R. 1836, McCain Voted Nay). In 2003, McCain Was ONE OF ONLY THREE Republicans To Twice Vote Against The $350 Billion Tax Cut. (H.R. 2, McCain Voted Nay). Sen. McCain Voted Against Real Tax Relief For New Hampshire Families: In 2004, The U.S. Treasury Estimated The Effect Of The Tax Cuts Sen. McCain Voted Against On New Hampshire ((U.S. Treasury Department Website, Posted 4/1/04). "More than 180,000 married couples in New Hampshire will benefit from" elimination of the marriage penalty, which McCain voted against. "125,000 taxpayers in New Hampshire will benefit from the reduced tax rates on capital gains and corporate dividends" that McCain voted against.
Its Official | 8:34 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
Mitt wins the debate.....will it be enough to win in NH? We will have to wait and see!! Go MITT!
Blinders off | 9:32 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
All these people here defending Mitt Romney, take off your blinders. Sure he is not "attacking" McCain and Huck with his ads. Sure he is not blatantly lying. But he is mischaracterizing the truth and trying to make complex issues black and white. If you do even a modicum of research (which Romney knows most people won't do), you see clearly that he is the master of spin. If I were Huck or McCain, I'd be peeved too. I still think Romney is the best candidate but I don't think he is doing himself any favors with these ads that are not the whole truth. We Mormons of all people should be aware of how half truths and out of context quotes can completely distort reality. Again, I like Romney and will vote for him but I am not too blind to see how his ads are backfiring, not for attacking, but because they exagerrate and simplify positions. And to those talking about the tax cuts. I'm not sure about you but the economy isn't looking so strong to me. I support tax cuts too but I wouldn't be using the current situation to defend what Bush did.
Norville | 9:33 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
Speaking as an LDS church member myself, I'm embarrassed at the behavior exhibited in this forum by others who ostensibly share my religious beliefs. The "Mitt can do no wrong, because he's Mormon!" mentality is willful blindness; Mormons are humans too, and are subject to the same temptations as Southern Baptists and everyone else. I was shocked to see a Mitt supporter denigrating a past president and a current candidate because of their religious beliefs... is that not the ultimate hypocrisy?

GW has done his darnedest in the past 8 years to build the U.S. presidency into a more powerful office than it has ever been in history. (The Con-sti-tution? Whassat?) Whoever wins in November is going to inherit more power (and less checks and balances) than any president before. You know what they say about Absolute Power... I for one hope that whoever wins is a good man (or woman), leads well, and uses that power justly. (And surrenders much of it back to the legislative branch where it belongs, but that's probably hoping too much.)
attack campaign | 10:23 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
Here we go again. More spin from the psuedo-christians attacking a great leader like Mitt. Please put your prejudicial evangelical slams towards Mormons aside until after the elections.
nolan | 10:26 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
I like McCain, he did well and ate Romney's lunch in the debate. Romney can not connect with the common voter.
Melt down Mitt | 10:33 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
Mitt is melting down, went to far to the right just to get votes, he should of stood his ground and not flip flop.

The sooner he is out of this race the better.

Rod | 10:58 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
The more Romney attacks McCain, the more I believe McCain is the man.
Tom | 11:48 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
How does anybody know how moral someone is? Do you live in their house? Do you inhabit their mind? If your answer is, because he is LDS, then you're voting for him because he is a mormon. If I do not vote for him for that very same reason, we both must be bigots. Oh sorry, I forgot, anyone who does not vote for Romney is a bigot or liberal.

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Sen. John McCain, former Sen. Fred Thompson, Rep. Ron Paul, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani square off on Saturday in debate.

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