2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Fred Thompson Iowa Announcement Photos

Fred Thompson Iowa Announcement Photos

Edwards Receives Support Of Transport Workers Union

EDWARDS RECEIVES SUPPORT OF TRANSPORT WORKERS UNION
Workers that keep America moving and protect homeland security choose Edwards

New York, New York – The Transport Workers Union of America (TWU) today endorsed Senator John Edwards for president at the union’s international headquarters in New York City. Edwards was joined by TWU International President James C. Little, TWU Local 100 President Roger Toussaint, and rank and file members from early caucus and primary states for the announcement.

“I’m proud to stand in New York with members of the Transit Workers Union, who keep the city moving and help keep New Yorkers safe,” said Edwards. “The men and women of the TWU serve on the front lines of our country’s homeland security, protecting public transportation users, the nation’s railways, and skies. These are the workers who get us to our jobs and our families.

“For too long, these good union men and women and millions of other working families have been ignored by a broken system in Washington. I’m looking forward to campaigning with them in early primary states and key general election battleground states, and as president I’ll fight for them every day, so we can honor their hard work and make our transportation infrastructure safe and secure.”

Nationwide, TWU has a total of 200,000 active and retired members, which brings Edwards over the 2 million member mark for union support – the largest bloc of any presidential candidate. In the last week, Edwards has received endorsements from the Carpenters, who represent 520,000 active members, the Steelworkers with 1.2 million active members and retirees, and the Mine Workers with 105,000 active members and retirees.

“Some candidates seem to be figuring out how to best triangulate on campaign issues,” said TWU President James C. Little. “John Edwards takes on subjects such as job security, health care, retirement and the growing gap in wealth between the rich and the middle class in a straight forward way that the country and working families desperately need.”

This endorsement further enhances Edwards’ strength in early states and in many key battleground states necessary for Democrats to win back the White House. Close to half of the TWU members and retirees live in states that will caucus or vote on or before February 5th, including 8,000 active and retired members in Nevada, 10,000 active and retired members in Oklahoma, 12,000 active and retired members in California, 8,000 active and retired members in New Jersey, and over 50,000 active and retired members in New York.

New TV Ad Emphasizes Governor Bill Richardson as the Candidate of Change And Experience

New TV Ad Emphasizes Governor Bill Richardson as the Candidate of Change And Experience

Richardson only candidate to call for all troops out of Iraq

SANTA FE, NM -- In the last Democratic Presidential debate in Iowa, Governor Bill Richardson said it best, "You know, I think that Senator Obama does represent change. Senator Clinton has experience. Change and experience: With me, you get both."

Today the Richardson for President Campaign released a new television ad in Iowa called "Offers". The spot emphasizes that Bill Richardson is the only candidate in the race who brings both change and experience to the Presidential race despite the fact that other candidates may be "borrowing" the phrase.

The ad recounts Governor Richardson's unparalleled experience and record of achievement in foreign policy. He has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize four times and recently helped negotiate the shutdown of North Korea's nuclear weapons program.

"At a time when our nation faces the most serious global and domestic challenges in its history, and the next President must repair the extensive damage done by the current administration, no one is more qualified or prepared to lead than Bill Richardson," campaign manager Dave Contarino said.

The new ad also reinforces that Governor Richardson is the only major candidate with a detailed plan to get all US troops out of Iraq, leaving behind no residual forces.

"There are serious differences among the candidates on Iraq," Contarino said. "Governor Richardson is the only major candidate with a responsible, urgent plan to end the Iraq War with a total US withdrawal and extensive, US-led diplomacy. The other major candidates still have not leveled with the American people as to how many troops they would leave in Iraq and for how long."

Bill Richardson was elected seven times to the US Congress and served as US Ambassador to the United Nations and Secretary of Energy. He is currently in his second term as Governor of New Mexico after winning reelection by a historic margin.

The latest Iowa poll by the American Research Group shows Governor Richardson at 13%, solidly in contention several months before the state's caucuses.

Fred Thompson Iowa Announcement Photos

Senator McCain Announces Iowa Statewide Steering Committee

SENATOR McCAIN ANNOUNCES IOWA STATEWIDE STEERING COMMITTEE

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today introduced its Iowa Statewide Steering Committee that will guide and lead John McCain's effort to win the Iowa Caucuses.

The team consists of a state chairman, three state co-chairs, and regional chairs in seven Iowa regions who will oversee activity in their assigned counties. As previously released, David Roederer serves as state campaign chair; Auditor Dick Johnson, Dr. Greg Ganske, and State Senator Jeff Lamberti, as state co-chairs; and Chuck Larson as a volunteer senior advisor to the campaign.

"I am proud to have strong support in every corner of the state from these active and committed Iowans," said McCain. "The Iowa Caucuses are all about volunteer leadership. The level of volunteer support and dedication I receive from Iowa's community leaders is exceptionally gratifying."

State Campaign Chair David Roederer served in the same capacity in 2004 for President Bush's re-election efforts. Under Roederer's guidance, President Bush became the first Republican to win Iowa in 20 years.

Statewide Co-Chairs, former Auditor Dick Johnson, Dr. Greg Ganske, and State Senator Jeff Lamberti, each have extensive Iowa policy and political experience and have been instrumental in getting John McCain's message out across the state. Proven organizers, the co-chairs will be focused on building a winning statewide team of dedicated volunteers in all 99 Iowa counties.

Additionally, Chuck Larson, Jr. is serving as a senior advisor to the campaign. As a major in the U.S. Army Reserves, Chuck served in Iraq for a year. Chuck is a former Iowa State Senator and served as the Chairman of the Republican Party of Iowa from 2001 until January 2005.

Newly released regional chairs bring a wealth of local knowledge and experience to the campaign, leading the organizing efforts in their home areas:

Bob Abel, SE Iowa Chair
Melanie Bates, SW Iowa Chair
De Byerly, Northern Iowa Chair
Jim Goff, East Central Iowa Regional Chair
Isaiah McGee, Central Iowa Chair
Barb Smelzer, NE Iowa Regional Chair
Jerry Tweeten, Northern Iowa co-Chair
Richard "Doc" Zortman, NW Iowa Chair

Full Transcript of Fred Thompson's Webcast Announcement

Full Transcript of Fred Thompson's Webcast Announcement

McLean, VA - Last night, after appearing on the "Tonight Show with Jay Leno," Fred Thompson launched a webcast in which he announced his candidacy for the U.S. Presidency on his website, www.Fred08.com.  Below is the full transcript of the webcast:

"My friends, I come to you today to tell you that I intend to run for President.  I feel deeply that I am doing it for the right reasons.  I love my country and I am concerned about its future.  Just within the next few years, some very serious challenges are moving towards us that will present a difficult and dangerous time in the life of our nation.  There are grave issues affecting the safety and security of the American people and our economic well being.  I'm going to do my level best in this campaign to address these problems.  I'm going to give this campaign all that I have to give, and I hope that you will join me.

"My story is an American story - like one of many our country has produced - where a small town kid of modest means and modest goals grows up to realize that he has been a very lucky person.  Lucky to have been born in America, lucky to have had the parents I had and lucky to have had a few people in my life who sometimes saw more in me than I saw in myself. 

"I have seen my country from a lot of different vantage points.  I was a teenage husband and had three wonderful children early.  I have worked for minimum wages, for salaries more than I ever thought I would make, and for everything in between.  I have had dinners on the factory floor, while working the graveyard shift, and I have dined with world leaders in foreign capitals. 

"As a lawyer, I have been a federal prosecutor and a counsel for the Watergate Committee.  In private practice a courageous woman and the jury trial that we had against a corrupt state administration resulted in a movie.  I was asked to play myself, which started a most unlikely part time film career. 

"Then a Senate seat opened up in Tennessee.  For me it represented an opportunity for public service, not for a new career as a politician.  So I set aside my law practice and the movies, placed term limits on myself, and won two elections by 20 point margins in a state that President Clinton carried twice. 

"In 1994 when I first ran, I advocated the same common sense conservative positions that I hold today.  They are based upon what I believe to be sound conservative First Principles - reflecting the nature of man and the wisdom of the ages.  They are based upon the conviction that our Declaration of Independence and our Constitution are not outdated documents that have outlived their usefulness.  It is a recognition that our basic rights come from God and not from government.  That government should have its power divided, not only at the federal level but between the federal government and the states.  Federalism is the belief that not every problem should have a federal solution.  Essentially it's about freedom.  A government that is big enough to do everything for us is powerful enough to do anything to us.

"These principles lead me to believe in lower taxes, which foster growth and leave more power in the hands of the people.  They also respect free markets, private property, and fair competition.  They honor the sanctity of life - the great truth every life matters, and no person is beneath the protection of the law.  These principles made our country great and we should rededicate ourselves to them, not abandon them. 

"Now to my Republican friends, I point out that in 1992 we were down after a Clinton victory.  In 1994 our conservative principles led us to a comeback and majority control of the Congress.  Now you don't want to have to come back from another Clinton victory.  Our country needs us to win next year, and I am ready to lead that effort. 

"When I went to the Senate, I wanted to help accomplish certain things that I thought were necessary and achievable.  I wanted to balance the budget, cut taxes, reform welfare, require Congress to live under the laws that they had imposed on others and I wanted to begin modernizing of our military.  We were able to get those things done.  I also took a leadership role in the passage of the homeland security bill, and blocked export control legislation that would have allowed the sale of our sensitive technology to unreliable countries.  As Chairman of the Governmental Affairs Committee, I led an investigation and held hearings on the failure and shortcomings of our government.  This resulted in a two volume work that I published in 2001, entitled "Government at the Brink" and still available on the Internet.  It outlined these deficiencies and made recommendations to cut waste and save billions.  Now these problems have only grown worse since that time.  I served on the Intel
ligence Committee and saw close up the importance of improving our intelligence capabilities in our fight against terrorism and got a good sense of other troubles over the horizon.

"In 2002 I announced that I would not run for re-election and I re-entered private life.  While my television work on "Law & Order" got more attention, I stayed involved in national security issues including service as Chairman of the International Security Advisory Board at the State Department. 

"One of the most rewarding experiences I had was when President Bush asked me to assist now Chief Justice John Roberts through the Senate confirmation process.  It is very important that the next President appoint federal judges who interpret the Constitution, not try to make it fit their own personal or political views.  I have seen both kinds of judges, and I know the difference. 

"A guy can do a lot of things and travel the world but find that the most important things in life occur under his own roof.  I married a wonderful lady during my last year in the Senate and the following year we found out that we were going to be parents.  I knew from the moment I heard the news that we had been blessed.  How true it was.  Our little girl, Hayden, who will tell you she is three and three-quarters years old, now has a little brother.  His name is Sammy and he is 10 months old.  Earlier this year when I thought about whether I should enter this race, I kept coming back to 2 questions.  First, what kind of country are our children and grandchildren going to grow up in and second, how many people have the opportunity to do something about it? 

"That leads me here and why I'm talking to you today.  On the next President's watch, our country will be making decisions that will affect our lives and our families far into the future.  We cannot allow ourselves to become a weaker, less prosperous and more divided nation.  Today as in past generations, the fate of millions across the world depends on the unity and resolve of the American people.

"The specter of weapons of mass destruction in the hands of our worst enemies continues to grow, and still we have yet to really come to terms with the nature and extent of the threat we are facing from radical Islamic terrorism.  These extremists look at this war as a long struggle that has been going on for centuries;  they are willing to take as long as necessary to bring the United States and our allies to our knees, while killing hundreds of thousands of innocent people, if possible.  Iraq and Afghanistan are current fronts in this war and the world watches as our will is tested.  Our courage as a people must match that of the brave men and women in uniform fighting for us.  We must do everything in our power to achieve success and make sure that they and their families' sacrifices are not made in vain.  They know that if we abandon our efforts or appear weak and divided, we will pay a heavy price for it in the future.  Some of our leaders in Congress need to understand
this as well. 

"In this broader war with this different kind of enemy, our success cannot always be measured by battlefield victories.  Success will depend upon the determination of the American people and that's why we'll win.    There is a courage that comes in unity.  Now is the time to show that America united can overcome any danger, and America united can complete any mission.

"Before the end of my senate service, in the year after 9/11, I saw the Congress of the United States at its best - alert to danger and focused on duty.  We need to recover that clarity and conviction in matters of national security. The threat of catastrophic violence in America is real and the terrorists aren't going away of their own accord.  We must deploy every resource including diplomacy, intelligence, and economic power to defend this nation and our national interests.  If I am Commander in Chief, this country will never be left to the mercy of terror regimes or terror states. 

"We have challenges on the home front as well. Before long we will have spent the Social Security surplus and will see the "baby boomers" begin to retire.  On our present course, deficit financing will saddle future generations with enormous taxes, jeopardize our economy and endanger our retirement programs.  The Government Accountability Office, the Comptroller of the United States, and conservative and liberal economists alike, tell us that this path is economically unsustainable.  Bipartisan leadership must address this issue as part of a national conversation, remembering that those yet to be born also have a seat at the table.  After all, it's their money that we are spending, and it is economic security that's in the balance.

"Other important issues face our country.  Our dependence upon foreign oil, especially from trouble spots in the Middle East and elsewhere, endangers our national security as well as our economy.  For 50 years nearly every recession has been associated with a spike in oil prices.  "What we need is another spike in American creativity and innovation.  Over the past several years we have had revolutions in our communications, science, and medical fields.  We need to revive that same American know-how for our energy security, along with a willingness to avail ourselves of the energy sources we already have right here at home. 

"In education, schools continue to fail our children and endanger America's future competitiveness.  Increasing amounts of federal funding and government mandates have not resulted in real improvement.  The federal government can assist state and localities through grants with fewer strings and less bureaucracy but should not take schools out of the hands of parents and local officials.  We should encourage the rights of parents to choose the school and what's best for their child's education.

"Rising health care costs are another major problem.  We have the best health care in the world but we are paying more than we should for it.  We have a massive bureaucracy in both the private and public health care sectors that controls costs by dictating what services we are allowed to get and when.  Someone has to decide what costs are worth the money.  It can be the government, the insurance company or it can be you.  I think it is best if you, yourself decide what is best for you and your family, with insurance that doesn't have to depend on your employment -  coverage that you can take with you if you change jobs; insurance that you may purchase from anywhere in the nation for the best value.  This would be market driven and would make health insurance affordable for more Americans. 

"When we look to Washington, we see a bureaucratized government that is increasingly unable or unwilling to carry out basic governmental functions, including the fundamental responsibility of securing our borders against illegal immigration and enforcing our laws.  A nation that can't protect its border will no longer be a sovereign nation.  We see a Congress more politicized and divided than ever and disconnected from the American people.  Is this the government that some would have play an even greater role in running our lives?  We must do better. 

"I know that reform is possible in Washington because I have seen it done.  I do not accept it as a fact of life beyond our power to change that the federal government must go on expanding more, taxing more, and spending more forever. 

"We, the American people, must assert ourselves.  In times of stress and peril in this country's history, including world wars, a great depression, assassinations and attacks, other generations have put their differences aside, remembered their common beliefs and overcame great obstacles.  And we have come out stronger and wiser for it.  Now it's our turn.  No one person, including the President, has the ability or wisdom to singlehandedly solve these problems.  Nor does one party.  But together the American people do.  These problems will be dealt with when our leaders come together, as adults, and honestly seek solutions that extend past the next election cycle.  That will happen when, and only when, the American people demand it.  You can do that at the ballot box and no election is more important than the one for president.  It demands a leader who understands this country, our people and what America's priorities ought to be. 

"Recently, I talked to a young Marine at Walter Reed Hospital.  He had lost both legs in Iraq but was looking to the future.  I asked him what he planned to do?  He said he wanted to work with a nonprofit organization that was doing a lot to help people.  Then he looked at me and said 'I just thought it was time I gave something back.' 

"That young man, who has given so much for America and yet still asks to give more, is typical of the men and women of the United States armed forces.  Our country has shed more blood for the freedom of other people than all the other countries in the world combined.  We are steeped in the tradition of honor and sacrifice for the greater good.  We are proud of this heritage.  I believe that Americans are once again ready to achieve this greater good: which is nothing less than the security, prosperity, and unity of our country.

"That's the belief that this campaign is based upon.  I'd appreciate your support of this cause and any contribution you're able to give.  I'll try to make you proud that you did it.

"Thank you and may God bless all of us."

Brownback Statement On GOP Debate

Brownback Articulates Principled and Balanced Conservative Vision
Lays Out Solutions for Rebuilding the Family, Iraq, Tax Cuts, Foreign Policy

DURHAM, NH - United States Senator and Republican presidential candidate Sam Brownback presented a balanced and principled conservative agenda in this evening's debate. This performance underscores Brownback's position of uniting the Republican Party's social and fiscal conservative wings.

Brownback spoke forcefully about the critical issues facing our nation:

On rebuilding the family: "I'm running saying that the lead thing we need to do is rebuild the family in this country. And I think we need to be clear about our efforts and willingness to do that. ... We shouldn't walk away from family values. And if we're going to solve problems of education, crime, what's taking place in some of our areas where we're not getting the growth, we've got to rebuild the family."

On supporting a constitutional amendment defending marriage as a man and a woman: "When you do these vast, social experiments -- and that's what this is, when you redefine marriage -- it's a vast, social experiment. They're not done in isolation.  They impact the rest of the culture around you.  When you take the sacredness out of marriage, you will drive the marriage rates down."

On committing to a durable solution in Iraq: "You've got the military that has made a number of progressive steps, particularly in the west -- Al Anbar Province -- they've made progress. But we don't have a political solution on the ground that works in Iraq. Iraq is less a country than it is three groups held together by exterior forces. It's the Kurds in the north, the Sunni in the west, the Shia in the south, and a mixed city in Baghdad... I think we need to recognize that reality. We ought to now push for establishment of a Sunni state in the West. Still one country -- still one country, but separate states. That's a political solution that you can take advantage of what the military has done on the ground. That's what we need to do to move forward now."

On keeping taxes low, protecting free enterprise and his decision to sign the 'No New Tax' pledge: "I think it's not just a pledge to a group that has it.  I think it's a pledge to the American public. We're already taxed to the max. In most states, you're working until about the middle of May to pay your taxes.  It is too long. You're working too much for the government, and you need to be working more for yourself. And I've pushed these topics based on I think we need to grow the economy, plus I'd like to be able to see families keep more of their money so that possibly maybe one of them doesn't have to go to work instead of both having to go to work, if more families could keep more of their money instead of it going to the government."

On the United States leadership in confronting Iran: "You have to also recognize that the founder of the current Iranian regime, Ayatollah Khomeini, said, if we destroy Israel, Allah will reward us. That was his stated policy. That is something that he stated. I think you have to take the factual setting of what you put forward, take it to the American public and to the Congress, and ask for the authority to use military force for two purposes. Number one purpose is to go after the military forces being developed on the ground and trained on the ground in Iran to attack our people in Iraq, and number two, towards the nuclear weapons development program that the Iranians are working on."

Brownback's balanced conservative approach to the challenges facing our nation is the formula for Republican victory in 2008.

What They're Saying: About Governor Mitt Romney At The Durham, NH GOP Debate

WHAT THEY'RE REALLY SAYING ABOUT GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY AT THE DURHAM, NH GOP DEBATE

Riehl World View’s Dan Riehl: “Based solely on my viewing the flow of the numbers from start to finish - on average, I honestly believe Romney resonated most strongly with the most people, conservative and moderate, in terms of the over all debate.” (Dan Riehl, Riehl World View, http://www.riehlworldview.com/carnivorous_conservative/2007/09/why-iraq-and-ro.html, 9/5/07)

Conservative Blogger’s William Smith: “Mitt gives a great answer with regard to the responsibility of city government and state government.” (William Smith, Conservative Blogger, http://www.conservativeblogger.com/archives/2007/09/debate_live_blog.php, 9/5/07)

The American Spectator’s Jennifer Rubin: Romney “[s]ays we have to have concern for the mother and change hearts and minds. Very nicely done.” (Jennifer Rubin, The American Spectator, AmSpec Blog, http://www.spectator.org/blogger.asp#7970, 9/5/07)

The Washington Post’s Chris Cillizza: "The focus on Romney and Giuliani reinforced the notion that the race right now is between those two men with former Sen. Fred Thompson who did not attend the debate as a potential wildcard." (Chris Cillizza, "GOP Debate Wrapup: Frontrunners Under Fire," The Washington Post's The Fix, http://blog.washingtonpost.com, Posted 9/5/07)

Heading Right’s Macranger: “Romney immediately scored with his point about de facto amnesty, and he talks about shutting down the ‘magnets’. Romney’s doing great so far…” (Macranger, Heading Right, Heading Right Blog, http://headingright.com/page/2/, 9/5/07)

The Washington Post's Eric Pianin: "Romney's response drew loud cheers; Giuliani's polite cheers. It speaks to the difficulty of any candidate who has something less than a black and white position when it comes to immigration." (Eric Pianin and Chris Cillizza, The Washington Post The Fix Blog, http://blog.washingtonpost.com/thefix/, Posted 9/5/07)

Pianin: "Romney is working hard to make sure viewers know that he and Giuliani differ when it comes to immigration, seemingly slipping in the fact that New York was a 'sanctuary' city at every turn." (Eric Pianin and Chris Cillizza, The Washington Post The Fix Blog, http://blog.washingtonpost.com/thefix/, Posted 9/5/07)

National Review Online’s Kathryn Jean Lopez: “That was a serious answer from Romney [regarding intelligence and the War on Terror]. It channelled [sic] his own decision to refuse protection for an Iranian tyrant —one of those who is against us —  while governor of Massachusetts. Going into mosques if they preach terror is a reasonable and necessary position. And one that someone who gets the stakes would espouse.” (Kathryn Jean Lopez, "Going Into Mosques," National Review's The Corner, http://corner.nationalreview.com, 9/5/07)

The Atlantic's Marc Ambinder: "Otherwise, Romney, being very familiar with New Hampshire's inner maw, had well-thought out answers for every other question, even as three of the first four turned, in some measure, on whether he flip-flopped." (Marc Ambinder, "And The Winners Are....," The Atlantic Blog, http://marcambinder.theatlantic.com, Posted 9/5/07)

National Review’s Kate O’Beirne: "Romney's '462 events' In Iowa and New Hampshire alone also effective." (Kate O’Beirne, "Ready For The Questions," National Review's The Corner, http://corner.nationalreview.com, Posted 9/5/07)

Townhall’s Mary Katherine Ham: “Mitt has a good line about his ‘right to be kept alive’ with respect to the government's response to terror.” (Mary Katherine Ham, Townhall, Townhall blog, http://www.townhall.com/blog/MaryKatharineHam, 9/5/07)

Heading Right’s JASmius: “So far, I think Romney gave the best answer [on immigration and sanctuary cities]." (JASmius, Heading Right, Heading Right Blog, http://headingright.com/page/2/, 9/5/07)

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: JOHN MCCAIN AT FOX NEWS DEBATE

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: JOHN MCCAIN AT FOX NEWS DEBATE

New Hampshire Voters Tell Fox News: McCain Won Tonight's Debate

McCain Dominated Fox News Focus Group Led By Frank Luntz. LUNTZ: "One individual for the first time exceeded expectations in all the debates that we've been testing for Hannity & Colmes. ... What is it about John McCain?" (Fox News' "Hannity & Colmes," 9/5/07)

NH Voters "Give It To McCain -- He Exceeded Their Expectations" As "The Word 'Leadership' Is Being Repeated." "Yes, Frank Luntz's 29 Republican voters give it to McCain -- he exceeded their expectations. The word 'leadership' is being repeated." (Kate O'Beirne, National Review's "The Corner" Blog, 9/5/07)

Watch New Hampshire Voters Tell Fox News That McCain Won Debate

<!--[if !supportLists]-->· NH Voter: "I think John McCain sounded the most presidential, even the other candidates were quoting John McCain during their responses." (Fox News' "Hannity & Colmes," 9/5/07)<!--[endif]-->

<!--[if !supportLists]-->· NH Voter: "I think McCain just has the experience and it came through in his answers." (Fox News' "Hannity & Colmes," 9/5/07)<!--[endif]-->

<!--[if !supportLists]-->· NH Voter: "[H]e was very passionate about being a leader. And that's what we need in this country: a leader who's not afraid to do what he says." (Fox News' "Hannity & Colmes," 9/5/07)<!--[endif]-->

<!--[if !supportLists]-->· NH Voter: "He exhibits leadership a lot better than other candidates seem to ... He was direct. He spoke forcefully in support for the war in Iraq." (Fox News' "Hannity & Colmes," 9/5/07)<!--[endif]-->

McCain "Roared Back With A Strong Debate Performance"

Fox News' Carl Cameron: "[J]ohn McCain Reasserted Himself." (Fox News' "Hannity & Colmes", 9/5/07)

Christian Broadcasting Network's David Brody: McCain "Roared Back With A Strong Debate Performance Where He ... Looked Like A Very Strong Commander In Chief." "John McCain ... roared back with a strong debate performance where he highlighted his military service, honor and leadership credentials. ... McCain looked like a very strong commander in chief. He had a game plan going in to let people know he's the man to lead in Iraq and beyond and if the military surge keeps working and political reconciliation begins to take hold, he may be in a position for a comeback." (David Brody, "McCain And Huckabee Shine In GOP Debate," Christian Broadcasting Network's "Brody File" Blog, 9/5/07)

National Review's Rich Lowry: "I Think McCain Won" As "His National Security/Military Experience [Was] His Real Strength Tonight." "I think McCain won (but all my judgments are being poisoned by the Luntz focus group as we speak). Republicans tend to disagree with him on immigration, the tax pledge, and interrogation, but he scored against Romney on immigration, had a fine answer on the tax pledge, and put his interrogation position in the context of his national security/military experience, which was his real strength tonight. His answers on Iraq and Iran were passionate and deeply informed. It also helped create the impression that he had the upper-hand tonight that Giuliani and Huckabee gave him props three times. Combine all this with the fact that he was relaxed, feisty, and fluid, and it was a strong night for him." (Rich Lowry, "My Take," National Review's "The Corner" Blog, 9/5/07)

The American Spectator's Jennifer Rubin: "McCain Helped Himself Tremendously -- Reminding Us Why It Is Better To Have An Experienced, Sober Adult At The Helm Of American Foreign Policy." (Jennifer Rubin, "Wrap," The American Spectator's "AmSpec" Blog, 9/5/07)

National Review's Kathryn Jean Lopez: "[M]cCain Is The Winner Of This Debate ..." (Rich Lowry, "Rudy On Iran," National Review's "The Corner" Blog, 9/5/07)

Town Hall Blog's Matt Lewis: "McCain Looks Good Tonight. So Far, He Seems To Have More Energy, And Be More Comfortable ..." (Matt Lewis, "1st Fall Prez Debate ...," Townhall Blog, 9/5/07)

National Review's Seth Leibsohn: "McCain's Night So Far. ... He's Looked More Fresh And Sounded More Clear Than Any Debate This Year And He's Finally Relaxed." (Seth Leibsohn, "Rich Is Right," National Review's " The Corner" Blog, 9/5/07)

McCain "Fabulous" On National Security

National Review's Andy McCarthy: "McCain On The Surge. Fabulous." (Andy McCarthy, "Not Apparently. It's Working," National Review's "The Corner" Blog, 9/5/07)

National Review's Mark Hemmingway: "My Mother-In-Law's Response -- 'I Love It When He Gets This Way.'" (Mark Hemingway, "McCain Insists The Surge Is Working," National Review's "The Corner" Blog, 9/5/07)

The American Spectator's Jennifer Rubin: "This Is Where McCain Shines." "McCain says 'Governor, the surge is working.' Romney tries to interrupt with 'apparently.' McCain cuts him off. McCain 1-Romney 0 on that. McCain repeats 'Not apparently.' This is where McCain shines." (Jennifer Rubin, "Foreign Policy," The American Spectator's "AmSpec" Blog, 9/5/07)

National Review's Jim Geraghty: "It's McCain At His Best." (Jim Gerarty, "The New Hampshire Republican Debate, Part Three," National Review's "Horserace" Blog, 9/5/07)

McCain Even Praised By Fellow Republican Candidates

Former Gov. Mike Huckabee: "Senator McCain made a great point, and let me make this clear, if there's anybody on this stage that understands the word honor, I've got to say Sen. McCain understands that word because he has given his country a sacrifice the rest of us don't even comprehend, and on this issue, when he says we can't leave until we've left with honor, I 100 percent agree with him ..." (Fox News Republican Presidential Debate, Durham, NH, 9/5/07)

<!--[if !supportLists]-->· Watch Huckabee Praise McCain's Service<!--[endif]-->

Former Mayor Rudy Giuliani: "I have tremendous respect for Sen. McCain. I think I've said, more than once, if I wasn't running I'd probably be supporting him for President." (Fox