2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Ron Paul Debate Wrap-up

Debate Wrap-Up: Ron Paul is the Real Republican

BOCA RATON, FLORIDA – In tonight’s debate, Ron Paul showed once again why he is the only real Republican running for president.

Speaking of his fellow candidates, Congressman Paul said, “my biggest concern is that they won’t stick to the party principles that Republicans stood for for so long.”

Congressman Paul then cited the many ways that Republicans have abandoned their traditional conservative principles, including unbalanced budgets, massive increases in the size of government, infringing individual freedoms, and failing to strictly follow the Constitution.

Dr. Paul also observed that Republicans used to run on the platform of abolishing the Department of Education and now they now double its size – a reference to many Republicans partnering with Ted Kennedy to institute No Child Left Behind.  “The Republican Party has a problem because we don’t act like Republicans,” concluded Dr. Paul.

In his ten terms in Congress, Dr. Paul has never voted for a tax increase or for an unbalanced budget.

Dr. Paul also pointed out that he is the only candidate who has repeatedly voted against raiding the Social Security funds and has introduced a bill to stop Congress from borrowing money from the Social Security to pay for unbalanced budgets.  He also opposes taxation of Social Security benefits.

“Ron Paul has a record of sticking to his conservative principles that spans four decades,” said Ron Paul campaign manager Lew Moore.  “Dr. Paul’s record clearly shows that he’s the real Republican and the true conservative.”

What They’re Saying … About Mayor Giuliani At The MSNBC Florida Debate

What They’re Saying … About Mayor Giuliani

ABC's Rick Klein said Mayor Giuliani’s Question on the Catastrophic Fund was “good political positioning, and Rudy's best moment of the night.” (Rick Klein, “Live Blogging During GOP Debate,” ABC’s “Political Radar” Blog, https://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2008/01/live-blogging-5.html, 1/24/08, Accessed 1/24/08)

NBC News’ Chuck Todd: “In case you're wondering, the lead for the Florida papers tomorrow will be this Giuliani question on the castrophic insurance proposal to save Florida on this front.” (Chuck Todd, NBC News’ First Read Blog, “The Florida Debate Lead,” firstread.msnbc.msn.com, 1/24/08, Accessed: 1/24/08)

Todd said Giuliani “certainly made an attempt to appeal directly to Floridians. He did a good job showing them he's learned their issues …” (Chuck Todd, NBC News’ First Read Blog, “Who Won? Who Lost? Debate Takeaway,” firstread.msnbc.msn.com, 1/24/08, Accessed: 1/24/08)

Todd: “Giuliani goes back to an old stand by and it seemed effective; he attacked Clinton on being on both sides of the Iraq issue; Attacking Clinton probably scored well with the GOP dial-testers.” (Chuck Todd, NBC News’ First Read Blog, “Giuliani Uses Clinton Barb To Defend Iraq,” firstread.msnbc.msn.com, 1/24/08, Accessed: 1/24/08)

NBC News’ Domenico Montanaro: “Rudy asked about catastrophic insurance in a way that made him sound like he is a native Floridian or that his own house might be in danger.” (Domenico Montanaro, NBC News’ First Read Blog, “Rudy’s Question,” https://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/01/24/606992.aspx, 1/24/08, Accessed: 1/24/08)

Politico’s Jonathan Martin: Rudy got “best of economic question.” (Jonathan Martin, Politico Blog, “McCain, Rudy get best of economic question,” www.politico.com/blogs/jonathanmartin, 1/24/08, Accessed: 1/24/08)

NRO’s Rich Lowry: “Good Rudy answer on the drags on the economy.” (Rich Lowry, National Review Online’s The Corner Blog, “We're Doing All Four Of Those Things,” corner.nationalreview.com, 1/24/08, Accessed: 1/24/08)

NRO’s Michael Graham: “Rudy has a real plan” for the economy. (Michael Graham, National Review Online’s The Corner Blog, “Why was this debate so bad?,” corner.nationalreview.com, 1/24/08, Accessed: 1/24/08)

Graham: “The war question revealed the key difference … Guiliani is always looking for the chance to fight Democrats.” (Michael Graham, National Review Online’s The Corner Blog, “The War Question Revealed The Key Difference Between Mccain And Giuliani,” corner.nationalreview.com, 1/24/08, Accessed: 1/24/08)

NRO’s Jim Geraghty: Russert asked “Will you say the war was a good idea, it was worth the price in blood and treasure, and will we leave? … The right answer: ‘If it was such a bad idea, why did you vote for the war?’ Hey, as I type that, Giuliani gives more or less that answer. Bravo, Mr. Mayor.” (Jim Geraghty, National Review Online, “The Debate Shifts To Iraq, Audience Wakes Up,” campaignspot.nationalreview.com, 1/24/08, Accessed: 1/24/08)

ABC News’ Rick Klein: “‘I'm for it not because of polls, but because America is in a war,’ Giuliani says, squeezing in a hit on Clinton. His best line of the night.” (Rick Klein, “Live Blogging During GOP Debate,” ABC’s “Political Radar” Blog, https://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2008/01/live-blogging-5.html, 1/24/08, Accessed 1/24/08)

ABC News’ Jake Tapper: “Good moment for Rudy” discussing Iraq. (Rick Klein, ABC News’ Political Radar Blog, Live Blogging During GOP Debate,” https://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2008/01/live-blogging-5.html, 1/24/08, Accessed: 1/24/08)

ABC News’ Jake Tapper: “[C]ontrasting with Hillary Clinton, he says he was for the war when 6 out of 10 approved of it, and is still backing it even thought 6 out of 10 oppose it. Sounded strong.” (Rick Klein, ABC News’ Political Radar Blog, “Live Blogging During GOP Debate,” https://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2008/01/live-blogging-5.html, 1/24/08, Accessed: 1/24/08)

National Review’s Mark R. Levin: “Great answer by Rudy re Hillary Clinton and polls and war.” (Mark R. Levin, “War,” The National Review’s “The Corner” Blog, https://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=NzUzZDQ2YTQwYTNlMzFkMDBiZTMzNjU2ZjllYTI3ZWQ=, 1/24/08, Accessed 1/24/08)

The American Spectator’s Philip Klein: “A strong answer by Rudy, challenging the question, and noting that Clinton's positition [sic] on Iraq changed with the winds, but that his did not.” (Philip Klein, “Rudy Won’t Be Pushed Around By Polls,” The American Spectator’s “AmSpecBlog,” https://www.spectator.org/blogger.asp?BlogID=10974, 1/24/08, Accessed 1/24/08)

Klein: “Rudy Won’t Be Pushed Around By Polls …” (Philip Klein, “Rudy Won’t Be Pushed Around By Polls,” The American Spectator’s “AmSpecBlog,” https://www.spectator.org/blogger.asp?BlogID=10974, 1/24/08, Accessed 1/24/08)

Klein: “Giuliani gave excellent answers …” (Philip Klein, “Quick Debate Reaction,” The American Spectator’s “AmSpecBlog,” https://www.spectator.org/blogger.asp?BlogID=10996, 1/24/08, Accessed 1/24/08)

The Weekly Standard’s Stephen F. Hayes: Giuliani’s “answer on Tim Russert's question about whether the war in Iraq was worth it was the best of the group.” (Stephen F. Hayes, The Weekly Standard’s Campaign Standard Blog, “Hayes: The Nice Debate,” www.weeklystandard.com/weblogs/CampaignStandard, 1/24/08, Accessed: 1/24/08)

Hayes: Giuliani’s “answer on The New York Times editorial was simply outstanding. He is smart to label himself a ‘conservative Republican.’” (Stephen F. Hayes, The Weekly Standard’s Campaign Standard Blog, “Hayes: The Nice Debate,” www.weeklystandard.com/weblogs/CampaignStandard, 1/24/08, Accessed: 1/24/08)

Townhall.com’s Matt Lewis: “Rudy takes-down the NY Times.  Well done.” (Matt Lewis, Townhall.com’s Blog, “GOP Debate ...,” https://www.townhall.com/blog/g/0d5b26b8-d73b-4d91-b421-377b72e55b15, 1/24/08, Accessed: 1/24/08)

Lewis: “Rudy Giuliani is right; we need to start building nuclear plants ... yesterday.” (Matt Lewis, Townhall.com’s Blog, “GOP Debate ...,” https://www.townhall.com/blog/g/0d5b26b8-d73b-4d91-b421-377b72e55b15, 1/24/08, Accessed: 1/24/08)

The American Spectator’s Wlady: “Rudy's bona fides as a NY Yankee fan serves him well as he invokes the NY Giants' drive to the Super Bowl as evidence he can come back...” (Wlady, “Sports To The Rescue,” The American Spectator’s “AmSpecBlog,” https://www.spectator.org/blogger.asp?BlogID=10987, 1/24/08, Accessed 1/24/08)

Politico’s Jonathan Martin said Giuliani “deftly defended himself” against The New York Times editorial, “noting that the liberal editorial page wouldn't support the policies of a ‘conservative Republican.’” (Jonathan Martin, Politico Blog, “McCain, Rudy get best of economic question,” www.politico.com/blogs/jonathanmartin, 1/24/08, Accessed: 1/24/08)

NRO’s Jonah Goldberg: “On what issues, exactly, was the New York Times editorial board right and Rudy Giuliani wrong when it came to New York City?” (Jonah Goldberg, National Review Online’s The Corner Blog, “Just Curious,” corner.nationalreview.com, 1/24/08, Accessed: 1/24/08)

Goldberg: “It's possible there were a couple items over 8 years on bond issues or some such where Rudy was wrong and the Times was right, but on a major issue during his mayoralty, I can't think of one.” (Jonah Goldberg, National Review Online’s The Corner Blog, “Just Curious,” corner.nationalreview.com, 1/24/08, Accessed: 1/24/08)

The American Spectator’s John Tabin: “Rudy's asked about the Times slamming him in their McCain endorsement. Fighting with the New York Times editorial page obviously brings a smile to Giuliani's face.” (John Tabin, “Giuliani Vs. The NYT,” The American Spectator’s “AmSpecBlog,” https://www.spectator.org/blogger.asp?BlogID=10993, 1/24/08, Accessed 1/24/08)

Captain’s Quarters’ Ed Morrissey: “[Giuliani] did do a fine job … He looked very cool and confident and probably gave the most robust answers to the questions asked.” (Ed Morrissey, Captain’s Quarters Blog, “Florida Debate: Romney Scores, Rudy Close Behind,” https://www.captainsquartersblog.com/mt/archives/016749.php, 1/24/08, Accessed: 1/24/08)

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: About Gov. Romney At The Boca Raton, FL, GOP Debate - Vol. II

WHAT THEY'RE REALLY SAYING ABOUT GOV. ROMNEY AT THE BOCA RATON, FL GOP DEBATE – VOL. II

MSNBC'S Chuck Todd: "Romney looks good and sounds confident tonight." (Chuck Todd, "Romney Starting Off Well Tonight," MSNBC's First Read, https://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/, Posted 1/24/08)

The Atlantic's Marc Ambinder: "Romney made a strong first impression." (Marc Ambinder, "Live Twittering Of The Debate," The Atlantic, https://twitter.com/marcambinder, Posted 1/24/08)

Captain's Quarters' Ed Morrissey: "Florida voters got their final head-to-head look at the Republican presidential candidates tonight, and the winner of the debate was Mitt Romney." (Ed Morrissey, "Florida Debate: Romney Scores, Rudy Close Behind," Captain's Quarters' Blog, www.captainsquartersblog.com, Posted 1/24/08)

· Morrissey: "He looked presidential, poised, and factually prepared." (Ed Morrissey, "Florida Debate: Romney Scores, Rudy Close Behind," Captain's Quarters' Blog, www.captainsquartersblog.com, Posted 1/24/08)

· Morrissey: "In a debate that spent the first two-thirds with everyone doing well, Romney not only broke out on his own in the last stanza, he successfully parried some strange attacks from Tim Russert as well." (Ed Morrissey, "Florida Debate: Romney Scores, Rudy Close Behind," Captain's Quarters' Blog, www.captainsquartersblog.com, Posted 1/24/08)

Michelle Malkin: "Romney's being treated like the front-runner and he's acting like it." (Michelle Malkin, "GOP Florida Debate: Show Us The Conservatism," Michelle Malkin's Blog, https://michellemalkin.com/, Accessed 1/24/08)

Townhall's Hugh Hewitt: "Mitt Romney should send a thank you card to Tim Russert and Brian Williams.  They threw hard balls at the former Massachusetts governor and he hit them all, many out of the park.  Romney's allocation of time had to be disproportionate, but that was the Williams/Russert choice, and Romney made the most of it." (Hugh Hewitt, "'General Hillary Clinton' And 'They're Doing It In Europe Now,'" Townhall Blog, https://hughhewitt.townhall.com/, Posted 1/24/08)

· Hewitt: "Democrats watching tonight have to be very worried that Mitt Romney will be the GOP nominee." (Hugh Hewitt, "'General Hillary Clinton' And 'They're Doing It In Europe Now,'" Townhall Blog, https://hughhewitt.townhall.com/, Posted 1/24/08)

American Spectator's Wlady: "Terrific Romney answer to Russert's nosiness about how much he's spent in Florida. Russert's mistake: his insinuation that he was asking the question on behalf of the people's right to know. Romney instead let it be known he'll report his spending on Jan. 31, as required by law; and there's no reason to give his opponents a competitive advantage." (Wlady, "Rich Man, Poor Man," AmSpec Blog, https://www.amspec.org/, Accessed 1/24/08)

ABC News' Rick Klein: "Romney gets an initial question on the economy -- this is tailor made for him. … He sounds authoritative and in control on this subject." (Rick Klein, "Live Blogging During GOP Debate," ABC News' Political Radar, https://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar, Posted 1/24/08)

National Journal's Jennifer Skalka: "Winners…Mitt Romney -- Mistake-free night." (Jennifer Skalka, "No Battle In Boca," National Journal's On Call, https://hotlineblog.nationaljournal.com/, Posted 1/24/08)

Heading Right's Ed Morrissey: "Best line of the evening so far: General Hillary Clinton." (Ed Morrissey, "Best Line Of The Evening So Far," Heading Right Blog, https://headingright.com/, Accessed 1/24/08)

· Morrissey: "Romney just delivered a hell of a punch against Hillary Clinton, Bill, and the Democrats." (Ed Morrissey, "Romney Lapping The Pack," Heading Right Blog, https://headingright.com/, Accessed 1/24/08)

· Morrissey: "I am impressed." (Ed Morrissey, "Romney's Running Away With It!" Heading Right Blog, https://headingright.com/, Accessed 1/24/08)

American Spectator's Phillip Klein: "Romney is clearly benefiting from the focus on the economy." (Phillip Klein, "Quick Debate Reaction," AmSpec Blog, https://www.amspec.org/blogger,  Accessed 1/24/08)

Heading Right's Fausta Wertz: "[Y]es, this is the Mitt Romney hour." (Fausta, "Back To Mitt," Heading Right Blog, https://headingright.com/, Accessed 1/24/08)

Townhall's Matt Lewis: "If one had to assign a winner tonight, Mitt Romney would probably get the nod." (Matt Lewis, "GOP Debate Analysis: Florida Now A Two-Man Race," Townhall Blog, www.townhall.com, Posted 1/24/08)

· Lewis: "The debate focused more on the economy than it did on any other topic, and I think he is more adept at talking about this topic than is his primary opponent, John McCain." (Matt Lewis, "GOP Debate Analysis: Florida Now A Two-Man Race," Townhall Blog, www.townhall.com, Posted 1/24/08)

· Lewis: "He also did a good job of going after the Clintons -- something that McCain should have actually done more of." (Matt Lewis, "GOP Debate Analysis: Florida Now A Two-Man Race," Townhall Blog, www.townhall.com, Posted 1/24/08)

· Lewis: "Romney was ahead in the last Florida poll I saw, and since nothing that happened tonight is likely to radically upset the apple cart, he wins tonight merely by maintaining the status quo." (Matt Lewis, "GOP Debate Analysis: Florida Now A Two-Man Race," Townhall Blog, www.townhall.com, Posted 1/24/08)

Clinton Campaign Statement On GOP Debate

Clinton Campaign Statement on GOP Debate

“Senator Clinton looks forward to debating the eventual Republican nominee, making her case for bringing the troops home quickly and responsibly and detailing her solutions for jumpstarting the economy and reversing the Bush policies.”

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: About Governor Mitt Romney At The Boca Raton, FL, GOP Debate

WHAT THEY'RE REALLY SAYING ABOUT GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY AT THE BOCA RATON, FL, GOP DEBATE

MSNBC's Joe Scarborough: "I think conservatives probably related to Mitt Romney, talking about tax cuts, talking about being a governor, talking about what he did in the private sector for all those years. On the economic part of this debate, I don't think there is any doubt that this was Mitt Romney's best performance." (MSNBC's "Live," 1/24/08)

· Scarborough: "The first 30 minutes - it was about the economy. I thought Mitt Romney absolutely dominated that segment of it." (MSNBC's "Live," 1/24/08)

Time's Mark Halperin: "Romney A-" (Mark Halperin, "Who Wants To Be The Nominee?" Time's The Page, https://thepage.time.com, Posted 1/24/08)

MSNBC's Chuck Todd: "I thought this was Mitt Romney's best debate performance." (MSNBC's "Live," 1/24/08)

National Review's Rich Lowry: "Romney has seemed authoritative – confident and on his game…" (Rich Lowry, "The Debate So Far," National Review's The Corner, https://corner.nationalreview.com, Posted 1/24/08)

· Lowry: "'We're the Party of Change' … Home-run answer from Romney. It was drawn from his standard lines on the stump, but a terrific message, convincingly delivered." (Rich Lowry, "'We're The Party Of Change'," National Review's The Corner, https://corner.nationalreview.com=, Posted 1/24/08)

· Lowry: "Good night for Romney." (Rich Lowry, "Good Night For Romney," National Review's The Corner, https://corner.nationalreview.com, Posted 1/24/08)

· Lowry: "Romney is dominating the last half-an-hour." (Rich Lowry, "In Terms Of Sheer Time..." National Review's The Corner, https://corner.nationalreview.com=, Posted 1/24/08)

Townhall's Mary Katharine Ham: "Romney just stole that issue from both Rudy and McCain. His answer was intelligent and far-reaching. I liked the idea of high-risk areas getting together to pool risk. Rudy's been trying to pander with this idea and I think both Romney and McCain made the pandering look silly by taking a broader approach." (Mary Katharine Ham, "The Cat Fund," Townhall Blog, www.townhall.com, Posted 1/24/08)

National Review's Kate O'Beirne: "Romney's insights about his state's National Guard was helpful.  He seems particularly aggressive and sure-footed tonight." (Kate O'Beirne, "On Offense," National Review's The Corner, https://corner.nationalreview.com, Posted 1/24/08)

Michelle Malkin: "Excellent Romney answer on Iraq. Strong, tough, focused on the surrendercrats. He takes on Dems for their withdrawalmania…cites debate in SC when Hillary refused to say she wanted to win and recycled Code Pink line." (Michelle Malkin, "GOP Florida Debate," https://michellemalkin.com, Posted 1/24/08)

· Malkin: "Romney excoriates Dems and says 'how dare they' take credit for surge." (Michelle Malkin, "GOP Florida Debate," https://michellemalkin.com, Posted 1/24/08)

· Malkin: "Romney just out-McCained McCain on the war." (Michelle Malkin, "GOP Florida Debate," https://michellemalkin.com, Posted 1/24/08)

The Atlantic's Marc Ambinder: "Romney was swell on the economy…." (Marc Ambinder, "Romney Made A Strong First Impression.... No One Tried To Jab At Him," Twitter Blog, https://twitter.com/marcambinder, Posted 1/24/08)

Hot Air's Bryan Preston: "Mitt Romney is asked whether the war in Iraq was worth the sacrifice and effort. He delivers the best answer of the bunch and punches the hippies in the Democrat party to boot." (Bryan Preston, "Debate Highlights: Huckabee On The Economic Stimulus; Romney On Iraq," Hot Air, https://hotair.com, Posted 1/24/08)

Statement from Giuliani Campaign Senior Advisor Bill Paxon

Statement from Giuliani Campaign Senior Advisor Bill Paxon

Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee Senior Advisor Bill Paxon released the following statement following MSNBC’s debate tonight:

“There is one man who can turnaround America’s economy and face down the terrorists because he’s done it before. Rudy is the only man in this race who has turned around a city in economic crisis by cutting taxes, restraining spending and creating new jobs. Rudy’s done it before and he’ll do it again as President.”

Romney Communications Director Matt Rhoades Statement On The Florida Republican Presidential Debate

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY LAYS OUT THE VISION TO STRENGTHEN AMERICA

Boca Raton, FL – Tonight, Romney for President Communications Director Matt Rhoades released the following statement on the Florida Republican presidential debate:

"The economic challenges confronting our country were central to tonight's debate.  Governor Romney is the only candidate with a record of working in the real economy and creating jobs.  That experience was on display tonight.  He understands how to create jobs and how to bring change.  That is the leadership we need in Washington, and in a few short days, the people of Florida will cast their votes for change in this country."

Statement By Florida Congressman Jeff Miller Following The MSNBC Debate

STATEMENT BY FLORIDA CONGRESSMAN JEFF MILLER FOLLOWING THE MSNBC DEBATE

ARLINGTON, VA -- Florida Congressman Jeff Miller issued the following statement on this evening's MSNBC debate:

"In tonight's debate, John McCain shared his vision for a safer and more prosperous America. He offered bold solutions on a variety of topics from stimulating the economy, to relieving the burden of high taxes, to ensuring victory in the war against radical Islamic extremism. His positive, conservative message is resonating with voters here in Florida and across the country. Now more than ever, it is clear that John McCain has what it takes to defeat the Democrats in November."

Statement by Campaign Manager Rick Davis Following the MSNBC Debate

STATEMENT BY CAMPAIGN MANAGER RICK DAVIS FOLLOWING THE MSNBC DEBATE

ARLINGTON, VA -- Rick Davis, John McCain 2008 Campaign Manager, issued the following statement on this evening's MSNBC debate:

"One man alone on tonight's stage proved he has what it takes to step-in and serve as commander in chief from day one. That man's name is John McCain. He alone combines the personal qualities of courage, integrity, and wisdom with an unmatched command of the issues facing our nation.

"Our nation is facing the duel threat of radical Islamic extremism and economic downturn. Now is not the time for on the job training. Now is the time for leadership we can trust. What sets John McCain apart from the other fine candidates in the field isn't his rhetoric, but rather his proven record of advancing the conservative cause and bringing fundamental change to Washington.

"Tonight, John McCain showed once again why he is the conservative candidate who can defeat the Democrats in November."

The New York Times Endorses Hillary For The Democratic Nomination

THE NEW YORK TIMES ENDORSES HILLARY FOR THE DEMOCRATIC NOMINATION

Excerpts from the endorsement:

Hearing her talk about the presidency, her policies and answers for America’s big problems, we are hugely impressed by the depth of her knowledge, by the force of her intellect and by the breadth of, yes, her experience.

We know that she is capable of both uniting and leading. We saw her going town by town through New York in 2000, including places where Clinton-bashing was a popular sport. She won over skeptical voters and then delivered on her promises and handily won re-election in 2006.

Her ideas, her comeback in New Hampshire and strong showing in Nevada, her new openness to explaining herself and not just her programs, and her abiding, powerful intellect show she is fully capable of doing just that. She is the best choice for the Democratic Party as it tries to regain the White House.

The full text of the endorsement is below:

Primary Choices: Hillary Clinton

https://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/25/opinion/25fri1.html?_r=1&oref=slogin&pagewanted=print