2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Missouri House Majority Leader Endorses Giuliani For President

Missouri House Majority Leader Endorses Giuliani for President
Rep. Steven Tilley Files Giuliani’s Candidacy Papers This Morning

New York City – The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee today announced Missouri House Majority Leader Steven Tilley has endorsed Mayor Giuliani for President. He will serve as the campaign’s Missouri State Co-Chair.

Tilley also filed candidacy papers this morning with the Missouri Secretary of State’s office on behalf of the Mayor.

“Mayor Giuliani has a strong record of fiscal discipline and lowering taxes, he is tough on crime and has shown the kind of strong leadership required to be the nation’s top executive,” said Tilley. “I am proud to be part of the Giuliani campaign in Missouri. I believe he is the best choice for Republicans to capture the White House in 2008.”

“We’re glad Steve has joined our Missouri team,” said Congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson, Giuliani’s Missouri State Chair. “His endorsement demonstrates the Mayor’s growing strength in the state. Steve will be a great supporter of Rudy’s message of keeping America strong and safe and governing with fiscally conservative principles.”

Bob Osterhaus And Ann Osterhaus Endorse Obama

Former State Representative Bob Osterhaus and Ann Osterhaus Endorse Obama 

DES MOINES - Today, former State Representative Bob Osterhaus and Ann Osterhaus of Maquoketa announced their support for Barack Obama's campaign for President citing his commitment to changing politics in Washington D.C. to bring about real change. 

"Both parties have failed to pass long needed reforms to our nation's health care system because of lack of leadership to move us past the broken, partisan politics in Washington D.C.," Rep. Osterhaus said.  "Senator Obama is the candidate with the combination of the integrity, skill and judgment to lead us in securing health care for every American.  His record demonstrates his ability to bring people together in order to find solutions for tough challenges like reforming health care, strengthening our schools and restoring the faith needed by working families in order for them to achieve the 'American Dream.'"

Bob Osterhaus served in the Iowa House of Representatives from 1996 through 2004.  He received his BSPh from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy in 1952 and was named a Distinguished Alumnni of the University of Iowa in 1997.  He has served as the President of the American Pharmacists Association.  In 2005, he was awarded the profession of pharmacy's highest recognition, the Remington Honor Medal.  He was a co-founder of the Maquoketa Area Community Foundation and served as its chairman for seven years.

"Senator Obama is the rare candidate who listens to the concerns of average people when presenting his vision for changing this nation," said Ann Osterhaus.  "He doesn't take money from PACs or federal lobbyists, which means he can put interests of the American people ahead of the specials interests in Washington D.C."

"I am proud to have the support of Representative Osterhaus and Ann Osterhaus for my campaign to change the politics of Washington D.C., so we make progress on the tough challenges we face," Senator Obama said.  "They will play an instrumental role in building support for our campaign in Jackson County and across Iowa."

To date, Senator Obama has received 15 endorsements from Iowa state legislators including Rep. Ako Abdul-Samad, Sen. Bob Dvorsky, Rep. Elesha Gayman, Sen. Bill Heckroth, Rep. David Jacoby, Rep. Pam Jochum, Rep. Helen Miller, Sen. Rich Olive, Rep. Donovan Olson, Rep. Tyler Olson, Rep. Janet Petersen, Sen. Tom Rielly, Rep. Mark Smith, Sen. Steve Warnstadt and Sen. Frank Wood.  Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller and State Treasurer Mike Fitzgerald have also endorsed Senator Obama's campaign for change.

Dan Hughes Joins John McCain's New Hampshire Leadership Team

DAN HUGHES JOINS JOHN MCCAIN'S NEW HAMPSHIRE LEADERSHIP TEAM

MANCHESTER, NH -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced the addition of Dan Hughes as state Vice Chair of its New Hampshire leadership team. Hughes, previously involved with Fred Thompson's New Hampshire campaign, is the latest addition to the growing grassroots organization in support of John McCain's candidacy in the Granite State.

"John McCain has the experience to lead our nation, the ability to unite the Republican Party and is best prepared to win the White House," said Dan Hughes. "Senator McCain understands the value and purpose of New Hampshire's first-in-the-nation primary and the importance of building a strong grassroots organization in the Granite State."

"Dan is a crucial addition to our growing New Hampshire grassroots organization," John McCain said. "His dedication to our shared Republican ideals makes him a powerful advocate for my campaign in the Granite State."

Iowa Democratic Party Announces Presidential Candidates To Speak At Jefferson Jackson Dinner

Iowa Democratic Party Announces Presidential Candidates to Speak at Jefferson Jackson Dinner
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Serve as Master of Ceremonies

DES MOINES – The Iowa Democratic Party today announced that the 2007 Jefferson Jackson Dinner on November 10th, 2007 will feature speeches by Senator Joe Biden, Senator Hillary Clinton, Senator Chris Dodd, Senator John Edwards, Senator Barack Obama and Governor Bill Richardson. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will serve as the Master of Ceremonies.

The Jefferson Jackson Dinner will be held in Vets Auditorium in Des Moines. Additional speakers will include Senator Tom Harkin, Governor Chet Culver, Lieutenant Governor Patty Judge and Congressman Leonard Boswell.

“The Iowa Democratic Party is honored to have our presidential candidates speaking at our largest event of the year. We are also excited that Speaker Pelosi will serve as our emcee,” said Iowa Democratic Party Chair Scott Brennan. “This event will give the candidates a chance to speak directly to over 8,000 caucus-goers.”

"Conventional" New Barack Obama New Hampshire TV Ad

"Conventional" New Barack Obama New Hampshire TV Ad

We are excited to announce that we will begin airing our third television ad in New Hampshire -- "Conventional." In the 30 second ad, Barack pledges to restore American leadership in the world by breaking out of conventional Washington thinking that has left America less safe, and showing the strength to negotiate with our adversaries, not just our friends.

The new ad begins running as Barack makes his eighteenth visit to New Hampshire today.  At stops over the next three days, Barack will show voters the kind of strong, principled leadership needed to provide change that the American people can believe in.

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: About Governor Mitt Romney At The Orlando, FL GOP Debate - Vol. II

WHAT THEY'RE REALLY SAYING ABOUT GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY AT THE ORLANDO, FL GOP DEBATE – VOL. II

Washington Post's Chris Cillizza: "WINNERS: Mitt Romney: … as the debate wore on, Romney scored points with his passionate defense of his record as governor -- most notably on health care. Romney is most natural when speaking about his record of accomplishments; from Bain Capital to the Olympics to Massachusetts, he has put together an impressive resume of results. Romney spent much of the latter half of the debate reminding viewers of that." (Chris Cillizza, "McCain Shines At Latest GOP Debate," Washington Post's The Fix Blog, www.blog.washingtonpost.com/thefix, Posted 10/22/07)

Frank Luntz:  "Mitt Romney took a sledgehammer to Senator Clinton."  (Fox News' Post-Debate Coverage, 10/21/07)

Politico's Mike Allen:  "Money Moment" When Governor Romney Slams Clinton. "Politico's Jonathan Martin has another money moment: 'When Romney was asked if Clinton was "fit to be commander in chief," the audience preempted the candidate, bellowing a collective "no!" The former governor eventually agreed after spending some time hammering her for her lack of executive experience.'" (Mike Allen, "Cowboy Up!," The Politico, 10/22/07)

The Weekly Standard's Richelieu: "Romney much improved and on a far stronger Mr. Fixit message…" (Richelieu, " Clinton And The Florida Debate," The Weekly Standard, www.weeklystandard.com/weblogs/CampaignStandard/, Posted 10/22/07)

Human Events' Jennifer Rubin:  Governor Romney "made his pitch as a well rounded conservative with strong answers on marriage and the ill fated Clinton peace dividend. More importantly, he seemed eager to reintroduce himself as the successful businessman and rescuer of the Olympics, a resume he has to date not emphasized but which is unique and impressive."  (Jennifer Rubin, "Florida Debate Is Best So Far," Human Events, 10/22/07)

The New York Times' Michael Cooper and Marc Santora: "Mrs. Clinton was the focus of much of the debate, as she has been a focus of Republican talking points for weeks, as Republicans have used her to rally the party faithful. Mr. Romney may have been the toughest on her last night. 'I don't want her as commander in chief,' he said. 'She hasn't run a corner store. She hasn't run a state. She hasn't run a city. She has never run anything.'" (Michael Cooper and Marc Santora, "At Debate, G.O.P. Race Becomes More Personal," The New York Times, 10/22/07)

Palm Beach Post's George Bennett And Dara Kam:  Governor Romney "Blasted Clinton's Lack Of Executive Experience."  "Romney, touting his own experience as a businessman and head of the 2002 Winter Olympics as well as a governor, blasted Clinton's lack of executive experience.  'She hasn't run a corner store. She hasn't run a state. She hasn't run a city. She has never run anything. And the idea that she could learn to be president, you know, as an internship just doesn't make any sense,' Romney said."  (George Bennett And Dara Kam, "GOP Hopefuls Race To Right At Debate," Palm Beach Post, 10/22/07)

Captain's Quarters' Ed Morrissey: "Romney scored points for himself when he noted that Hillary has never run anything in her life, while he has run a state, a successful business, and an Olympics that had almost collapsed from the weight of its own corruption." (Ed Morrissey, "A Good Night For Republicans," Captain's Quarter's Blog, www.captainsquartersblog.com, Posted 10/22/07)

Human Events' Ross Kaminsky:  "The questioning turned to Fox News' most recent poll in which all of the candidates trail Hillary Clinton. Mitt Romney's answer, questioning Senator Clinton's (lack of) experience in the private sector, got one of his best audience responses."  (Ross Kaminsky, "Republican Debate Recap," Human Events, 10/22/07)

Time Magazine's Mark Halperin:  "[Romney] got to talk about his opposition to gay marriage, a subject on which he consistently shows passion."  (Mark Halperin, "The Republican Candidates," Time's "The Page" Blog, 10/22/07)

ABC News' David Chalian: "Romney gave a passionate and strong defense of his plan to require every Massachusetts resident to have health insurance." (David Chalian, et. al., "Heated Republican Debate Focuses On The Battle For The True Conservative," ABC News, http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/, Posted 10/22/07)

Governor Bill Richardson Releases Testimonial Ad From Iraq Hostages

Governor Bill Richardson Releases Testimonial Ad from Iraq Hostages
"Only One" ad highlights Richardson's diplomatic experience

SANTA FE, NM-- The Presidential campaign of New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson today released an ad touting Richardson's one of a kind experience as a diplomatic troubleshooter around the world.

The ad, entitled "Only One," details a hostage situation in Iraq that then-Congressman Richardson was called upon to defuse. In the 60-second spot, Bill Barloon, the late David Daliberti, and his wife Kathy Daliberti praise Richardson for obtaining the release of the two men from Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein in July 1995.

"Governor Richardson is the only candidate with hands-on experience in tense international disputes," campaign manager Dave Contarino said. "This year, Governor Richardson has helped shut down North Korea's largest nuclear reactor and has obtained a temporary cease-fire in Darfur. Bill Richardson's record speaks for itself: even in the most hostile situations, he gets the job done right. The United States no longer can afford on-the-job diplomatic training and needs a President with the kind of international experience that only Bill Richardson has."

The ad is the latest in a series of spots that have spread Governor Richardson's message to voters around the country. Richardson steadily has climbed in the polls in the early caucus state of Iowa and early primary state of New Hampshire. Governor Richardson registers double-digit support in both the recent ARG Iowa and Rasmussen New Hampshire polls.

What They’re Saying … About Mayor Giuliani, Part Two At The Republican Debate

What They’re Saying … About Mayor Giuliani, Part Two

Politico’s Mike Allen: “Baseball addict Rudy Giuliani had a World Series performance.” (Mike Allen, Politico’s “Playbook,” http://dyn.politico.com/playbook/, 10/22/07, Accessed 10/22/07)

CBN’s David Brody: “As for Rudy Giuliani, it was another strong debate performance.” (David Brody, “Brody File Reaction To GOP Debate,” CBN.com’s “The Brody File” Blog, http://www.cbn.com/CBNnews/254065.aspx, 10/21/07)

Brody: Giuliani “just doesn't come across as your typical politician. He's breezy, funny, serious and intellectually engaging all at the same time. A rare combination.” (David Brody, “Brody File Reaction To GOP Debate,” CBN.com’s “The Brody File” Blog, http://www.cbn.com/CBNnews/254065.aspx, 10/21/07)

Brody: “It was vintage Giuliani. In your face. The Straight shooter.” (David Brody, “Brody File Reaction To GOP Debate,” CBN.com’s “The Brody File” Blog, http://www.cbn.com/CBNnews/254065.aspx, 10/21/07)

Power Line Blog’s Paul Mirengoff: “Giuliani had another good night.” (Paul Mirengoff, “A sleeping giant wakes up,” Power Line Blog, http://www.powerlineblog.com/archives2/2007/10/018822.php, 10/21/07, Accessed 10/21/07)

Pollster Frank Luntz: Giuliani was “Almost off the charts.” (Fox News, “Hannity & Colmes,” 10/21/07)

Luntz: “And in fact it was Rudy Giuliani who these voters thought would be the best candidate to defeat Hillary Clinton.” (Fox News, “Hannity & Colmes,” 10/21/07)

Luntz: “Rudy Giuliani had a priceless sound bite.” (Fox News, “Hannity & Colmes,” 10/21/07)

EyeOn08.com: Giuliani “looks like he could be President.” (“McCain Wins The Debate,” Eyeon08.com, http://www.eyeon08.com/2007/10/21/mccain-wins-the-debate/, 10/21/07)

The National Review’s Jim Geraghty: “The first time I thought Rudy Giuliani could be president was at his 2004 convention speech … Similar performance tonight – maybe heavy on laughs – but it worked.” (Jim Geraghty, “Everybody Was Good; Fred, Rudy, And Huck Were Best,” The National Review’s “The Corner” Blog, http://campaignspot.nationalreview.com/post/?q=NjkyZTFmNmJjNTQ4NzJjYTU5MGExMDk4MWUzZWY4NzQ=, 10/21/07, Accessed 10/21/07)

Geraghty said Giuliani was “engaging,” a “quick thinker on his feet,” and “pugnacious.” (Jim Geraghty, “Everybody Was Good; Fred, Rudy, And Huck Were Best,” The National Review’s “The Corner” Blog, http://campaignspot.nationalreview.com/post/?q=NjkyZTFmNmJjNTQ4NzJjYTU5MGExMDk4MWUzZWY4NzQ=, 10/21/07, Accessed 10/21/07)

Geraghty said Giuliani is “hitting all cylinders at just the right time.” (Jim Geraghty, “Everybody Was Good; Fred, Rudy, And Huck Were Best,” The National Review’s “The Corner” Blog, http://campaignspot.nationalreview.com/post/?q=NjkyZTFmNmJjNTQ4NzJjYTU5MGExMDk4MWUzZWY4NzQ=, 10/21/07, Accessed 10/21/07)

NBC’s Chuck Todd: “Giuliani is proving to be one of the better pure debaters on stage …” (Chuck Todd, “Quick Post-Debate Thoughts,” NBC’s “First Read” Blog, http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/10/21/423073.aspx, 10/21/07, Accessed 10/21/07)

The Orlando Sentinel’s Scott Maxwell: “And everyone seemed to think that Rudy did what he needed to do -- both tonight and this weekend.” (Scott Maxwell, “Post Spin Room,” Orlando Sentinel’s “Taking Names” Blog, http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/news_local_namesblog/2007/10/post-spin-room.html, 10/21/07, Accessed 10/21/07)

The Des Moines Register’s David Yepsen said Mayor Giuliani “turned in a good performance.” (David Yepsen, “McCain Shines, But Little Is New In GOP Debate,” The Des Moines Register, 10/22/07)

Time Magazine’s Mark Halperin: “Giuliani: A-” (Mark Halperin, Time Magazine’s The Page Blog, “Game Over Republican Presidential Candidates Fight To A Draw,” http://thepage.time.com, 10/21/07)

Halperin: Giuliani “Stood up to onslaught from Thompson on his immigration position, and uncharacteristically chose to fight back rather than dodge.” (Mark Halperin, “The Republican Candidates,” Time’s “The Page” Blog, http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/article/0,28804,1674201_1674200_1674193,00.html, 10/22/07, Accessed 10/22/07)

Time Magazine’s Ana Marie Cox: “Snap judgment … Rudy had the most good [lines] …” (Ana Marie Cox Time Magazine’s Swampland Blog, “Liveblogging: The Orlando Oral Exam,” http://time-blog.com/swampland, 10/21/07)

Pajama Media’s Stephen Green: “[R]udy had the best instincts…” (Stephen Green, “Liveblogging The Florida GOP Debate,” Pajamas Media Blog, http://www.pajamasmedia.com/2007/10/_liveblogging_the_republican_d.php, 10/21/07)

Ankle Biting Pundit: Giuliani “hit it out of the park when questioned about teachers hating him - he said he cared about the kids more, and gave one of the best defenses of school choice I’ve heard.” (“The GOP Debate – The Best So Far,” Ankle Biting Pundit’s Blog, http://www.anklebitingpundits.com/content/index.php?p=2683, 10/21/07, Accessed 10/21/07)

Ankle Biting Pundit: “All in all though a good solid night for Rudy…” (“The GOP Debate – The Best So Far,” Ankle Biting Pundit’s Blog, http://www.anklebitingpundits.com/content/index.php?p=2683, 10/21/07, Accessed 10/21/07)

The Associated Press’ Libby Quaid: “Relaxed, smiling and conversational, Giuliani reinforced his image as a front-runner much as he does on the campaign trail ...” (Libby Quaid, “With Humor And Warnings, GOP Candidates Denounce Clinton,” The Associated Press, 10/22/07)

Fox News’ Molly Line: “As for a crowd favorite … it seemed at least upon entering the room that Rudy Giuliani got the most applause.” (Fox News’ “Fox And Friends,” 10/22/07)

Mike Huckabee At The Florida Republican Debate

Mike Huckabee is 'Clear Winner' of Florida Republican Debate

Orlando, FL – Former Arkansas Governor and Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee scored big points tonight during the first-in-Florida Republican Presidential debate in Orlando – proving that he is the "Ronald Reagan conservative" the party is looking for.

Invoking the spirit of Ronald Reagan's 11th commandment, Huckabee rejected the idea of attacking his fellow Republicans in the debate.  "I'm not interested in fighting these guys – I want to fight for the American people," Huckabee said.

"For the first time in nine debates, I'll be more than happy to sit back and let them fight and shed each other's blood, while I run for president," he said.

"There are some real issues out there we need to be fighting for.  One of them is the sanctity of human life – it's one of the core issues of our humanity and our civilization.  When our founding fathers put their signatures on the Declaration of Independence, they said we have certain inalienable rights given us by our creator – and among these, life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness – one of them being life – and I still believe that."

When asked about health care, Huckabee's signature issue – he said he would allow individuals to control their health care and the focus would be on prevention. "We don't have a health care system in this country, we have health care maze," Huckabee said.  "We don't have a health care crisis – we have a health crisis."

"When 80 percent of the two trillion dollars we spend on health care goes to chronic diseases, if we don't focus on prevention, we'll never catch up." Huckabee said.

"The best way to deal with health care is not to turn it over to the government or entirely to the private sector, but to turn it over to the individual. I trust me more than I trust health care companies or the government," Huckabee said.

"I just want to remind you of something, when all the old hippies find out they get free drugs, wait to see what that costs us," Huckabee joked.

Huckabee also asserted that the G.O.P. needs to do a better job of reaching out to minorities. "We need to make sure that the G.O.P. is the most inclusive party because our message touches more people and helps more people climb up the next rung."

Huckabee said one subject that is "not funny" is the prospect of Hillary Clinton becoming President of the United States .  Under that scenario, he said, "Taxes go up, health care becomes the domain of the government, spending goes up, and our military loses its morale.  I'm not sure we will have the courage and the will and the resolve to fight the greatest threat this country has faced: Islamo-facism. We've got an enemy that wants to kill every last one of us. We cannot be soft, we must be strong."

"We also must also stop the Law of the Sea Treaty because it gives away our sovereignty," he said.

Huckabee also addressed the issue of the violence on the Turkish border.  "As President, I would do two things: First, I would dispatch the Secretary of State to the area to convince Turkey not to go into Iraq, and second, I would have our military train and equip the Kurds to fight the PKK," he said. 

"We don't have to put our military in harm's way but we also need Turkey to realize that there is nothing to be gained by crossing that border and creating another hostile situation," he said.

What They're Saying About John McCain At The Florida GOP Debate

What They're Saying About John McCain At The Florida GOP Debate

"John McCain is showing the feisty, maverick spirit he has always been known for. It was on clear display tonight. What a night!" -- CBN's David Brody

McCain Earns "Standing Ovation," With "The Best Line Of The Campaign So Far" -- "Thank God John McCain Is In This Race"

Watch John McCain's Line On Hillary Clinton's Woodstock Museum: "I Was Tied Up At The Time"

National Review's Kathryn Jean Lopez: "A Standing Ovation. McCain Is On. McCain Could Be The Comeback Man Yet." (Kathryn Jean Lopez, "McCain's Maturity," National Review's "The Corner" Blog, 10/21/07)

<!--[if !supportLists]-->· Lopez: "Wow! ... John McCain Is Mixing It Up Man. No Holds Barred. He Went To Orlando Tonight To FIGHT." (Kathryn Jean Lopez, "Wow!" National Review's "The Corner" Blog, 10/21/07)<!--[endif]-->

The American Spectator's Philip Klein: "McCain Brought Down The House By Referencing Hillary Wanting To Give Money For A Woodstock Museum -- 'I Was Tied Up At The Time.' Even His Opponents Applauded." "But McCain brought down the house by referencing Hillary wanting to give money for a Woodstock museum -- 'I was tied up at the time.' Even his opponents applauded." (Philip Klein, "Hitting Hillary," American Spectator Blog, 10/21/07)

<!--[if !supportLists]-->· Klein: "McCain Showed A Mixture Of Maturity, Experience And Good Humor ..." (Philip Klein, "Debate Wrap," American Spectator Blog, 10/21/07)<!--[endif]-->

National Review's Jim Geraghty: "Thank God John McCain Is In This Race." (Jim Geraghty, "Thank God John McCain Is In This Race," National Review's "Campaign Spot" Blog, 10/21/07)

Geraghty: McCain "Gets A Standing Ovation. Best Line Of The Campaign So Far." "'Hillary tried to get a million dollars for the Woodstock museum. I understand it was a major cultural and pharmaceutical event. I couldn't attend. I was tied up at the time.' It gets a standing ovation. Best line of the campaign so far." (Jim Geraghty, "Thank God John McCain Is In This Race," National Review's "Campaign Spot" Blog, 10/21/07)

ABC News' Bret Hovell: "The Republicans Have Been United About Hillary, But They Were Just United About McCain Too." "ABC's Bret Hovell picks up on the standing ovation McCain got for the 'tied up' line. It also earned him applause from his colleagues on the stage. Hovell: 'The Republicans have been united about Hillary, but they were just united about McCain too.'" (Rick Klein, "Live-Blogging During Tonight's GOP Debate," ABC News' "Political Radar" Blog, 10/21/07)

Time's Ana Marie Cox: "McCain Isn't Bringing It On, It Has Already Been Broughten." (Ana Marie Cox, "Liveblogging: The Orlando Oral Exam," Time's "Swampland" Blog, 10/21/07)

Cox: "McCain Had The Best Line ..." (Ana Marie Cox, "Liveblogging: The Orlando Oral Exam," Time's "Swampland" Blog, 10/21/07)

Politico's Jonathan Martin: "A Great Moment For McCain ... It May Be The Line Of The Night." "A Great Moment For McCain ... It may be the line of the night. McCain, on why he didn't attend Woodstock: 'I was tied up at the time.' Loud applause soon followed, McCain couldn't resist a smile, knowing he got off a gem, and the entire audience soon stood up to show their appreciation for the former POW." (Jonathan Martin, "A Great Moment For McCain," Politico, 10/21/07)

The Atlantic's Marc Ambinder: "John McCain -- The Only Standing Ovation Belonged To Him For His Classic Line About Hillary Clinton's Woodstock Museum Earmark ... Substantively, He Was Crisp And Detailed." "John McCain -- the only standing ovation belonged to him for his classic line about Hillary Clinton's Woodstock museum earmark: 'I'm sure it was an historical and pharmaceutical event... I was tied up at the time.' He tried hard -- at times too hard -- to rise above his opponents, talking just a little too slowly and softly at times. Substantively, he was crisp and detailed." (Marc Ambinder, "The Republican Debate: First Take," The Atlantic Blog, 10/21/07)

The Wall Street Journal's Susan Davis: It Was "McCain's Moment" At Tonight's Debate, "Earning ... The Longest Sustained Applause So Far And A Standing Ovation." "Sen. John McCain (R., Ariz.) had a hit at tonight's debate in Florida, earning him the longest sustained applause so far and a standing ovation. Casting himself against Democratic frontrunner Sen. Hillary Clinton, McCain noted Clinton's support of a $1 million earmark for a museum celebrating 1960's music festival Woodstock -- which the Senate stripped out of a spending bill last week. A long-time opponent of earmarks, McCain deftly used the earmark to contrast himself against Clinton. 'Now my friends, I wasn't there. I'm sure it was a cultural and pharmaceutical event. I was tied up at the time,' he said to raucous applause. At the time of the famous 1969 music festival, McCain was a prisoner of war in Vietnam, from 1967-1973. 'But my friends, no one can be president of the United States that can support projects like these.'" (Susan Davis, "McCain's Moment," The Wall Street Journal Online, 10/21/07)

Power Line Blog's Scott Johnson: McCain Had "The Best Line Of The Campaign So Far." "McCain seemed to me to get in the best line of the campaign so far: 'In case you missed it, a few days ago Senator Clinton tried to spend one million dollars on the Woodstock concert museum. Now, my friends, I wasn't there. I'm sure it was a major cultural and pharmaceutical event. I was tied up at the time.' That line deserves an entry in Bartlett's." (Scott Johnson, "Best Line Of The Campaign So Far," Power Line Blog, 10/21/07)

National Review: "GREAT Line By McCain. Also, Showing Some Gravitas Relative To Most Everybody Else On The Stage." "'I would much rather lose a campaign than lose a war.' GREAT line by McCain. Also, showing some gravitas relative to most everybody else on the stage." ("McCain Showing More Signs Of Life," National Review's "The Corner" Blog, 10/21/07)

New Hampshire Green Mountain Politics Blog: McCain's Line Was The "The Moment Of The Night. John McCain Is An American Hero And The Candidate Most Qualified To Be President In 2008. Period. End Of Story." (Clacker, "I Was Tied Up At The Time," Green Mountain Politics Blog, 10/21/07)

Townhall's Matt Lewis: "Tonight, John McCain 'The Statesman' Showed Up." "Tonight, John McCain 'the Statesman' showed up. He was energetic enough to show his virility, yet calm enough to demonstrate gravitas. He did a terrific job of balancing humor with seriousness, and his classy brand of humor served to underscore his serious points." (Matt Lewis, "GOP Candidates Mix-It-Up," Townhall, 10/21/07)

Lewis: "It Feels Like John McCain Is 'On' Tonight." (Matt Lewis, "GOP Candidates Mix-It-Up," Townhall, 10/21/07)

Lewis: "John McCain Is Coming On Strong Tonight ..." "John McCain is coming on strong tonight, too. He seems to be finally making the case in a very eloquent way that his background qualifies him to be president." (Matt Lewis, "GOP Candidates Mix-It-Up," Townhall, 10/21/07)

NBC's Domenico Montanaro: "McCain Throwing It Out There ... Very Aggressive For Sure." (Domenico Montanaro, "McCain Throwing It Out There," NBC's First Read Blog, 10/21/07)

The American Spectator's Jennifer Rubin: "McCain Is On His Game." (Jennifer Rubin, "Debate 3," American Spectator Blog, 10/21/07)

Rubin: "McCain Is Just A Delight -- Funny (OK Hysterical) And A Real Grown Up." (Jennifer Rubin, "Another Break," American Spectator Blog, 10/21/07)

"Plain And Simple, McCain Won" Tonight's Debate, Showing "Feisty, Maverick Spirit He Has Always Been Known For ... What A Night!"

Ankle Biting Pundits' Bull Dog Pundit: "Plain And Simple, McCain Won. ... One Word Sums Up His Performance -- 'Presidential.'" "Plain and simple, McCain won. ... One word sums up his performance -- 'Presidential.' That doesn't mean I agree with him on everything, but the man seems to be ready for the job and understands its enormity. He was especially strong discussing the real problems of the health care system, and what would happen if the Democrats take it over. I especially liked how he diffused the issue of his problems with Jerry Falwell. And let's be honest -- if there's a foreign policy crisis - who else would you want in office?" (Bull Dog Pundit, "The GOP Debate -- The Best So Far," Ankle Biting Pundits Blog, 10/21/07)

National Review's Kathryn Jean Lopez: "Who Won? ... John McCain." (Kathryn Jean Lopez, "Who Won?" National Review's "The Corner" Blog, 10/21/07)

Lopez: "McCain Had A Great Night." (Kathryn Jean Lopez, "The Winner, Full Answer," National Review's "The Corner" Blog, 10/21/07)

CBN's David Brody: "John McCain Is Showing The Feisty, Maverick Spirit He Has Always Been Known For. It Was On Clear Display Tonight. What A Night!" "Then McCain got a rare standing ovation at the debate with this funny line that wrapped Hillary Clinton, wasteful spending and his time as a POW all in one. ... It was a masterful line. John McCain is showing the feisty, maverick spirit he has always been known for. It was on clear display tonight. What a night!" (David Brody, "Brody File Reaction To GOP Debate," CBN's Brody File Blog, 10/21/07)

Eye On '08's Soren Dayton: "McCain Wins The Debate ... Clearly Moved The Ball." "McCain Wins The Debate ... Well, McCain's lines dominated the narrative ... My hunch is that McCain wins. ... On a deeper level, McCain clearly moved the ball." (Soren Dayton, "McCain Wins The Debate," Eye On '08 Blog, 10/21/07)

Power Line Blog's Paul Mirengoff: "The Other Major Winner Was John McCain. McCain Brought The House Down When He Criticized Hillary Clinton For Supporting The Woodstock Memorial Museum." "The other major winner was John McCain. McCain brought the house down when he criticized Hillary Clinton for supporting the Woodstock memorial museum. McCain acknowledged that Woodstock must have been 'a cultural and pharmaceutical event,' but noted that he couldn't make it because he 'was tied up at the time.' McCain got off another great line when asked if President Bush had been naive when it came to Vladimir Putin. McCain said he didn't know about that, but when he (McCain) looked into Putin's eyes (he probably meant to say soul) he saw three letters, K-G-B. In addition to the one-liners, McCain gave sensible and concise answers on a range of issues." (Paul Mirengoff, "A Sleeping Giant Wakes Up," Power Line Blog, 10/21/07)

National Review's Kate O'Beirne: "Experience In Foreign Affairs Shows And McCain Just Showed It." (Kate O'Beirne, "Sober And Fluid," National Review's "The Corner" Blog, 10/21/07)

Orlando Sentinel's Scott Maxwell: "McCain Had A Good Night. He Sounded Confident And Classy ..." "McCain had a good night. He sounded confident and classy -- and like he knew what he was talking about on most every issue ... which is something that can't be said for everyone." (Scott Maxwell, "Winners And Losers," Orlando Sentinel Blog, 10/21/07)