2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

CNN To Make Presidential Debate Footage Available Without Restrictions

CNN to Make Presidential Debate Footage Available without Restrictions

As previously announced, CNN will team up with Hearst-Argyle's WMUR-TV and the New Hampshire Union Leader to host two presidential debates to be held in America's first primary state. The debate featuring Democratic candidates will be held on Sunday, June 3, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and the Republican debate will be held on Tuesday, June 5, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Due to the historical nature of presidential debates and the significance of these forums to the American public, CNN believes strongly that the debates should be accessible to the public. The candidates need to be held accountable for what they say throughout the election process.

The presidential debates are an integral part of our system of government, in which the American people have the opportunity to make informed choices about who will serve them. Therefore, CNN debate coverage will be made available without restrictions at the conclusion of each live debate.

We believe this is good for the country and good for the electoral process. This decision will apply to all of CNN's presidential debates, beginning with the upcoming New Hampshire debates in June.

CNN Political Ticker

Dodd Calls On DNC To Allow Video Recordings Of Debates To Be Free And Open To The Public

DODD CALLS ON DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE TO ALLOW VIDEO RECORDINGS OF DEBATES TO BE FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Senator and Presidential candidate Chris Dodd today called on the Democratic National Committee and every media outlet that hosts a debate during the primaries to make video recordings of those debates free and open to the public.

"A presidential campaign is not about the candidates who run. A presidential campaign is about the issues they present, and the constituents they hope to serve," Dodd wrote in a letter to DNC chairman Howard Dean. "Because the campaign will continue until our convention next summer in Denver, we will have many chances to gather and discuss the issues, and making the product of those discussions free and open to the public simply makes sense."

"I urge you to join those calling for the unrestricted release of debate video, and I hope you agree that by doing so, the Democratic Party will continue to spread our message and inform millions of Americans of where we stand," Dodd wrote.

What They're Saying: About Governor Mitt Romney At The First GOP Debate Volume 2

WHAT THEY'RE REALLY SAYING ABOUT GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY AT THE FIRST GOP DEBATE – VOLUME 2

The Politico Editor-In-Chief John Harris: CNN'S JOHN ROBERTS: "Hey, who do you think did the best job of selling themselves last night?" JOHN HARRIS, EDITOR IN CHIEF, POLITICO.COM: "Well, I thought Mitt Romney, who's introducing himself to most Americans who are not familiar with him. … I thought he gave a very polished, forceful performance that clearly is going to attract a lot of second notices." (CNN's "American Morning," 5/4/07)

National Review's T.J. Walker: "Mitt Romney won Thursday night's debate by every objective standard of style and substance." (T.J. Walker, "Who Won The First Presidential Debate?" National Review, 5/4/07)

Walker: "Whether it was Romney's genial laugh, his upbeat persona, his non-arrogant confidence, or his complete mastery of head, body, and hand motion, he couldn't have been more at ease if he were attending a backyard family barbecue. Regarding substance, Romney appeared to be the smartest kid in the class without sounding cocky." (T.J. Walker, "Who Won The First Presidential Debate?" National Review, 5/4/07)

Time Magazine's Mark Halperin: "Mitt Romney, Grade: A-, Passed his first high-profile test with aplomb. Showed the sunny-side-up optimism, smoothly relaxed demeanor and mechanically thorough preparation that have won over donors and talk show hosts alike. Never rushed his answers or got flustered. Deftly told a Ted Kennedy joke and closed with a stone cold hit on Hillary Clinton/Harry Reid/Nancy Pelosi. Voters getting their first real look at Romney probably liked what they saw." (Time Magazine Website, www.time.com/time/specials/2007/republican_debate/, Accessed 5/4/07)

The Wall Street Journal's John Fund: "How did the candidates fare? Mitt Romney made a positive impression on many viewers." (John Fund, Opinion Journal's Political Diary, 5/4/07)

Fund: "But I'd have to say it was Mitt Romney who came out with the most momentum from the debate. He certainly looked and sounded presidential." (John Fund, Opinion Journal's Political Diary, 5/4/07)

U.S. News & World Report's Michael Barone: "I think that the candidate who probably advanced his cause most was probably Mitt Romney. He came into the debate not nearly as well known… He managed to show a sense of command and got into some specifics on major issues like health care." (Fox News' " Fox News Live," 5/4/07)

NBC's Meredith Vieira: "A lot of people felt last night he looked and sounded the most presidential of the group." (NBC's "Today Show," 5/4/07)

CNN's Jackie Schechner: "A Good portion of conservatives online felt that Romney had an excellent night. They said he was relaxed, he showed warmth he answered the questions well." (CNN's "American Morning," 5/4/07)

The Politico's Mike Allen: "From the Spin Room to the Carl's Jr. near the headquarters hotel, The Politico's informal read of the consensus order of finish for last night's GOP Presidential Candidates Debate in the Air Force One Pavilion of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library: 1) Mitt Romney." (Mike Allen, "Politico Playbook: Mitt's Moment," The Politico, 5/4/07)

National Journal's Marc Ambinder: "He won new fans with his performance tonight." (Marc Ambinder, "The Debate: Post-Spin Analysis," National Journal's On Call, 5/4/07)

Fox News's Gretchen Carlson: "A lot of the bloggers this morning saying that they thought Mitt Romney won this debate." (Fox News's "Fox & Friends," 5/4/07)

Slate's John Dickerson: "For a candidate that is still introducing himself to voters, Romney hit that mark as well as a candidate can." (John Dickerson, "The Gipper Debate," Slate, 5/4/07)

MSNBC's Dan Gilgoff: "I think to the extent that there was a winner in last night's debate, it actually might have been Governor Romney." (MSNBC's "Live," 5/4/07)

The Washington Post's Chris Cillizza: "WINNERS: Mitt Romney: Many viewers were likely getting their first look at the former Massachusetts Governor and he clearly looked up to the job. Romney was engaging, optimistic and telegenic. He generally gave answers that reflected a familiarity with the big issues and used humor effectively…" (Chris Cillizza, " GOP Debate: Winners And Losers," The Washington Post's The Fix, http://blog.washingtonpost.com/thefix/, Posted 5/4/07)

Nashua Telegraph Columnist Jennifer Horn: "Without doubt former MA Gov Mitt Romney was the winner by every scale.  He was the most presidential of all, and not just in the way he combed his hair.  He was clear, decisive, firm and unwavering.  He was strong on defense, abortion, immigration, healthcare and the economy.  He was likeable, respectful of the other candidates and set the tone for the entire debate." (Jennifer Horn, "First GOP Debate," Jennifer Horn Online, 5/4/07)

Horn: "He was, in fact, one of only two or three on the stage who left you with the impression that he could actually be president of the most powerful nation on earth.  There is no question that Gov. Romney has risen to the top of the pack after last night's debate." (Jennifer Horn, "First GOP Debate," Jennifer Horn Online, 5/4/07)

CNN's Candy Crowley: "Mitt Romney, who has been trying to get his name out there, certainly showed he could go toe to toe with some of the better-known names, so he may have done himself some good there in his continuing effort to get his name out there…" (CNN's "Live," 5/4/07)

National Review's Mark Levin: "Mitt Romney looked the most presidential. He seemed very comfortable responding to questions, including the nutty ones, and came across as a principled conservative." (Mark Levin, "Last Night's Republican Debate," And Another Thing… Blog, http://levin.nationalreview.com/, Posted 5/4/07)

Annenberg School Director Of Debate Gordon Stables: "Governor Romney had the best night in terms of introducing himself to a national audience and doing so in a way that was personable but still confident on the issues." (MSNBC's "Live," 5/4/07)

The Boston Globe's Scott Helman: "…Mitt Romney, in his national coming-out party of sorts, delivered a largely comfortable, confident performance that left his advisers beaming." (Scott Helman, "Republican Candidates Show Their Differences," The Boston Globe, 5/4/07)

What They're Saying, Part III: John McCain At Reagan Library Debate

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING, PART III:
JOHN MCCAIN AT REAGAN LIBRARY DEBATE

John McCain "Came Out Firing Last Night" With "Great Energy" And "Passion"

Fox News' Gretchen Carlson: "[A] lot of the reviews this morning are saying, hey, McCain came out firing last night. A lot of people saying he had so much energy ..." (Fox News' "Fox And Friends," 5/4/07)

Republican Strategist Joe Watkins: "McCain had great energy last night. If you were a McCain supporter and you had dropped off, well, you would be back after seeing his performance last night, because he was right on point with a whole lot of things. He showed his character and the fact that he is not willing to waver when it comes to his stance with regard to Iraq. And he talked about a whole host of other issues as well. I think he was very, very good last night." (MSNBC's "News Live," 5/4/07)

Fox News' Carl Cameron: "John McCain came out swinging. ...Last night on Iraq specifically, and the War on Terror, he made it a point to be, undeniably, to be the most aggressive, forceful, sort of committed defender of U.S. and national security, and at one point he went so far as to say he would follow Osama bin Laden to the gates of hell." (Fox News' "America's Newsroom," 5/4/07)

The Arizona Republic's Dan Nowicki: "McCain's line about chasing terrorist mastermind Osama bin Laden to the gates of hell' was probably the most-quoted of the evening." (Dan Nowicki, "McCain Central" Blog, www.azcentral.com, Accessed 5/4/07)

NBC 7News Boston's Andy Hiller: "McCain proved he still has passion ..." (Andy Hiller, "Hiller Instinct: Republicans Rumble," WHDH-TV Website, www1.whdh.com, 5/3/07)

New York Daily News' Michael Goodwin: "John McCain was passionate and vigorous ..." (Michael Goodwin, "Giuliani Is Not-So-Artful Dodger," [New York] Daily News, 5/4/07)

The American Spectator's Philip Klein: "McCain came across as experienced and energetic ..." (American Spectator Blog, www.spectator.org, 5/4/07)

John McCain "Able To Exhibit His Leadership" With "Honest, Direct, Commanding And Forceful" Performance

Sen. Jon Kyl (R-AZ): "[H]e obviously was able to exhibit his leadership, addressing the two key issues of our time: the wasteful Washington spending as well as the necessity of leading in the world on national security matters. In both cases obviously he has the experience and has taken the leadership on those matters, so I thought it was a good way for him to demonstrate to the American people ... exactly why he ought to be elected president." (Fox News' "Fox And Friends," 5/4/07)

Human Events' David Ferguson: "Honest, direct, commanding and forceful. I could tell John McCain was in the race to win." (David Ferguson, "And The Winner Is" Human Events' Right Angle Blog, 5/4/07)

Gordon Stables, Director Of Debates, USC Debate Squad: "Senator McCain was strong both not only in restoring a fiscal credibility theme to the debate but also on security matters." (MSNBC's' "News Live," 5/4/07)

Fox News' Michael Barone: "I think there are several memorable moments. You had John McCain saying he would go to the gates of hell to find our enemies." (Fox News,' "Fox News Live," 5/4/07)

San Francisco Chronicle's Carla Mariucci: "McCain, as he has in countless town hall meetings in Iowa and New Hampshire, positioned himself as a seasoned statesman and strove to deliver some straight talk' to voters about the war in Iraq, energy independence and the need to guard against Islamic extremism while stressing his own political credentials. I may not be the youngest candidate in this race, but I am the most prepared' to assume the White House, he said." (Carla Mariucci, "GOP Hopefuls Gather Under Reagan Mantle," San Francisco Chronicle, 5/4/07)

The American Spectator's Quin Hillyer: "John McCain did a good job when asked about which Democrat other than Lieberman he would invite into his Cabinet. Rather than go with a politician, McCain talked about going to innovators and business leaders such as ones in Silicon Valley and saying, Now, come serve your country.' He effectively took a political question and raised it above politics, into the realm of patriotism. He has a unique ability to pull that off because it really is genuine from him, straight from his heart." (American Spectator Blog, www.spectator.org, 5/4/07)

Actor Danny Glover And Prominent Civil Rights Activists Endorse John Edwards

PROMINENT CIVIL RIGHTS ACTIVISTS ENDORSE EDWARDS FOR PRESIDENT

New Orleans, Louisiana - During his visit to New Orleans and Baton Rouge today, Senator John Edwards received the support of three prominent civil rights activists. Actor Danny Glover, Louisiana civil rights activist Kwame Asante and Mississippi civil rights activist Derrick Johnson all endorsed Edwards for president. 

Glover and Asante joined Edwards today in New Orleans, where they worked on a damaged house in the 9th Ward and then visited Orelia Tyler, whose home Edwards worked on during his presidential announcement.  Today, Edwards is also speaking at the National Conference of Black Mayor' 33rd Annual Convention in Baton Rouge, where he will discuss how we can help New Orleans recover and how we can work to end inequality in our country. 

Glover endorsed Edwards saying, "John Edwards brings everyone to the table. His words, actions, and policies speak to all of us. He brings integrity, honesty, and a spirit of activism that challenges each of us to do more to make this a better nation and a better world. I know him, I trust him, and I know he will be a great president."

Asante said, "There is no greater a need or more important a time for our country to have a president that responds to the call of the people. Senator John Edwards' attendance at the National Conference of Black Mayors Convention in Louisiana is an example of his desire to answer that call. I support John Edwards by joining him on Friday in the 9th Ward of New Orleans to continue the work of rebuilding homes in New Orleans." 

Johnson said, "John Edwards brings a level of integrity that this country needs and deserves."

Mike Huckabee Reagan Library Debate Highlights

Huckabee Debate Highlights 

"I have an optimistic vision for what America can become with the right leadership, a clear direction, and people who are willing to believe that the World War II generation doesn't have to be the last 'greatest generation.' I believe in the unlimited potential of the human spirit, a strong national defense, flatter and fairer taxes, and a government that allows the marketplace to regulate itself as much as possible to encourage and enhance free enterprise.

"I'm concerned that our national focus has been more on what divides us, rather than on what unites us. Too often, our government is polarized and paralyzed, focused on the politics of destruction, instead of what we can achieve when we come together with a common purpose.

"My strong personal values have always been at the heart of my public policies. I believe we can unite in spirit to take our country back to provide hope and opportunity for all Americans. As governor, I guided Arkansas through a period of remarkable change and progress. As President, I will lead the American people toward a time when we can successfully meet our goals, overcome difficult challenges, and rekindle our dreams to realize the impossible, in our great nation, the United States of America."

Iowans Join Edwards In Groundbreaking Ad

Iowans Join Edwards in Innovative Call for Congressional Courage on Iraq
Groundbreaking Ad Uses YouTube Technology to Send Message from “We the People”

Des Moines, Iowa – Iowans are among the first to join with Senator John Edwards in recording their own message to Congress urging them to stand up to President Bush and end the war in Iraq. Using YouTube technology, Edwards has invited Iowans and people from across the country to add their voices to an innovative TV and online advertising campaign that tells Congress to stand firm against President Bush and send him the same Iraq funding bill again and again until he signs it and brings the war to an end.

A new version of the ad featuring the Iowans is available on http://www.johnedwards.com/wethepeople. As more and more people send in video clips, they will be added and the new ad will be posted on YouTube and JohnEdwards.com.

“Iowans have joined this important call to bring our troops home and standing up to the President, and their message must be heard,” said Edwards. “Congress should answer the president's veto by sending him another bill with a timetable for withdrawal. And if he vetoes that one, they should send him another and another until we end this war and bring our troops home.  It’s time for Congress and the President to listen to the voices of the American people."

“People sent a clear message in the last election that it’s time to end this war,” said Mary Clark of Carlisle, one of the Iowans featured in ad.  “I hope that Democrats and Republicans in Congress take our message seriously, and do whatever it takes to get our troops home.  Our troops have shown enormous courage, but now we need our Congress to do the same.”

Edwards said that the messages from regular Iowans are particularly important now that President Bush has vetoed legislation to bring our troops home.  He has expressed great concern at reports that Congressional negotiators have taken a timetable for withdrawal off the table in talks with the White House.

A 30 second version of the ad is running in the Washington, D.C. media market - so that Congress will hear the message – while the longer version, including a growing number of people who have submitted their own video, will continue to run on the John Edwards website and YouTube.

Iowans who have added their voices to the ad include Mary Clark of Carlisle, Jackie Rote of Ankeny, Erika Horstmann of West Des Moines, Karen Miller of West Des Moines, and Dan Kelley of Newton.

What They're Saying, Part II: John McCain At Reagan Library Debate

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING, PART II:
JOHN MCCAIN AT REAGAN LIBRARY DEBATE

John McCain Was "Big Winner" Of Debate, Straight Talk Express "Has Fresh Plugs And New Tires And Looks To Be Running On Premium Ethanol"

Des Moines Register's David Yepsen: "John McCain was his old self in Thursday night's Republican presidential debate: Feisty, pointed and a straight-talker who wasn't afraid to tell Republican activists things they didn't want to hear. It made him the big winner of the night." (David Yepsen, Op-Ed, "Forceful McCain Talks His Way Straight To Top Of Field," Des Moines Register, 5/4/07

Yepsen: "Thursday night's debate indicated McCain's Straight Talk Express' has fresh plugs and new tires and looks to be running on premium ethanol." (David Yepsen, Op-Ed, "Forceful McCain Talks His Way Straight To Top Of Field," Des Moines Register, 5/4/07)

Yepsen: "McCain seemed to understand the limitations of the format and took advantage of it. His voice was forceful and his mannerisms aggressive. While Romney looked like the executive, McCain acted the part." (David Yepsen, Op-Ed, "Forceful McCain Talks His Way Straight To Top Of Field," Des Moines Register, 5/4/07)

The Washington Post's Howard Kurtz: "John McCain must have had an extra bowl of Wheaties. I've watched him in dozens of situations he's usually discursive and conversational and his delivery has never been punchier. He was tough on Iraq, on Iran, said he would follow Osama bin Laden to the gates of hell, and kept vowing to veto pork." (Howard Kurtz, "Showtime In Simi Valley," The Washington Post, 5/4/07)

London Times' Tim Reid: "John McCain last night capped a resurgent week for his presidential campaign with a forceful and combative performance in the first televised debate among the 10 Republican contenders. Mr McCain, who according to new polls has bounced back from a lackluster start and now leads his major rivals in the key early primary states of Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina, appeared more sure footed than the current frontrunner, Rudy Giuliani. But Mr McCain is clearly gaining traction and has recaptured much of the straight talk' persona that marked his 2000 primary battle against Mr Bush." (Tim Reid, "McCain Makes Ground In Republican Face-Off," The [London] Times, 5/4/07)

National Journal's Marc Ambinder: "Several conservative bloggers gave McCain the victory. He was, in their eyes, the most credible candidate telling them what they wanted to hear (and even a little of what they didn't)." (National Journal's "On Call" Blog, nationaljournal.com, 5/4/07)

Eye On 08 Blog: "McCain won today. Of the big three, he moved forward." (Eye On 08 Blog, "Final Thoughts," www.eyeon08.com, 5/3/07)

The Weekly Standard's Fred Barnes: "McCain was forceful on the imperative of winning in Iraq with a new strategy now in place." (Fred Barnes, "The Big Ten," The Weekly Standard, 5/4/07)

John McCain's Performance Was "Impressive And Strong"

Former Governor Tom Ridge (R-PA): "I certainly think [McCain] turned in a very strong performance. I think there was a lot of energy, a lot of passion. His performance was impressive and strong. He kept on message, established his priorities, continued his courageous stand on lot of these very difficult and controversial issues. I think he did well." (MSNBC's "Post-Debate Analysis," 5/3/07)

Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL): "He served over 20 years in the Navy, over 20 years in the Senate. He is a man of experience. He has battled all of these issues throughout his adult life. He knows in this issue of war and peace, he knows what war is like, and he knows the consequences of failure. That is why he wants to get the job done right in Iraq against these Islamic extremists which is the phrase that he used which I think gets at the core of the battle that we are engaged in. I think he did a good job. John McCain, consistent conservative but with passion." (MSNBC's "Tucker Carlson Live," 5/4/07)

What They're Saying: About Governor Mitt Romney At The First GOP Debate

WHAT THEY'RE REALLY SAYING ABOUT GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY AT THE FIRST GOP DEBATE

The Wall Street Journal's Peggy Noonan: "If we view the proceedings in vulgar and reductive Who Won, Who Lost terms, and let's, Mitt Romney won…" (Peggy Noonan, "An Incomplete Field," The Wall Street Journal," 5/4/07)

Noonan: "The statuesque Mr. Romney had a certain good-natured command, a presidential voice, and a surprising wiliness. He seemed happy to be there, and in the mysterious way that some people seem to dominate, he dominated." (Peggy Noonan, "An Incomplete Field," The Wall Street Journal," 5/4/07)

Noonan: "He did some light-handed and audience-pleasing Clinton bashing, and was confident on stem-cell research."  (Peggy Noonan, "An Incomplete Field," The Wall Street Journal," 5/4/07)

The Washington Post's Chris Cillizza: "Former Gov. Mitt Romney (Mass.) stood out with clear and crisp answers – showing flashes of humor and an ease with the important issues. He sounded authoritative when he talked about Iraq (not an easy task for a one-term governor of Massachusetts) and effectively cast himself – a Mormon – as part of the broad faith community in America." (Chris Cillizza, "Debate Wrap Up," The Washington Post's The Fix, http://blog.washingtonpost.com/thefix/, Posted 5/3/07)

Newsweek's Howard Fineman: "I think Mitt Romney came off looking presidential…" (MSNBC's "Post Debate Analysis," 5/3/07)

National Review's Kathryn Jean Lopez: "Romney showed himself to be a smart, articulate, optimistic, serious leader. If it was a first impression for anyone watching, as I imagine it might have been for anyone flipping away from The Office for a few minutes, it was a good start." (National Review Website, www.nationalreview.com, Accessed 5/4/07)

Mullings' Rich Galen: "Overall I thought Romney did the best. He had command of his positions and articulated them well." (Mullings Website, www.mullings.com/, Accessed 5/4/07)

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich: "Governor Romney was very good in talking about health care, where he knows a great deal." (Fox News' "Hannity & Colmes," 5/3/07)

New York Daily News' Michael Goodwin: "Romney was very good at turning every answer into a statement of lofty, conservative principle. He spoke of family and marriage and faith and turned a question about 'what don't you like about America?' into a poetic ode to our nation. He came across as sharp and jaunty." (Michael Goodwin, "Giuliani Is Not-So-Artful Dodger," New York Daily News, 5/4/07)

The Politico's Roger Simon: "It would be terribly irresponsible to pick a winner of Thursday night's Republican debate. So I will. I think Mitt Romney won." (Roger Simon, "Call Me Irresponsible: I Say Romney Won," The Politico, 5/3/07)

Simon: "…Mitt Romney achieved almost everything he wanted to achieve. He looked and sounded presidential. He hit his talking points. And voters who knew nothing about him before the debate except that he was a Mormon, came away knowing a lot more." (Roger Simon, "Call Me Irresponsible: I Say Romney Won," The Politico, 5/3/07)

Simon: "Romney was a man with a plan. He knew what points he wanted to make and he made them." (Roger Simon, "Call Me Irresponsible: I Say Romney Won," The Politico, 5/3/07)

MSNBC's Contessa Brewer: "I thought Mitt Romney came off as looking very presidential." (MSNBC's "Tucker Carlson Live," 5/4/07)

The Politico's Michael Cornfield And Alan Kelly: "Best playmaker: Mitt Romney. A fluid pace in a frenetic setting. Executive-in-charge. Avoided 'his' religion but talked about faith." (Michael Cornfield and Alan Kelly, "GOP Playmaker's Wrap-up – Our Best And Worst Awards," The Politico, 5/3/07)

MSNBC's Joe Scarborough: "I'll tell you what, it looked like Mitt Romney really had a strong introduction to the Republican Party tonight." (MSNBC's "Post Debate Analysis," 5/3/07) 

Scarborough: "I'll tell you what, I got a lot of e-mails throughout this debate from Republicans, conservative Republicans across the country, they were telling me they thought Mitt Romney was the clear winner and I got to tell you Keith, that's the view from a lot of people inside of here right now."  (MSNBC's "Post Debate Analysis," 5/3/07)

Scarborough: "And this really looked like his format. … Some people like Ronald Reagan pop at these type of debate settings. It looked like Mitt Romney pops in these type of settings." (MSNBC's "Post-Debate Analysis," 5/3/07)

Scarborough: "You're going to find out over the next couple of days that Mitt Romney is the guy that exceeded expectations, and John McCain was a guy that didn't quite meet expectations. A lot of the Republican base may start moving to Mitt Romney. Rudy Giuliani just was a little more flat that people expected, didn't show the type of leadership that people expected him tonight. Of course this is just a debate but certain people pop in the debate, certain people don't. Tonight it was Mitt Romney who seemed to break out of the pack." (MSNBC's "Post-Debate Analysis," 3/3/07)

National Review's Jim Geraghty: "Romney had some strong answers, good humor. I'd be surprised if he didn't help himself tonight. Maybe the audience will see what attracted his fans. Clearly, this was a format he seemed at home in." (Jim Geraghty, "Jim's Summary and Wrap-Up," The Hillary Spot On National Review Online, www.nationalreview.com, Posted 5/3/07)

National Journal's Marc Ambinder: "Mitt Romney is great with first impressions… He certainly seemed presidential. He flubbed no question. His knowledge was evident." (Marc Ambinder, "The Debate: Post-Spin Analysis," National Journal's On Call, http://hotlineblog.nationaljournal.com/archives/2007/05/the_debate_post.html, Posted 5/4/07)

The Politico's Jonathan Martin: "Mitt Romney's aides and advisers were buoyant after the forum. And for some good reason. The former Massachusetts governor, ever handsome and articulate, was poised and smooth for most of the evening. For the thousands (millions?) watching at home who were getting their first taste of Mitt, they had to come away impressed." (Jonathan Martin, "My Take," The Politico, 5/3/07)

Martin: "When even his opponents acknowledge that he performed well, you know Romney had a pretty good night." (Jonathan Martin, "My Take," The Politico, 5/3/07)

New York Sun's Ryan Sager: "If anyone stood out from the other candidates, in terms of looking polished and poised, it was clearly Mr. Romney. He got off some of the best lines of the night… But any casual observer of the debate (were there any non-junkies watching?) would probably have to view him as head-and-shoulders above the others." (Ryan Sager, "Who Won? Who Lost?" New York Sun Politics Blog, www.nysunpolitics.com/blog/2007/05/who-won-who-lost.html, 5/3/07)

Dan Riehl: "Romney may be the guy who pulled it out tonight." (Dan Riehl, "McCain Can't Catch A Break," Riehl World View, www.riehlworldview.com/, Posted 5/3/07)

John Hinderaker: "If you didn't already know how good Romney is, you would be really impressed by his performance tonight." (John Hinderaker, "Liveblogging The GOP Debate," Power Line Forum, www.plnewsforum.com, Posted 5/3/07)

Columnist Kathleen Parker: "And the winner is: Mitt the Good, the Perfect, the Gosh-Darned Smartest of Them All. He was substantive, concise, and humorous, if somewhat over-educated for those who haven't yet read the Cliff Notes on altered nuclear stem cells. His answer on stem-cell research showed that he has delved deeply into the issue…" (National Review Website, www.nationalreview.com, Accessed 5/4/07)

Captain's Quarters' Ed Morrissey: "Who won? – Mitt Romney won this debate. He looked relaxed, answered clearly, showed real warmth and a sense of humor, and actually answered the questions asked of him – even the stupid ones, to which I'll return shortly." (Ed Morrissey, "Debate Analysis: Romney Wins," Captain's Quarters Blog, www.captainsquartersblog.com/mt/archives/009874.php, Posted 5/3/07)

Townhall's Dean Barnett: "Mitt Romney – Romney was clearly the class of the field. I know, I'm biased, blah, blah, blah. But if you saw the debate, believe your own eyes. Romney has a command of the facts and an effective delivery that must be the envy of the field. As America gets to know him in forums like this (not that I'm hoping there will be other forums precisely like this hideous one – perish that thought), the country will come to understand why Romney has generated such excitement among insiders and people who know him." (Dean Barnett, "A Quickie Debate Recap," Hugh Hewitt, hughhewitt.townhall.com , Posted 5/3/07)

CBN's David Brody: "The debate is over and I thought Mitt Romney really came across well. He was comfortable, funny and somewhat free wheeling." (CBN Website, www.cbn.com/CBNnews/151174.aspx, Accessed 5/4/07)

National Review's Mark Hemmingway: "It's obvious now that in the first major Republican presidential debate Mitt Romney put in a very strong performance." (Mark Hemingway, "Mitt Romney Can Do Whatever The Heck He Wants," National Review, 5/4/07)

What They're Saying: John McCain At Reagan Library Debate

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING:
JOHN MCCAIN AT REAGAN LIBRARY DEBATE

"John McCain Won" With "Grade-A Performance"

Red State Blog's Erick Erickson: "John McCain won. Let's not dance around this. John McCain was willing to be blunt, critical, and honest." ("Red State" Blog, "Who Won & Who Lost First Take," www.redstate.com, 5/3/07)

Power Line Blog's Paul Mirengoff: "Frankly, I think John McCain had the best night." (Power Line Blog, powerlineblog.com, Accessed 5/3/07)

National Review's Jim Geraghty: "[I] think he gave a grade-A performance. Fired up, some good lines, and in command." (Jim Geraghty, National Review's "The Hillary Spot" Blog, 5/3/07)

National Journal's Marc Ambinder: "[McCain] was in the zone " (Marc Ambinder, National Journal's Hotline "On Call," "Pre-Spin Analysis: Not Hardball," hotlineblog.nationaljournal.com, 5/3/07)

McCain "Looked Really Energetic Off The Top," Delivered "Crisp" Answers

CBN's David Brody: "McCain looked really energetic off the top, obviously trying to show that he is a serious leader who is a guy who knows how to get things done." (CBN's Brody File Blog, www.cbn.com, Accessed 5/3/07)

NBC's Chuck Todd: "McCain looks to be the most prepared tonight. His answers are crisp and ready for air." (MSNBC's First Read Blog, 5/3/07)

Todd: "McCain solid." (MSNBC's First Read Blog, 5/3/07)

NBC's David Gregory: "McCain came out firing early." (MSNBC's Post-Debate Coverage, 5/3/07)

McCain "Forcefully" Said He Would Follow Bin Laden "To The Gates Of Hell." "Mr. McCain then came back and said forcefully that he would do whatever is necessary' to capture Osama bin Laden and then exploded with a big finish: I'll follow him to the gates of hell.'" (Kathryn Q. Seelye, The New York Times' "Caucus" Blog, "Liveblogging The GOP Debate," blogs.nytimes.com, 5/3/07)

Chicago Tribune's Jill Zuckman: "I think that John McCain has to be feeling very good tonight when it comes to the issue of abortion. He's been consistently opposed to abortion throughout his political career." (MSNBC's Post-Debate Coverage, 5/3/07)

The Atlantic's Andrew Sullivan: "McCain was easily the strongest on spending " (The Atlantic's "Daily Dish Blog," "Instapudit," theatlantic.com, 5/3/07)

CNN's Bill Schneider: McCain's Answer On Spending "Highlights His Strength: His Experience In Government." "McCain's answer on spending highlights his strength: his experience in government. When he talks about cost overruns in defense acquisitions, he sounds like he understands the problem from experience." (CNN's "Political Ticker" Blog, "Schneider: McCain Touts Experience," www.cnn.com, 5/3/07)