Sun Blogs: The Politics Factory
Why Romney Won the Republican Presidential Debate
Email: 
Share: 
Thursday night, Republican presidential candidates squared off in their first debate. While everybody had their eyes on McCain and Guiliani, the candidate who emerged as the true winner was former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney. He gave fluid answers to every question with both style and substance, giving him an almost Reagan-like appeal. While I've highlighted five issues to analyze in this post, you can go to his website to see videos of his answer to every question in the debate.
War on Terror
Demonstrating a commanding knowledge of the war on terror, Romney talked about more than bin Laden and al-Qaeda. He identified the central problem in the war on terror as an extremist ideology behind not only al-Qaeda but also many other terrorist groups in the Middle East. To confirm his wisdom, recall that killing the leader of al-Qaeda in Iraq, Abu Musab Al-Zarqawi, did not bring an end to al-Qaeda in Iraq and certainly did not bring an end to terrorism in general in Iraq. Likewise, taking out bin Laden or even all of al-Qaeda will not stop the war on terror. Furthermore, by making a key distinction between moderate Islamic governments and jihadists, Romney avoids the senseless mistake of isolating Islam as a whole for the sins of a few extremists.
Iraq
Let's face it. Most people from both parties would love to get out of Iraq, regardless of whether or not it's the right decision. Romney includes himself among those, but at the same time, he gave the best warning I have ever seen against a premature exit, which would have consequences extending far beyond the borders of Iraq. His stance on Iraq does not rely on bashing Democrats (although he does take a shot or two at them in the debate); it relies on the enormous policy implications of every move we make in Iraq.
Health Care
By far, this is one of Romney's strongest points. He emphasizes how he implemented a bipartisan (don't ask Washington what that word means) plan for universal health care in Massachusetts. Even better, he shows how the conservative principles behind the free market and capitalism played huge roles in his health plan. It gives him an enormous foothold in the area of domestic policy, which has been more often perceived as a strong spot for Democrats.
Abortion
Romney knows that the major battles with abortion takes place in the courtroom, so he wisely avoids a sweeping, polarizing denunciation of abortion. At the same time, he focuses on smaller, realistic pro-life policy initiatives that appeal to social conservatives.
However, Romney has drawn a lot of fire for “flip-flopping” from pro-choice in his earlier days to pro-life today, but he responds to this criticism superbly. First, he explains that he never took a true pro-choice stance. As a younger politician, he showed respect for the law of the land, whether it was pro-life or pro-choice (it just happened to be pro-choice in his state). Then he turns the tables on his critics by showing how his time supporting pro-choice laws woke him up and showed him the flaws of abortions, providing him with a more enlightened view on why he is pro-life.
The American Family
I like Romney's claim that families are the heart of the Republican party. It gives Republicans a wonderful image that is sometimes forgotten, due to the war hawks and religious fundamentalists in the party. Many social problems in America stem from single parents and broken families, and Romney addresses the need for healthy families and marriages while still compassionately reaching out to single mothers. His position on the family can really help him capture a segment of the Republican base forgotten, to some extent, by the Bush administraion.
Exceptional
This Man should be president. Inteligent, vision, proven record, and scares the living daylights out of the democrats and the liberal media. If this guy isn't elected, there is a serious flaw in our system of choosing competency and leadership.
I agree Romney won the
I agree Romney won the debates by a landslide. I believe he is geniune (and am not concerned over issues ranging from his religion to his previous views). Here is a man that is anything but a pushover and someone I could rally behind. I am a registered independent and happy to see someone bold and with fresh ideas. I hope he gets the Republican nomination. It would be a shame to lose someone like Romney now.
Simi Valley
Mitt won by default! Newt and Fred did not take part. McCain is a good man but his age has slowed him down he can not longer compete. The less said about the rest the better. Mit did not have any competition so he won.
Winner of debate
You f@#$ing LIARS...RON PAUL won the debate, look at the polls you morons, you are trying to push a crappy candidate on people and trying to blind people of the TRUTH, you liars.
This is whats wrong with Politics
There is a saying that states, "We can disagree without being disagreeable." I think that one could intelligently disagree with someone without using degrading language. I would hope that next time you disagree with someone you would keep this in mind.
Ron Paul
Exactly correct, Randy. All one has to do is look at MSNBC's own poll @ http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18436681 and they'll see the truth.
It's disgusting how the media is ignoring this man.
A true Ron Paul supporter?
So that's what a Ron Paul supporter looks like. Pretty harsh! No wonder he's a nobody, if his supporters speak like this. It really wants me to learn all about Paul, (sarcasm). I think I'll stick with Mitt. He was the obvious winner. And his supporters are as nice as he is.
Ron Paul
Anger gets us nothing but anger...
Wow, you can really tell the
Wow, you can really tell the type of person one is by their response. THe ones who swear and act like animals must hate life. So go vote for Hillary, she is gods gift to you.
Maybe its time to get someone other then a life time politician.. MITT Romney is that person. Throw in the facts that he is presidential and has accomplished a lot.
Ron Paul? Before the debate
Ron Paul?
Before the debate I had never even heard of the guy. The only reason he seems to be there is because he disagrees with everyone else. An an ornery old guy.
Go Mitt!!
I am the proud father of two boys that I have adopted out of the foster care system. Mitt Romney is spot in when he talks about the strength of our nation coming from our families. The horrors and neglect that were perpetrated on my children is unbelievable. The work that it has taken to help these kids turn their lives around can be exhausting. Sadly there are HUNDREDS of THOUSANDS of these abused and abandoned children still out there and more and more all the time. Our nations is paying a tremendous price for the problems that many of our families are having. It is wonderful to not only hear a candidate talk about true family values, but also to see that he has lived them.
Go Mitt, drop off Ron Paul
Mitt won. He's a conservative.
Ron Paul, on the other hand, is a crook. When I was lobbying in DC for some free market legislation Ron Paul agreed to sign an endorsement letter. When we got to his office for his signature he suddenly announced that in exchange he want us to deposit $125,000 into his personal foundation. Scruples? He has none.
Typical
You sign on as anonymous, but have no problem degrading the only hope this country has for survival (Ron Paul) by saying he is a crook with no supportive evidence that you or your team were ever "lobbying" for anything, much less attempted to meet with Dr. Paul for his signature. If you want to sling character defamations at the man then reveal yourself and stop hiding behind anonymity. What a cowardly thing for you to do. I believe in line upon line. Experience is the best teacher. Dr. Paul has NEVER voted to raise taxes, NEVER voted for an unbalanced budget, NEVER voted to raise congressional pay, NEVER taken a government-paid junket, NEVER voted to increase the power of the executive branch, Voted AGAINST regulating the internet, NEVER participated in the lucrative congressional pension program, REPEATEDLY been named the "Taxpayers' Best Friend" in Congress, is serving his 10th term in the U.S. House, delivered over 4000 babies, served his country as a Flight Surgeon in the Air Force AND the Air National Guard, and lastly but certainly not least - he has been married to his wife for 50 YEARS !!!!! This man has an impeccable record and has my vote to lead our once great country back to greatness once again.
Ron Paul Won Poll
I just now took interest in this whole charade called the "election" and it is obvious that Ron Paul won. He creamed even the nearest competitor.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18421356
This is upsetting all of the bought and paid for newsmaking prostitutes, who are lying extra hard these past few days.
Ron Paul, sigh. Finally, someone worth voting for. After 23 years, I may actually register to vote, and vote.
Too bad the 'old money' won't let Ron Paul take control.
Thanks for your courage, Mr. Paul. If you are not afraid, neither are we.
RON PAUL 2008!
#1 Top Internet Search Term - WOW! "Ron Paul" is now listed as the #1 Internet search term by technorati.com. Search for "Ron Paul" to vote in this poll!
MSNBC - Six Categories of Performance Debate Poll - The real conservative Dr. Ron Paul, MD besting the competition after 65,000 votes with the lowest negative and highest positive ratings!
MSNBC - Rate The Candidates - Again, Dr. Ron Paul gets HUGE post-debate surge, with the lowest negatives and highest positives of all candidates after more than 85,000 votes.
C-SPAN Capital News 1st Debate Poll - The real conservative leading the field with upwards of 70% of the vote!
ABC NEWS Poll - Ron Paul now way out in front! - FINALLY includes Dr. Ron Paul after censoring only him and deleting/censoring his user comments.
Ventura County Star - Ron Paul way ahead of the pack!
US Chamber of Commerce Poll - Ron Paul capturing over 85% of votes!
Conservatives Betrayed Poll - Ron Paul with nearly 80% support!
Romney is missing it in a few areas, small business, seniors
Romney is missing it in a few areas, small business, seniors
Debate
HELLO! HELLO! HELLO!
Ron Paul won the debate!
He is the best hope for America!
Ron Paul Won Hands Down
What planet are you Mitt supporters living on. The GOP is never going to win any election with a Pro-War candidate. Did you not pay attention to the whooping (according to Bush) we got last year by the Democrats? Do you not read any poll that puts Bush and his NEO-CONs at less than 30% aprovall ratings? Did you not hear that your man Mitt "let's double guantamo" Romney at the debates where he was pushing the NEO-CON agenda? Are you not paying attention to Ron Paul and his viral internet campaign - when he doubled his campaing funds overnight after the SC debate.
Bury your heads in the sand and give the keys to the Whitehouse to Clinton or Obama, or maybe that is your plan all along.
Ron Paul is the GOP's only chance to crush the Democrats in '08.
Is This the Best CORNELL Can Do?
I was invited to attend Cornell in the early 1970's. I passed on the opportunity and instead went to and graduated from Bennington College in Bennington Vermont.
At the time of my decision, I followed an inner sense -- a gut feeling that Bennington would somehow encourage a higher quality of personal growth and expansion.
Now, in reading this mindless report on the good-looking, smooth-talking Mitt Romney (a BS artist much like our current Mr. Bush), I am convinced that I made the correct decision. At least Bennington provides its students an opportunity to stretch, to think outside the box and to stand in courage for what is right -- to the core. Mitt Romney doe not represent that kind of honesty. He's a show, a song and dance routine -- just more of the same version of politics that is already intent on subjugating the freedoms of the American people.
Vote RON PAUL. Vote to Return to the Future. Hooray!
Ron Paul
As Dr Ron Paul gains exposure via ANY DEBATE HE IS INVITED TO HE WINS. And the message is clear we need to clean house
in Washington and he is the man to do it. RON PAUL FOR PRESIDENT IN 2008
Mitt a conservative?
I'm sorry, but look up the word conservative. Why are most of us raised to distrust politicians as liars and cheats? Look at Ron Paul's record and you see nothing but truth in his message. It bums me out that so many find it difficult to see through the fakeness of the other candidates on both sides of the aisle.
Look at campaign contributions and see that Ron Paul has the highest percentage of donations of under $200 than any other candidate. He gets little to no support from special interests. I will cast a vote to the person most likely to defend my rights than I would vote for someone more likely to be the same old type of politician overflowing the halls of power in Washington.
This lifelong Republican has turned lifelong Constitutionalist thanks to Ron Paul. Give me liberty or give me death. I will never again be a sheep being led to slaughter by the wolves. Freedom used to mean something in this country, instead we get perpetual warfare and global empire. How is this policy "American"?