GOP Debate Reaction (Wizbang)

I saw the debate tonight although I was unable to live blog it. However, a number of other bloggers did, including Jim Addison at Wizbang Politics. Before I get to that, some of my thoughts:

I was amazed at how inane the questions were. What's with "do you believe in evolution?" With all the turmoil going on in the world, that's a question Matthews chose to use? Or "would it be good for America for Bill Clinton to be back in the White House?" What kinds of question is that? Although I loved Romney's reaction: "You've got to be kidding."

On the whole, I was impressed with Mitt Romney. Heading Right also liked Romney's performance as well. John McCain came off as very forceful although he stammered and stumbled periodically. Nonetheless, Red State thinks McCain won the debate at first glance because he "served up a dish of anger, a willingness to criticize, and a desire to fight -- hard."

I learned a lot more about Mike Huckabee tonight and decided I like him too.

At Power Line, Paul again believes McCain was the most impressive, while John thinks Romney won this round.

Hot Air has an open thread going as well as a poll, which at this point, has Romney winning the debate.

Michelle Malkin live blogged the debate as well and also has blogger reaction.

John Hawkins thought former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee won tonight with Mitt Romney coming in second.

Update (Lorie): I posted a few thoughts on the debate just after it ended last night and included a few good additional links (like this one to Sister Soldjah's live blog).

Update II: I didn't comment on the fact that the GOP's first debate was on MSNBC, a network wholly and publicly anti GOP, while the Democrats just can't take facing Brit Hume. Lorie also made a similar comment at her post on Wizbang Politics:

Ugh, the worst -- Keith Olbermann doing post-debate coverage. Republicans can handle Olby, but Dems can't face Brit Hume. I just can't get over that.

I couldn't bring myself to watch the post debate analysis because Keith Olbermann was hosting. It was simply too much to listen to him.

Comments (56)

Yawm.... (Below threshold)

1. Posted by Publicus | May 3, 2007 11:05 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

Publicus:

Yawm.

Posted on May 3, 2007 23:05

How does Matthews still hav... (Below threshold)

2. Posted by largebill | May 3, 2007 11:24 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

largebill:

How does Matthews still have a job? What a clown. Talk about not ready for prime time.

Posted on May 3, 2007 23:24

I find myself agreeing with... (Below threshold)

3. Posted by epador | May 3, 2007 11:36 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

epador:

I find myself agreeing with Pub... zzzzzzzz

Posted on May 3, 2007 23:36

Drudge also has a poll up w... (Below threshold)

4. Posted by Baggi | May 3, 2007 11:36 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

Baggi:

Drudge also has a poll up with Romney leading.

I'm shocked to see that pow... (Below threshold)

5. Posted by Jo | May 3, 2007 11:37 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

Jo:

I'm shocked to see that powerline liked McCain, because the thread at Hot Air had most commenters thinking he did a terrible job.

Posted on May 3, 2007 23:37

I'm telling ya, Romney was ... (Below threshold)

6. Posted by Jo | May 3, 2007 11:37 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

I'm telling ya, Romney was great on Leno last night, and the audience loved him.

And of course who can miss ... (Below threshold)

7. Posted by Jo | May 3, 2007 11:40 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

And of course who can miss the obvious huge difference in the democrats and GOP??

The dhimmi-wussies won't go on Fox and face Brit Hume, but the GOP guys (MEN) went and faced GOP-hating Matthews and his ridiculous questions, and then commentary by Olberman.

Wow. No wonder real men vote GOP.

Posted on May 3, 2007 23:40

Chris Matthews has no busin... (Below threshold)

8. Posted by Kirk Standerfer | May 3, 2007 11:50 PM | Score: 1 (1 votes cast)

Kirk Standerfer:

Chris Matthews has no business moderating a debate. Mitt Romney summed it all up best with "You've got to be kidding!" Giuliani was a let down. Romney and Huckabee were the most impressive. I bet you will see more interest in Governor Huckabee over the next four to six weeks. Especially if he fares as well in the South Carolina debate.

Posted on May 3, 2007 23:50

I don't think it will matte... (Below threshold)

9. Posted by Scrapiron | May 3, 2007 11:56 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

Scrapiron:

I don't think it will matter. Shrillary (according to NBC) has teamed with KKK Byrd to offer the terrorists the unconditional surrender of the United States and allow the slaughter of millions. The millions will be here in addition to the Iraqi's that will be slaughtered. Never in the history of the United States have the people been put in such danger by a politician in a panic because of a poll that says she will lose and lose big time. She will still lose, but millions will die before she's rode out of D.C. on a rail sporting tar and feathers. Do we have to let the millions die? She's sure to make the cowardly anti-American faction in the democrat party proud. Like the man said, sometimes you don't want what you wished for. The dumocrats have pumped her up, now it's up to you to deflate her swelled head. Lee Harvey Oswald, where are you when you're needed and you are needed real bad. Just look for a brain dead broad.

Posted on May 3, 2007 23:56

Didn't watch the debate ton... (Below threshold)

10. Posted by LoveAmerica Immigrant | May 4, 2007 12:03 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

LoveAmerica Immigrant:

Didn't watch the debate tonight. How much they talked about the GWOT and AlQ? Saw somewhere that the dems only mentioned AlQ twice in their debate.

Posted on May 4, 2007 00:03

Fred Thompson's generosity ... (Below threshold)

11. Posted by The Listkeeper | May 4, 2007 12:26 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

The Listkeeper:

Fred Thompson's generosity is boundless. He was merciful in not joining the campaign at this point.

Posted on May 4, 2007 00:26

Chris Matthews rudely shout... (Below threshold)

12. Posted by Jo | May 4, 2007 12:26 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

Chris Matthews rudely shouted "Time, Time" right in the middle of their sentences. Geeze, let them finish and don't be so damn loud.

What a loser. No class.

Hehehee... I know the guy w... (Below threshold)

13. Posted by The Listkeeper | May 4, 2007 12:57 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

Hehehee... I know the guy who submitted the evolution question...

Posted on May 4, 2007 00:57

My bad, he submitted the "W... (Below threshold)

14. Posted by The Listkeeper | May 4, 2007 1:04 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

My bad, he submitted the "What do you dislike about America question.

Posted on May 4, 2007 01:04

Matthews had no control wha... (Below threshold)

15. Posted by Jim Addison | May 4, 2007 1:17 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

Jim Addison:

Matthews had no control whatsoever. The entire moderation team frankly sucked.

The further impressions of Lorie Byrd and myself HERE . . . [/shameless plug]

Posted on May 4, 2007 01:17

oh, look- good old racist s... (Below threshold)

16. Posted by slingshot | May 4, 2007 1:37 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

slingshot:

oh, look- good old racist scrappy calling for someone to be murdered. man, it's too bad more people don't read this incredibly important blog where intelligent people debate the issues. i know that i have gained amazing insight here. go ahead, republicans, designate whatever dinosaur loser you want for the primary.

Posted on May 4, 2007 01:37

slingshot ~ Do we understan... (Below threshold)

17. Posted by Jim Addison | May 4, 2007 2:03 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

slingshot ~ Do we understand you, then, to be moving on? Will you be spreading your special insight elsewhere in the future?

We certainly wish you well, and commend your particular sort of insight to gardening blogs. It makes flowers grow, ya know.

Posted on May 4, 2007 02:03

why is asking the candidate... (Below threshold)

18. Posted by slingshot | May 4, 2007 2:11 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

why is asking the candidates whether they believe in evolution a bad question? to most educated people in this country, that question is tantamount to asking "are you stupid, pander to stupidity,or simply a holy roller?" to non-idiots, this is an important question after the last political epoch of the God driven presidency of stupidity. for you, perhaps it is obvious that the world was created in seven days, 6,000 years ago. to people who know how to read, things are a bit more complicated.

Conservative Republican debating: "But of course the world is flat! When I walk straight, I don't fall down. Stupid liberals! VICTORY! FREEDOM! EVIL DOERS! DECIDER!"

aren't you people embarassed yet? what will it take? making america the global laughing stock is apparently not enough. you disgust me. you should be ashamed of yourselves, taking some of the famous personal resposnibility you sanctimoniously prescribe for everyone else, and repent. or at least own up to your failures and recall all of your "leaders."

Posted on May 4, 2007 02:11

no, Jim. if i move on, the... (Below threshold)

19. Posted by slingshot | May 4, 2007 2:13 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

no, Jim. if i move on, then the terorrists win, and i believe in freedom, unlike republicans.

Posted on May 4, 2007 02:13

Jom Addison-Aren't... (Below threshold)

20. Posted by Nymo | May 4, 2007 2:48 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

Nymo:

Jom Addison-

Aren't you a blogger here? Sho w some responsibility-

You are actually DEFENDING this comment by Scrapiron

Lee Harvey Oswald, where are you when you're needed and you are needed real bad. Just look for a brain dead broad.
Posted by: Scrapiron at May 3, 2007 11:56 PM

If Lee Harvey Oswald is a hero you wnat to harkin back to-and you as one of the bloggers here are willing to defend it...

Maybe you blindly jumped the gun and didn't read it. But it's gross and reflects badly on the entire site.

Posted on May 4, 2007 02:48

Nymo, you act as if the lef... (Below threshold)

21. Posted by Zelsdorf Ragshaft III | May 4, 2007 3:12 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

Zelsdorf Ragshaft III:

Nymo, you act as if the left has not made the same statements about the current President. Scrapiron was only trying to return to the times when we shot traitors. She voted for the fucking war, not for political reasons she wishes defeat on her nation. That is a traitor and for the vilest of reasons. Ambition.

Posted on May 4, 2007 03:12

"Red State thinks McCain wo... (Below threshold)

22. Posted by Murphy | May 4, 2007 3:30 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

Murphy:

"Red State thinks McCain won the debate"

Drudge says that Romney got 35% and McCain got 6%.

I think that I will go with Drudge.

I think that "Red State" is dumber than the fleas on my Grandmothers dog.

Posted on May 4, 2007 03:30

There was a debate of TV? ... (Below threshold)

23. Posted by James Cloninger | May 4, 2007 4:07 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

James Cloninger:

There was a debate of TV? Oh, it was on MSNBC. So, did they boost their viewership up into the low teens now?

Call me in a year when they have a real debate. On a real network (yes, even CNN will count as a real network)

I scanned the list of these debators...does 90% of the public even know half of these people? Do they care at this point? I don't. And why MSNBC?
If the Dems can boycott FOX, why not the Reps boycott MSNBC?

Posted on May 4, 2007 04:07

I find myself agreeing w... (Below threshold)

24. Posted by James Cloninger | May 4, 2007 4:08 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

I find myself agreeing with Pub...

Yeah, same here...so obviously, the world is about to end.

Put Hillarity! and Obamaramadingdong in a cage match, and I might watch it though...for about 10 minutes.

Posted on May 4, 2007 04:08

James Cloninger, I almost s... (Below threshold)

25. Posted by Pothus | May 4, 2007 6:04 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

Pothus:

James Cloninger, I almost spewed my coffee all over the monitor when I read your "Obamaramadingdong" comment above. That has got to be the best one yet. Thanks for my morning laugh.

(and now back to your regular scheduled leftwing/rightwing arguments)

Posted on May 4, 2007 06:04

The debate, as I see it, wa... (Below threshold)

26. Posted by ted | May 4, 2007 6:42 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

ted:

The debate, as I see it, was MSNBC v. GOP. The real question seems, who won that debate?

Posted on May 4, 2007 06:42

I don't like Iran very well... (Below threshold)

27. Posted by Paul Hooson | May 4, 2007 8:34 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

Paul Hooson:

I don't like Iran very well. But all of the Iran tough talk at last night's debate when the last war in Iraq hasn't even been resolved will only give many independent voters the hebbie jebbies and drive them away from any war talking 2008 Republican candidate in droves.

Voters wary of war will reject any candidate who sounds like he's ready to start a new war with Iran.

Ron Paul certainly won't win. But he did come across as very Lincolnlike and wise in his own unconventional way.

Posted on May 4, 2007 08:34

--------record-----position... (Below threshold)

28. Posted by bryanD | May 4, 2007 8:52 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

bryanD:

--------record-----positions---performance

PAUL.....A+...........A+...........A
HUCKABEE.?............A............A+
TANCREDO.B............A............C

That's my top 3. Here's my bottom 3:

Giuliani.D............F............B
McCain...C............F.......Desperate
Romney...?............?......Nice Voice!

Posted on May 4, 2007 08:52

slingshot:"why is ... (Below threshold)

29. Posted by D-Hoggs | May 4, 2007 9:15 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

D-Hoggs:

"why is asking the candidates whether they believe in evolution a bad question? to most educated people in this country, that question is tantamount to asking "are you stupid"

"aking some of the famous personal resposnibility you sanctimoniously prescribe for everyone else, and repent"

Wait, if there is no god, who exactly are we repenting to? Good grief.

Posted on May 4, 2007 09:15

bryand, you must be creamin... (Below threshold)

30. Posted by D-Hoggs | May 4, 2007 9:21 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

bryand, you must be creaming your jeans in anticipation of your Prophet Avery's loose change 2 release!!

Posted on May 4, 2007 09:21

Wow, MSNBC ACTUALLY asks th... (Below threshold)

31. Posted by MikeSC | May 4, 2007 9:32 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

MikeSC:

Wow, MSNBC ACTUALLY asks the moronic questions the libs were convinced FNC would.

Why are the GOP the only ones willing to appear on networks that aren't lapdogs for them?

why is asking the candidates whether they believe in evolution a bad question?

Gee, why would asking the left "Why do you want the terrorists to win?" be a "bad" question?
-=Mike

Posted on May 4, 2007 09:32

D-Hogg, Life is Go... (Below threshold)

32. Posted by bryanD | May 4, 2007 10:02 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

D-Hogg,

Life is Good!

(Go to Drudge and vote for R Paul! It's pissing NRO's Corner off! Thilly neoconth...)

Posted on May 4, 2007 10:02

Rudy wants to leave abortio... (Below threshold)

33. Posted by downwidddat | May 4, 2007 10:05 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

downwidddat:

Rudy wants to leave abortion up to the courts.

Rudy thought that Republicans were wrong to try and save Terri Schaivo. He thought the courts were the place to decide that tragedy.

What else does the drag queen Rudy want to leave up to the courts?

Oh and he hearts stem cells.

Rudy shrank last night. Brownback, Gilmore, Romney, Huckabee .... all looked like President's. Rudy looked like a shakey little shill.

Posted on May 4, 2007 10:05

RE: Evolution question... (Below threshold)

34. Posted by anotherJoeLouis | May 4, 2007 10:10 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

anotherJoeLouis:

RE: Evolution question

It is my understanding that Brownback is a converted Catholic, yet he still does not believe in evolution. Evolution is consistent with Catholic teaching. It was taught at my Catholic elementary school, Catholic high school and Catholic college.

Posted on May 4, 2007 10:10

So who the hell are you rep... (Below threshold)

35. Posted by purely objective | May 4, 2007 10:32 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

purely objective:

So who the hell are you repubs looking to? That crew was all over the place. Gingrich was on O'Reilly talking down the whole event. Did you want to see him in the heat of it? Fred ain't going there just yet. Who is the man for you all?

Posted on May 4, 2007 10:32

Which candidate was the one... (Below threshold)

36. Posted by The Chemist | May 4, 2007 11:11 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

The Chemist:

Which candidate was the one who proposed that the Iraqi (government) "vote" on whether they wanted the US to be in Iraq?

I'm not sure how reliable any vote from the Iraqi Congress would be (as far as a measure of the "will of the people"), but that candidate deserves kudos for being intellectually honest about why we are in Iraq: if its not for the Iraqis, then its not really worth it. The likelihood of success is extremely diminished if the occupants of the occupied country not "on board".

Posted on May 4, 2007 11:11

anotherJoeLouis,On... (Below threshold)

37. Posted by bryanD | May 4, 2007 11:12 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

anotherJoeLouis,

One needs a racing form to keep track of the evolution in Catholic teaching.

Parochial schools are good though. I'll grant you that, but the Bible says "Kind after kind".

Posted on May 4, 2007 11:12

60% of the Iraqi public bel... (Below threshold)

38. Posted by purely objective | May 4, 2007 11:25 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

60% of the Iraqi public believe it is justifiable to kill Americans. There is thanks for you.

Posted on May 4, 2007 11:25