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Kyle Wingfield

Poll Position: How many debates for a presidential primary?

5:08 am January 27, 2012, by Kyle Wingfield

Last night brought us the 19th or 22nd — depending on how you count them — GOP presidential debate of 2011-12. It was the second this week and sixth this month.

Mercifully, there won’t be another for almost four weeks.

To say the networks have had to strain to keep things fresh would be an understatement of Newt-ly grandiose proportions. We were only two debates into the schedule when moderators tried the “This or That?” gimmick (as in: Elvis or Johnny Cash?). Last night, we were treated to questions about such issues of immediate national importance as lunar exploration, Puerto Rican statehood and why each candidate thought his wife would make a good first first lady. (Note that CNN was responsible both for these and “This or That?”, as well as the infamous debate-opening exchange between Newt Gingrich and moderator John King in South Carolina last week about allegations by Gingrich’s second wife that he’d asked her for an “open marriage.”)

How many debates should there have been in the GOP primary?

  • About half as many as there have been (56 Votes)
  • Just a few (27 Votes)
  • I wish there had been even more! (20 Votes)
  • We've had just the right number (13 Votes)

Total Voters: 116

Loading ... Loading ...

My multiple references to Gingrich are not accidental. Each time he’s stumbled on the campaign trail, debate performances have brought him back to the fore. Rick Perry, by contrast, had arguably the best resume of any candidate but was undone by his stumbles (”Oops”) on the debate stages. It’s quite reasonable to wonder if, had there been only a couple of debates rather than almost a couple of dozen, Perry might not have been sitting in Gingrich’s place and vice versa. And because debating skills are valued in presidential campaigns out of all proportion to their utility in presidencies, one also wonders if the current arrangement is really best.

On the other hand, no one can argue they haven’t had an opportunity to watch the candidates tackling a variety of topics that test their grasp of the issues, ability to think on their feet, temperament and discipline. So, were voters well-served by having so many debates, or did the number of forums waste our time and the candidates?

That’s this week’s Poll Position question. Answer in the nearby poll and in the comments thread below.

– By Kyle Wingfield

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115 comments Add your comment

GodHatesTrash, Superstar

January 27th, 2012
5:33 am

More debates, more lies and idiot remarks Obama can hang on these fools in the fall.

Keep ‘em coming.

GodHatesTrash, Superstar

January 27th, 2012
5:36 am

And, there has never been a bigger display of nit-wittery on display on American TV, except for maybe Three Stooges reruns – and Real Housewives of Atlanta.

Joel Edge

January 27th, 2012
6:13 am

The number of debates can be addressed. Quality is another problem. I’d rather see a long interview of standard questions. With plenty of time to elaborate.

GodHatesTrash, Superstar

January 27th, 2012
6:26 am

Let’s see – you could go to the zoo and watch the chimps beat their chests and fling their poo, or you could watch a GOP “presidential debate”.

Same darn thing.

DeborahinAthens

January 27th, 2012
6:47 am

The whole “season” is too long and ridiculous. The Presidential election cycle should not start until April of the election year. Candidates declare April 1. The amount of money spent should be severely limited. That goes for advertisements, especially. These ads are nauseating. There should be four debates that are real debates with real questions. What we have now is pap. It’s like all the newsmen and women become Kim Kardashian or Ashton Kutcher. I weep when I think of what could be done with the billions of dollars that these bozos spend on campaigning.

arnold

January 27th, 2012
6:52 am

Deborah, It won’t happen. However, I think you are correct. I agree with each point.

catlady

January 27th, 2012
6:53 am

Seems to me they have been a version of the Jerry Springer Show.

JF McNamara

January 27th, 2012
6:58 am

Debates are better than TV commercials. At least the candidates have to deliver their own lies. It’s obvious for most what the actually believe from their body language. The Newtser is the only problem. He’ll say anything and always seem convincing. Romney seems to have more character and almost winces at his own lies at times. Neither appears genuine, and you wouldn’t know that without a lot of debates.

Joe The Plumber too.

January 27th, 2012
7:01 am

godhates: “And, there has never been a bigger display of nit-wittery on display on American TV”, yep you are right, barry’s SOTU address on Tuesday was the biggest load of crap since his last one.

Ayn Rant

January 27th, 2012
7:05 am

A two month campaign season is long enough. The media will dig up all the dirt before the campaigning actually starts.

A couple of debates will give the voters ample opportunity to assess the vacuous proposals and flawed characters of the candidates.

Aquagirl

January 27th, 2012
7:23 am

Are you kidding? More of the GOP circular firing squad, please. Reality teevee has never been so entertaining.

Mad Max

January 27th, 2012
7:34 am

They are applying for the hardest job in America, if not the world. I think the more exposure the better. Everyone of them will make mistakes (which our brethren from the left just love to jump on) but it will show us which of them is capable of growing into the job. God knows we could have used more with the last presidential election on the Democratic side and just maybe Barack’s inexperience would have been exposed to the point that maybe the outcome would have been different. I think a better way of handling it is to push all the primaries and caucuses back to April through July with maybe 4 super Tuesdays and get rid of the all or nothing states with extended debates leading up to each. Then the conventions would be responsible for putting forth and publishing an agenda of the party so that everyone knows what the party is advocating. Then, hold 10 – 12 debates that focus on those platforms, qualifications of the 2 candidates and any current events. No BS “gotcha” questions from the media. No VP debates are needed please as they are a complete waste of time! Besides Cheney, what VP has ever had a major role in the administration?

ByteMe

January 27th, 2012
7:42 am

God knows we could have used more with the last presidential election on the Democratic side and just maybe Barack’s inexperience would have been exposed to the point that maybe the outcome would have been different

26 of them. That’s right. Facts are our friends. 26 democratic primary debates in 2008.

ByteMe

January 27th, 2012
7:47 am

The problem is the abundance of 24-hour “news” channels. They need compelling programming to keep people watching. Debates are sometimes compelling.

It’s like the NFL. Used to be 14 games and then 3 playoff weekends. Now the season is up to 17 weeks, 4 playoff weekends, all because we added two more networks to broadcast the games, so there’s more money by having more games.

If we don’t watch, they’ll stop scheduling them. Turn off the TV. Talk with your spouse, with your kids. Play a board game. Go to church. Do something that matters.

Cut the debates to 10 per party for the season.

Mad Max

January 27th, 2012
7:48 am

Byte – And BO was the result. Then there’s either a major flaw in how we select candidates or it’s become a Miss Universe contest. I suspect the later.

PinkoNeoConLibertarian

January 27th, 2012
7:50 am

Facts are only your friends when they back up your position of the moment. :)

LKW4

January 27th, 2012
8:06 am

More debates. But I would like them to stick to real issues. I am tired of the immigration crap, and personal jabs. I want them to tell us how they are going to put Americans back to work. How are you as Prersident going to benifit me, a middle class American sinking into lower class America. How can a candidate for President make many millions and pay less taxes then I do? I don’t care how long you’ve been married, how many children or grandchildren you have. I don’t care about your personal issues with each other. Just stick to facts and tell us up front how you are going to try and fix this mess. What you are going to do for us Veterans and disabled Veterans that you keep taking things away from. How are you going to protect the elderly. I don’t want to hear any more Hope and Change garbage. I don’t want any more, we shoulds or we coulds, or talking around the question and not answering the question. I am really sick of Mitts crappy smile and then his justifications for why he hids things and lies. Imagine what he will do as president? Thats a scary thought!

MrLiberty

January 27th, 2012
8:22 am

These are not debates. They are comedic sideshows put on by the mainstream media in order to manipulate the electorate in favor of their choice of candidate. Equal time is NEVER given to all contenders, questions are inane (why would your wife make a good first lady?), and they have become little more than a childish battle between infants. That is of course except for the solid answers by Ron Paul on the grossly infrequent opportunities he has to comment.

When I ran for poltical office in 1992, every group event I participated in was a “candidate forum.” The same question was asked of all candidates and we were all given the same amount of time to respond. If you were stupid enough to waste your time bashing your opponents instead of answering the question, that was your loss. The public walked away knowing exactly where we stood and we all felt like the process was fair.

I have seen some wonderful 1 hour interviews with Ron Paul in which he was given adequate time to actually answer questions, explain his positions, and educate viewers. Though I don’t agree with their positions, I would imagine that the public would benefit from similar interviews with the other candidates as well. Same questionis,etc.

The media is an overall failure in the process. They have hand selected candidates that they support and do everything to undermine the others. Thankfully the alternative media is giving the public an opporutnity to learn the facts about a candidate since the media has done such a horrible job of this.

carlosgvv

January 27th, 2012
8:48 am

The networks have done everything possible to make every debate look as though it will be the deciding one. Their inane hype knows no bounds, Why? Because money talks.

gm

January 27th, 2012
8:56 am

To all the Latinos in Florida:

Please visist the southern states and you will see how southern whites feel about you.
Dont listen to Newt, he sat back the last 3 years and watch his state Ga treat hispanics like criminals and did not say a word, it was laughable watching this master hypocrite lying to these people, the rep party do not care about latinos or any other race.

jconservative

January 27th, 2012
9:00 am

I would say the debates serve a function. For example, the last two debates have put an end to the myth that only Newt can debate Obama.

Personally I had rather see a series of one on one interviews in a studio with each of the three broadcast networks. More depth in the answers.

phil stembridge

January 27th, 2012
9:14 am

obama is the top idiot

independent thinker

January 27th, 2012
9:17 am

I would like to see a debate of the future first ladies, Have Callista explain her views on family values.

clyde

January 27th, 2012
9:18 am

I just can’t imagine sitting around for endless hours listening to a bunch of wannabees tell lies.I don’t want to vote for any of them.They’re the sorriest bunch of candidates I’ve ever seen.What is the Republican Party thinking?Or not thinking? At this juncture in time I don’t care which one eventually gets to run for President.

Pass a law making July 4th the kick off date for the circus.Anyone mentioning it before that date goes to jail.

jconservative

January 27th, 2012
9:31 am

Here is the post Florida schedule for February and early March.

February 4, 2012 Nevada (caucus)

February 4–11, 2012 Maine (caucus)

February 7, 2012 Colorado (caucus)
Minnesota (caucus)
Missouri (primary) – *Primary does not award delegates, that will be done is a 3/17 caucus.

February 28, 2012 Arizona (primary)
Michigan (primary)

March 3, 2012 Washington (caucus

Then Super Tuesday on Match 6.

Note all the caucus votes in February. Organization, organization, organization.

retired early

January 27th, 2012
9:33 am

Why can’t we have extended interviews with each candidate and let them explain their policy positions to a panel of “experts”. These experts could then explain to the audience how these policies would effect the economy, the deficit, environmental issues, etc.
Now, all we get is 9-9-9 and “eliminate capital gains taxes”, “make the Bush tax cuts permanent”.
These policies that sound good to the voters, never get challenged during these debates. Make these candidates live or die based on what their policies would do to this country…and quit giving them a “free ride”.

Road Scholar

January 27th, 2012
9:39 am

Do you really think Americans would sit there beyond the one liners and attacks to listen to detailed analysis of how each candidate would govern and address all pertinent topics? Do they have an attention span beyond a small child’s? To really listen? I really would like them to get into the weeds to explain there positions, but the press (from the “evil” liberal to the “we have all the answers but we won’t run” conservative)doesn’t like to research pertinent details. Or at least have the candidates write something of detail on each position.

Somewhere over there

January 27th, 2012
9:53 am

Anyone want to talk about Obozo’s poll numbers dropping again?

Somewhere over there

January 27th, 2012
9:53 am

“Let’s see – you could go to the zoo and watch the chimps beat their chests and fling their poo, or you could watch a GOP “presidential debate”.”

Racist.

Somewhere over there

January 27th, 2012
9:55 am

Uh yeah, the entire Democrat Party is a bunch of food stamp dependents.

Is President Obama Creating A Nation Of Dependents?

http://news.investors.com/Article/598993/201201260805/entitlements-soar-under-president-obama.htm

Somewhere over there

January 27th, 2012
9:55 am

Why Obozo will lose.

1.7%

That’s the final, pathetic growth number for 2011.

Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/2011-gdp-2012-1#ixzz1kfdwFVKK

retired early

January 27th, 2012
9:55 am

Road

You are absolutely right…as usual.
While you and I would listen to a lengthy debate, the “already made up their minds and just need someone to help me to rationalize that choice, voter”; would refuse to be “educated”, if it meant that could change their minds.

Somewhere over there

January 27th, 2012
9:56 am

Sinking ship….sinking ship…..sinking ship….

President Obama tries to push past Solyndra

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0112/72058.html

Somewhere over there

January 27th, 2012
9:57 am

Obozo the hypocrite.

President Obama leaves event promoting clean energy in a motorcade of 22 fossil-fueled vehicles

http://nevadajournal.com/2012/01/26/president-obama-leaves-event-promoting-clean-energy-motorcade-22-fossil-fueled-vehicles/

UGA 1999

January 27th, 2012
9:58 am

I do feel like there have been many. There are two points of view here. One is that it is wasiting time and we are hearing the same things over and over again. The other is that we are trying to find out everything about a candidate prior to the election.

wallbanger

January 27th, 2012
9:58 am

The debates have become a three ring circus. The Republican party should not have allowed so many debates, and the candidates should remain on topic: Speak to the tax reform issue, how entitlements can or can’t be supported, what to do about revising social security for the long term, how to disincentivize baby mama production, and how to incentivize people to stay in school and work for their own living rather than be government dependent.

UGA 1999

January 27th, 2012
10:03 am

wallbanger….they candidates have attempted to stay on target. It is the mediator that keeps making the personal attacks continue.

retired early

January 27th, 2012
10:03 am

Somewhere

The stock market is near it’s all time high…..guess Obama caused the economy to collapse in 2008, but had nothing to do with the current optimism in the stock market.
BTW, calling our sitting president names just tells us you have no respect for the office of the presidency….
OK…..now light up the blog with your racist bs….I’m waiting….

UGA 1999

January 27th, 2012
10:04 am

retired….but THAT IS NOT THE ONLY INDICATOR! Remember the stock market are those evil rich stock brokers on Wall Street. So which is it? Are you with them or against them? Figure it out.

MarkV

January 27th, 2012
10:07 am

Somewhere over there – the simpleton.
(@9:57 am)

clyde

January 27th, 2012
10:08 am

Road @9:39—–I would certainly like to see a detailed platform from each candidate.I could listen to the hows and whys for hours.Trouble is,there are too few hows and whys.

UGA 1999

January 27th, 2012
10:08 am

retired….why do you choose to forget the $3.60 gas? The 9% unemployment. The $15 Trillion in debt…..etc?

retired early

January 27th, 2012
10:18 am

UGA

You have made up your mind about Obama, you blame all the “bad” on him, while never giving him credit for the “good”.
I know it is a waste of time “debating” the real issues with someone who blames “gas prices” on “any sitting president”…other than Carter, during the “oil embargo” back in ‘79.
The truth does not influence your opinions.
Good day all…..

clyde

January 27th, 2012
10:20 am

Retired@10:03—– I ,for one,have a lot of respect for the Office of The President of The United States.I just don’t have any respect for the man now occupying it.

UGA 1999

January 27th, 2012
10:21 am

retired….you assume too much. The reason I blame all of the bad on him is because it is HIS responsibility to right the ship. He has not, if anything he is making it worse by increasing the class warfare rhetoric.

Ok tell me what Obmaa has done to lower gas prices? He has threatened to eliminate the subsidies. He wouldnt pass the Keystone pipeline. He said during his campaigning that he beleived that gas should be $5 per gallon.

Tell me what truth I am missing?!?!?!?!

Your blind faith in a man that is toxic for this country is showing your ignorance.

Somewhere over there

January 27th, 2012
10:21 am

“The stock market is near it’s all time high”

16,000? Nope, try again.

“BTW, calling our sitting president names just tells us you have no respect for the office of the presidency….”

No, I just don’t have respect for him. Sort of like your kind calling Bush, Chimp in chief.

“now light up the blog with your racist bs”

Yeah, when one can’t debate, they call other people a racist. Good job, Jesse Jackson.

Somewhere over there

January 27th, 2012
10:21 am

“Somewhere over there – the simpleton.”

Try again, cupcake.

redneckbluedog

January 27th, 2012
10:23 am

I am DONE with Presidential politics for the next 4 years (except for stirring up trouble)……My interests ARE NOT being represented……

You have MItt “Tax Shelter” Romney….whom the President will WIPE THE FLOOR WITH in the fall….You have Gingrich….NAAAAA…..you have Barack “The Socialist” Obama and Mitch “Barack Obama” Daniels…who isn’t even running…..and finally….Gary “Let All the Immigrants In” Johnson and Ron Paul…….SORRY…NOT INTERESTED…..I could possibly write in a Tom Tancredo/Joe Arpaio ticket…!!!!!

Somewhere over there

January 27th, 2012
10:23 am

“You have made up your mind about Obama, you blame all the “bad” on him, while never giving him credit for the “good”.”

So what “good” has he done for the country?

Come on, cupcake.

Somewhere over there

January 27th, 2012
10:24 am

redneckbluedog

So you won’t be voting for Obama again?

redneckbluedog

January 27th, 2012
10:24 am

And as far as debates go…..It’s not the QUANTITY so much as the QUALITY….!!!!

Somewhere over there

January 27th, 2012
10:24 am

retired early

If you can find one single thing that I’ve typed that even remotely sounds racist, I’ll gladly leave.

Somewhere over there

January 27th, 2012
10:25 am

“And as far as debates go…..It’s not the QUANTITY so much as the QUALITY….!!!!”

Then again, you’re a Democrat. Not sure why you’re so upset.

redneckbluedog

January 27th, 2012
10:33 am

Somewhere over there
January 27th, 2012
10:24 am
redneckbluedog

So you won’t be voting for Obama again?
————————————————————
Did not vote in 2008….most likely will not vote in 2012……..The silver lining is: I haven’t been called for jury duty in 20 years…!!!…:-)…..

UGA 1999

January 27th, 2012
10:34 am

Redneck……Now that was funny. It is a great trade off! haha.

Somewhere over there

January 27th, 2012
10:38 am

redneckbluedog

Ok, I just took your name as being a blue dog democrat. Sorry.

” I haven’t been called for jury duty in 20 years…!!!…:-)

You mean you didn’t want to waste an entire day sitting in a waiting room?

redneckbluedog

January 27th, 2012
10:38 am

Somewhere over there
January 27th, 2012
10:25 am
Then again, you’re a Democrat. Not sure why you’re so upset.
——————————————————————————————-
And as for my politics…the 15th Amendment guarantees me the right to vote…and I CAN afford the poll tax……Given that right…..I WILL VOTE MY INTERESTS…!!!!

redneckbluedog

January 27th, 2012
10:40 am

This Tom Tancredo guy makes a lot of sense…but he couldn’t win the gubernatorial election in Colorado last time….

That Black guy

January 27th, 2012
10:47 am

independent thinker

January 27th, 2012
9:17 am
I would like to see a debate of the future first ladies, Have Callista explain her views on family values.

And we can have Michelle explain why it was OK for her to turn away sick people at the hospital because they were poor and didn’t have insurance.
http://www.examiner.com/conservative-politics-in-national/michelle-obama-part-of-alleged-patient-dumping-scheme-chicago

Somewhere over there

January 27th, 2012
10:52 am

That Black guy

Mrs. Obama is still on the payroll at the U of Chicago even though she hasn’t worked there in years. Funny ain’t it?

UGA 1999

January 27th, 2012
10:55 am

redneck…..”right to vote” haha…..Commit a felony and see how much that amendment gets ya.

Ivan Cohen

January 27th, 2012
11:03 am

Frankly if the GOP are on their 19th or 22nd debate, then they are not debates anymore. They have become the equivalent of the Boston Marathon. This current crop of Republican candidates leave much to be desired. It’s like the Katzenjammer Kids have gone into politics.

UGA 1999

January 27th, 2012
11:05 am

Ivan….I would vote for anyone that was running over Obama right now.

ragnar danneskjold

January 27th, 2012
11:08 am

I may be a contrarian, but I think the multiple debates have been beneficial. There is no question that everyone has enjoyed an opportunity to present his/her case on a stage that allows voters comparison shopping. This is a Proverbs 27:17 argument if ever there was one.

I was a Cain supporter – he was not undone by debates.

Perry has never competed anywhere other than a strong red state – he was undone by debates, for his inability to articulate his vistion. No second item leading to an “oops” joke by me.

Romney and Gringich – the one surely the most skilled experienced executive in the field (yes, even more so than my favored Herman, as Romney’s experience is far more varied), the other the most seasoned politician – were the last two viable candidates standing, probably as it should have been. The debates were a material element of the winnowing process, and have given all voters an opportunity to understand why the Obama administration failed, and to glean a few ideas that could get us back on the right road (after the 2006 democrat Congress drove us into the ditch.) Executive leadership will be necessary and has been sorely lacking for the past three years. I am now moving myself into the Romney camp.

Somewhere over there

January 27th, 2012
11:11 am

“Ivan….I would vote for anyone that was running over Obama right now.”

Same here.

Don't Tread

January 27th, 2012
11:14 am

There should have been an option for “didn’t watch”.

redneckbluedog

January 27th, 2012
11:17 am

I was just very surprised how closely Mitch Daniels’ SOTU response sounded EXACLTY like the actual SOTU……I mean seriously…….Daniels practically threw Mitt Romney under the bus and DID throw the Tea Party under the bus….

TRUTH

January 27th, 2012
11:20 am

MORE DEBATES?? A wise man once said, “If you don’t have anything to say that is productive, then keep your mouth shut.” …………………………………………………………………………………………………..
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….and now a word from our sponsors of this crap!!

Is this TRULY the best the GOP has to offer? In spite of the fact that the President has managed a horrific recession, reported the fact that the private sector created over 3M jobs, that the stock market has shown a steady increase, and now has flexed and says that ALL AMERICANS should do their part, yes you to citizen Millionaire, after 19 or 22 debates there remains Romney, Newt, Santorum, and Paul and none are speaking to the American people about the vision forward. Laughable.

OBAMA 2012

Somewhere over there

January 27th, 2012
11:20 am

“.Daniels practically threw Mitt Romney under the bus and DID throw the Tea Party under the bus”

Weird, I dont’ remember anything like that. Can you elaborate a bit more?

Somewhere over there

January 27th, 2012
11:21 am

“Is this TRULY the best the GOP has to offer?”

Beats the current crap residing in the Oval Office.

“In spite of the fact that the President has managed a horrific recession, reported the fact that the private sector created over 3M jobs, that the stock market has shown a steady increase”

Dow is low, stocks are low, unemployment at 8.6%. Yep, he’s done real well.

UGA 1999

January 27th, 2012
11:23 am

somewhere….unemployment is actually at around 10% if they would use factual information. Gas is soon to be at $4.

Dusty

January 27th, 2012
11:25 am

DEBATE?? Yeah, let’s debate, contemplate and deliberate! eiiiyaeeee! I’ m sick of ‘em! Then it is debilitate and it hits Republicans in all its unfairness.

While Republicans spend millions on candidates who get subjects & questions usuable in high school debates & gossip columns, the opposition party gets little government paid sunshine speeches by their contendor who calls them “addresses”.

Everytime a president running for a second term makes a speech, the opposing party should get a subsidized debate or speech. Now that’s fair!

In the meantime, let us call good ol’ Texas toughness Rick Perry and invite him to stick around Washington for the next four years. It would be like a good dose of cod liver oil & super-vitamins for Washington and the entire USA. There must be some way to do that . Now let’s see……..

JKL2

January 27th, 2012
11:25 am

Godhates- And, there has never been a bigger display of nit-wittery on display on American TV

You evidently missed Al Sharpton, Carol Mosely Braun, and Dennis Kucinich battle it out a few years ago…

Somewhere over there

January 27th, 2012
11:27 am

“somewhere….unemployment is actually at around 10% if they would use factual information. Gas is soon to be at $4.”

Not including real unemployment. People who just quit looking for jobs. Gas is high and will go up even more. It’ll be a fun summer watching Obozo try to smear everyone else for his idiotic mistakes. Mitt should really go after him on gungate, Sylandra etc.

Everyone knows Obozo is a bad president.

Somewhere over there

January 27th, 2012
11:28 am

“Godhates- And, there has never been a bigger display of nit-wittery on display on American TV”

Cynthia Mckinney.

Nuff said.

redneckbluedog

January 27th, 2012
11:29 am

Sure…..

Reforming entitlements…..a sustainable “social safety net”….civility in politics…Fairer and simpler tax code…..Who talked about the importance of these issues….are these Democratic issues or Mitch Daniels’ issues…!?!? They DEFINITELY are not Tea Party issues….and you don’t hear Mitt Romney address the tax code much these days….except to keep it like it is….Doesn’t matter in Georgia anyway…..it doesn’t appear that President Obama is going to be on the ballot…you know…citizenship issues…..

Somewhere over there

January 27th, 2012
11:33 am

“hey DEFINITELY are not Tea Party issues”

Huh, I heard plenty of them talking about a simpler tax code. Fair Tax, Flat tax etc…

“Reforming entitlements”

Paul, Cain, Bachman, Perry, Mitt, Newt all talked about it over and over and over again.

“and you don’t hear Mitt Romney address the tax code much these days”

Heard him talk about it in two debates. Maybe you just weren’t paying attention.

“it doesn’t appear that President Obama is going to be on the ballot…you know…citizenship issues…..”

Uh huh.

Dusty

January 27th, 2012
11:47 am

Ragnar,

I hate to disagree with you because I think you are a wise man.

In a general line of thought, debate does seem a good place to thrash out perspective presidents.

But not when I consider the fact that debates gave us the inexperienced and bad comrade history of Obama and tilted him into the presidency. Everything was overlooked. He could speak “nice”.

Perhaps that is more a bad reflection on Americans who could not differentiate between the good and the unqualified..

So I am now very skiddish about the effects of debates.

Orange12

January 27th, 2012
12:20 pm

I agree, let’s vote now.

redneckbluedog

January 27th, 2012
12:23 pm

Somewhere over there
January 27th, 2012
11:33 am
————————————
Bachmann, Perry, and Paul…..the real Tea Party darlings…Talked about GETTING RID of the social safety net…not REFORMING it…..That is a HUGE DIFFERENCE…

You could superimpose the President’s SOTU and Daniels’ response and they would be 95% the same…!!!!!!

Somewhere over there

January 27th, 2012
12:27 pm

“Bachmann, Perry, and Paul…..the real Tea Party darlings…Talked about GETTING RID of the social safety net…not REFORMING it…..That is a HUGE DIFFERENCE…”

What exactly is a social safety net?

“You could superimpose the President’s SOTU and Daniels’ response and they would be 95% the same…!!!!!!”

Doubt it. Obama is for government control. Daniels is for person responsibility.

Don't Tread

January 27th, 2012
12:28 pm

“a bad reflection on Americans who could not differentiate between the good and the unqualified”

Seems a lot of people these days let the media decide what to think for them. And we know which side is in charge of most of the media. So the “good” is anyone with a D after their name, and the “unqualified” is anyone with a R after their name.

This also is why a lot of scam artists (including Obama) are so successful these days – people can’t think for themselves and/or blinded by greed.

snoqualmiefalls

January 27th, 2012
12:30 pm

I’m just loving the Republican debates. Why would our President have to hire speech writers when we have such a wealth of pearls of wisdom from these debates?
Yes my conservative friends, we will have a replay of “A Choice,not an Echo” in the next presidental election… for the kids out there, that’s a reference to AU H20 1964… and we all know how that turned out.

Somewhere over there

January 27th, 2012
12:36 pm

“Why would our President have to hire speech writers when we have such a wealth of pearls of wisdom from these debates?”

Considering the president has the worst record since Jimmy Carter….

C Jae of EAV

January 27th, 2012
12:53 pm

While I think the total number engaged to-date is abit out of alignment with what’s reasonable, I must admit the sheer number debates have allowed for each candidate to get their ideas on record, which IMHO has served the voting public quite well in the sence of truly vetting candidates.

This go around there as been very little room to hide the shadows of slick campaign ads & bumper sticker slogans. The contrast of choice is for me quite clear at this point.

Whats most interesting is the fact that with all the focus and attention, the reality is tht even after so-called “Super Tuesday” there will still be enough delegates outstanding such that any of the existing pool or some as of yet unannounced candidate could potentially win the republican nomination.

Hence the poltical circus is far from over.

Tiberius - Your lightning rod of hate!

January 27th, 2012
12:55 pm

I think there was just the right amount of debates, given the fact that it finally allowed Mitt to hammer Newt last night into a pile of pasty dough.

Except for his “It’s not worth getting angry” remark to Beaver Cleaver (Rick Santorum), this was Mitt’s best performance in all the debates.

Intown

January 27th, 2012
1:34 pm

For the Republican party primary, I’m for as many debates as possible so that all contenders are equally damaged when they then have to turn and take on a sitting Democratic president.

redneckbluedog

January 27th, 2012
1:41 pm

Somewhere over there
January 27th, 2012
12:27 pm
————————————
You need to ask Mitch Daniels’, then, what he means by “social safety net”…..Because he seems pretty intent on keeping it….Ditto for Barack Obama…..I did see excerpts from both oratories regarding personal responsibility….The one that comes to my mind is “No Bailouts, No Handouts, No Cop-outs”…..

I just point out facts, in a non-partisan way, for the most part…….You may assume what you wish…..

Real Athens

January 27th, 2012
1:56 pm

A “journalist” arguing for less press access and keeping voters in the dark regarding ALL candidates before an upcoming election. Your ilk (and bosses) are responsible for news becoming infotainment and working as a divider of the public instead of just providing facts and information. Kyle, I will admit you’re just punching the clock, feeding your family. However, as a student of Fink’s the first year he arrived at UGA my ethos won’t allow it.

Fink’s rolling over in his grave at the “ideas” in this column.

TRUTH

January 27th, 2012
2:03 pm

Is it just me or does the GOP have its own set of facts? I guess if you listen only to one another THEN that becomes fact, no matter how far in left field it is.

Therefore, I guess 91% of the country who approved of the SOTU and also those polled that shows the PRESIDENT (not “that crap in the White House, or any other codified language you hate filled losers want to pin to the PRESIDENT), would out point any GOP candidate who is selected. Period. Point Blank. You can try all you can to beat the drum for the GOP, but what the REST of Americans realize is that the GOP is a party designed to represent the rich. Sure, once upon a time the GOP was a sensible balance to our system of government, now its a BOUGHT party. Its a divisive party, that now has been reduced to race baiting, fear mongering, etc. Get a clue, GOP, or you will be a forgotten part of history.

JUST SAYIN’…..

Sarah Coulter

January 27th, 2012
2:04 pm

Obozo the hypocrite.

President Obama leaves event promoting clean energy in a motorcade of 22 fossil-fueled vehicles

http://nevadajournal.com/2012/01/26/president-obama-leaves-event-promoting-clean-energy-motorcade-22-fossil-fueled-vehicles/

************************************************************

Yep, he should have left on a horse just like George Washington used as his mode of transportation.

Sarah Coulter

January 27th, 2012
2:09 pm

Ivan….I would vote for anyone that was running over Obama right now.

*****************************************************************

I had to quote that. Hopefully the secret service will be paying you a visit this weekend and giving you a full-cavity search, jackhole.

Kyle Wingfield

January 27th, 2012
2:17 pm

Real Athens: Where did I argue for “less press access and keeping voters in the dark”? Because I asked whether, oh, 12 debates might be sufficient rather than 18 or 20?? And what would having fewer debates have to do with reducing press access — I’ve never known a politician to need the excuse of a debate to talk to a reporter — or keeping voters uninformed? If voters are relying on these stagings of political theater to get most of their information about these candidates, they are going to be woefully uninformed.

Tiberius - Your lightning rod of hate!

January 27th, 2012
2:18 pm

Sarah Coulter, your reading comprehension skills need an upgrade.

Ivan wasn’t talking about “running over” the current Disaster-in-Chief, he was talking about those who are running against him.

Sheesh! :roll:

Lynn

January 27th, 2012
2:20 pm

Great eye openers!!!

Kyle Wingfield

January 27th, 2012
2:20 pm

What’s really funny is that you ostensibly defend the number of debates — and then decry “infotainment,” which is more or less what I was criticizing in the OP.

The Snark

January 27th, 2012
2:24 pm

The more debates the better. (Though I hesitate to call them “debates.”) The worst thing that could happen in a democracy is for voters to select from people they have not seen or heard off-script, but know only from television and radio advertisements.

The Snark

January 27th, 2012
2:28 pm

Kyle:

I don’t disagree that the Republican primary “debates” are more like infotainment or “stagings of political theater.” But they have gradually enabled people to get some accurate impressions of the candidates. Perry is not that smart; Gingrich is mean-spirited and prone to less-than-truthful statements; Santorum is very religious and principled; Romney is very intelligent; Ron Paul is a rather strange person. These facts may not be the whole picture, and they may not be what you want to base your vote on, but it’s a hell of a lot better than campaign ads.

Real Athens

January 27th, 2012
2:29 pm

I won’t get into a pissing match with you — for obvious reasons. We agree on several fronts. How about you (and your colleagues, Cox sisters included) take the charge and provide the public with real debates with real questions and begin a trend of returning the Fourth Estate to it’s rightful place in society instead of inflaming public opinion and selling advertising.

Sarah Coulter

January 27th, 2012
2:40 pm

And Tiberius, it wasn’t Ivan that said that. But nice try! UGA1999 made that lovely comment about the president being run over.
**************************************************************
UGA 1999

January 27th, 2012
11:05 am
Ivan….I would vote for anyone that was running over Obama right now.

*******************************************************************

Maybe you are inside UGA1999’s head or you are psychic.

Linda

January 27th, 2012
2:40 pm

Obama has not even been confronted regarding his policies since he was elected. The last time he debated was against Clinton.
The folks that attend his speeches are screened. The rare times he’s in the White House briefing room, he chooses the reporters from whom he takes questions. The reporters he’s given interviews to follow his rules with pre-approved questions. I don’t recall his ever having to answer a single tough questions from the media.
Obama now has a “record.” He’s actually run something for the first time in his life: the country.
Any one of the Republican candidates will cream him in a debate. There is no way a mediator can prevent statements from being made. The Rep. candidate will bring up the facts that:
the natl. debt has almost doubled
there’s nothing to show for it
except the US credit rating has been downgraded
govt. spending has increased
fed. govt. employment has increased
the price of gas has gone up 84%
the price for electricity has increased
health care premiums have gone up 12.6%
Obamacare is unconstitutional
the unemployment rate has been higher every single month under Obama than it was under Bush
etc., etc., etc.
Obama is sensitive & arrogant. I don’t think he will survive a debate without loosing it completely—& he’ll blame it on Bush.

Kyle Wingfield

January 27th, 2012
2:43 pm

Snark: Did it take 18 debates for you to come to those conclusions?

Look, I’m not interested in the “is it good for Republicans” part of the argument. But at some point in this cycle’s process, the debates became largely a medium through which the campaigns aired those parts of their rivals’ dirty laundry which were hardest to rebut in 30 to 60 seconds. Even if you accept that illuminating the bad parts of the candidates’ backgrounds is a good and necessary part of an election — and I do — doing it in this format, with its limitations regarding time to explain situations, put them in context and establish the truthfulness of a claim, does not always or even usually amount to truly educating the public. It’s image management — managing your image, and your rivals’. It seems to me that’s at the heart of a lot of complaints about politics.

Dusty

January 27th, 2012
2:43 pm

Truth@2:03

I find it a bit satisfying to be classified as “rich” since you say the GOP represents the “rich”. Surely I shall toss my credit card and pay everywhere from the big fat roll of 100$ bills I shall flash from my designer purse as I stroll out to the RollsRoyce. I mean this is so much fun. I am so glad you told me this fact. Woohooo! Party time!! All us GOPers are RICH, babee!!

Tiberius - Your lightning rod of hate!

January 27th, 2012
2:52 pm

Regardless of who originally said it, Sarah Coulter, no one threatened the current Disaster-in-Chief.

Your childishness is unbecoming.

Dusty

January 27th, 2012
2:57 pm

Tiberius,

Don’t mind Sassy Sarah. She’s just angry ’cause she isn’t rich like us GOPers.

Linda

January 27th, 2012
3:25 pm

Obamamotors is coming out with a new all-electric car. It’s to be driven on sunny days during daylight hours. It will appeal to hot natured folks in the winter & cold natured folks in the summer. It will be marketed to non-smokers, people who like to read behind the wheel & people who travel in one direction on roads with no stop signs or traffic lights. It will be popular with athletes.
It will have no windshield wipers, no headlights, no heat, no air-conditioning, no cigarette lighter, no radio, no turn signals, no backup lights & no brake lights. Seats & windows will be manually operated.
Obamacar is designed to prevent any drainage on the battery.
It comes in both light green & dark green.

TRUTH

January 27th, 2012
3:40 pm

@Dusty 2:57 pm Thank you for proving my point. Obviously, your attempt at humor by claiming your instant “richness” indicates that you are struggling like the rest of us. I didn’t buy a house I could not afford. I have a job that has not provided an adequate raise in years (other than a 2% cost of living increase…massive fail), while our CEO and senior executives pocketed a few million in bonuses. I have a child in college that is WAY overpriced and carry him on my insurance. So you tell me, do Republicans stand for bettering the lives of ALL AMERICAN citizens and leveling the playing field for the middle class (which, might I remind you), YOU are a part of? Or will they continue to protect the rich…(which YOU AIN’T a part of)?

TRUTH

January 27th, 2012
3:41 pm

I meant @ Dusty 2:43….BABEE!!

Hillbilly D

January 27th, 2012
3:56 pm

Haven’t read all the posts but as some that I skimmed through said, 6 months is plenty of time to elect a President. We very quickly went from a 2 year cycle to what is now a 3 1/2-4 year cycle. Probably just a matter of time before people start running 5 years ahead. Is it any wonder people are disgusted with politicians?

Sarah Coulter

January 27th, 2012
3:56 pm

Tiberius,

Don’t mind Sassy Sarah. She’s just angry ’cause she isn’t rich like us GOPers.

**********************************************

Do you mean rich in spirit, Dirty Dusty?

**********************************************
Regardless of who originally said it, Sarah Coulter, no one threatened the current Disaster-in-Chief.

Your childishness is unbecoming.

*****************************************

He said it. So deal, jackhole. And your childishness has become so passé!

Michael H. Smith

January 27th, 2012
4:09 pm

Earth to moon colony… Earth to moon colony… come in Lord Newt.

To tell you the truth Kyle, at first thought I might have agreed that we have too many of these so-called debates but I’m starting to have second thoughts: Giving some of these candidate more airtime to show us all just how foolish and ridiculous the voters would be to elect some of them could save all us from future “grandiose right-wing out-of-this-world social engineering” failures.

Michael H. Smith

January 27th, 2012
4:14 pm

I hope everyone can be rich. More reason to vote the anointed one out of office. Nail if I’m late again Linda, but did any of you hear that obama is the first President since records have been kept on the GDP to not have had at least one quarter of 4% or better economic growth?

Linda

January 27th, 2012
4:18 pm

Michael, you’re on the wrong blog, but before you leave, read my 2 posts above. Do you prefer light green or dark green?

Michael H. Smith

January 27th, 2012
4:22 pm

Guess that means you brought that fact out already. On selection of cars: I prefer something non-UAW in money green. :)

@@

January 28th, 2012
7:07 am

If the campaign seasoned were shortened, the number of debates would follow suit. Having said that, the debates have only gotten better. Palin was right when she said steel sharpens steel.

This comment by Palin was priceless:

After Christie dubbed Gingrich an “embarrassment” to the Republican Party, Palin warned Christie not to get his “panties in a wad.”

“You know, sometimes, if your candidate loses in just one step along this path, as was the case when Romney lost to Newt the other night — and, of course, Romney is Chris Christie’s guy — well, you kind of get your panties in a wad, and you may say things that you regret later. And I think that that’s what Chris Christie did.”

She took it a step farther, saying the New Jersey governor, who has made his name as an in-your-face politician that frequently says eyebrow-raising things, demonstrated a “lack of self-discipline.”

Palin, 5′ 6″ 120lbs vs Christie, 5′ 11″ 350lbs???

YOU GO GIRL!!!!