Tag: Republicans
Thompson stumbles out of the block; Romney and Giuliani sharpen their attacks
[editor's note, by Ross Smith] The author is Kelly McDonald, Assistant Professor and Director of Forensics at Arizona State University.
Former Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson appeared in his first primary debate with fellow Republican contenders at the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center in Dearborn, Michigan's CNBC debate. Under the banner title, "The Republicans, The Economy and You" the financial network featured Chris Mathews and Maria Bartiromo asking questions of the nine candidates. There were no introductory or concluding statements by candidates and CNBC cut away for several commercial breaks during the scheduled two hour session. The format was freewheeling - much like prior debates - no particular order of the questions or time limits on answers.
While Thompson was given particular attention by the moderators - given the first question, acknowledging his participation in this debate, and prompted on a particular question on his "specifics" for social security reform - he failed to really capture the stage, appearing almost hesitant at times, agreeing in large measure with comments by his stage rivals and failing to articulate specifics of his proposals, tending to favor glossy generalities.
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: Thompson, GOP, Primary Debate, Republicans, Rudy Giuliani, Mitt Romney
GOP in New Hampshire Preview -- Fireworks on Immigration Expected
Ten Republican presidential candidates will take the same stage at Saint Anselm College occupied by the eight Democratic contenders two nights ago. The hosts, CNN, The Union Leader, and WMUR remain the same, as will the moderator, Wolf Blitzer.
But the similarities should end there. The Republicans are much more divided this cycle on core issues of interest to their base than are the Democrats. Immigration is the paradigm case. The race is nowhere near as settled -- the Dems have a clear top tier and a lone front runner while much of the biggest news will be about a Republican candidate, Fred Thompson, who is not even in the debate and while polls are all over the place with regard to Thompson, Giuliani, Romney, and McCain. Read more about what to expect from tonight's debate. . . .
Update [2007-6-5 17:56:31 by Ross Smith]: Should have listed time, 7-9pm EDT, and that it will be on CNN nationally, WMUR TV in New Hampshire and that both of those outlets have streaming video at their websites.
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: debate, debates, New Hampshire, presidential primary, Republicans, elections 2008
GOP in SC - Pre-debate Items of Interest
Update [2007-5-15 16:6:31 by Ross Smith]: We mourn the passing of Rev. Jerry Falwell, 73. Academic debate had no better support from a university president than the support he gave the Liberty team. The team, encouraged to argue and understand both sides of even the most controversial social issues, was his pride and joy. Their Director, Brett O'Donnell is on leave to work as John McCain's debate advisor. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Liberty debate family.
Check back for our liveblog and "First Analysis" posts for more on tonight's 9 p.m. EDT debate and join us at 11:30 p.m. EDT on 
.
Meanwhile, read more below for the pre-debate items of special interest. Check out the preview post below, too, worth its pixels for Alan Coversotne's comment alone.
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: Republicans, 2008 elections, debates, debate, presidential primary, South Carolina, moderators
Preview: GOP Debate on Fox in South Carolina
The same ten Republican candidates who debated at the Reagan Library just ten days ago will take the stage again tomorrow night at 9 p.m. in Columbia, South Carolina, for a debate sponsored by the state's Republican party and Fox News. Fox News broadcasts will be debate centered from 3 pm EDT through post-debate coverage on the "Hannity & Colmes" show.
Leading candidates are "grumbling" about the format for the debate which is 90 minutes, 5 rounds of 10 questions, 60 second answers with 30 second rebuttals or follow ups, no cross questioning, and no opening or closing statements. Brit Hume will moderate and Wendell Goler and Chris Wallace will ask the questions.
Coming as it does close on the heels of the "fallout" from the first debate, it will be interesting to see to what extent this debate extends the narrative of "division on social issues."
Click on "Read More . . ." below for much more of the scoop, and plan to join me on at 11:30 pm EDT after tomorrow night's debate.
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: Republicans, debate, debates, presidential primary, 2008 elections, Fox
Debates Matter - Guiliani Changes Course
It seems that debates can indeed generate pressure for candidates to clarify their views on policy. The New York Times is reporting that Giuliani will soon make a series of speeches to clarify his unequivocal support for abortion rights. The Times notes:
After months of conflicting signals on abortion, Rudolph W. Giuliani is planning to offer a forthright affirmation of his support for abortion rights in public forums, television appearances and interviews in the coming days, despite the potential for bad consequences among some conservative voters already wary of his views, aides said yesterday. (New York Times, May 10, 2007)
Reasons? Join me below the fold to discuss...
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: Giuliani, Republicans, Debates, 2008 GOP Primaries
Facts and Fun from the Reagan Library Debate
There's raw material aplenty from the first Republican presidential primary debate held at the Reagan Library in Simi, California.
We'll have more analysis throughout the coming days. Meanwhile, here's a quick round up of some of the data as well as the funniest liveblog of a debate I have ever read. Just follow below the fold (click the little "read more" thing) . . .
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: Republicans, debate, debates, tag clowds, presidential primary
First Analysis of GOP California Debate
Everyone wants to know "who won" right away. OK, I'll indulge you a little bit below the fold, but remember, this was round one and the media coverage battle and spin battle is a part of this round that just started minutes ago.
Just click the "read more" and disagree or agree in the comments.
Join me (plus special guests) at midnight EDT on , too
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: GOP, Republicans, debate, debates, presidential primary, 2008 elections
The Demand for Better GOP Questions
Althought the format and questions are more likely to be like last week's Democratic debate from the same network (MSNBC), there is a need for real debate and real questions, especially on the Republican side.
Better questions would do the candidates, the public, and, most of all, the damaged brand of the Republican Party itself a great service.
Read more to see how it's a win-win-win.
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: Republicans, debate, debates, questions, presidential primary
