Winners & losers

Posted: Tuesday, May 15, 2007 10:37 PM by Rob Merrill

From NBC's Chuck Todd
Giuliani and McCain looked and acted like the frontrunners tonight. They got opportunities to look presidential and seized the moments. Romney, after a great first debate, turned in a very mediocre performance. Part of his problem were the surprisingly tough questions he received from his inquisitors which seemed to throw him off. But there was something about him that just seemed less present on stage tonight. Maybe it was because he wasn't standing on the far left side of the stage, like McCain this time and Romney was in the first debate.

As for the rest of the field: Huckabee turned in another solid performance. Why again can't he catch financial fire? Tancredo also seemed to improve from his first performance. He actually had a few prepared lines and delivered them fairly well. Paul, as usual, was very eloquent in his positions; nobody has articulated the Libertarian positions as well as him in the GOP for a long time. Hunter, Thompson and Gilmore didn't seem on their games tonight. For Hunter, that's a change; he had a very good first debate; Thompson technically improved from his first performance but that's not saying much. Gilmore was a big part of this debate but his failure to stand behind his campaign trail attacks was a very weak moment for him.

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Comments

Ron Paul was outstanding as always!! Giuliani tried to trip him up but Ron didn't take the bait! Ron Paul is up 70% on the MSNBC Poll right now with 1,200 votes in! Giuliani is an absolute schmuck! Go Ron!!.... Google videos: 9/11 Press for Truth, Loose Change 2nd Edition

911truthdotorg (Sent Tuesday, May 15, 2007 10:52 PM)

excuse me. I hope you are not trying to suggest Ron Paul is affiliated with 9/11 truth by that post.

matt (Sent Tuesday, May 15, 2007 11:14 PM)

excuse me. I hope you are not trying to suggest Ron Paul is affiliated with 9/11 truth by that post.

matt (Sent Tuesday, May 15, 2007 11:15 PM)

matt...No, I put that on every post in the hope that only one person might watch them, and learn. But if Ron Paul did say he was for a new, true 9/11 investigation, he would be unstoppable, because millions of people all over the world know the "official" story is a lie. Please support Ron Paul!...Google videos: 9/11 Press for Truth, Loose Change 2nd Edition

911truthdotorg (Sent Tuesday, May 15, 2007 11:21 PM)

"Ron Paul was outstanding as always!! Giuliani tried to trip him up but Ron didn't take the bait! Ron Paul is up 70% on the MSNBC Poll right now with 1,200 votes in! Giuliani is an absolute schmuck! Go Ron!!.... " Is this the posting area for 8 year olds?

Nevu Deek Presham (Sent Tuesday, May 15, 2007 11:21 PM)

I was glad to see Ron Paul give the only sincere shoutout to Reagan in these debates-- he gave a great example of Reagan's '80s policy and how it would apply to Iraq. Guiliani shows that he has absolutely no idea what he's talking about and I lost all respect for him tonight. Ron Paul is the true patriot, examining WHY terrorism is happening rather than simply trying to come up with policies that won't work to try to stop it. You have to think about why it's happening before you can end it. Guiliani showed that he will never be able to lead anything beyond New York City, and that he is just like every other politician (except Ron Paul). Huckabee also did a good job.

Gloria Berger, Greenville, IL (Sent Tuesday, May 15, 2007 11:21 PM)

I agree, quit pushing the 9/11 videos.

Eric Hawks, boise, idaho (Sent Tuesday, May 15, 2007 11:23 PM)

Paul served up more truth than the other 9 put together.

Sam Parigi, Kingsland, TX (Sent Tuesday, May 15, 2007 11:23 PM)

Ron Paul is not affiliated with any of the 9/11 conspiracy theorists. I think he made it clear in the debate that he believes Muslims from the Middle East planned and executed the 9/11 attacks in retaliation for the United State's meddling in Middle East affairs (including the US bombing Iraq many times during the Clinton administration). He also made it clear that he supported and supports going after those responsible for 9/11. If Paul had been President, he would have placed greater priority on finding Osama bin Laden and left Iraq alone.

Todd, Wood Dale, IL (Sent Tuesday, May 15, 2007 11:24 PM)

Right at the end of the debate there was talk of winnoing out some of the candidates and Mr. Pauls name was thrown in. It's not nice to speak truth to power. Then low and behold look whos on top with the text in votes Ron Paul with 70% more votes than Giuliani and you can see it on Sean Hannity's face he hates it. He may be hartder to get rid of than the GOP thought

James, Lynchburg VA (Sent Tuesday, May 15, 2007 11:25 PM)

Nevu - It sounds like 911truth was just very excited about Ron Paul's poll numbers. How is that posting like an 8 year old? I don't see such enthusiasm for any other candidate on these blogs. Maybe he's on to something?

Vicki (Sent Tuesday, May 15, 2007 11:32 PM)

McCain is nothing but a corrupt political opportunist. A leopard can't change its spots. Please Google "The Keating Five" and read about how McCain sold his soul to Charles Keating in the late 1980's. Keating was the Ken Lay (Enron) of his day who destroyed thousands of people's lives by swindling them...The only Republican running who isn't a fraud or a hack is Ron Paul. Please support him!!....Google video: 9/11 Press for Truth, Loose Change 2nd Edition

911truthdotorg (Sent Tuesday, May 15, 2007 11:39 PM)

Ron Paul is the winner of the GOP debate because he really does believe in the U.S. Constitution and the beliefs of our founding fathers. Rep. Paul can represent me any day as the 44th President of the United States.

Mary,Winter, Wisconsin (Sent Tuesday, May 15, 2007 11:45 PM)

God help us if Paul's and his running mate Osama Bin Laden is elected. We've spent the last 35 years trying to figure out "Why" it's happening. Say no to the Paul's paralysis by analysis campaign.

Mike T. San Francisco, Ca (Sent Tuesday, May 15, 2007 11:49 PM)

Giuliani,McCain and Romney showed the American people tonight that they have absolutely no clue as to what is really going on in the world. They also showed that they are pathetically out of step with the wants and needs of the people. Not what I am looking for to lead my country. Ron Paul has been pretty much ignored by the establishment up to this point, now however they will be out to get him. He is willing to stand up and tell the hard truths and explain how we came to be in the position we are in now. He is what the country needs to stop our continued slide into Socialism. I only hope he is up for this fight, because I think the opposition is about to start howling for blood.

Laurie Hoppe, Eaton, Michigan (Sent Tuesday, May 15, 2007 11:53 PM)

Please see Ron Paul in the movie "America: Freedom to Fascism" on Google video. I heard it's on Netflix too. He's the real deal people!....OK, only one movie plug per post. :)

911truthdotorg (Sent Tuesday, May 15, 2007 11:53 PM)

God help us if Paul's and his running mate Osama Bin Laden is elected. We've spent the last 35 years trying to figure out "Why" it's happening. Say no to the Paul's paralysis by analysis campaign.

Mike T. San Francisco, Ca (Sent Tuesday, May 15, 2007 11:55 PM)

Ron Paul was right. If we don't go back and look at our foreign policy mistakes, we are doomed to repeat them. Giuliani was trying to bully Ron Paul into retracting his statement but Paul did not back down.

Tom W (Sent Wednesday, May 16, 2007 12:02 AM)

In response to 9/11 America starts serveral wars, kills and maims who knows how many people,yet the same America finds it absurd to imagine that some Muslims would be upset if we blow their children to pieces as part of a deliberate government policy. Right.

Brendan, Everett WA. (Sent Wednesday, May 16, 2007 12:18 AM)

I'm amazed a couple candidates attacked Paul. Politics 101 - don't waste time going after the non-players. I felt like Paul gained a little traction after the first debate, but no where near enough to threaten breaking into the top tier. So... why did Giuliani and Tancredo go after him? Maybe their internal pollsters are showing Paul gaining more strength than do pollsters for the news agencies. I just can't see him moving up the charts, but then if asked a couple hours ago whether any other candidates would even acknowledge his existence, I would have said I couldn't see that, either.

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA (Sent Wednesday, May 16, 2007 12:20 AM)

Thank you Chuck for the nice words about Ron Paul. He truely is the best option for our quickly dying country. He is a doctor afterall. GO RON PAUL!

AJ Severino, Parkville Missouri (Sent Wednesday, May 16, 2007 12:50 AM)

The reason Ron Paul is so high in the MSNBC poll is that the poll includes non-Republican voters and Paul's views on Iraq parallel them - naturally they're going to favor him over the rest of the Republican field.

MikeknaJ, California (Sent Wednesday, May 16, 2007 1:06 AM)

Ron Paul was fantastic! What a breath of fresh air for American politics. I can't wait for these two msnbc politicos to do their freaking job and give credit where credit is due...or even mention his name! This man is what America so desperately needs. Mr. Todd, do your job!

Nessa Tulsa, OK (Sent Wednesday, May 16, 2007 1:20 AM)

You know why 9/11 truthers keep pushing 9/11 videos? Becasue more then half of the population are zombies....Physics does not change for anybody!!! WTC7 Was not hit by a plane and had minmal fires but fell @ free fall speed on 9/11! Thrid modern STEEL Building to fall @ FREE FALL SPEED due to fires! Watch the video on WTC7.net and decide for yourself, since most of the media is biased. PHYSICS DOES NOT CHANGE FOR ANYBODY! http://ae911truth.org/ Architects & Engineers for 911 Truth Bring Peace to the SOULS of 9/11 victims by bringing the real killers to justice!

BILLY NYC, NY (Sent Wednesday, May 16, 2007 1:29 AM)

Ron Paul won the first GOP debate also and anyone who watched the debate knows it. MSNBC Lying: http://buenosairesenglish.blogspot.com/2007/05/why-is-msnbc-lying.html http://majorityrights.com/index.php/weblog/comments/ron_paul_demolishes_other_republicans_in_online_polls/ ABC tried to hide Ron Paul victory also: http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/BeSeenBeHeard/popup?id=3135373 CSPAN Has Ron Paul victory: http://www.rumormillnews.com/cgi-bin/forum.cgi?read=103899 Youtube debate Ron Paul: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=peBGJwE9NXo

Rob M, Bethesda, MD (Sent Wednesday, May 16, 2007 1:46 AM)

http://www.rumormillnews.com/cgi-bin/forum.cgi?read=103899 Youtube debate Ron Paul: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=peBGJwE9NXo

Rob M, Bethesda, MD (Sent Wednesday, May 16, 2007 1:47 AM)

Ron Paul did such a good job of explaining the dangers of meddling with other countries, and the hatred that it incites.

Chris N, San Rafael, CA (Sent Wednesday, May 16, 2007 1:56 AM)

I can't believe how brave Ron Paul was - Yep, "blowback" is a CIA term...look it up. Only a Patriot stands up for what he believes even when you are on FOX NEWS. I'm so proud of Ron.

Aaron, Springfield, MO (Sent Wednesday, May 16, 2007 2:36 AM)

I'm a Ron Paul supporter. I went to the MSNBC poll. I really want Paul to win, an dI was happy to see he was leading MSNBC's polls, but when Paul also leads on the question about who had the best one-liner I know there is a problem with the poll. What on-liner did Paul have? Tancredo mentioned a couple good ones (Damascus/Des Moines or Edwards in a beauty shop) or even McCain about the drunken sailor. Paul didn't have a one-liner, but he won the poll anyway? Come on!

John M, Houston, TX (Sent Wednesday, May 16, 2007 2:54 AM)

Ron Paul is capturing the American people but the American press is ignoring him. Why? The polls all have Paul winning this debate. You'd think the media would be all over that.

Jon Davis (Sent Wednesday, May 16, 2007 3:10 AM)

Ron Paul is a naive fool. I hope that Republicans won't buy into the they won't bother us if we don't bother them fantasy. The hard truth is that the United States is going to be involved the Middle East for decades to come. If we show any weakness now, in Iraq or any where else in the region, we are going to be in for a world of hurt. We must stay strong and resolute or our children will pay a terrible price that will be beyond our wildest imagination.

William, Little Rock, Ar. (Sent Wednesday, May 16, 2007 3:16 AM)

I had never heard of Ron Paul before tonight's debate. I'm so happy I watched it now, because it gives me hope that there are intelligent politicians out there. Unfortunately the mainstream media has ignored the fact that he completely blew away the other candidates.

Steve (Sent Wednesday, May 16, 2007 3:26 AM)

Ron Paul articulated his positions with excellence (as usual). I didn't care for the snide remarks from the hosts or Rudy's rude outburst, but Ron Paul handled it like a gentleman.

Matthew Bapst, Hamburg, NY (Sent Wednesday, May 16, 2007 3:31 AM)

No child left behind? We all heard that crap before. And NOTHING has changed. Nor will it at this pace. RON PAUL is IT!

Tumbleweed Steve - Nelson Obio (Sent Wednesday, May 16, 2007 6:26 AM)

It's obvious that the Ron Paul fan club is made up of lib Dems - Ron Paul is to Republicans what Denis Kucinch is to the Democrats -

Ceil Grant (Sent Wednesday, May 16, 2007 8:34 AM)

Lib Dems? I'm a Michael Savage conservative for Ron Paul. Tom Tancredo for VP.

Jim, Colonia, NJ (Sent Wednesday, May 16, 2007 9:21 AM)

Ceil Grant; that is probably an undeniable truth you just posted. Then again, it could be that there is strong sentiment amongst Republicans that all the other candidates would not resolve the Iraq mess but will keep us immersed there for years to come. Could there be a strong Republican citizen movement to stop the war that the candidates are ignoring?

Ravine Force, Kissimmee, FL (Sent Wednesday, May 16, 2007 9:23 AM)

the repub corporate,take from the poor give to the rich crowd are strongly backing the repulsive gulliani,it will be interesting to see how they get this ron paul cat to disappear,ron paul sounds like a decent human being that actually cares for this countries well being,that being said he obviously won't fit into the "trickle up" fascist republican parties plans to continue the elitist ruled america that they have enjoyed for the past few years.

MK,MO (Sent Wednesday, May 16, 2007 9:23 AM)

Ron Paul was the only conservative of the bunch which is exactly why the fascist wing of the Republican party targeted him.

Max, Tampa FL (Sent Wednesday, May 16, 2007 9:27 AM)

As usual you can tell who frequents these boards: LIBERALS. Ron Paul isnt winning anything. He might poll high in here because this is a liberal biased network period. Put his azz out in the general public with republicans and see how he polls. He cant win the republican nomination. If you like him so much and think he is the greatest thing since the thong came along, then take his butt to the democratic side and vote for him. See how long he last there. Ron Paul has been a crock of DO DO for a long time and the only reason he is still in the house is because his district is very poor and has a lot of hispanic voters with great ties to mexico. He is probably the only person in the district that can afford to run for office. Hell when you run uncontested, I think its a freak of nature you will win..DUH

reelblakman07, Texas (Sent Wednesday, May 16, 2007 10:09 AM)

If Ron Paul's campaign becomes a visible tent for the 911 conspiracy theorists, what little chances he might have are gone.

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA (Sent Wednesday, May 16, 2007 10:16 AM)

I hope you republicans do your duty and find a way to get Paul on the ballot. I am a democrat, but if a republican has to win in 2008... I want that person to be a straight shooter, and not a part of the corrupt washington establishment.. the fact that Paul has been at odds with the republican establishment is a GOOD thing. Get him nominated.. republicans! Don't fall for the Rudy/Mitt/McCain dog and pony show!

Democrat, Atlanta GA (Sent Wednesday, May 16, 2007 10:33 AM)

I would vote for a Mike Gravel/Ron Paul unity ticket.

JJ in NJ (Sent Wednesday, May 16, 2007 10:50 AM)

Ravine - I don't believe the Republicans lost because of the war - they lost because of big spending and acting like Democrats.

Ceil Grant (Sent Wednesday, May 16, 2007 11:19 AM)

I am more and more convinced everyday that no one in the Republican Party remembers what the word "conservative" means. Liberals supporting Ron Paul? I'm conservative and current Republicans aren't. Ron Paul is the first candidate in a long time I remember speaking for me. No, I take that back. George Bush talked up a conservative foreign policy during the 2000 campaign. I'm sorry to say I voted for him that time. Unfortunately, he forgot all those talking points on the day he was inaugurated.

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA (Sent Wednesday, May 16, 2007 11:22 AM)

Ceil Grant, you obviously dont know what youre talking about. Ron Pauls constituency is whoever hears him and appreciates his anti- imperial logic. Liberal/conservative are becoming meaningless terms

joshua (Sent Wednesday, May 16, 2007 11:36 AM)

the republican party is not the conservative party any longer, it has morphed into a bunch of greedy imoral fascist money spending losers with respect for nothing but the dollar bill, may they get what they deserve

MK,MO (Sent Wednesday, May 16, 2007 12:24 PM)

I stated this before. I am stating it again. Only if either Ron Paul or Barack Obama were on the ticket, I would vote. Otherwise, I would not vote. I don't want to waste my vote on any politician who cannot listen opposite ideas and find a working common ground. If both were on the ticket, I would vote Ron Paul. I am an independent.

Middle Pittsburgh (Sent Wednesday, May 16, 2007 1:27 PM)

9/11 WAS AN INSIDE JOB. IT'S HORRIBLE BUT WE AS A COUNTRY WILL HAVE TO FACE THE FACTS SOONER OR LATER. AND YES DR. PAUL WOULD AGREE TO A BETTER INVESTIGATION, YOU KNOW ONE THAT'S NOT INITIALLY HEADED BY HENRY KISSINGER. PLEASE READ NORMAN YOSHIO MINETA'S OMMITTED 9/11 TESTAMONY. AND STOP BASHING REAL PATRIOTS WE'RE ONLY TRYING TO HELP YOU SHEEOPLE THINK FOR YOURSELVES. TRY GOOGLING "SILENT WEAPONS FOR QUIET WARS" AND YOU'LL SEE HOW THE TRUTH SEEKERS ARE FOR PRESERVING THE MIDDLE CLASS AND THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. WAKE UP! STOP THE GRADUAL COMMUNIST TAKE OVER OF THE US!

JEFF CALAHAN (Sent Wednesday, May 16, 2007 2:20 PM)

Ron Paul is capturing the American people? I'd hold off on that claim if I were you. I bet if you asked 100 people on the street who Ron Paul is, you'd be lucky to get 5 people who knew. I bet if you asked 100 registered voters who he is, you'd only get a handful more. THAT is why the press doesn't give him as much attention; he lacks the money and the political organization to be a top-tier candidate. Unfortunately, in American politics name recognition gets you further than anything. It's sad, but most of the voting public has no idea about the candidates and where they stand on issues; they vote for the party or they vote for the names they recognize. Ron Paul is not a name they recognize, at least not now, and unless he starts bringing in the money, not ever. Given that it is unlikely that he will get the nomination, I don't see his fundraising increasing as much as will be necessary for him to be a real threat in this race.

Carrie, NW Iowa (Sent Wednesday, May 16, 2007 2:22 PM)

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