The Children's Table: The (most likely) last GOP Debate

The second, and most likely last, GOP debate at the Reagan library was a very excruciating exercise. The four remaining men vying to lose to either Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton simultaneously looked like giant children and codgers. It was not a pretty site.

For one thing, the setup of the debate was just awkward. They put Anderson Cooper and the two panelists perpendicular to the candidates, which created an odd looking angle. In addition, the desks the candidates were sitting at looked like kindergarten desks, adding to the childish atmosphere.

In addition, CNN didn't comport itself very professionally, deciding to minimize the participation of Ron Paul and Mike Huckabee. Feeling that they, and not the viewers, were responsible for seeing who was the best candidate, they focused on the battle between Romney and McCain.

Mitt was his typical sleazy country club self, continuing to make me wonder why anybody who wasn't a robot would support this guy. His argument with McCain over what he said about timetables in Iraq seemed pointless. This was his last, best chance to make a mark to distinguish himself on Super Tuesday, and he failed.

Somehow, McCain was even worse. Every time he spoke, he almost put me to sleep. Apparently he was a foot-soldier, and not a leader, of the Reagan revolution. Because a follower is what we need for our Presidency, not a leader. How this man, who is a horrible debater, horrible speaker, and is despised by many portions of the GOP is the unfettered front-runner I have no idea.

When he got a chance to speak, Huckabee seemed like the best candidate of the bunch. Of course, he didn't get a chance to show off his biggest weakness, which is the belief in making the Constitution fit to "Gods Laws", a position that makes a lot of people, both Democrat and Republican, very nervous.

Ron Paul was his usual self, even managing to bring up the gold standard in one of his answers. His rant on Iraq was genuine, and his position was the most reasonable one to me. A note to all Republicans: If Ron Paul is looking reasonable, you need to look closer at yourself.

In the end, this was a pretty standard affair for the GOP. Chaotic, stupid, and full of too much arm wrestling and pointless chest thumping. The GOP has lost its way, and needs to reclaim its soul, a soul that speaks to conservatives, moderates, and liberals. Nevertheless, this mess might still pull off the victory in November. That thought is truly troubling.

The GOP Debate, part 2

DJ Brownback be hatin on hip hop

Why, because Walter Mondale was a jackass, that's why!

I think you meant power over principle, Herr Walnutz

You know who had the line item veto? Jeff Davis. How did that work out, Mr. McCain?

Oh, Mr. Huckabee, please answer the damn question.

Mr. Guiliani, there ya go. Was that really that hard?

What a stupid question..Next?

Its really sad when John McCain is the left side of the immigration issue in the GOP.

Damn, even the righties believe in global warming now. Where is Mallard Fillmore on that one?

Once again, the President has jack shit to do with mothers and prisons. Governors maybe, but the President has bigger shit to deal with...Remember foreign policy? Yeah, that is supposed to be the largest part of the President's job.

John McCain scores a big one with me for the stem cell answer. His current score: -6345.8

The Market is part of the solution...but I still believe it ain't the only solution.

Consumption tax?

Mr. McCain, repeat after me...You can't line item veto without a constitutional amendment.

Yeah right, the 16th Amendment ain't getting repealed.

Woah, is Larry Flynt at the debate?

Another good answer, Mr. McCain...Too bad you made kissy-face with Bob Jones and Jerry Falwell just a little too much.

All you fucknuts who don't believe in evolution, please get out of this fucking race.

Mitt Romney supports the family.

Guiliani answered the Shiite/Sunni question, if a little uncertainly. Still, better than not answering it.

Oh Reagan, Ron Paul said he trusted the internet. However, I do like his answer on the Intertubes.

If you aren't influenced by your religious beliefs, then you don't have real religious beliefs. Why is it so hard to believe that faith isn't a good thing, and also sometimes the good of the country is different from your personal views?

Little known fact: Rudy Guiliani was mayor of New York.

Senator, if you win in 2008, its because the Democrats choked a big one...Or Mike Gravel somehow won the nomination. Wait, that's redundant.

Poor Mr. Guiliani, always having to go back to New York, because it is his only qualification.

The thirty second down the line questions are a terrible idea. The jackasses from both parties bloviate too long.

I didn't support the war, Mr. Paul.

Maybe so, Mr. Brownback, but Congress shouldn't be involved in a fucking vegetable case.

Yeah, because Bush, Frist, and Hastert did such a great job.

Bill Clinton wouldn't be President, jackass.

Fuck You Guiliani. Fuck you in your ear.

Once again, Mrs. Clinton would be in the Oval Office, not Bill.

This is going to be a long campaign....