Seriously, what a horrible performance the host of Hardball turned in tonight. He didn't manage the time well at all among the candidates, and kept going back to Mitt Romney at the start of a round-robin, ensuring that Romney would get far more air-time than his rivals. The poor guys at the far end of the stage were desperate to get a word in edgewise.
But then there were the questions themselves. The low point came when Matthews asked whether would it be a good thing to have Bill Clinton back in the White House. Is he serious? Was he confusing the forum for one of his blow-hard shows? Actually, all of the candidates burst out laughing upon hearing the question, then many went on to note the obvious, if Bill Clinton were back in the White House, it would mean that their own bids had failed.
He also completely mis-characterized Rudy Giuliani's position on the national identification card for resident aliens and embarrassed himself with some off the cuff mumbling. Really, he should never be allowed to do this kind of thing in the future.
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Reader Comments ( Page 2 of 13)
16. Tom Tancredo, Ron Paul or Duncan Hunter are candidates that I would vote for. The other ones are fake. If Guiliani or McCain get elected the downfall of this country will continue. They will give amnesty to 20 million illegals and US as we know it will end. If Guiliani or McCain get the nomination I am writing Pat Buchanan in. I will not vote for those traitors.
pompownia at 10:49PM on May 3rd 2007
17. Mitt Romney is the only guy who should have the head mans job.He will give Moral guidence and direction to our country which without, we are lost.
John at 10:53PM on May 3rd 2007
18. The front runners are only the front runners because the media doesn't give the other candidates any press coverage. It still seems that the media was presenting questions tonight and addressing candidates in a way that will keep the top 3, the top three 3. It is not necessary to be well known going into this presidential season, look at Barack Hussein Obama (I had never herd of him until he decided to run) now you hear about him all over the place "media ploy". I think the most sincere and credible contenders tonight were Tom Tancredo and Duncan Hunter, you couldn't pay me to vote for McCain or Giuliani.
Kim Car at 10:58PM on May 3rd 2007
19. Hurry up Fred! We need a real candidate!
Mike Zane at 11:02PM on May 3rd 2007
20. HURRY UP FRED!!! WE NEED A CANDIDATE!!!
zane1956 at 11:06PM on May 3rd 2007
21. I'm not sure whose idea it was to allow Chris Matthews to be the mumbling time keeper/interogater of tonights debate/campaign, but what a poor choice it was.
In my estimation the candidates we have heard the least about made some of the best comments. McCain kept spewing verbal haymakers in an attempt at creating memorable soundbites, Romney can't stand on an issue because he's not sure what's under his feet (regardless of how much air time Chris Matthews gave him), Rudy was quick to answer and gave many strong responses, but waffled in my estimation on abortion (as did Romney). The only genuine guy on the stage seemed to be Huckabee, regardless of how hard Chris Matthews attempted to paint him into a corner about his religious beliefs comment. I knew little about Huckabee before tonight. He's worth looking into and worth sincere consideration. Romney slipped considerably in my personal candidate poll.
I trust Rudy and McCain almost as little as Obama. Which reminds me, what a great way to bring attention to yourself Obama. If you truly need a secret service detail then perhaps you should withdraw from the race due to your candidacy being such a divisive issue for Americans. Isn't unity among Americans suposed to be his big campaign device?
truepatriot at 11:06PM on May 3rd 2007
22. I agree with Jim. If these guys are the best the Republicans can offer, then I'll vote for Hillary or Barak.
ucancallmecasey at 11:16PM on May 3rd 2007
23. majorty of people think that General election will be Hillary Clinton vs Rudy Giuliani but they won't let that happen because they both are liberal and liberal vs liberal is unlikely so the Republicans are trying their best to get a decent candidate who has conservative reviews for General election to match up with Hillary Clinton.
J Pauling at 11:10PM on May 3rd 2007
24. The only man in this bunch of Republicans who takes his oath to uphold and defend the Constitution seriously is the brilliant Rep. Ron Paul. The rest are mostly special interest candidates who will be bribed.
Mary at 11:10PM on May 3rd 2007
25. The next President of the United States wasn't present tonight, due to health reasons. His name, Mr. Fred Thompson," a man with more good judgement and moral integrity than any Democrat running for Preseident, ESPECIALLY, Hilary Clinton who lied to Federal Prosecutors when asked for her Whitewater files and told them, "I have no idea where those files are after all these years." Hm,a few years later, "Two boxes of missing Whitewater files were accidentally found under Hilary's office desk!" If you want a good candidate for President (one I would vote for), a person who has jumped into the middle of a global firestorm and has at least tried to immediately start reigning in an outrageously out-of-control US Government that has continuously lied to the American public and foreign leaders, started pet-project wars with Iraq, and has driven the US into complete BANKRUPTCY, then Nancy Polosi is one of your quality American's who would help us a lot. God Bless America and all of our troops defending our Freedoms. Ralph K.
Ralph K at 11:12PM on May 3rd 2007
26. Chris Mathews was an embarrassment to the democrat/socialist party.
Al Shook at 11:12PM on May 3rd 2007
27. I disagree with all the candidates about something but I like the Reagan quote "if someone agrees with me 80% of the time he is my friend".
So no matter what/who, I WILL vote for the republican candidate as I will NOT be a party to putting Mrs Bill Clinton or Osama -- er Obama in the White House
P.S. Chris Mathews -- what a A**
paulnashtn at 11:13PM on May 3rd 2007
28. I thought all the candidates did a great job, especially Jim Gilmore the ex-gov of Virginia. I know nothing about him, but would like to know more. He seemed very intelligent, and gave direct answers on all the questions. I was impressed. He even said that he would let a women choose about abortion in the first 12 weeks, which is quite different from all the other candidates. He said that he has always thought that way and being a Republican Gov for two terms, I guess the state of Virginia agreed. He said he doesn't like abortions but thought a women should be able to make up here own mine. Plus he pass parent notification.
Rita Spicer at 11:13PM on May 3rd 2007
29. I was an English major in College.
I can't honestly believe that anyone would call this
a debate.
I've seen better debates among the animal kingdom.
The format should have been for only a few candidates
to debate at a time. The questions were not very good and the time allotted to answer was not very good either. Who thought up this mess.
I am registered independent and I probably would have
voted for any party other than that presented. You
get a failing grade from me.
Sterling R. Schaffer at 11:14PM on May 3rd 2007
30.
Winners: Gov. Jim Gilmore, Tom Tancredo and Mitt Romney
Looser: Chris Matthews. Why can't Mr. Hardball play Fairball? He couldn't even give equal opportunity to the candidates.
Mary Wilson at 11:17PM on May 3rd 2007