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 4 of 13)
46. I personally give John McCain the respect he deserves as a war veteran, POW survivor, and also his unwillingness to cut-and-run as so many others have proposed. That's more than I can say for the rest of these douche-bags (especially the cross-dressing type). I mean, Duncan Hunter & Tom Cancredo might have performed well but honestly don't stand a chance at winning. The GOP is still alive, especially with blow-hards (or should I say does not blow at all? or should have been blowing a long time ago) like Mr and Mr Clinton. I haven't seen an original thought or worthwhile solution come out of Hillary's camp since she started on this campaign trail so why would I expect Mark to able to form one. I like to watch her squirm as Barack continues to gain. Great God, where is Fred Thompson when you need him?
Gabriel at 2:57AM on May 6th 2007
47. "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". (Oh my God - DUH)!
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"
And I suppose you think that's SOOOOO clever with that (a-huh) comment. What a stupid, juvenile and overused (as a simply-minded republicant's, slur)!
"P.S. Chris Mathews -- what a A**"
Matthews has more gravitas, gusto and courage than any of you foolish, narrow-minded wimps!
OOOOH! Reagan! Now there was an idiot that left this country in serious peril, what, with his ultra-conservative mistakes and his "John Wayne" style of politics. What a blight on America! Great communicator, my ass! No wonder he left this world as brainless as he, himself had become! Truly, an evil person - THAT was Reagan! That idiot's damage will be felt for many years to come. Let's hope someone on the left can put a stop to his idiotic brand of "patriotism" - give me an eff'in break! He set out to eat away at the very fabric of this country, like a simple and mindless termite, as was his legacy. The left needs to get this country back on track! You big bunch of backwoods pussy's and RICH idiots, what with your guns and your golf clubs! You are what makes the rest of this world hate our country. Something that I hope you right-wing cretins are proud of, because it doesn't help ANY OF US in the long run. Shut your holes and wake up! You ALL remind me of my stubborn, Alzheimer-ridden father. He died a long, slow and painful death, which will ultimately, be your legacy, as well.
borisspiderman at 11:44PM on May 3rd 2007
48. Three candidates don't believe in evolution? Is this monumental stupidity and backwardness or just gross pandering?
ron at 11:48PM on May 3rd 2007
49. I thought Sam brownback did a fine job. I was a little disappointed by the mediators though. They gave most of the time to the front runners. It wasn't a very good format.
msn04061960 at 11:50PM on May 3rd 2007
50. Ron, it's easy to lack belief in something that has no proof. Darwin's theory was not even Darwin's idea. Besides, it was a silly question in the face of serious issues.
truepatriot at 11:53PM on May 3rd 2007
51. Boris. put down the crayons for a moment....spelling the most fundemental knowledge tool?...and I thought it might have been, insight, investigation, experiment,logic, abstraction, contrast, factual environment, context....and so forth...my error...I wonder if you are a LIBERAL?
joe m at 11:57PM on May 3rd 2007
52. I thought Ron Paul was the only sincere candidate who speaks the truth. Chris Matthews was a horrible moderator. Romney is to slick, I don't trust him and Giuliani...he's just not presidential material. Stay in NYC big boy.
Steven C. at 11:56PM on May 3rd 2007
53. Did you notice how Giuliani responded to the National ID cards, saying yeah they're a great idea...folks he wants them for everybody not just for illegals.
Actually, it's already gone into law.
Google this: REAL ID
Steven C at 11:58PM on May 3rd 2007
54. The clear loser is the American people.
Fred at 12:01AM on May 4th 2007
55. go to this link to see the new Hillary Clinton video endorsing alleged pedophile from NH
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avQmsjsEc5c
fred bolden at 6:45PM on May 4th 2007
56. To Chris (comment #11) from Chris:
How can you say Mitt Romney is an embarrassment? You're the one who should be embarrassed-you didn't even spell the word correctly! Shows how swift YOU are! Mitt Romney is extremely bright, articulate, successful in the private sector, did an excellent job as gov of Ma., and saved the Olympics from impending disaster. He is a devoted husband and a wonderful father who has strong support from his family. This country needs Mitt's outstanding leadership and moral clarity. Go Mitt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Chris O'Grady at 12:09AM on May 4th 2007
57. Got to add my voice in support of the view that tonight's biggest loser was Chris Matthews. Maybe he was saddled with a nearly unworkable set of time alotments for each candidate's answer, but he took this drawback and made it even worse by breaking small chunks of time into even smaller crumbs with his fumbling, staccato style. And as a former Thomas P. "Tip" O'Neill staffer, he might well have intended it that way. I think that given all this, we ought to demand that the next Dem. candidates' debate be moderated by Mark Levin. At least he would keep the questions more on the points the American people are interested in hearing answers to.
But back to tonight's session, I think it's OK to have all 10 of these guys up there, given how early in the process we are, but they need to give at least twice as much time to each response, and, I think, to the total program length.
And finally, I too would like to see Fred Thompson enter the race, and Newt, too.
Now, Newt is a man of truly conservative principles, is extremely well-spoken, and can quickly, cogently, and convincingly refute all the Dem./lib nonsense being tossed around. I think his voice in the upcoming campaign is sorely needed. But rather than President, I think he would be best in some prominent position in the administration of whichever conservative gets elected. Newt and (your favorite cons. cand. here) would make a really unstoppable team.
Fred Shuman at 12:15AM on May 4th 2007
58. Gosh, the front runners didn't look like front runners. Tom Tancredo, Ron Paul, Sam Brownback, Mike Huckabee and Duncan Hunter all looked good. I look for the dynamics to change. Conservative philosophy wins. Let's not forget that.
Bill B from Texas at 12:13AM on May 4th 2007
59. In my opinion, Mike Huckabee was the winner, hands down. His answer to every question was clear and concise. No talking down or around or in double-speak. I just wish he had been thrown more questions. He wasn't given the opportunity to say much, but I liked what he did say.
Gina Fuell at 4:05AM on May 13th 2007
60. Chris O'Grady,
I am glad to see that you are a staunch supporter of Romney for Pres. I was leaning toward his corner before the comment about his belief and the lack of effect he states they have on his political life. I am concerned about whether or not he has the courage of his convictions. His changing his stance on abortion doesn't concern me because it seems to be something he gave true and careful consideration (especially since he made a turn in the right direction), but I am concerned about where his value base comes from. Please share your thoughts on this.
truepatriot at 12:21AM on May 4th 2007