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.
Hot Topics
2008 Contenders
Hot Issues
Resources
GOP Debate Loser: Chris Matthews
Politics Video
Smitherman to run for Toronto mayor
Smitherman to run for Toronto mayorCorzine: May Be Retiring From Politics, Not Life
In New Jersey, Republican Chris Christie defeated Democratic Governor Jon Corzine. The Republican victory deals a blow to President Barack Obama as he readies for next year's midterm elections. Obama campaigned heavily for Corzine. (Nov. 3)Analyst: Election Wasn't Referendum on Obama
Larry Sabato, director of the University of Virginia Center for Politics says Republican victories in New Jersey and Virginia was a failure for President Barack Obama's campaign efforts, but not a direct referendum on his job performance.Rebagliati will run
Snowboarder Rebagliati slides into politicsSnowboarder slides into politics
Snowboarder Rebagliati slides into politics
President 2008 |
Democrats |
Republicans |
President Bush |
Iraq War |
News Bloggers |
Reader Comments ( Page 5 of 13)
61. if republicans want to win in 2008, they better look elsewhere. romney was ok, but the rest were terrible and this country will remain as divided as it is now. we don't need another 8 years of such anger and hatred. p.s. i would never vote for romney - i come from massachusetts, know him well.
cookie chalek at 12:19AM on May 4th 2007
62. That would be typical responses that I would expect from you brainless idiots! Keep it up! I want to hear more of your idiotic comments - Republicants!
borisspiderman at 12:19AM on May 4th 2007
63. Gosh, the front runners really didn't look that good. Reagan proved that ideology wins. Five of the candidates proved they have havve a "Reagan like" ideology. They are Tom Tancredo, Ron Paul, Sam Brownback, Mike Huckabee, and Duncan Hunter.
Bill B from Texas at 12:23AM on May 4th 2007
64. To Truepatriot:
Clearly evolution is an issue, as the continuing debate in backwards areas of the country shows. The question was used to smoke out panderers and those GOP candidates who have not discovered that the earth rotates around the sun, the world is not flat, etc. and it worked
Ron
ron at 12:44AM on May 4th 2007
65. Hey Marky, you are going to be surprised in '08!!! No Osama or Hill.
DJ at 12:29AM on May 4th 2007
66. Romney, Hunter all the way!!!
DJ at 12:31AM on May 4th 2007
67. Real loser..Chris Mathews, real winners...Democrats. Next time we have a "debate' let's get Nancy Grace to mediate. Or, is she too opinionated?
Randy Jones at 12:44AM on May 4th 2007
68. First Place on Performance: Rudy Giuliani ... Poised, comfortable, leader-like, and featured his New York mayoral record quite well. Last Place on Substance: Rudy Giuliani ... guy can't articulate his position on abortion and lost the hearts and minds of conservative voters.
Second Place: Duncan Hunter -- Surprise Performer!!
Third Place: Tie between Mitt Romney and Jim Gilmore -- Another Surprise Performer!!
Big Loser of the Night: Chris Matthews. This was the Nation's first view of the GOP presidential field, and Matthews trivialized the entire night with questions like "Would it be good to see Bill Clinton back in the White House?" and "What do you think about Karl Rove?" Our Nation is at war. The AMT is killing taxpayers. Home prices, medical costs and college tuitions are killing the American people. Jobs are going overseas. Why didn't he ask each candidate: What will you do about that?
Rock Robby at 12:36AM on May 4th 2007
69. Romney was an obvious winner tonight. He has more class than any other candidate and he WILL get the conservative vote. It's obvious a few people working for "other campaign's" are trying to control this blog. You can make all the derogatory comments you like about Romney, but it won't make your candidate look any better.
sara at 12:39AM on May 4th 2007
70. Get past the reputations and fundraising prowess on the stage, and two dark horses delivered impressive performances: JIM GILMORE and DUNCAN HUNTER. Two candidates to watch.
Lee at 12:40AM on May 4th 2007
71. Chris Mathews was definitely a misfit for this debate. Rudi Giuliani was rarely given a chance to debate He is my candidate....and will keep America strong....
Mary at 12:46AM on May 4th 2007
72. Who picked Chris Matthews to ask questions? The questions were stupid and not anything anyone wanted to hear about. He clearly had his own agenda.
Charlote Stevens at 12:50AM on May 4th 2007
73. After watching the debate , I am quite sure the two front runners for the White House are Hillary and Barak with John Edwards a close third. Only if these candidates withdraw from the race , then it would come down to McCain and (anyone else but Giuliani!).
The only one at this debate that I thought was worth listening to was Chris Matthews.
Gary Davis at 12:52AM on May 4th 2007
74. Ron Paul gave the most substantive answers...guess the Constitution is a moot point with most of you morons. Hunter is good on immigration control but a damn warmonger (as is McCain, our vaunted 'war hero'..jeez, enough please). I personally am sick to death of hearing about Iran's 'threat' to Israel, our favorite client state, that has upwards of 200 nuclear weapons at the present time.
Bill at 9:58AM on May 4th 2007
75. OBVIOUS that MITT Romney will be the NEXT President of the USA
HE will beat "seedy" Billary who says vote for me I am incompetent but you will get BUBBA for another 8 years if you vote for me.
Although all of the candidates are Noble and sincere, Most of the candidates are 1 issue candidates, strong on one issue and weak on "Leadership" skills. They do not have a powerhouse of influence and support.
THEIR history in congress and the Senate expose how little power they have had in bringing their one issue to the floor.
WE DO NOT NEED a do nothing powerless congressman or do nothing powerless senator to manage a nation of 300 million citizens under present circumstances.
lettyb at 1:36AM on May 4th 2007