The problem with a debate of this size is that you just don't get to hear as many answers as you'd like from the candidates you want to hear from. That said, here are tonight's winners and losers, in my most humble of opinions:
Winners:
Rudy Giuliani: Giuliani was forceful with his points and seems to be getting more comfortable. He walked the stage and looked like an attorney in a courtroom; confident, sure of his answers and convincing. He didn't get tripped up on the social issues and was on his game. He solidified his place as a front-runner by sounding conservative on national defense and taxation.
Duncan Hunter: Duncan Hunter suffers from the incurable disease of having zero charisma. He's a great candidate and knows policy better than anyone. He would make an excellent president. He was on in his answers and knows the immigration issue well because his district (my former home) in San Diego County is literally miles from the border. He also has a son serving in Afghanistan and who also served in Iraq, the war is real to him and he speaks with authority. That said, he still is a third-tier candidate because he is just not making a splash with the American people. He'd be an excellent Vice President. The international press and the New York Times will most-likely go ballistic that Hunter said he'd nuke Iran to prevent their having nukes themselves.
Losers:
John McCain: McCain had to be stellar today when discussing the immigration bill. He had to convince conservatives that this was a good bill. He failed miserably. As the old saying goes; you can put a dress and lipstick on a pig and it's still a pig. That's how it is with the immigration bill. McCain had but one issue to hammer home and he just couldn't do it. Besides that, the whole "my friends" thing is a bit irksome after the fiftieth time.
Ron Paul: Although the congressman from Texas has no shot at the nomination, he is a candidate and thus gets to talk at the debate. He's anti-war, anti-national defense and would be the single worst choice to lead our nation at this time. I would take Hillary Clinton over Paul at this time -- and anyone who reads my writing knows what I think of Hillary.
Mitt Romney: Romney, like McCain, had to have a strong performance and failed to. He's sinking in the polls and sits behind Fred Thompson -- a candidate not even in the race. He made good points but failed to nail them as much as he needed to. Romney is the anti-Duncan Hunter -- he looks presidential and has charisma but just doesn't convey his message well and sound too much like a politician.


Reader Comments ( Page 9 of 9)
121. I think we should change his name to Running Paul since hardly anybody knows he's running for nomination.
Pen at 12:33AM on Jun 10th 2007
122. I think we should change his name to Running Paul since hardly anybody knows he's running for nomination.
Pen at 3:24AM on Jun 9th 2007
123. Here's your answer to all:
http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=19946&keywords=Gilmore
http://www.ontheissues.org/Jim_Gilmore.htm
And, just to be fair...
http://nostrawmen.blogspot.com/search/label/Jim%20Gilmore
Missy at 3:50PM on Jun 9th 2007
124. The Republicans have a L O N G way before they impress me enough to consider one of them. Ron Paul seems to speak the straightest. I like his answers to the questions. He will not stand a chance but thats because he is not in the POLITICAL CIRCLE that is required to make a mark. God save us if McCain is elected. He speaks out of both corners of his mouth in my humble opinion. I knew his dad in the late 50's and he would turn over in his grave if he knew his son was not straight forward in his answers.
william daugherty at 3:53PM on Jun 11th 2007
125. In my view, Mitt Romney is the only candidate from either side with the leadership experience, great record, intelligence, courage, diligence, good moral ethic and tact who would be the best leader for this nation. Take it away Mitt!!!
Paul?...Never! Guiliani is a RINO. Duncan Hunter ahd Huckabee would make good VPs.
Gospellightz at 5:02AM on Jun 12th 2007
126. Okay boys and girls, it's time we stopped all of the name-calling and bickering. Granted we each have our own opinions, and it's a great thing that we live in a country where we're allowed to state them. But in the end, we're all citizens of the United States of America. The rest of the world looks at us and calls us whiney, spoiled Americans, and with good reason. Until we learn to play well together and respect the opinions of others, we won't succeed at anything worthwhile. We're going downhill fast, folks, and it's not the fault of God or President Bush or any one person. And nobody but us, with God's help, can prevent the coming avalanche.
Gina at 4:03AM on Jun 15th 2007
127. My vote is on Duncan Hunter! Ron Paul supporters are losers. Iran has plans to destroy us!
Pat at 9:38PM on Jun 25th 2007
128. Hillary for dog catcher, maybe some of them will life their leg on her.
Joe at 2:17PM on Jun 29th 2007
129. I hate Ron Paul - find out why some many do at http://www.IHateRonPaul.com
Rudy G at 9:57AM on Jun 30th 2007