Webloggin » Republican Debate - In Search of National Reconciliation

Searching for national reconciliation and unity — in the United States. Bet you thought I was talking about Iraq, didn’t you? Like Iraq, the United States seems to be split down the middle politically and like Iraq the U.S. government is paralyzed to accomplish anything (which might be a good thing). I watched the Republican debate tonight on Fox with great anticipation, hoping to hear some specifics on what each candidate intends to do if elected.

I think Fred Thompson did much better than he did in the previous debate and may have gained himself a few points in the polls. Overall it was more of the same from the candidates. Each one got a sound-bite in for the media to grab. The text-message voting seems to be crazy, giving Ron Paul 38% and Huckabee 19%, with voting still being counted. Personally I think Ron Paul is a nut. The Daily Revolt caught the highlights, check it out:

Giuliani made a curious proposal in offering to expand NATO to Japan and Australia. He apparently doesn’t remember that NATO is a European defense organization. [snip]

Thompson admitted he was wrong on “No Child Left Behind.” [snip]

Thompson was asked a loaded question about being “lazy.” He gave his bio in response. Thompson got a big applause, finishing the debate with humor.

Gateway Pundit shares:

Steven Green from Vodkapundit is liveblogging at Pajamas Media.

Jon Henke is live-blogging the debate at Fred Files

John McCain got a standing ovation for his military record and this line:

“Hillary tried to get a million dollars for the Woodstock museum. I understand it was a major cultural and pharmaceutical event. I couldn’t attend. I was tied up at the time.”

eCache says, and I agree:

It makes me wonder how effective thisdebate format actually has.

It is time for the front runners to debate on a smaller stage. Romney, Guiliani, Huckabee, and Thompson (I suppose) need to sit down at a table and debate issues with a single moderator.

(Video)Who Is The Most Conservative Republican Candidate?, Stop the ACLU:

The Caucus has a roundup on the pre-debate speeches and making fun of Fred Thompson’s 4-minute speech (listen here):

Mr. Thompson walked slowly onto the stage, kissed his wife, Jeri, on the cheek, made a joke or two, claimed to be a “consistent conservative” — and said good night. He spoke for four minutes.

If Fox News Channel’s focus group wanted the candidates to somehow come up with a way for Liberals and Conservatives to get along, they went away still wanting.

Others:
Texans Like Mike
The Swamp

In other political news, RNC Congratulates Jindal, Republicans on Louisiana Victories

[Discuss This Topic With Debbie Hamilton at Right Truth]