Monday, May 07, 2007

• Commentary: GOP Debate

  Being in Atlanta, GA this weekend for a conference afforded me the opportunity to watch some of GOP debate broadcasted by MSNBC at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, CA.  The outcome of this debate was similar to the Democratic one the week before.  None of the candidates really wowed because most of their answers to questions seemed safe and rehearsed.  Nevertheless, there were some things I found interesting in the debate.

  Mitt Romney- He seemed to have the presidential appearance down, perfect hair and all.  He also articulated his positions well, although they seemed rehearsed.  Whether he satisfied the public's perception that his views are pragmatic according to his aspirations, is yet to been seen.  Romney has more money raised than any other candidate, so consider him still a contender. 

  Jim Gilmore- Gave an average performance, but nothing to make him stand out from the crowd.  He might be better suited as a potential VP pick.

  Sam Brownback- He was one of the three candidates on stage who indicated he did not believe in the theory of evolution.  Nothing else, however, made him stand out too much.

  Mike Huckabee-  He also indicated that he did not believe in the theory of evolution.  Huckabee, despite having a dismal first quarter of fundraising, performed well.  Nevertheless, he will still have trouble getting out of the so called second tier.  In response to questions about his tax views, he said he supported bringing about the end of the IRS and implementing the Fair Tax.

  John McCain- His answers were vigorous and passionate, but he also came across, at times, as trying too hard.  He is continuing to try to shed the image that his political sun is setting.

  Rudy Giuliani- Despite all the pressure he's ever been under, Giuliani often came across to me as nervous.  Nevertheless, he did handle foreign policy questions well.  Giuliani was the only candidate who had problems answering questions on abortion.  While attempting to frame it as a states rights issue, he admitted to being in favor of publically funded abortions.

  Ron Paul- I give him credit, he's not afraid to speak his mind.  Nevertheless, in an evening where most were trying to play it safe, Paul seemed to try to go to the other extreme.  He seemed to me to be the Dennis Kucinich of the Republican party.

  Tommy Thompson- Similar to Gilmore, he did not say anything to really make himself stand out.

  Duncan Hunter- Like Huckabee, Hunter performed well.  He came across as well-polished and articulate.  Also like Huckabee, he may have trouble getting out of the second tier.

  Tom Tancredo-  He clearly did not look comfortable on stage.  Many of his answers came out convoluted.  He was the third candidate to indicate he did not believe in the theory of evolution.

  Posted by D. Price

  The views expressed are solely the author's and do not necessarily represent the views of Generation Joshua or its parent company.

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