November 29, 2007

Huckabee Wins Debate

I have not seen or read any punditry on last night's GOP debate. I have a superstition that requires I post my thoughts first, lest my pliant and malleable intentions are swayed.


  • I liked the YouTube format. It did provide tougher questions and it did give the evil folks at CNN opportunities to dive into areas where pro journalists might not. But hard is good.

  • My candidate, Mayor Giuliani, did not have a great night. I was disappointed that he agreed with Gov. Romney that farm subsidies were important "for the food supply" and "to level the field with more-heavily-subsidized Europeans." Ouch. He was okay on the other answers but I'm tired of NYC crime stats.

  • I'm also tired of the childish sniping. Romney struck a low blow with a reference to Bernard Kerik, and while the "Sanctuary Mansion" was a good laugh line, Romney has the high ground on that. Reagan’s 11th, gentlemen, Reagan's 11th...

  • Immigration will ruin this party -- did I mention that? The immigration questions seethed with hostility, the answers were not much better.

  • Lastly, yeah, Gov. Huckabee was affable, humorous, and statesmanlike. I quickly joined Harrison Bergeron yesterday in saying that if the GOP goes Huckabee's direction, I won't follow. (I would not abandon the party if he is a running mate). But, you have to appreciate those who can play this game, and the Governor was good. Scary good.


UPDATE: Always post first: planted questions? No!

UPDATE II: American Spectator wonders why Giuliani bothered to pander to the Farm Lobby if he's written off Iowa:

Romney's response was at least consistent with what we know about him, and has an electoral logic to it. He has a history of saying whatever is most politically convenient at the time, and winning Iowa is a central part of his strategy.

For Giuliani, however, it doesn't add up. One of his greatest appeals is that he is a blunt, no-nonsense guy who has the guts to say and do what others don't. When it was suggested that New York City raise taxes after 9/11, Giuliani responded that it would be "a dumb, stupid, idiotic and moronic thing to do." Had he said the same thing about farm subsidies last night, he would have become an instant hero among fiscal conservatives. But aside from that, it would have made political sense. Unlike Romney, winning Iowa is not central to Giuliani's strategy, so he doesn't need to pander for votes there. Much more important for him is winning New Hampshire. Had he come out firmly against farm subsidies last night, he would have had a great issue to use against Romney in the more libertarian Granite State.


2008 Race Posted by jk at November 29, 2007 10:52 AM

The reason is simple, and I would have thought quite obvious to anyone writing for the AS. Giuliani cares because Iowans' votes can be very important in the general election. If he had come out against subsidies, how will he look when Hillary starts running commercials to exploit that? "Giuliani opposes farm subsidies that will keep America agriculturally strong. Vote Hillary for a food-strong America!"

There are also plenty of Americans outside the Great Plains who are dumb, stupid, idiotic and moronic enough to believe that farm subsidies are necessary. I blogged a long time ago about running into some goddamn idiot Laroucher who claimed that the U.S. imports "most of our food." I flatly told him it's not true, but he's so willfully blind that he would only say, "Goodbye, sir."

I didn't watch the debate. I haven't watched any of them yet. My fiancee is far more worthy of my time than any of those lying panderers.

Posted by: Perry Eidelbus at November 30, 2007 11:27 AM

I thought McCain won -- but I generally do. McCain always seems genuine, which cannot be said with all the candidates.

Rudy appears desperate. Say what you want about Mitt Romney and cheap shots, but he won the exchange and looked much more comfortable during their opening exchange.

Full disclosure: I must admit that when Huckabee said he would get rid of the IRS, it did bring a smile to my face.

If I had to guess today, I would say that Romney will get the nomination.

Posted by: hb at November 30, 2007 3:17 PM

Valid points all. But I would expect a Republican to at least express some concern about the abuses of farm subsidies. Either could have said "we want to protect our food supply and our farmers, but we need to make sure that we're not giving millions to big corporations and Manhattan land barons." Not as good as "let's abolish all subsidies and closed the USDA" but I'd have taken it.

Posted by: jk at November 30, 2007 3:56 PM

hb is perhaps right on Romney, I am still going for the social conservative split between Govs. Romney and Huckabee launching Hizonner to the nomination.

Posted by: jk at November 30, 2007 4:43 PM | What do you think? [4]