The GOP Debate that I refer to as,”GOP Half Marathon” (13 of 26 Debates) completed last evening. Unlike the previous debate, #13 was televised start to finish. CNN producers and moderator, Wolf Blitzer (“BLITZ” via Herman Cain) managed the event very professionally. it was obvious CNN learned from earlier events and use those past debates to present a well produced event.
While I would have preferred a couple of ‘stabbing’ questions from Blitzer, the event stayed on script: National Security. Stabbing questions? Yes, Child Labor Laws for Newt, Cain’s fading energy level, Santorum (anything off-script), Bachmann no student loans, Ron Paul (oh well, why bother?)
Since I missed the first third of the debate, I contemplated watching it on video via YouTube or CNN. No, after 12 previous exposures (to GOP debates), I opted for the following 5 minutes plus only.
The Guardian.co.uk http://gu.com/p/33hy4
A few observations (5:38 minutes video)
Video opens…
I. ( 0 – 52 seconds) Ron Paul speaks about Patriot Act. Paul speaks from the heart and he correctly states the case against acts such as the Patriot Act. The Patriot Act served its purpose, may have been abused by Cheney, and has run it course. Gingrich ceased an opportunity to tear into Paul with an emotional attack. Paul demurs and looks as if chastised by an elder. Paul’s affect just does not work, if there is anything to be said about appearing “presidential.”
II. (52 – 1:15 seconds) Santorum’s obvious racism exudes his standard message, “Muslims are at the root of all terrorism.” So, profiling is the only way to go. Blitzer had actually setup the group via asking about ‘profiling.’ Paul, obviously coached by CNN to avoid interruption, appears like an impatient bystander. Paul’s demeanor is just terrible!
III. (1:15 – 2:05) Cain follows with his version of support for “profiling.” After giving a ‘Rah, Rah, Rah,’ statement and avoiding the questions, Blitzer pressed for a real answer. Note: Blitzer was referred to as “BLITZ”. When Cain goes off script and outside of his preset emphasis points, he blows it consistently.
IV. (2:05 – 2:15 seconds) Romney. Did Romney smoothly stumble on our place in time? I thought I heard 21st Century possibly modified to 20th Century.
V. (2:15 – 2:40 seconds) Bachmann. “Too Nuclear to Fail” (Interesting phraseology, after 30 seconds of “What did she say?” Blitzer asked about aid to Pakistan. Bachmann’s first few answer seconds ticked off like a real intelligence committee professional. Unlike, my Mother, her Mother must not have told her that, ”a fool is less likely to be discovered a fool, if his mouth is closed.”
Bachmann commented about President Obama’s “fingers crossed on Pakistan” was an example of weak politicking with no basis in fact. How about the Bush Administration and its support of the past Pakistani Administration: Musharraf?
VI. (2:40 – 2:53) Perry lies about financial aid to Pakistan. He will make no significant change in dealing with Pakistan. At least the Obama security professionals has leveraged opportunity to take-out many Al Qaeda and Taliban operatives in Paksitan.
VII. (2:53 – 3:45 seconds) Gingrich. Adroitly states the case about Pakistan. The presidential candidate used one solid minute of The Guardian’s 5:28 minutes video). At the risk of being considered a ‘hawk’ among liberals, Newt spoke succinctly and correctly about how the U.S. should deal with Pakistan. If they allow AL Qaeda safe haven, they should not complain about attacks on those murderers. And yes, the horror are the innocents who are victims of Al Qaeda tactical methods of disguise; hiding among non-combatants.
VIII. (3:45 – 4:11 seconds) Perry. Sanctioning the Iran Bank! Poppycock!. How will Perry convince Russia and China to do same. also Iran exports oil. How many oil import nations will join the US in Perry’s scheme?
IX. (4:11 – 4:32 seconds) Romney accomplishes an antsy ‘quick speak’ about spending. he ends with the Patient Protection and Affordable Health Care Act via use of the derisive term “Obamacare.” One would think that after installing such a program in Massachusetts, a candidate would avoid such. Romney should also tread carefully on Obama Administration spending. Much of the president’s spending has been in efforts to recoup from the Bush Years. granted Healthcare reform and Afghanistan are Obama’s expenditures but other spending has been to bring the economy around.
Blitzes pivots to Paul, and he performs his typical, frankly, speak. He makes the point all of his opponents are simply talking about cuts and he implies, the cuts will not happen. TRUE!
X. (4:33 – 5:14 seconds) Bachmann’s asinine rambling about China. The nation has been in hock to China for many years and her President Bush, shoveled more into China than any president in history. Gingrich launches on an obvious general election strategy aimed at Hispanics and Latinos. Gingrich will probably do some for of clarification or retraction after the EIB Network and Fox News goes to work on his comments. But, he succeeded in delivering a zinger to the voting public.
XI. (5:16 – End of video) Huntsman. The candidate looked presidential, sounded presidential and was saved by the developers of the video to law. One has to wonder why.
Politifacts.com Fact Check
Compliments to CNN and Wolf Blitzer! The debate was, again, well produced, properly moderated, and planned for effectiveness.
A requiem for the losers. Even in the Guardian’s five-minute, Santorum and Huntsmann were rare sightings, and Paul was used pretty much as a ‘punching bag”, despite making sense on a few points.
I wish I could say I am looking forward to Debate #14.
