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Weekend Political Wrap-Up, Paul Ryan Edition
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Esquire Blogger Sees Paul Ryan, Shreds His Safety Net
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The Spectacle Blog
Mitt Romney showed some signs of life tonight, though his comments about “self-deporting” illegal immigrants were panned by some commentators. Romney assumed too much familiarity with the concept of attrition through enforcement. One does wonder whether his exchanges with Newt Gingrich will serve mainly to bid up both men’s negatives at this point.
Gingrich seemed tired and subdued, with both the lack of audience reaction — and a fight with the moderator — seeming to take the air out of his tires. Gingrich’s parsing of the difference between “lobbyist” and “consultant” will strike most normal people as a distinction without a difference. Romney was especially aggressive on that front.
Rick Santorum generally made good use of his very limited time. It seems to be stealing a base, however, to take credit for winning in a Republican landslide year while absolving yourself of any blame for losing in a Democratic landslide year. Ron Paul made some good arguments about housing, but also had little time to speak. His comments about Cuba will probably not help him in Florida — though his campaign circulated one poll showing Paul with plurality support among Hispanics who plan to vote in the GOP primary — though I’d like to see someone make the case that the embargo has somehow worked.
bill| 1.23.12 @ 11:27PM
Immigration & GOP:
Majority of Hispanics are uneducated and careless about politics. Regarding immigration, we have laws in the book, and we must enforce them, including deportation, incarceration, and sanction.
Newt needs to clarify his stance on immigration. He supports the military object of the DREAM Act, and it will anger many conservatives. He should stand up with the American people, and voice in enforcement rather amnesty.
GOP does not have to worry about the Hispanic votes. They hate GOP because of lack of proper knowledge and respect to our culture and nation. It's too late for GOP to support amnesty and try to win back the Hispanic votes. The Dems already have stolen them by playing race card and the welfare magnet.
GOP can live without Blacks and Hispanics.
RJ| 1.23.12 @ 11:40PM
Please don't take this the wrong way, Bill, but we are all God's children and the Republican Party was created in opposition to slavery. Some of the best conservatives (although they are not Republicans) are black, such as Dr. Thomas Sowell and Professor Walter Williams. Living in California, I have had positive experiences with Hispanics and some of them are politically conservative. I agree that we need respect for and enforcement of our laws. It kills me to hear American soccer teams being booed in American stadiums and see protests in favor of amnesty waiving the Mexican flag. But by and large, Hispanics are good people and many serve in our armed forces. It is important that those who stay in America are integrated into our society. Big problems will arise if they are isolated from the larger society.
bill| 1.23.12 @ 11:54PM
RJ, 95% of Hispanics favor big government and abuse our welfare system and degrade our society, overcrowding our schools and destroying our community with crimes, AIDS, and violence. We do not need them.
Some of them speak English and pretend to be Americans. They are fake and hate America. Those who assimilate are "big liberals."
GOP is their enemy. We cannot afford trash in our party.
Enough is enough!
elPuma25| 1.24.12 @ 7:10AM
Go away troll. Is that your idea of what the TAS readers will respond favorably to?
Nick| 1.24.12 @ 12:09PM
Bill,
"We do not need them."
Who is we, white-man?
You are a prejudiced moron. Go away, you big dope!
Indy| 1.24.12 @ 8:53AM
"Majority of Hispanics are uneducated and careless about politics. GOP does not have to worry about the Hispanic votes. They hate GOP because of lack of proper knowledge and respect to our culture and nation."
You are so wrong. Many Americans who happen to be Hispanic are highly educated, they are conservative and they are against amnesty. They work hard and not all are on welfare. Stereotypes are not helpful. HIspanics do embrace our country and our culture; they serve proudly in our military.
I'll take Marco Rubio, Susana Martinez, Allen West, Dr. Thomas Sowell and Dr. Walter E. Williams on my team anytime.
Jack in Wi.| 1.23.12 @ 11:28PM
Ron Paul was again shorted on time, but that just makes him stand out the more. He won this debate hands down against the 3 remaining chicken hawks. This country is 70% for getting out of these wars and not going into Iran. More and more Cubans want to end the embargo and go visit their relatives.The whole policy has been a failure.
elPuma25| 1.24.12 @ 7:23AM
No they don't. For being a Libertarian, Dr. Paul shows and incredible inability to understand tyranny.
Europeans have had commerce with Cuba and it hasn't benefited Cubans one bit. It has only help enrich Castro and his ilk.
Clint| 1.24.12 @ 8:44AM
" Talking about the Cuban embargo, Paul said the U.S. policy has failed.
"If we wouldn't have had this embargo for 40 years, (Fidel) Castro would have been gone a long time ago," he said.
When told his position might offend people in Florida who fled Castro's regime, Paul answered:
"They have their opinion and I have mine, because I look at mine through history. … History shows you're more likely to get rid of a dictator if you undermine his support by trading with him."
The Tea Party Rebellion Heads To A Brokered Convention.
bill| 1.23.12 @ 11:28PM
Those uneducated and unskilled immigrants, even though they become citizen, do not vote because they lack respect for American democracy, and frankly, do not care about the direction of this country, as long as they can make money.
Nick| 1.24.12 @ 12:14PM
"because they lack respect for American democracy"
You just slipped up, Bill the liberal troll.
Only liberals call our government a democracy. True conservative know that we are a Republic.
Your attempts to make conservatives look like moronic bigots has FAILED, big time.
Now, go away.
bill| 1.23.12 @ 11:29PM
Newt was impassive and failed to hide from Romney-Bombardment. Newt should have explained explicitly and criticized Romney for making an issue something that happened 14 years ago. Newt also should have retaliated citing Romney's stance on TARP and auto bailout.
Romney was offensive and paid off mostly because Newt looked tired and disinterested in engagement. Romney scored some points on his cheap shots earlier on the debate.
Santorum was disciplined and did not look angry unlike prior debates.
Ron Paul needs to work on his foreign policy. He's done anyway for 2012.
Newt wanted a battle, but Romney gave him a war in tonight's debate. Newt must fight back and win it.
Neither Mitt or Newt can afford to lose FL.
Clint| 1.24.12 @ 8:35AM
The American Veteran Officer Vs. The 3 Chickenhawaks
Ronald Reagan,
"Ron Paul is one of the outstanding leaders fighting for a stronger national defense. As a former Air Force officer, he knows well the needs of our armed forces, and he always puts them first. We need to keep him fighting for our country."
" Dr. Ron Paul served in the United States Air Force as a flight surgeon for several years (1963-1965). While in the air force, Paul reached the rank of Captain. Directly after his service in the air force, Paul worked again as a flight surgeon for the United States Air National Guard (1965-1968).
" Paul served as a flight surgeon in the U.S. Air Force in the 1960s, spending time on the ground in countries like Ethiopia, Iran, Pakistan, South Korea, and Turkey. He also sits on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs."
The Tea Party Rebellion Steps On The Israel Firster Smear Bund Ass Clowns.
Bob K.| 1.23.12 @ 11:49PM
So Newt appeared tired?
Newt Gingrich is 68 years old, chubby and out of condition. If these debates tire him what do you think will happen if he wins the nomination and has to go up against a youthful Obama?
As long as he is in Florida he should take some time off to look for the "Fountain of Youth!"
RJ| 1.23.12 @ 11:51PM
Whoever finds the Fountain of Youth will get my vote if they tell me where it is and don't stop me from going there.
NotUnderdog| 1.24.12 @ 12:34AM
Consultant-Lobbyist... and the definition of 'it'
Anommynous| 1.24.12 @ 2:05AM
"Rick Santorum generally made good use of his very limited time. It seems to be stealing a base, however, to take credit for winning in a Republican landslide year while absolving yourself of any blame for losing in a Democratic landslide year."
Fair enough, so let's go to the tiebreaker in 2000, which Santorum won. Point for Santorum.
somnolence| 1.24.12 @ 8:19AM
I'm not supporting him, but I could sense the seething fire under the volcano in Ron Paul last night, keeping the ire in reserve that had arisen from TAS detaining son Rand yesterday. I was hoping for a "police state" remark, but that may be coming later, much later, in the form of a third-party(fourth party, unless Gary Johnson coalesces) nod. I really wasn't expecting to perhaps sit this one out in the fall and play observor, or better yet, war correspondent.
martin j smith| 1.24.12 @ 9:19AM
Hey Antlee wasn't there a "rule" of no applause ? Come on man you love Romney right--lets hear it for the truth. I have no love for any one candidate but I see Romney as the worst choice because I believe he acts like and is a loser.