New Hampshire Debate-By-Debate (2), Tweet By Tweet

Mitt Romney is far ahead in New Hampshire, but the former Massachusetts governor and the other Republican presidential candidates are facing two debates that could help define the contest. Image Credit: WABC

New Hampshire Debate-By-Debate (2), Tweet By Tweet

Republican candidates for the GOP presidential nomination gather this weekend for back-to-back debates, giving the six remaining contestants almost no time to recover from potential missteps before the voting starts in New Hampshire on the following Tuesday.

First debate tonight, Saturday night, for two-hours is sponsored by ABC News, Yahoo and WMUR-TV, then ten hours later, the candidates reconvene on the morning set of NBC‘s “Meet the Press” program for another 90 minute debate.

PODIUM ORDER – From far left to far right: Former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman, Texas Congressman Ron Paul, Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, Former Senator Rick Santorum, Former Leader of the House of Representatives Newt Gingrich, Texas Governor Rick Perry.

The following posting will reflect 140 character (or less) responses and impressions offered by persons reacting to what they observe during the debate on Twitter … a process we term “Tweet By Tweet”.

Debate #1 – Saint Anselm College, Moderated by ABC’s Diane Sawyer and George Stephanopoulos; they will be joined by WMUR-TV anchor Josh McElveen (background information HERE).

stephenkruiserstephenkruiser -If you’re not being paid to watch the debate & you opt for it over football…you’re probably a commie.

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michaeljohnsMichael Johns – In #NH, Romney surrogate tells conservatives it’s “not about picking someone with your own beliefs”: tinyurl.com/7b27kx9

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photog357Cathy York – RT @ConservativeLA: Gingrich, Santorum, Romney…any of non-insane front-runners would make a fine POTUS. The problem is Obama. Focus. #hhrs

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ByronYorkByron York – Top Santorum aide: ‘Mitt Romney is starting to come across as a bully.’ ow.ly/8lAhw

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fivethirtyeightNate Silver – Romney HQ in Manchester. Impressively busy here. yfrog.com/nvdlygtj

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amandacarpenterAmanda Carpenter – This is the messaging from the DNC?—>RT @DWStweets: Mitt Romney isn’t a job creator—he’s a #JobCremator.

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hotairblogHot Air – Gingrich’s Dukakis allusion: “Governors of Massachusetts don’t always make good presidential candidates”: Heh. G… bit.ly/zlxpCQ

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EdMorrisseyEdMorrissey – About ten minutes away from the debate start #nhdebate

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EmilyABCEmily Friedman – Romney and Santorum both in the building at the ABC debate.

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michellemalkinMichelle Malkin – Coffee? Check. HuntsmanMuteButton? Check. Online #nhdebate link? Check: is.gd/jhluoX

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secuppS.E. Cupp – As per usual, I have no life and am live-tweeting the #nhdebate tonight. Tune in.

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RightJustifiedSunny Optimist – “With tea party wind at their backs from the ’10 elections, Repubs are in no mood to nominate another McCain.” #NHgop ow.ly/8g3iB

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Jamie_WeinsteinJamie Weinstein – Prediction: Buddy Roemer is going to have a pretty quiet night

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stephenkruiserstephenkruiser -#Lions TD. #AlamoBowl Pt. II is under way!

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The Flag Drops – Debate Starts

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stix1972Doug Welch – Debate WOO HOO

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hughhewittHugh Hewitt – “And now everything is different!”. Another cheesy debate opening.

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One minute answers and 30 second responses with a traffic light system.

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EdMorrisseyEdMorrissey – Why not just ‘SHUT UP” in bright red letters? #NHDebate

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pinkelephantpunTabitha Hale – It is so nice to only have 5 on stage. #NHDebate

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michellemalkinMichelle Malkin – Eek. Diane Sawyer needs Static Guard.

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hughhewittHugh Hewitt – Diane Sawyer begins with plug for good news on economy. Shocker #NHdebate #hhrs #tcot

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Jamie_WeinsteinJamie Weinstein – Santorum: I’ve managed my bank account

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hughhewittHugh Hewitt – Rick Santorum steers debate immediately to Iran and C-in-C question, and Diane Sawyer pushes attack on MR. But key q on table #NHdebate

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pinkelephantpunTabitha Hale – Yes. RT @LisaDeP: I think Santorum got botox. #NHdebate

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CommentaryCommentary Magazine – RT @tobincommentary: Santorum is asked to take a shot at Romney as a CEO rather than a leader. He obliges. #NHDebate.

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michellemalkinMichelle Malkin – I HATE the phrase “grow jobs.” Only Beltway pols say such a thing. Blech.

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mkhammerMary Katharine Ham – FYI, @JimPethokoukis writes about Romney’s Bain time here: ow.ly/1DuSd3

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michellemalkinMichelle Malkin – Gingrich asked about his attack on Romney/pvt sector layoffs. He hides behind NYT.

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CommentaryCommentary Magazine – RT @bethanyshondark: I’m not a fan of Gingrich playing into the class warfare rhetoric. Leave that to Obama. #NHDebate

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BryanLongworthBryan Longworth – Romney: “My experience is leadership.” Romney led Massachusetts to implement Romnicare. No thanks.

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politicalmathPoliticalMath – Apparently if your business gains jobs while you’re not sitting in your “boss” chair, they don’t count #nhdebate

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ErnieFowlkeErnie Fowlke – How dare anyone question Romney’s integrity?

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mkhammerMary Katharine Ham – Trying to do both! RT @MattSatchell: @mkhammer screw debate…. GOOOOOOOO LIONS!!!!

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TheDCVinceVince Coglianese – Huntsman paints himself as just like Romney. Good governors. Interesting pairing when he’s attempting to be competitive here.

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postpollsWashington Post poll – 62% in our Dec. poll said Romney’s business experience was major reason to support him wapo.st/tmTIgi #nhdebate

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michellemalkinMichelle Malkin – Audience laughs at Santorum joke as Paul’s mic gets feedback — It happened “because you’re not telling the truth, Ron.” #nhdebate

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hughhewittHugh Hewitt – “You’re not telling the truth Ron.” Bravo @ricksantorum #NHdebate

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secuppS.E. Cupp – Sanotrum: I think I’m known as a cause guy.

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michellemalkinMichelle Malkin – Santorum slams Paul for citing Soros-backed CREW as evidence he’s corrupt. Strong, calm rejoinder. #nhdebate

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LarrySabatoLarry Sabato – Every minute those candidates aren’t making the case against Romney is a plus for Romney.

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pinkelephantpunTabitha Hale – I feel like Santorum shined is forehead.

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rickkleinRick Klein – Paul just laying into Santorum. And Mitt smiles. #nhdebate

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secuppS.E. Cupp – Oh hey, Rick Perry.

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mboyle1Matthew Boyle – Perry: I think you’ve seen the reason why I got in this race. I’m really the only outsider here.

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politicalmathPoliticalMath – Rick Perry: “It doesn’t matter if you’re an insider from DC or an insider from Wall St” Or an insider from TX?

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ToadonaWireL – I can tell a debate is going on cuz my Twitter feed is moving at lightening speed! #throttle

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Commander In Chief Question – Huntsman

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secuppS.E. Cupp – Huntsman: Being a commander in chief isn’t about “insider gobbledygook.” What about outsider schnitzerdoodle?

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michellemalkinMichelle Malkin – Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

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JstnCase618Justin Case – Santorum Slams Obama’s ‘Hubris’ and ‘Snobbery’ On Education – Republican presidential hopeful Rick Santorum slammed … ow.ly/1gAUFD

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FranklinCenterFranklin Center – “We have a serious trust deficit in this country. We no longer trust our institutions of power.” – Jon Huntsman

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DonIrvineDonIrvine – Diane Sawyer tries to egg Huntsman on to specifically attack opponents. #nhdebate #mediabias

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hughhewittHugh Hewitt – Mitt trains fire on POTUS and Iran “This is a failed presidency”. “Who has the capacity to lead”. marker on supporting nominee

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politicalmathPoliticalMath – Romney is doing his happy dance right now. Literally. That’s how he dances.

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ToadonaWireL – I’d vote for @governorPerry if Newt could feed him info thru an earpiece at debates with Obama.

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EdMorrisseyEdMorrissey – Good answer from Perry on the military. #nhdebate

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RadiobloggerDuane Patterson – Gingrich cannot believe he’s gone from front runner to having to answer chicken hawk charge from Ron Paul. #hhrs

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JoshuabradenpJoshua Price – Glad to hear Perry nail Paul on his earmark hypocrisy… #nhdebate

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politicalmathPoliticalMath – Ron Paul: If you didn’t serve, you can’t be president.

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mattklewisMatt K. Lewis – 30 mins in. Front runner Mitt Romney skating…

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politicalmathPoliticalMath – By the way, Ron Paul. Military suicides? Lower than comparable rates for non-military individuals.

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secuppS.E. Cupp – Ron Paul’s asked about racist newsletters.

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hughhewittHugh Hewitt – Ron Paul says you can’t concentrate on 20 year old columns as he concentrates on 45 year old draft deferments #NHdebate

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DavidLimbaughDavid Limbaugh – Wow — now the Paul newsletter. This is an Obama freebie, make Republicans look like racists. That’s the point here.

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CommentaryCommentary Magazine – RT @tobincommentary: Paul then tries to play the liberal on race relations. No credibility. #NHDebate

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BREAK

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IngrahamAngleLaura Ingraham – Qs asked &answered have zero to do w/ American decline.

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EditMeDavidDavid Martosko – Round 1 to Romney, mostly by ducking when missiles are lobbed overhead #NHdebate

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guypbensonGuy Benson – Diane Sawyer: “We want to thank you for this first round of the debate.” Romney: “So do I!” #NHdebate

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Back From Break – State’s Rights (banning contraception)

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hughhewittHugh Hewitt – Another stunner. George brings up abortion #NHdebate

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secuppS.E. Cupp – Has Mitt really not heard the question about states banning contraception before? Hands it over to Ron Paul?

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Romney not happy about Roe V Wade

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CommentaryCommentary Magazine – RT @tobincommentary: A state right to ban contraception? Romney says the question is silly since no state would ever do it. Right. #NHDebate

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amandacarpenterAmanda Carpenter – Don’t contraceptives include condoms…? I don’t think those are getting banned, either.

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EdMorrisseyEdMorrissey – Romney calls Stephanopoulos out for a really dumb question. What state wants to BAN contraception? #nhdebate

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jeff_poorJeff Poor – Strange hypothetical from George Stephanopoulos… #nhdebate

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hughhewittHugh Hewitt – George violating first rules of holes. #hhrs #tcot. Getting booed.

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michellemalkinMichelle Malkin – This is what happens when you put Clintonite libs in charge of moderating GOP debates. What the hell? #nhdebate

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TheDCVinceVince Coglianese – George is getting a little frazzled here, especially now that he’s completely lost the audience.

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Gay Marriage?

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pinkelephantpunTabitha Hale – Oh, good. Gay marriage. Obviously, 45 minutes in to an important presidential debate, this is what we should be discussing.

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CommentaryCommentary Magazine – RT @jpodhoretz: Next from Stephanopoulos and Sawyer: Gov. Romney, do you wear strange religious underwear? #NHDebate

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ToadonaWireL – How many social issue questions has @ABC asked? They do this on purpose you know.

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derekahunterDerek Hunter – If you think about it, contraception questions are appropriate cuz the ABC moderators are screwing viewers with dumb questions. #NHDebate

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LinBennettLin Bennett – Huntsman did the eyebrow thing again! #scgop

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Gingrich Takes Media To Task

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secuppS.E. Cupp – Newt makes great point about media bias, asking what the Catholic church should do about its adoption efforts.

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CommentaryCommentary Magazine – RT @bethanyshondark: “Secular bigotry.” I like that, Newt. #NHDebate

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RadiobloggerDuane Patterson – newt gingrich home run on anti-christian bigotry in place by mainstream media and the obama administration. #hhrs

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pinkelephantpunTabitha Hale – Actually glad to hear from Newt. Shut it, ABC.

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TheOregonianBooTheOregonian Boo – ABC reporters have egg on face … Way too bigoted too much gay babble .. Insult Catholics #nhdebate

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jstrevinoJoshua Treviño – Mitt: “People in this room feel that Newt is absolutely right …. and I do too.” Of course.

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mkhammerMary Katharine Ham – RT @allahpundit: So awesome that this debate is going to end up being about condoms and media bias #important

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jdhenchmanJoe Henchman – If you’re not watching the debate tonight, you missed Newt Gingrich talk about how much he values the sacrament of marriage. #nhdebate

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Military Service And Troop Deployment

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TheDCVinceVince Coglianese – There was clearly a strategy session at ABC that involved deciding to change course on election coverage vis a vis social issues/foreign pol

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EdMorrisseyEdMorrissey – Er, Afghanistan has been a civil war for a lot longer than we’ve been there. What does Huntsman think the Northern Alliance was about?

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RadiobloggerDuane Patterson – romney not willing to set timetables of withdrawal in afghanistan like huntsman does. smart. timetable we set in iraq will backfire. #hhrs

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KLSoltisKristen Soltis – In IOWA three out of four caucus goers picked economy or budget as top issue. So, yeah, makes sense to talk social issues at length. #ugh

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MelissaTweetsMelissa Clouthier – To reiterate: The purposes of the debates is for the media to make all Republicans look awful. So, they choose… sulia.com/c/new-hampshir…

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JonahNROJonah Goldberg – Newt should put a lava lamp on the lecturn, will shut Diane Sawyer up for the rest of the debate.

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CommentaryCommentary Magazine – RT @tobincommentary: Gingrich changes the topic from Afghanistan to Iran and Egypt. Rightly says it’s a regional problem. #NHDebate

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mattklewisMatt K. Lewis – 1 hour in. Front runner Mitt Romney unscathed.

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JRubinBloggerJennifer Rubin – Santorum killing Huntsman on Afghanistan

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Sawyer Focuses On Troop Movements

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Chris_MoodyChris Moody – Rick Perry says Iranians can move “literally at the speed of light.” If that’s true, nukes are the least of our problems. #NHDebate

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EdMorrisseyEdMorrissey – Just FYI, the Iraqis wanted to strike a deal to keep some troops in Iraq, too. Perry’s not out of left field on this. #nhdebate

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CommentaryCommentary Magazine – RT @tobincommentary: The love fest between Gingrich and Santorum is pretty amazing. They’re almost a tag team. #NHDebate

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pinkelephantpunTabitha Hale – And Newts brings us back to school.

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michellemalkinMichelle Malkin – Newt gets applause for jabbing at Obama’s Saudi bowing & kowtowing. Bush and Norquist did, too. #nhdebate

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prismsincRic – BRAVO Santorum on “virulent threat” discussion. BRAVO Newt on reminding us Obama bowed to a Saudi King! #NHdebate

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TeamSantorumVATeamSantorumVA – Santorum at #NHDebate on #waronterror: Obama admin trying to fight this politically correct war and not being honest with American people.

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BREAK

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hughhewittHugh Hewitt – Candidates breaking through moderators Iran boycott. #NHdebate

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EdMorrisseyEdMorrissey – Amazing how much better this debate got when we started talking about issues in 2012 rather than 1965. #nhdebate

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secuppS.E. Cupp – Santorum: “Call evil what it is.”

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JoshuabradenpJoshua Price – As for our national security I think Santorum or Perry would be the best choice… #nhdebate

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EdMorrisseyEdMorrissey – I think Newt’s doing a good job tonight, but every segment that Romney isn’t hit is a win for Mitt.

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CommentaryCommentary Magazine – RT @jpodhoretz: Fred Thompson with reverse mortgages. I wish he could hit reverse on this debate and have @JakeTapper moderate instead.

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Back From Break – Sawyer On Jobs - First Question … Government Investment On Infrastructure?

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PolitisitePolitisite – Had bush made recess appointments, this debate panel would be all over it #nhdebate

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DonIrvineDonIrvine – I’m convinced that the purpose of this debate is so that ABC can give the DNC fodder for more ads. #nhdebate

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RadiobloggerDuane Patterson – mitt romney just lost the chris matthews vote by saying private sector, not gov’t, should focus on road works projects. #hhrs

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kiradavis422Kira Ayn Davis – Gov’t gets in way of creating jobs, taxes too much, regulates too much – Romney #NHDebate

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michellemalkinMichelle Malkin – Newt falls for false premise that we need to “invest” more in infrastructure before repealing Obama Big Labor exec orders, preferences.

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mattklewisMatt K. Lewis – I disagree with Santorum philosophically here, but this populist message is great for him politically. He should stress this more.

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CommentaryCommentary Magazine – RT @jpodhoretz: We need an infrastructure like China’s, where there is a three-week traffic jam. #NHDebate

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howardfinemanHoward Fineman – scorecard so far: Mitt untouched, sensible, sly-funny; Paul: nasty attacker: Newt: a hit with Catholics; Santorum: defensive, not a star.

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secuppS.E. Cupp – Santorum always has an answer. You may not like his answers, but at least he has them.

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hughhewittHugh Hewitt – “why not go to zero?”. Did George suffer concussion from Mitt hit on silly contraception questions? #nhdebate

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EWEricksonErick Erickson – “@ShaneyBeeBack: Just noticed Santorum doesn’t have that ‘Im trying to poop’ squint in his right eye that he usually has. #NHDebate”

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TheDCVinceVince Coglianese – Just want to note the nonstop mentions I’m seeing from people wishing @JakeTapper was a moderator tonight.

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politicalmathPoliticalMath – Rick Perry: “… so that we’re not being held hostage to companies… countries that are hostile to America” Oops.

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secuppS.E. Cupp – Rick Perry jumps in to wax optimistic about America’s potential. Nice contrast with Dr. Paul’s Dr. Evil view of our demise.

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EdMorrisseyEdMorrissey – Now Perry is attacking Paul. Is that why he stayed in the race? Good answer, especially on energy and right-to-work. #nhdebate

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jeff_poorJeff Poor – Observation: How come you never hear Ron Paul attack Obama in these debates?? #nhdebate

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Answer With Question: How come nobody ever sees, or knows what a baby pigeon looks like?

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hughhewittHugh Hewitt – Mitt now just blowing off George questions Good model for them all to follow. #NHdebate

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EdMorrisseyEdMorrissey – The efficiency candidate! RT @gatewaypatriot: Romney just cutting a campaign ad in the middle of the debate here?! #nhdebate

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TinaKorbeTina Korbe – Huntsman reminds me of a conservative in college. Trying to hedge his views to stay on professors’ good sides.

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politicalmathPoliticalMath – Romney: “Europe isn’t working in Europe” Campaign theme?

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secuppS.E. Cupp – Romney: “This president in his bones doesn’t understand American entrepreneurialism.”

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prismsincRic – Romney entertains the idea of a VAT tax but says we don’t want to be like Europe? #wtf #NHDebate

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pinkelephantpunTabitha Hale – RT @MelissaTweets: Aw what a sweet soliloquy from Mitt. And managed to answer nothing.

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politicalmathPoliticalMath – Santorum: “We don’t put people in classes. Also, I appeal to blue collar workers”

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prismsincRic – BINGO!!! @RickSantorum delivers stinging blow to Romney rhetoric!!!! #NHDebate

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PolitisitePolitisite – Class warfare and trianglization is axelrods and liberal election strategy for 2012 Conservatives focus on American dream for all #nhdebate

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CommentaryCommentary Magazine – RT @tobincommentary: Gingrich wryly observes that Obama’s effort to create European-style socialist economy is sincere. Good line. #NHDebate

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michellemalkinMichelle Malkin – Romney talking China. Somewhere, Donald Trump’s are burning. #nhdebate

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bethanyshondarkBethany Mandel – Huntsman: Speaking Chinese on stage doesn’t make you look smart. It makes you look like a smug schmuck. #NHDebate

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freddosofreddoso – RT @jimgeraghty: This is weird. Babelfish translate’s Huntsman’s phrase as “LAUNCH THE ATTACK NOW, BEIJING MASTERS”.

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jdhenchmanJoe Henchman – Huntsman pushes back hard about Romney’s call for a trade war with China. #nhdebate

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BREAK

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ericfidoEric Bearse – can’t wait to see mysterious ron paul group’s next attack ad on Huntsman after that debate exchange

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Jimi971Jimi – Why attack Huntsman? Where is Newt’s nuclear? Where is Santorum’s top dawg talk? Romney still cruises… #TinyTestes

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Back From Break – What Would You Be Doing If Not At A Debate?

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stix1972Doug Welch – Boxers or Briefs question up next

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secuppS.E. Cupp – What would you be doing on a Saturday night? Perry: “Shooting range.”

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michellemalkinMichelle Malkin – Newt Gingrich blows his pander answer to sports fans. Says he’d be watching collegiate BASKETBALL game. #doh #nhdebate

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Pander, Pander, Pander … Over & Out!

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mkhammerMary Katharine Ham – So, did this debate end abruptly?

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BrandonKiserBrandon Kiser – Just so we’re clear, Romney just seemed to come out for a trade war. How will China react to his election? #nhdebate

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AlexPappasDCAlex Pappas – How wild that Rick Perry was probably the least relevant person in the entire debate?

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EdMorrisseyEdMorrissey – Mitt won that debate by not getting attacked. Perry, Santorum helped themselves; Newt was anti-climatic. Paul and Huntsman — the usual.

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politicalmathPoliticalMath – Yes. Yes we do. RT @philipaklein: So do we refer to Romney as “presumptive Republican nominee” now?

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hughhewittHugh Hewitt – So much for explosive and confrontational. Romney has to be very very happy, Santorum only slight less so #NHdebate

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secuppS.E. Cupp – Debate ends on a “meh.” No big moments, no big surprises tonight. Santorum held up, and Perry had a goodish performance. Mitt was Mitt.

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SooperMexicanel SOOPer – i don’t know who won the debate, but I’m pretty sure Dianne Sawyer won the debate drinking game…

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RedStateRedState – The Biggest Mistake of the Worst Debate bit.ly/zlC7zK #TCOT #RS

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Dean_LDean_L – #NHDebate That debate was so spectacular they should go ahead have another one in 12 hours or so.

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End Of Debate

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Set your alarm clocks, because this debate starts Sunday at 9 a.m. Eastern Time, only two days before the nation’s first primary in the Granite State. The audience can tune in or log on in a number of ways, in what promises to be a spirited debate following the wild finish between Rick Santorum and Mitt Romney in Iowa. Not only will the debate stream live on the “Meet the Press” Facebook page and Facebook’s U.S. Politics page, but viewers can share questions and comment on the action throughout the event. Image Credit: allfacebook.com

Debate #2 – The Facebook and NBC News debate (Preview) will be moderated by “Meet the Press” host David Gregory, who will be joined by the New Hampshire Union Leader (NH paper of record that endorsed Newt Gingrich).

TWEETS

LarrySabatoLarry Sabato – Free suggestion for NBC: Do yourself a favor & don’t ask about contraception.

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prismsincRic – NewsBusters: Just How Political Can Richard Cordray Be? bit.ly/xq1sHQ #tcot #ocra #ampat

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TuckerCarlsonTucker Carlson – Ron Paul is the only candidate on stage, 45 min. before air time. Looks exactly the same as he did last night.

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newtgingrichNewt Gingrich – Good morning. Pls follow @newt2012hq and @newt2012nh for updates during the debate.

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PalinspiredInspired by Palin – Note to GOP Debaters, if question is not about spending/debt..reply is “you ignorant liberal media type, give me a real question” #TCOT

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Begin Introduction – One min with 30 Sec. response

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TPMTalking Points Memo – AP fact check: Romney struggles on jobs claim tpm.ly/wVGGKI

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BEGIN

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TPMTalking Points Memo – First Q to Newt: Why shouldn’t Romney be the nominee?

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CommentaryCommentary Magazine – RT @sethamandel: This debate already sounding strangely like the one that ended ten hours ago. #NBCFBDebate

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mattklewisMatt K. Lewis – Romney notes that many conservatives who don’t have any “axe to grind” are backing him.

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mattklewisMatt K. Lewis – Santorum: If Romney’s record was so great, why didn’t he run for re-election? “Why did you bail out?”

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ZekeJMillerZeke Miller – Strong answer from Santorum right here, but is it too late to matter? #whydidhebail?

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mattklewisMatt K. Lewis – Santorum hitting Mitt: “He ran from Ronald Reagan.”

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CommentaryCommentary Magazine – RT @bethanyshondark: “And if your record as Sen of PA was so great, why weren’t you reelected?” – how Mitt should answer Santorum #NBCDebate

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EdMorrisseyEdMorrissee – Low bar. RT @mattklewis: This debate is already better than last night’s debate.

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mattklewisMatt K. Lewis – Newt to Mitt: “Can we drop the pious bologna?”

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EdMorrisseyEdMorrissey – Wow, now Romney is the issue. Better than condoms.

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hughhewittHugh Hewitt – Newt. Can we drop the pious baloney. That’s what we were looking for last night #NBCdebate

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Queue Dr. Paul

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prismsincRic – David Gregory is too busy delving in labels #NBCfail #NBCdebate

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CommentaryCommentary Magazine – RT @sethamandel: Ron Paul: Can you please start asking serious questions? We are running for president. Thank you. #NBCdebate—-

howardfinemanHoward Fineman – Newt and Santo bomb and now Paul now blast Romney. This is the Mitt Moment

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FloridaJayhawkFloridaJayhawk – Mitt Romney has lost more races & primaries in his life than ANYONE on the stage! Mitt Romney’s Record is like 1-10 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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mattklewisMatt K. Lewis – David Gregory is using a “hurry-up offense.” Love it.

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hughhewittHugh Hewitt – Rick Perry makes his pitch effectively to the Tea Party in SC #NBCdebate

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guypbensonGuy Benson – Perry, asked about Romney, instantly attacks Santorum. #NHdebate

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chucktoddChuck Todd – Huntsman with perhaps his toughest retort on Romney yet. It took him 14 debates. #nbcfbdebate

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mattklewisMatt K. Lewis – Say what you will about Jon Huntsman, but there’s nothing dishonorable about serving your nation as a diplomat (even in a Dem admin.)

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CommentaryCommentary Magazine – RT @alanagoodman: Huntsman is not doing himself any favors with this. He comes off as overly sensitive. #NBCDebate

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hughhewittHugh Hewitt – “This nation is divided because of attitudes like that.” Gov Huntsman may believe that but the vast majority of GOP doesn’t #NBCdebate

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JFKucinichJackie Kucinich – Gingrich going back to attacking the moderator

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CommentaryCommentary Magazine – RT @sethamandel: Gregory: Name three constituencies you will struggle with in the general election after answering this question. #NBCdebate

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daveweigeldaveweigel – Newt’s fed up with “highly paid Washington commentators.” He will also sign a copy of his new book for you.

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JECarter4James Carter – Maybe he’s a morning person. RT @mattklewis: Perry doing well right now. Talking faster than usual. (And making sense.)

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BREAK

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hughhewittHugh Hewitt – So, about that threat by Iran to attack a carrier…..#NBCdebate

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sirbriantoddBrian Perkins – Ron Paul is wrong: the Soviets came down because we took them down. Remember the fall of the Berlin Wall? #nhdebate

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guypbensonGuy Benson – Much rougher first round for Romney than last night. Three rivals landed blows. Were any of them memorable/lasting? #Meh

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Back From Break

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EdMorrisseyEdMorrissey – Ah. Not quite hell, then. More like purgatory. RT @Mattie96

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DavidMDruckerDavid M. Drucker – @RickSantorum‘s skill as extemp speaker was on display in his attack on @MittRomney‘s decsion not to run 4 re-elec as MA Gov. #nbcfbdebate

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hughhewittHugh Hewitt – Romney strong answer on governing with Democrats appealing to NH indies #NBCdebate

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EdMorrisseyEdMorrissey – Romney one-ups a strong answer on bipartisanship from Newt by saying, well, I did that. #NBCdebate

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mckaycoppinsMcKay Coppins – Ron Paul to Congress: It’s not me, it’s you.

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hughhewittHugh Hewitt – Gegory’s Facebook has anything mentioning Iran blocked?

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FixAaronAaron Blake – For those who missed SNL’s Santorum opening last night, here it is… thedc.com/xEr3W0

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hughhewittHugh Hewitt – Gregory declares “Here’s the reality…”. Does anyone trust the next statement from an Obama partisan like David Gregory?

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BuzzFeedBenBen Smith – We’re giving short shrift to Paul’s reaching across the aisle to work with Dennis Kucinich on stuff.

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prismsincRic – Rick Santorum outlines the concerns of a Ron Paul Presidency perfectly #NBCdebate #NHdebate

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EdMorrisseyEdMorrissey – Huntsman: Bring term limits to Congress … and then make sure they don’t work in politics again. Yeah, that’ll pass. #NBCfbdenate

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LEADERSHIP – Perry – What would you do to make Republicans uncomfortable?

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LarrySabatoLarry Sabato – The woman over David Gregory’s shoulder is asleep. The debate is good enough so that I’m awake.

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mattklewisMatt K. Lewis – His supporters? RT @CapehartJ Perry: “I’m making a lot of Republicans nervous by talking…….”

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BREAK

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markdavisMark Davis – Perry gets last word, last dig at conservatism of rivals before commercial break. He and Santorum scoring nicely #nbcfbdebate #nhdebate

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TheFixThe Fix – For those saying Huntsman is charismatic: EVERY answer is delivered in the exact same tone/cadence. Not dynamic.

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howardfinemanHoward Fineman – New poll shows Huntsman in third place and rising to double digits, which is why Paul is attacking. Also, Mitt down to 35 percent.

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Back From Break

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mattklewisMatt K. Lewis – This election is clearly about heating assistance and contraception. Clearly.

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MonicaCrowleyMonica Crowley – @GovernorPerry hitting hard on spending & limited govt. He was sharp & focused last night too. Keep going, Rick!

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Tom1247Tom Dougherty – Without heat you need contraception :-) RT @mattklewis: This election is clearly about heating assistance and contraception. Clearly.

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prismsincRic – Ron Paul “supply and demand of oil in your bedroom while you keep papers in your dresser and money in your mattress blah blah bla” #NHDebate

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DrewHampshireDrew Cline – During break, Santorum and Gingrich aides arguing over who gets to use the metal folding chair

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EdMorrisseyEdMorrissey – Gay rights and contraception. Thank you for extending an already pointless question even further.

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hughhewittHugh Hewitt – “Right now.” non-discrimination is the key, and Romney’s answer perfect #NBCdebate

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alanagoodmanAlana Goodman – Audience laughs when Santorum is asked whether he’d be a voice to speak out for gay rights in the GOP.

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kirstenpowers10kirsten powers – Poor moderator disappointed that Santorum didnt say he would disown gay son.

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CommentaryCommentary Magazine – RT @SethAMandel: Romney: Some of my best appointments were gay… #NBCdebate

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hughhewittHugh Hewitt – Good thing we are back on gay rights and aren’t worried about Iran, terrorism from Al Qaeda, loss of Iraq….#NBCdebate

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BREAK – 1 Hour

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guypbensonGuy Benson – Perry name-checks Jim DeMint. #SouthCarolinasComing

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EdMorrisseyEdMorrissey – Viewers whose NBC stations switch programs RT @daveweigel: People who overslept. RT @TheFix: Winners after the first hour?

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Back From Break

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mollyesqueMolly Ball – Gingrich, who did NH local issues last night, mispronouncing DiStaso!

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TheFixThe Fix – Again, Newt thinks too highly of himself to just keep bashing Romney. Which is why Newt isn’t going to win. #nbcfbdebate

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prismsincRic – Moderators have yet to learn, ask Newt a stupid question, he will make you look stupid #NBCdebate #NHDebate

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guypbensonGuy Benson - RT @kirstenpowers10: I’m sure Obama is going to get 40 questions about gay marriage in the debates, since after all he opposes it too.

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EdMorrisseyEdMorrissey – Great answer from Newt on EPA. RT @hughhewitt: Newt: EPA’s record increasingly radical and imperious. Perfect. #NBCdebate

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jdhenchmanJoe Henchman – MSNBC picked people for the front row behind the moderator who are now asleep. #nbcfbdebate

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allahpunditAllah Pundit – RT @TheFix: “We have a president who is a socialist.” — Rick Perry. #nbcfbdebate

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guypbensonGuy Benson – Perry: President Obama “doesn’t reflect our founding fathers.” Lefty race-baiting in 3…2…1…. #NBCdebate

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EdMorrisseyEdMorrissey – Gregory to Santorum: Admit it, you love socialism and it’s really cool. Santorum to Gregory: Pay attention to my answers, please.

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prismsincRic – Romney talks up energy sector while continuing to abandon a dying manufacturing sector #NBCdebate #NHDebate

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CommentaryCommentary Magazine – RT @sethamandel: New Suffolk tracking poll shows Huntsman, not Santorum, benefiting from Romney’s slide in the state. #NBCdebate

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PalinspiredInspired by Palin – Ron Paul “Entitlements are not rights” “Liberty is the only right” #TCOT

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EdMorrisseyEdMorrissey – What, that “live free or die” question wasn’t a finale? Weird.

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BREAK – Final Questions at 30 seconds – What we can’t live with a nuclear Iran?

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Santorum – Ideology/Theocracy – We have a weak president

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mattklewisMatt K. Lewis – Santorum makes a logical point about why a theocracy might be more dangerous with the bomb than atheistic Communists.

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Gingrich … you called Romney a liar

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DavidLimbaughDavid Limbaugh – RT @JonahNRO: During commercial break, Gingrich seen sharpening a toothbrush into a shiv.

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EdMorrisseyEdMorrissey – Shorter Gingrich: Put your trust in the NYT and WaPo, conservatives. This will go over very well with conservatives.

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ericfidoEric Bearse – Romney just said he hasn’t seen the ads and just described one in detail.

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EdMorrisseyEdMorrissey – Romney: Hey, thanks for letting me use all the attack lines from the ads in the middle of the debate.

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FixAaronAaron Blake – Newt needs to be careful with these super PAC criticisms. His PAC just got a $5M infusion and I’m guessing they go negative. #

NBCFBdebate

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hughhewittHugh Hewitt – Newt was having a good debate but last round hurt him with GOP voters because Democrats/MSM cheering it #NBCdebate

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ZekeJMillerZeke Miller – Paul: I would continue doing what I’m doing now — preaching the gospel of liberty.

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BREAK … And End! If it’s Sunday, it’s Meet The Press!

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RyanLizzaRyan Lizza – OMG, they totally bamboozled us into thinking there was more debate after the break and there wasn’t.

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EdMorrisseyEdMorrissey – New movie – The Manchesterville Horror, with every NH event venue whispering to Republicans, “GET OOOUUUTTTT.”

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daveweigeldaveweigel – Subtle graphics work in Romney press emails yfrog.com/odfxup

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Lady_PatriotLady Patriot – Romney said, “I haven’t seen the ads” & immediately said, “The one I saw….” BTW, I hate this topic. Whining is for Democrats. #NBCdebate

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EdMorrisseyEdMorrissey – RT @DanRiehl: Don’t think Newt cares about winning/losing debate at this point. He’s on a mission. #NBCdebate

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prismsincRic – DING! RT @JoeWumbus NH is liberal. They will vote liberal. Don’t be surprised at Romney win in NH. Proves he’s most liberal guy in the bunch

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Greenberg in post debate comments: NH is the Kyber Pass in American politics.

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mkhammerMary Katharine Ham – Like! RT @OKnox: Would a network please pretend to hold a debate and then broadcast ONLY the candidate banter during breaks?!? #nbcfbdebate

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prismsincRic – HUNTSMAN! LOL MT @StevenErtelt: Debate wrap: Campaign a race b/t Mitt & Santorum, Newt becoming whiny; Perry invisible, Paul nothing new

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PalinspiredInspired by Palin – Vote RINO Willard Romney, he’s able to tell you in detail about TV Ads he has NOT seen. Superman powers. LOL #TCOT

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END

Embarrassment Of Riches vs. Riches Of Embarrassment

In a rare televised moment, leading Presidential candidates from both sides of the aisle shook hands with one another in between Saturday night's debates in New Hampshire. Image Credit: Ida Astute / ABC News

Embarrassment Of Riches vs. Riches Of Embarrassment

The presidential primary season is now well underway. All of the candidates, Republican and Democrat alike are reeling from the reality that rhetoric, experience, and resources are not what will carry the day.

With resounding and rejective (of the presumed front runner) wins by Barack Obama for the Democrats and Mike Huckabee for the Republicans, this proves that no matter how in touch one might be with politics on a daily basis, experts have trouble predicting just how people will vote.

Clockwise from top left, Democrats Sen. Barack Obama, former Sen. John Edwards, Sen. Hillary Clinton and Gov. Bill Richardson, and Republicans former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, former Gov. Mitt Romney, Sen. John McCain and former Gov. Mike Huckabee are all campaigning in New Hampshire this weekend. Image Credit: AP Photo

Now the process moves on to New Hampshire and last night we were treated to another installment of the survivors of the Iowa Caucuses debating, or should we say showcasing, their qualifications to become President of the United States.

After the televised debates, many experts begin to sit down and make assessments based upon what they perceive the New Hampshire voter is looking for and how they will vote.

Pollster, Frank Luntz uses as his process to inform, polling “attitude registers” that use a rheostat dial mechanism observers move to indicate whether they feel "favorable" or "not favorable" to what they are witnessing.

After the debate, Frank Luntz processes the information gathered and then interviews the people who participated in the “attitude register” process.

One of the people Frank was interviewing about the just concluded Democrat debate, when asked who they felt "favorable" with and who would they vote for, responded that the choices of Richardson, Edwards, Obama, and Clinton presented all Democrats an “embarrassment of riches”.

At MAXINE, we wonder, what exactly are the riches one has to be embarrassed about?

What, in fact, do these candidates have to offer in terms of executive leadership in their background (save Governor Richardson who has low ratings) that would propel them to be observed as good leaders?

On the Republican side, voters in New Hampshire are leaning toward Senator John McCain over the recent winner of the Iowa Caucus, Governor (AR) Mike Huckabee, Governor (MA) Mitt Romney, and Mayor (NY) Rudy Giuliani … proven executive leaders all. Senator Fred Thompson and Congressman Ron Paul add to the debate but have little traction in New Hampshire and only match up in executive experience on a par with the Democrats.

One has to ask themselves, with the apparent favorability of politicians without direct executive experience in New Hampshire (as shown through the use of Frank Luntz’s “attitude registers”) what do we really suffer from … an embarrassment of riches or a riches of embarrassment?

Personality is winning out over the understanding of executive decision making processes ... what are the citizens thinking?

If only we, the voting public, could actually feel a sense of embarrassment in our culture anymore.

Poll Answers

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