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

—-

Back From Break

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

BREAK

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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.

—-

Back From Break

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

—-

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.

—-

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

—-

Santorum – Ideology/Theocracy – We have a weak president

—-

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

—–

Gingrich … you called Romney a liar

—-

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.

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

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

—-

END

"Occupy Rose Parade" A Failure On Any Measure

Occupy protesters march at the end of the 123rd Tournament of Roses Parade on Orange Grove Boulevard in Pasadena Monday, January 2, 2012 [ctrl-click image to see "Occupy Rose Parade" slideshow]. Image Credit: SGVN/Staff Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz/SXCITY


"Occupy Rose Parade" A Failure On Any Measure

On observation, the Occupy Wall Street's attempt to gain sympathy and support for their movement ended up being a complete failure on most any measure one wishes to apply to the display and its execution.

First off, very little media attention of their actual display and end-of-parade walk for the first mile and a half of the five and a half mile parade route was to be found on a Google search of "Occupy Rose Parade" - total postings and RSS feed pick-ups show only 24 listing Results. Any New Media writer knows that when one self-publishes, one must self-syndicate in order to increase Google search results on the title or subject of any article ... 24 item Results after 24 hours of an event is weak by any standard, let alone the platform the Rose Parade provides to a world audience. An estimated 40 million people viewed this year's procession of 43 floats, 16 marching bands and 22 equestrian troupes on U.S. television alone.

The first Rose Parade took place in 1890 and was attended by 2,000 people. The attendance has grown to one million parade goers lining Colorado Blvd. over the last few years.

Upon reading the stories leading up to the actual event, the "Occupy Rose Parade" organizers were hoping for tens-of-thousands of people turning out to participate in their side-bar, soft sanctioned, end-of-parade event. The initial projections provided by spokesman and organizer Peter Thottam estimated that 40,000 Occupy Movement (OWS) sympathizers would attend the demonstration but in hours before the parade, settled on the number of 3,000 demonstrators which the MSM press services of AP and Reuters picked-up and used as the template for all of their postings used by newspaper and television news broadcasts on the subject.

Actual estimates of the people who marched in the parade came to about 400 people. The official policy of the Pasadena Police Department is that they do not issue crowd estimates but when pushed, the Pasadena Police Department estimated that no more than 400 "Occupy Rose Parade" protesters marched the route and were joined by people from the crowd leaving the parade event, which made the actual protest seem larger.

Lastly, about the only people who took notice of this soft sanctioned, end-of-parade event were the real political activists who actually have a message people can relate to, and, to be frank, did not have to show up to act as a counter-weight to the "Occupy Rose Parade" protest effort. The Pasadena Tea Party Patriots, also known as TEAPAC, were upset by what they felt was the politicizing of the Rose Parade event and promised to stage their own protest if the city and the Tournament of Roses did not keep "Occupy Rose Parade" from demonstrating within the actual parade.

TEAPAC leader Michael Alexander said, "Occupy has no business in the parade, and neither do we. "But fair is fair and if the city and the (TofR) allow the parade to be politicized then we are going to be there."

So, the last failure of Occupy Rose Parade was that they were unable to have TEAPAC (and other serious political action organizations) take the bait and swell their protest crowd with a sizable counter-demonstration for the corporate media wire services to write about.

One has to ask - If 400 people in a parade and crowd of over 1,000,000 people represent "the 99%", just who are the rest of the parade and crowd of over 1,000,000 people ... the 1%?

The weather was perfect, the parade was beautiful, the Rose Bowl game came to a perfect conclusion with Oregon winning over Wisconsin in the highest scoring Rose Bowl game ever (Oregon Ducks, 45 - Wisconsin Badgers, 38), and 400 ineffective politically-progressive agitators were adsorbed (and nearly erased) by the general public as they left the parade route to get to their cars and get on with their first business day of the 2012 year holiday, happy being personally-free Americans.



<Article first seen as “Occupy Rose Parade” A Failure On Any Measure at Technorati>

Best Argument For A Newt Gingrich GOP Nomination Out Of Iowa

In a tweet minutes after Deace announced his endorsement, Gingrich tweeted "my thanks to @SteveDeaceShow for his endorsement tonight." Image Credit: The Vault at steavedeace.com


Best Argument For A Newt Gingrich GOP Nomination Out Of Iowa

Influential Iowa state based radio talk show host, Steve Deace, endorses a vote for Newt Gingrich as the next Republican nominee for President of the United States and puts forth the best argument placed so far.

Steve Deace, a popular social conservative radio talk show host whose program is heard statewide in Iowa is backing Newt Gingrich for president and puts forward his reasoning in a way that allows one to cut through the mountain of irrelevant talking points on every candidate, they are all fatally flawed. Deace comes forward with a standout nugget of truth as to how our country has wandered so far off of its personal-freedom based tracks and should appeal to all of those who hold to what the Tea Party movement brought forward in its activism over the past couple of years - simply stated, our country needs to get back to core values informed through the United States Constitution, the Bill-Of-Rights, and the Rule-Of-Law.

The nugget is the singular recognition by Newt Gingrich that one branch of Government is allowed to operate without any check or balance, the Judicial Branch, and needs to be put back in equilibrium with the other two branches ... The Executive Branch (the office of the President) and Legislative Branch (the House of Representatives and the Senate).

This excerpted and edited from The Vault at steavedeace.com -

Why I Am Endorsing Newt Gingrich for President
30 December 2011 - 17:34 GMT - By Steve Deace

This country is in trouble and bold leadership is needed. As someone that has had the privilege to vet these candidates as closely as just about anybody else has, I’ve come to the conclusion there are several good, Christian people running that most years I would vote for.

However, this isn’t most years.

Sadly, there are only two candidates offering a real means by which to actually undo that which the Left has done to this country for the past 50 years, and not just conservative platitudes. One of those candidates is Ron Paul, but his foreign policy is naive at best and reckless at worst. The other is Newt Gingrich, who has campaigned on what I believe is the most important issue facing us as a people — the loss of the rule of law.

The Left has used unelected judges and judicial oligarchy to reinvent the American way of life, from secularism to the loss of the sanctity of life, to the redefining of marriage, the confiscation of private property, and the granting of imaginary rights. There is an entire chapter of my new book devoted to the need for conservatives and Christians to confront judicial oligarchy once and for all. I have spent the past two years of my radio program educating my audience on this issue, and was a vocal proponent of Iowa’s historic judicial retention election last year, and Newt’s assistance with that effort was vital.

After offering every candidate in the race the chance to show they understand the gravity of this issue, Gingrich is the only one who has demonstrated he does, and can also use the bully pulpit of the presidency to educate Americans on the need to return to the rule of law.
----
Electing another Obamney from the ruling class changes nothing. Electing another nice conservative with no proven ability to govern or a killer instinct to take on the system changes nothing, even if it makes us all feel warm and fuzzy inside.

This is a time for leadership, not warm fuzzies. The future is at stake, and we may never get another environment with the country so prepared to challenge the system as we have right now.
----
It is my hope the other Republican candidates will follow Gingrich’s bold leadership in providing the country a true alternative to President Obama.

It is my prayer that next year that for once we actually have something to vote for, and not just something to vote against. I am making this endorsement in the hopes that will be the case. Sometimes the most broken people are the ones God does the most tremendous work through. I know that has been true in my life.
[Reference Here]

The Constitution, the Bill-Of-Rights, and the Rule-Of-Law represent the recipe by which we begin to have the Government become right-sized and functional once again for all citizens who wish to recapture what Ronald Reagan called "the shining city on the hill" ... a personal-freedom based United States of America with equal justice and access to all of its citizens.


<Article first seen as Best Argument For A Newt Gingrich Nomination Out Of Iowa at Technorati>

An American President's Christmas Message From America To All

An American President's Christmas Message From America To All

It may amaze one to ponder that only 30 years ago (December 23, 1981), a President of the United States felt it was his leadership duty to speak directly about the reason for the season and assure all, whether they believed in Christianity or not, that our country and its citizens were protected here as one, under "Faith and Freedom" ... regardless of belief or circumstance.

May God bless the memory of Ronald Reagan. A message as poignant and timeless in 1981 as it is here in 2011.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

It Is Time To Dump John Boehner As House Leader

Congressman Boehner caves to the nonfactual position and political tactics of the Senate Democrats led by the 44th President of the United States on tax policy extension. Image Credit: johnboehner.house.gov

It Is Time To Dump John Boehner As House Leader

John Boehner is the worst leader of the Republican party in the House of Representatives in over sixty years (maybe longer). The latest evidence of this horrible level of leadership is shown on how he continues to have trouble closing the door on original arguments made and legislation passed when the opposition is able to out-and-out lie and get away with it.

Facts are facts, and lies are lies ... it is time that the American people have a leader of the Republican party in the House of Representatives that knows how to communicate the difference and stand for the truth.

This excerpted and edited from The White House - Office of the Press Secretary

Remarks by the President on the Payroll Tax Cut
South Court Auditorium - December 22, 2011, 1:00 P.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you, everybody. (Applause.) Please have a seat. Good afternoon to all of you. Merry Christmas. Happy holidays.
----
Now, on Saturday, we reached a bipartisan compromise that would do just that -- make sure that people aren’t seeing a tax cut the first of the year; make sure that they still have unemployment insurance the first of the year. Nearly every Democrat in the Senate voted for that compromise. Nearly every Republican in the Senate voted for that compromise. Democrats and even some Republicans in the House voted for that compromise. I am ready to sign that compromise into law the second it lands on my desk.

So far, the only reason it hasn’t landed on my desk -- the only reason -- is because a faction of House Republicans have refused to support this compromise. [this is because the Republicans and some Democrats in the House of Representatives passed an extension that was for one year and received back a bill to approve that was for only two months]

Now, if you’re a family making about $50,000 a year, this is a tax cut that amounts to about $1,000 a year [WRONG - the compromise amounts to only 1/6th of this amount or about $160.00]. That’s about 40 bucks out of every paycheck [for two months as opposed to what the House of Representatives had approved ... 12 months]. It may be that there's some folks in the House who refuse to vote for this compromise because they don’t think that 40 bucks is a lot of money. But anyone who knows what it’s like to stretch a budget knows that at the end of the week, or the end of the month, $40 can make all the difference in the world [the President is arguing for a continued return of $160.00 as opposed to $1,000.00].

And that’s why we thought we’d bring your voices into this debate. So many of these debates in Washington end up being portrayed as which party is winning, which party is losing. But what we have to remind ourselves of is this is about people. This is about the American people and whether they win. It's not about a contest between politicians [NO - this is all about the President and Senate Democrats only wishing to extend the tax policy for two (2) months as opposed to all of the Republicans in the House passing a bill for one (1) full year].

So on Tuesday, we asked folks to tell us what would it be like to lose $40 out of your paycheck every week [the President and Senate Democrats for eight (8) weeks as opposed to House Republicans fifty-two (52) weeks]. And I have to tell you that the response has been overwhelming. We haven't seen anything like this before. Over 30,000 people have written in so far -- as many as 2,000 every hour. We’re still hearing from folks -- and I want to encourage everybody who's been paying attention to this to keep sending your stories to WhiteHouse.gov and share them on Twitter and share them on Facebook.

The responses we’ve gotten so far have come from Americans of all ages and Americans of all backgrounds, from every corner of the country. Some of the folks who responded are on stage with me here today, and they should remind every single member of Congress what’s at stake in this debate. Let me just give you a few samples.

Joseph from New Jersey talked about how he would have to sacrifice the occasional pizza night with his daughters. He said -- and I'm quoting -- “My 16-year-old twins will be out of the house soon. I'll miss this.” [I thought that Michelle Obama and "My Plate" wanted the American people to eat healthier - no pizza | the President and Senate Democrats only wish Joseph and his family to have an occasional pizza night with his family two (2) months as opposed to all of the Republicans in the House passing a bill for a one (1) full year extension]

Richard from Rhode Island wrote to tell us that having an extra $40 in his check buys enough heating oil to keep his family warm for three nights. In his words -- I'm quoting -- “If someone doesn't think that 12 gallons of heating oil is important, I invite them to spend three nights in an unheated home. Or you can believe me when I say that it makes a difference.” [The President and Senate Democrats only wish Richard from Rhode Island to have fuel to heat his home for two (2) months as opposed to all of the Republicans in the House passing a bill for a one (1) full year extension]

Pete from Wisconsin told us about driving more than 200 miles each week to keep his father-in-law company in a nursing home -- $40 out of his paycheck would mean he'd only be able to make three trips instead of four. [The President and Senate Democrats wish to allow Pete from Wisconsin to visit his father-in-law in a nursing home for two (2) months as opposed to all of the Republicans in the House passing a bill for a one (1) full year extension]

We heard from a teacher named Claire from here in D.C. who goes to the thrift store every week and uses her own money to buy pencils and books for her fourth grade class. Once in a while she splurges on science or art supplies. Losing $40, she says, would mean she couldn’t do that anymore. [The President and Senate Democrats wish to allow Teacher Claire from D.C. to visit the thrift store every week and use her own money to buy pencils and books for her fourth grade class for two (2) months as opposed to all of the Republicans in the House passing a bill for a one (1) full year extension]

For others, $40 means dinner out with a child who's home for Christmas, a new pair of shoes, a tank of gas, a charitable donation. These are the things at stake for millions of Americans. They matter to people. A lot. [NO - this is all about the President and Senate Democrats only wishing to extend the tax policy for two (2) months as opposed to all of the Republicans in the House passing a bill for one (1) full year]

And keep in mind that those are just the individual stories. That doesn’t account for the overall impact that a failure to extend the payroll tax cut and a failure to extend unemployment insurance would have on the economy as a whole. We've seen the economy do better over the last couple of months, but there's still a lot of sources of uncertainty out there -- what's going on in Europe, what's going on around the world. And so this is insurance to make sure that our recovery continues. [NO - this is all about the President and Senate Democrats only wishing to extend the tax policy for two (2) months an maintaining UNCERTAINTY as opposed to all of the Republicans in the House passing a bill for one (1) full year thus eliminating UNCERTAINTY for 12 months]

So it's time for the House to listen to the voices who are up here, the voices all across the country, and reconsider. What’s happening right now is exactly why people just get so frustrated with Washington. This is it; this is exactly why people get so frustrated with Washington. This isn’t a typical Democratic-versus-Republican issue [NO - this is all about the President and Senate Democrats only wishing to extend the tax policy for two (2) months as opposed to all of the Republicans in the House passing a bill for one (1) full year]. This is an issue where an overwhelming number of people in both parties agree {to extend current tax policy for one full year as opposed to a minority of Democrats holding this issue hostage and have it be talked about in another two months}. How can we not get that done? I mean, has this place become so dysfunctional that even when people agree to things we can't do it? (Applause.) It doesn’t make any sense. [NO - this is all about the President and Senate Democrats only wishing to extend the tax policy for two (2) months as opposed to all of the Republicans in the House passing a bill for one (1) full year]

So, enough is enough. The people standing with me today can’t afford any more games. They can’t afford to lose $1,000 [another lie - two months is only $160.00 as opposed to the $1,000.00] because of some ridiculous Washington standoff [by you, Barack Obama and the Senate Democrats]. The House needs to pass a short-term version of this compromise, and then we should negotiate an agreement as quickly as possible to extend the payroll tax cut and unemployment insurance for the rest of 2012 [NO - all of the Republicans in the House passed a bill for one (1) full year already]. It's the right thing to do for the economy, and it's, most importantly, the right thing to do for American families all across the country.

This is not just my view. Just a few hours ago, this is exactly what the Republican Leader of the Senate said we should do [NO - this is all about the President and Senate Democrats only wishing to extend the tax policy for two (2) months as opposed to all of the Republicans in the House passing a bill for one (1) full year - Senator Mitch McConnell needs to be dumped as well for he will not stand for the truth over lies]. Democrats agree with the Republican Leader of the Senate. We should go ahead and get this done. This should not be hard. We all agree it should happen [all Democrats and one Republican in the Senate]. I believe it's going to happen sooner or later. Why not make it sooner, rather than later? [EXACTLY - agree to the one full year extension NOW ... not later] Let’s give the American people -- the people who sent us here -- the kind of leadership they deserve.

Thank you, everybody. (Applause.)

END
1:08 P.M. EST
[Reference Here]

The fact of the matter is that we will hear the following on the Sunday news shows ... pre-taped for Christmas Sunday.

SNEAK PEEK - CBS News correspondent predictions for 2012, pre-taped for Christmas Day edition of "Face the Nation":

--Nancy Cordes, Congressional Correspondent: "I think a day of reckoning is coming between House Speaker John Boehner and his number two man, Eric Cantor, because they have been on opposites sides of almost every major fight this year."

--Bob Schieffer, Chief Washington Correspondent and "Face the Nation" anchor: "I think we'll see a wholesale turnover in the congress. I think we'll see more incumbents turned out of office, both Republicans and Democrats, than in any time since I've been in Washington, and that's been a long time." (41 years!)
(ht: Politico)

Again, facts are facts, and lies are lies ... it is time that the American people have a leader of the Republican party in the House of Representatives [an the United States Senate] that knows how to communicate the difference and stand for the facts.



<Article first seen as It Is Time To Dump John Boehner As House Leader at Technorati>

Sioux City Iowa Final GOP Debate Tweet-By-Tweet

Seven candidates have taken the stage in Sioux City, Iowa, for the final debate before the Jan. 3 caucuses. Image Credit: FOX News

Sioux City Iowa Final GOP Debate Tweet-By-Tweet

The gloves will be thrown on the ice in tonight’s debate from Sioux City. The debate should be “Zany” and wholly “Madcap”! Good god, what in the H E double-toothpicks is Romney thinking and who uses language like this as an ad hominem attack, let alone in a “today” conversation. Leave It To Beaver (original series) hasn’t been on the air in nearly 50 years!

We follow the reactions via 140 characters or less via Twitter in a process entitled Tweet-By-Tweet:

pinkelephantpunTabitha Hale

All pumped up to livetweet #iowadebate! WHO’S EXCITED??!!?!?11!

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PolitisitePolitisite

New Post Fox News Live – Video – Fox News politisite.com/?p=34376 #tcot #p2 #PS

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TeamSantorumTXTeamSantorumTX

Why This Iowan Is Supporting @RickSantorum… for Now – Yahoo! News news.yahoo.com/why-iowan-supp… via @YahooNews

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lesliecarbonelesliecarbone

If beating Obama is No. 1 goal for Repub’s, they seriously need a more robust vision of success.

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DonIrvineDonIrvine

This has got to be better than the biased #abcdebate last week. #iowadebate

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CommentaryCommentary Magazine

RT @tobincommentary: Electability? Can’t wait for Santorum to brag about winning in 94 and 00 & omitting landslide loss in 08. #IowaDebate.

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pinkelephantpunTabitha Hale

Orrin Hatch has a higher ACU rating than Newt. I’m unimpressed, Newt. #iowadebate

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prismsincRic

Paulbrow again #IowaDebate

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paconnerPaul Conner

Newt says he balanced the budget four straight years. Actually, it was two years bit.ly/sD5bfg

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freddosofreddoso

RT @StevenErtelt: Paul: “Anybody up here could probably beat Obama” – totally avoi

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michellemalkinMichelle Malkin

Santorum wants people to catch fire. Yikes.

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BryanLongworthBryan Longworth

9:08pm: The reply from Rick Santorum was an #ANSWER live.foxnews.com

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EdMorrisseyEdMorrissey

Santorum takes shot at Newt’s personal life? #iowadebate

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SmalltalkwithtT

Ron Paul’s foreign poilcy is not American majority. #IstandwithIsrael #iowadebate

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mboyle1Matthew Boyle

Romney’s makes the private sector case against the field again

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hopeforamericahopeforamerica

Romney: “I know what it takes to put Americans back to work with high paying jobs.” So they can afford $10,000 bets. #iowadebate

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foxnewspoliticsfoxnewspolitics

#iowadebate Michele Bachmann not afraid to tell people her age — 50 years being a “real person,” five as a congresswoman = 55

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sanuzisSaul Anuzis

The GOP debate is on, good start and I agree with Paul…any of these candidates can beat Obama.

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EdMorrisseyEdMorrissey

Rather than have this round of Qs for 15 mins, why not just allow the candidates a 1-min opening statement? #iowadebate

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mboyle1Matthew Boyle

Rick Perry plays the Tim Tebow card….

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pinkelephantpunTabitha Hale

“I’m the Tim Tebow of the Iowa Caucus.” – Perry #iowadebate

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currentCurrent TV

Huntsman uses his first question to take a shot at Donald Trump, who already pulled out of debate. #politicallydirect

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JimPethokoukisJames Pethokoukis

Keep it family friendly, Huntsman “We are getting screwed as Americans”

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michellemalkinMichelle Malkin

MUTE BUTTON #iowadebate #huntsman

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pinkelephantpunTabitha Hale

Forreal. Ugh. RT @michellemalkin: MUTE BUTTON #iowadebate #huntsman

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HeresAnotherTipUncle Mike

9:18pm: The reply from Rick Perry was a #DODGE live.foxnews.com

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justin_hartJustin Hart

Santorum is a really good guy. He needs to work on his head shaking. Hold still. U will come across better #iowadebate

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hopeforamericahopeforamerica

Newt just mentioned Saul Alinsky. #RedMeatForIowaConservatives #iowadebate

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stix1972Doug Welch

Geez who needs to watch the debacle in Iowa when you have twitter #Iowadebate. snarkfactor is a 10

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CommentaryCommentary Magazine

RT @sethamandel: It’s a good way for Romney to trumpet his experience, but reminds voters he wrote bills w/Teddy Kennedy. #iowadebate

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justin_hartJustin Hart

Newt’s tenor always has this underlying: “Everyone knows this to be true” quality #iowadebate

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ReconChestyGunny Highway

Ron Paul…. Kooky as ever!!! Sheesh!! #tcot #IowaDebate

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amandacarpenterAmanda Carpenter

There is something about John Huntsman that distinctly reminds me of Mr. Rogers.

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guypbensonGuy Benson

I don’t think I learned anything in that first segment, except that Romney blew it on Jet Blue. #iowadebate

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BREAK

Read More (Politisite.com)

Mitt - Gingrich Out-Demonize Each Other In Obama-Style Class-Warfare Attacks

Trading accusations of greed, Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich challenged each other Monday to return millions made in private business as the race for the GOP presidential nomination turned increasingly acerbic and personal at the start of a three-week sprint to the Iowa caucuses. Image Credit: StarTribune

Mitt - Gingrich Out-Demonize Each Other In Obama-Style Class-Warfare Attacks

Yesterday, Mitt Romney made a point that Newt Gingrich should pay back monies he was paid by Freddie Mac, a money loosing, quasi-government mortgage funding organization, for a consulting services contract he had made with the management.

Newt Gingrich felt compelled to jump ugly back into the fray at Mitt Romney by saying Romney should pay back the monies he made through downsizing corporations to make them more efficient and profitable.

This is a lose-lose tennis match where on one side, it is no one's business what one gets paid for consulting services (just, why is Freddie Mac, and its partner organization, Fannie Mae in business on taxpayer money in the first place?), and on the other hand, the Communist/Socialist argument on Capitalism where corporate leaders are able to benefit personally from an increase in profits due to making a company, and its products more attractive to consumers and the needs the company's efforts fill.

This excerpted and edited from the StarTribune -

Greed is the issue this time: Romney and Gingrich trade barbs as 3-week sprint to Iowa begins
Article by: KASIE HUNT and STEVE PEOPLES , Associated Press - Updated: December 13, 2011 - 1:00 AM

Far from Iowa, the two men campaigned miles apart from each other in next-up New Hampshire, where Romney has long dominated in polls but where Gingrich is aggressively working to make inroads. Romney called on Gingrich to return the estimated $1.6 million he received for providing strategic advice to Freddie Mac, the quasi-government agency that guarantees home mortgages. Gingrich has said he acted as a historian, not a lobbyist.

"That would make him the highest paid historian in history," Romney told Fox News Channel during an interview from the Chez Vachon diner, a regular New Hampshire stop for presidential candidates. He suggested that Gingrich was an ultimate insider who leveraged his position as a former House speaker to line his pockets when he left office. Said Romney: "One of the things that I think people recognize in Washington is that people go there to serve the people and then they stay there to serve themselves."

Gingrich, campaigning in nearby Londonderry, countered quickly, saying that Romney should give back the millions he made working at Bain Capital, a venture capital firm that sometimes laid people off as part of its efforts to make businesses more efficient. "If Governor Romney would give back all the money he's earned from bankrupting companies and laying off employees over the years at Bain, then I would be glad to listen to him," Gingrich said. "But I bet you $10 — not $10,000 — that he won't take the offer." That was a dig at Romney's offer of a $10,000 wager with Rick Perry at Saturday night's debate.

Unbowed, Romney chided Gingrich anew, saying: "There's a big difference between working in the private economy and working on K Street, and working as a lobbyist and working as a legislator, and working to connect businesses with government." Romney's campaign also pressed the notion of Gingrich as a Washington insider, with news releases labeling him an "unreliable leader" and pictured with House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi.
[Reference Here]

If one were to side with the Gingrich argument (in retort), one would be siding with Barack Obama and continue the the cultural and economic slide into the abyss of socialist class-warfare and Euroism. If one were to side with Romney in his attack on Gingrich, while this argument points out how one, as a Washington insider gets to support themselves, it is none of anyone's business what one gets paid for consulting services as long as these arrangements are legal.

What is much more important as a takeaway from Romney's query, however, is with all of the Government resources (read, TAXPAYER) laid at the doorsteps of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, why were the executives who ran Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae able to walk-away while making bonuses in the millions of dollars as these organizations took the worldwide economy into the massive junk-mortgage tailspin of a property value downgrade we find ourselves now? Four words (two hyphenated phrases): Ruling-Class Slush-Fund!

Next debate from Sioux City Convention Center in Sioux City, Iowa, to be aired on FOXNews, Thursday, December 15, 9:00pm ET ... the gloves will be thrown to the ice and it might be time for the more recognized Conservatives as seen in Rick Santorum or Michelle Bachmann to rise above the fray in the ugly, ankle-biting "Newt Romney" back-and-forth, Iowa Caucuses.


<article first published as Mitt - Gingrich Out Demonize Each Other In Obama Style Class Warfare Attacks on Technorati>

ABC News Republican Debate At Drake University - Tweet-By-Tweet

Sheslow Auditorium at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, is decked out with digital screens, high-tech video and sound equipment, and fancy lighting for the nationally televised Republican presidential debate. Students stand in for Diane Sawyer, George Stephanopoulos and six GOP presidential candidates during a rehearsal for the Dec. 10 debate sponsored by ABC News, Yahoo, The Des Moines Register and the Republican Party of Iowa. The debate aired live from 8-10 p.m. Central Time on ABC networks nationwide. Image Credit: Drake University via Flickr

ABC News Republican Debate At Drake University - Tweet-By-Tweet

Diane Sawyer, George Stephanopoulos, and YAHOO question six of the seven remaining GOP candidates Santorum, Perry, Romney, Gingrich, Paul, and Bachmann. Noticeably, maybe not so noticeably, absent is Huntsman.

The following log was created through following 140 character responses to the action of the debate on Twitter. Hence, this is the debate as seen Tweet-By-Tweet.

Gingrich gets to respond first on a query by Diane Sawyer as to what makes him uniquely qualified (distinguishing idea) to run for President ... followed by Mitt Romney, and Ron Paul.

politicalmath PoliticalMath
Romney plans to kill Rick Perry w/ his eyes tonight.

pinkelephantpun Tabitha Hale
I get so excited when Perry talks flat tax.

EdMorrissey EdMorrissey
Good start for Perry.

amandacarpenter Amanda Carpenter
Yes. Perry nails Fed for their $7T secret program. Would have liked to see him spell it out a bit more tho

politicalmath PoliticalMath
Rick Perry uses 3rd person. Drink!

prismsinc Ric
Rick Perry reminds us of one of those evil geniuses in a sci-fi movie LOL #ABCdebate #GOP #tcot #teaparty

EdMorrissey EdMorrissey
You stole it from Charlie Sheen, didn't youRT @daveweigel: Bachmann is plagiarizing my #winning #winning #winning plan.

prismsinc Ric
Watch these moderators use their snubbing of Trump against them. Watch ... #ABCdebate #GOP #tcot

Flap Gregory Flap Cole
Rick Perry and Michele Bachmann look better tonight. Ron Paul's jacket is too big again #IOWADebate

prismsinc Ric
BAMO! @RickSantorum hits Obama 1st #ABCdebate #tcot #GOP

politicalmath PoliticalMath
Or ask Obama that question. RT @TPCarney: Sawyer should ask them to pinpoint the gas price.

EdMorrissey EdMorrissey
Very good response from Santorum on the idea of predicting job creation

ericfido Eric Bearse
first petri dish mention

LarrySabato Larry Sabato
Mitt thrilled that teacher Diane has saluted his answer. Headed for an A.

RichLowry Rich Lowry
when santorum isnt complaining or bragging in these debates, he's usually quite strong

ToadonaWire L
Santorum realizes Government doesn't create jobs! I like that.

DonIrvine DonIrvine
Right on. Payroll Tax cut is just a temporary gimmick by Obama.

Commentary Commentary Magazine
RT @sethamandel: There will be fewer questions tonight in light of the time it takes for Sawyer spit out a complete sentence.

TPM Talking Points Memo
Bachmann: We have candidates here on stage who are standing with Obama on the payroll tax cut tpm.ly/oYzwjR

instapundit instapundit.com
STEPHEN GREEN IS Drunkblogging The Iowa Debate….: STEPHEN GREEN IS Drunkblogging The Iowa Debate. bit.ly/vWt4Rv

pinkelephantpun Tabitha Hale
Romney is so orange.

politicalmath PoliticalMath
Bachmann actually gives a solid "anti-payroll tax cut" answer. But she'd never raise taxes. #Confused

FLPolPress FL Political Press
@ToadonaWire Perry gets nervous when Perry speaks!

mmurraypolitics Mark Murray
So far, Romney is taking all of his swings at Obama, though the questioning hasn't allowed for any engagement with Newt, others

ToadonaWire L
Newt chuckles at Mitt's dumb joke!

politicalmath PoliticalMath
Romney: "Certain individuals raise the entire economy". So... which of *his* sons is named "Rand"

Commentary Commentary Magazine
RT @sethamandel: Santorum forcing smiles. Awkward, but a step in the right direction for his demeanor. #iowadebate

pinkelephantpun Tabitha Hale
RT @moelane: Mitt... I've seen your poll ceiling. You don't really have any room to talk about popularity.

pinkelephantpun Tabitha Hale
Great answer from Newt. "the only reason you're not a career politician is because you lost [to Ted Kennedy]."

TPM Talking Points Memo
Newt: "It's a bit much" on Romney's claim saying he isn't a "career politician" tpm.ly/oYzwjR

EdMorrissey EdMorrissey
Wow -- Newt hits Mitt hard on the "career politician" attack. Audible reaction here in the filing room.

pinkelephantpun Tabitha Hale
RT @toddstarnes: Gingrich just mussed up Mitt's hair. #iowadebate

jonkarl Jonathan Karl
Should the payroll tax cut be extended? Republicans split 3 - 3. Bachmann, Santorum, Perry opposed. Romney, Newt and Paul in favor.

politicalmath PoliticalMath
Newt's "Lets put poor kids to work" theory just seems off putting.

EconomicMayhem Blame Government
RT @JeedBe: RT @donnabrazile: Following the #iowadebate. The candidates are discussing job creation. Weird they ... m.tmi.me/jdH0x

prismsinc Ric
NEWT ON FIRE! Look at pretty boy Romney's mad look! Hahaha! #ABCdebate #GOP

Commentary Commentary Magazine
RT @sethamandel: Gingrich's response: You've messed with the bull. Please enjoy these here horns. #iowadebate

TPM Talking Points Memo
Paul hitting Gingrich on his stint as a "historian" for Freddie Mac tpm.ly/oYzwjR

Flap Gregory Flap Cole
If Romney loses another exchange with Gingrich as bad, Mitt may end up behind Ron Paul in the polls #tcot

MelindaDC Melinda Henneberger
Mitt just gave up on 'career politician' rap against Newt by admitting that yeah, he woulda been one, too, hd he beaten Ted Kennedy in '94.

LarrySabato Larry Sabato
SO MUCH FOR NEWT STAYING POSITIVE! His above-the-fray stance lasted 20 minutes.

Commentary Commentary Magazine
RT @alanagoodman: Did.the audience just clap or break out into laughter over Gingrich's comments? #iowadebate

ToadonaWire L
My 11 yr old son just said "I like that old guy" -Ron Paul. I have a libertarian in the house. #abcdebate

pinkelephantpun Tabitha Hale
Obviously. RT @whitneypitcher: Bachmann's been a businesswoman since she was 5?!?

pinkelephantpun Tabitha Hale
RT @AlexPappasDC: Bachmann hits "Newt-Romney"

mattklewis Matt K. Lewis
Knute Rockney?

politicalmath PoliticalMath
RT @daveweigel: Newt-Romney really rolls off the tongue #iowadebate

JennyErikson Jenny Erikson
RT @TXTrendyChick: Bachmann's strategy: distance herself from Obama and make Newt & Romney one entity #IowaDebate

SethAMandel Seth Mandel
Big diff between Dem and GOP debates. GOPers compete over "most conservative." Dems rarely admit "I'm the liberal here!"

michaelscherer michaelscherer
Totally agree. Most stunning thing. RT @benpolitico: The learning curve in these debates has been amazing. They're all pretty formidable.

ToadonaWire L
I like Bachmann way more than Newt.

Commentary Commentary Magazine
RT @sethamandel: "Newt Romney" is going to help Bachmann exactly as much as "Obamneycare" helped Pawlenty. #iowadebate

pinkelephantpun Tabitha Hale
Did Perry take a nap after his first answer? I mean. It was a good one.

TPM Talking Points Memo
Perry: "I'm stunned, Michele hit the nail on the head when it comes to the individual mandate." tpm.ly/oYzwjR

EconomicMayhem Blame Government
RT @usernamenuse: RT @2012_GOP: Newt #Gingrich: endorsed an individual healthcare mandate as recently as May of ... m.tmi.me/jdHZe

TPM Talking Points Memo
Perry, Bachmann, Paul, all piling on Mitt and Newt tpm.ly/oYzwjR

EdMorrissey EdMorrissey
Bachmann did a pretty good job going on the attack, Perry walking through the door she opened up. Romney & Gingrich on defensive.

NathanWurtzel Nathan Wurtzel
The trouble with MA plan as 10th Amendment example is federal money is involved. Not just contained within state.

JennyErikson Jenny Erikson
"The fact of the matter is you're for individual mandates."-Perry to Mitt

amandacarpenter Amanda Carpenter
Smart. Perry follows Bachmann and starts lumping Mitt and Newt together on the individual mandate.

strongthought Carolyn
RT @Leo_Pusateri: Personally, I'm really looking forward to the primaries, so we can begin making (cont) tl.gd/elg1ar

EdMorrissey EdMorrissey
Back to the Gardasil government needle, Mitt? Yecch.

JennyErikson Jenny Erikson
RT @hughhewitt: Romney wins the Perry-Romney exchange and shows how, if he is the nominee, he will tackle the Axelrod line of attack

Commentary Commentary Magazine
RT @sethamandel: Romney is coming apart at the seams. #iowadebate

hollybdc Holly Bailey
Romney buys his golf clubs at K-Mart but he tries to make a $10k bet with Rick Perry. Hmm. #iowadebate

current Current TV
Mitt Romney wants to make a $10,000 bet on national TV. Is that legal? #politicallydirect

politicalmath PoliticalMath
In terms of prep, Romney makes everyone else look like an amateur.

GingerGibson Ginger Gibson
Santorum on Bachmann, "She's been fighting and losing. I fought and won."

pinkelephantpun Tabitha Hale
RT @bdomenech: RT @lheal: Perry should have said "Sure, Mitt. I'll bet you Iowa." #abcdebate

EconomicMayhem Blame Government
Paul doesn't have any faults to explain. RT @mattklewis: Newt and Romney are both very good at explaining their faults.

pinkelephantpun Tabitha Hale
Remember when you endorsed Arlen Specter and LOST, Santorum?

Commentary Commentary Magazine
RT @tobincommentary: Romney cornered by Perry offers him a $10K bet that he isn't right about his book. Not his finest moment. #IowaDebate.

nansen Nansen Malin
This is a good debate because the moderators aren't talking. #iowadebate

prismsinc Ric
LOL RT @Dana_Marie215: Oh, ABC, you're liberal with more things than time. #Iowadebate

Flap Gregory Flap Cole
As a LDS Mormon, I though Romney would be opposed to gambling - so what is up with the 10K bet remark? #Mittlookingbadtonight

bethanyshondark Bethany Mandel
Funny how those who are polling in the single digits (Bachmann & Santorum) only speak about themselves. "I did this..." #IowaDebate

EdMorrissey EdMorrissey
Stick to the rules, because we can't have you all DEBATING EACH OTHER! What were you guys thinking?

pinkelephantpun Tabitha Hale
RT @Atlasshrugs: oy, Diane Sawyer ....get over yourself

TobinCommentary Jonathan S. Tobin
Santorum reminds Newt that not all conservatives backed the individual mandate in 1994. True. #IowaDebate.

hughhewitt Hugh Hewitt
"we fought and we figured out a way to win". Rick Santorum

BREAK

DonIrvine DonIrvine
Commerical time. Time to get mom ready for bed.

politicalmath PoliticalMath
I need a huge drink. Maybe cyanide.

politicalmath PoliticalMath
Tonight's big winner so far: Huntsman. #NotShowingUpIsHalfTheBattle

bspward B SP Ward
I wonder which of these GOP candidates will be doing ads for reverse mortgages in 4 years? #GOPDebate

EdMorrissey EdMorrissey
Beats a booth review. RT @guypbenson: ABC already playing "highlights" of this debate? What?

EconomicMayhem Blame Government
Republicans and Democrats putting up commercials in favor of internet censorship j.mp/tS2n86 #tcot

mattklewis Matt K. Lewis
Possible General Election slogan: "Newt-Romney All-American: Win one for The Gipper."

TPM Talking Points Memo
Perry: If you would cheat on your wife, then you'd cheat on your business partner, or anybody tpm.ly/oYzwjR

hughhewitt Hugh Hewitt
Cutting to Newt is cheap, cheap tv during this segment

TobinCommentary Jonathan S. Tobin
Bachmann and Santorum looking feisty. Gingrich looking confident. Romney holding on by his fingernails. #IowaDebate.

pinkelephantpun Tabitha Hale
Perry handled that well, actually.

mattklewis Matt K. Lewis
"I would not say it's a disqualifier." - Santorum on marital fidelity

EdMorrissey EdMorrissey
I like Santorum's answer, which allows for redemption.

politicalmath PoliticalMath
RT @BlameTelford: Rick Perry has been in fidelity with his spouse. He speaks english real good. #IowaDebate

pinkelephantpun Tabitha Hale
I'm squirming FOR Newt right now.

Commentary Commentary Magazine
RT @tobincommentary: Camera pans to Newt who is working hard not to change his expression. #IowaDebate.

Flap Gregory Flap Cole
Holier than thou discussion on marriage fidelity will swing independents to Obama - be careful here GOP

mattklewis Matt K. Lewis
I like Newt's line about American's "loaning" the presidency.

pinkelephantpun Tabitha Hale
RT @rickklein: Gingrich: faith is a "real issue." "People have to render judgment." #iowadebate

Steele_Michael Michael Steele
Kudos to Bachmann, Perry, Romney, Paul and Santorum for keeping their answer on marital fidelity out of the gutter. Nice touch by Newt.

Commentary Commentary Magazine
RT @sethamandel: Only at a GOP debate. You could never ask the party of Clinton, JFK, and FDR about marriage fidelity. #iowadebate

DonIrvine DonIrvine
Immigration time! #Iowadebate #abcdebate

JennyErikson Jenny Erikson
"Half marathoners on the right!"-Diane Sawyer #insidejoke

politicalmath PoliticalMath
Sawyer: "Of course you want to secure the borders, so shut up."

politicalmath PoliticalMath
RT @greggutfeld: would diane sawyer say to Obama, "we get it, enough with 'fair share?'"

current Current TV
What do you think about the questions being asked? What questions do YOU want answered? #politicallydirect

hughhewitt Hugh Hewitt
Diane Sawyer trying to skip over the most important distinction between GOP and Obama. Nice for Obama

BestPhotosEver -
"So many people talk about immigration at their dinner tables." -@dianesawyer Right Diane, thats the topic at dinner. #sarcasm #iowadebate

JennyErikson Jenny Erikson
How about this? DEPORT THE ILLEGALS THAT COMMIT CRIMES. #IowaDebate

JennyErikson Jenny Erikson
Hahahaha-> RT @djcronin: @JennyErikson How about this? LET THEM ALL IN, WE NEED TO WIN THE WORLD CUP AND GET SEXIER.

ToadonaWire L
“@toddstarnes: What's wrong with Miss Sawyer's eye?”/Botox injection gone bad?

hughhewitt Hugh Hewitt
Romney's answer on immigration makes enormous sense re incentives

JennyErikson Jenny Erikson
RT @MonicaCrowley: Diane Sawyer calls them "undocumented," not "illegal immigrants." #LibPC

DonIrvine DonIrvine
Gingrich loses the immigration debate. #Iowadebate #abcdebate

TobinCommentary Jonathan S. Tobin
Romney swings hard to the right on immigration. He has to wonder why conservatives haven't made Gingrich pay for his plan. #IowaDebate.

EconomicMayhem Blame Government
RT @NewWorldRadical: Dear #TeaParty, Why don't you see #RonPaul is everything you've been fighting for. Wake up!

mattklewis Matt K. Lewis
Watching Perry debate is like rooting for the Skins: You know they won't dominate; you just hope they keep it close & kick a late field goal

prismsinc Ric
Would you have a special exception for an illegal immigrant that commits an act of heroism in your immigration plan? #IowaDebate

EdMorrissey EdMorrissey
Perry did a pretty good job on the immigration question. Next Q: Are Palestinians an invented people? Er ... topic, please?

Commentary Commentary Magazine
RT @tobincommentary: Ron Paul responds first reminding us why he's no friend to Israel. #IowaDebate.

mattklewis Matt K. Lewis
Gingrich hitting his stride now. 1st time tonight he's been aggressive.

TPM Talking Points Memo
Big applause line from Newt: "Time for somebody to stand up and say: Enough lying about the Middle East." tpm.ly/oYzwjR

hughhewitt Hugh Hewitt
Romney winning this argument with Gingrich on allowing Israel to speak for itself

Commentary Commentary Magazine
RT @jpodhoretz: The book that makes the argument Newt is talking about is "From Time Immemorial" by Joan Peters. #IowaDebate

hughhewitt Hugh Hewitt
Mitt: Sobriety, care, stability. I am not a bomb thrower...wow

mattklewis Matt K. Lewis
"Bibi" Netanyahu's a good friend of mine. You're no "Bibi" Netanyahu...

deadvoter deadvoter
Bachmann's not getting much opportunity to talk

justin_hart Justin Hart
The Romney / Newt exchange on Gingrich's comments abt Palestine was compelling on both sides. #iowadebate

BluegrassPundit Howard Notelling
Majority in my unscientific debate poll say Newt. Romney is 2nd choice.

DonIrvine DonIrvine
Why is Steffy asking #TeamBachmann who got the better of the Gingrich-Romney argument? Dumb question. #Iowadebate

Commentary Commentary Magazine
RT @tobincommentary: Gingrich says its time for America to have the courage to tell the truth about the Palestinians. #IowaDebate.

hughhewitt Hugh Hewitt
Santorum is going to surprise in Iowa.

TheRickWilson Rick Wilson
Yep RT @jmartpolitico: Yeah, the "evil empire" comeback is gonna break the focus group button

JimMerrillNH Jim Merrill
Speaker Gingrich compares his incendiary words on Palestinians to President Reagan telling Gorbachev to 'tear down this wall'. Simply, no

nansen Nansen Malin
Perry pulls a Newt - attacking the media for asking dumb questions #iowadebate

mattklewis Matt K. Lewis
Leading from the "rear"?

kerpen Phil Kerpen
New Perry strategy is the old Gingrich strategy; criticize the question and pivot to attack Obama!

pinkelephantpun Tabitha Hale
RT @ianessling: Perry: "This president is the problem, NOT something Newt Gingrich said." #iowadebate #tcot

BREAK - Then YAHOO Questions!

MajoratNJ Major Garrett
Santorum dissection of difference between Israeli-Palestinian situation and Soviet gulag prisoners nuanced, smart. #iowadebate

politicalmath PoliticalMath
RT @jstrevino: Sure, ABC, the president of the Center for American Progress is a totally appropriate debate analyst.

TPM Talking Points Memo
Video of Romney offering Perry a $10,000 bet. WATCH: tpm.ly/ulNUP5

prismsinc Ric
Next question by the moderators: isn't it true that poverty is always the fault of the #GOP ??? #IowaDebate #fail

EdMorrissey EdMorrissey
This is a great question for Perry, who grew up in poverty.

nansen Nansen Malin
With this question - the drinking games are in full swing!

Flap Gregory Flap Cole
Sorry but Rick Perry just fades during the middle of his anwers and is painful to watch...

TPM Talking Points Memo
Romney: "I didn't grow up poor." [but I grew up with a dad who grew up poor and he imparted values - we had jobs]

amandacarpenter Amanda Carpenter
MT @MonicaCrowley: Question is all about, "tell us how rich you are & therefore how you can't relate to the average person."

MelissaTweets Melissa Clouthier
RT @BlameTelford: I bet you $10,000 that Romney didn't grow up poor.

HeresAnotherTip Uncle Mike
What is sad, that their are 2 liberals posing questions to the candidates to beat obama

Commentary Commentary Magazine
RT @tobincommentary: Romney: I didn't grow up but my dad did. Does that count? #IowaDebate.

DonIrvine DonIrvine
I do think that this question is meant to try and portray the GOP as being out of touch with the less fortunate, #Iowadebate #abcdebate.

EdMorrissey EdMorrissey
Good manipulation of question by Santorum to bring up social conservativism.

hughhewitt Hugh Hewitt
Moms are doing heroic work trying to hold things together--Another Santorum answer that will connect with some caucus goers

ElianaBenador ✡ Eliana Benador ✡
#RickSantorum is right on target on the #marriage institution with #Mother and #Father, not Partner one and Partner two as this Adm has done

TPM Talking Points Memo
Bachmann: "We're still coupon clippers today." tpm.ly/oYzwjR

howardfineman Howard Fineman
Newt grew up above a gas station, but now shops at Tiffany's.... the American Dream

DonIrvine DonIrvine
Give me your poor, your tires, your biased mainstream media. #Iowadebate #abcdebate

politicalmath PoliticalMath
Mitt: "States can do whatever the heck they want to do." Finally.

EdMorrissey EdMorrissey
It's official. ABC has begun recycling questions from earlier in the debate. Time to go home now?

philipaklein Philip Klein
@KatiePavlich Huntsman wasn't polling well enuf in iowa to be included

JennyErikson Jenny Erikson
MITT! We are learning from Romneycare that mandated health care doesn't work. #AdmitItDude

politicalmath PoliticalMath
Gingrich to Mitt: "You make me want to throw up" yfrog.com/kfpf2p

EdMorrissey EdMorrissey
What the hell? Diane Sawyer is asking questions based on her single visit to a pharmacist?

Politisite Politisite
Ahead of a #trumpdebate we are going on record to NOT cover a realityTV debate - #iowadebate

KatiePavlich Katie Pavlich
Diane Sawyer: I went into the land of peasants and visited a pharmacy #patsselfonback

Bret_Baier Bret Baier
Ron Paul is more than just formidable in iowa - he's a contender RT @BourbonDemocrat @Bret_Baier Ron Paul is gainin... tl.gd/elgsv0

drginaloudon Gina Gentry Loudon
I will bet $10,000 that if Ron Paul would fix his eyebrow, his polling would go up. #PaulBrow

current Current TV
Diane Sawyer asks softball about what to do about obesity. Or is it the usual challenge to Paul's libertarianism? #politicallydirect

TobinCommentary Jonathan S. Tobin
Paul: All government power is the use of force. Gets to the heart of libertarian ideology. #IowaDebate.

BREAK

ToadonaWire L
“@StarlaMBrown: @angelamcglowan I miss Herman Cain”/ his absence is very noticeable

hughhewitt Hugh Hewitt
Best debate by far, and it is because no bogus time limits and two candidates less allowing for better pacw

mattklewis Matt K. Lewis
My take: Newt "wins" by surviving as the frontrunner. Mitt does well (as always). Bachmann has very strong night--which may hurt Newt.

Flap Gregory Flap Cole
So far in this debate, nothing has changed. Newt unhurt and no big gains by Romney or any of the others. Bachmann and Perry better though

mattklewis Matt K. Lewis
Newt lived in an apartment over a gas station; Reagan grew up in an apartment above a store. (Modern day "log cabin"?)

hughhewitt Hugh Hewitt
Nixon wouldn't debate in '72, and I wouldn't be shocked to see Obama dodge Romney or Gingrich or limit to one rather than 3.

EdMorrissey EdMorrissey
I'll take that over the here's-the-pinata questions RT @LarryColson: oh no, the "say something nice about each other" moment

mattklewis Matt K. Lewis
Santorum seems more likeable tonight than normal.

deadvoter deadvoter
Diane Sawyer asks the Rodney King question

Commentary Commentary Magazine
RT @bethanyshondark: Santorum just called Newt old. #IowaDebate

ToadonaWire L
Perry is smart to mention @SteveKingIA He's a great conservative. #gopdebate

Commentary Commentary Magazine
RT @tobincommentary: Perry says Ron Paul got him interested in the Federal Reserve. Scary thought. #IowaDebate.

TPM Talking Points Memo
Newt giving gold stars to Perry and Santorum.

AlexPappasDC Alex Pappas
How much is Ron Paul loving that Rick Perry said he got him to read about the federal reserve?

JonGarthwaite Townhall - HotAir
I found another good use for my TIVO. Political debates. Skip commercials AND questions. Watch the answers and try to guess the question.

current Current TV
Bachmann really wants Herman Cain supporters. She's referenced him a few times. #politicallydirect

politicalmath PoliticalMath
Quick! Someone tell Bachmann's prep team that Cain isn't in the race anymore. #NeinNeinNein

pinkelephantpun Tabitha Hale
Ron Paul: I am awesome. RT @KatiePavlich: candidates to each other, "no you're awesome, no you're awesome, no YOU are awesome"

prismsinc Ric
Michele Bachmann just had her best moment ... #IowaDebate

Debate Ends

politicalmath PoliticalMath
RT @fivethirtyeight: My debate grades. Pretty high all around. Bachmann A, Perry A-, Gingrich A-, Santorum B+, Paul B, Romney B-

EdMorrissey EdMorrissey
My quick take: Perry, Santorum helped themselves significantly. Newt & Bachmann held position with good performances. Paul same as ever ...

Flap Gregory Flap Cole
Winner by default is Newt. Loser is Romney. Santorum and Perry are better. Bachmann = sideways along with Paul

marisanicole87 Marisa Papsin
My opinion is that Ron Paul not only won this Iowa GOP Debate but he may have just won over a lot of new voters. #iowadebate

TobinCommentary Jonathan S. Tobin
Biggest winner: Gingrich. Loser: Romney. His $10k bet will haunt him even if he was right about Perry misquoting him. #IowaDebate.

politicallogic Joel Palmer
RT @benshapiro: Perry really making a comeback in this debate.

JennyErikson Jenny Erikson
Ok. I have to say that I'm totally excited to go to the Iowa Caucus after this debate.

politicalmath PoliticalMath
Expect Romney to know every bad thing Newt has ever done by the next debate.

EdMorrissey EdMorrissey
... Romney blew that early attack on Newt and made a big blunder with the $10,000 bet challenge. Weird.


<Article first published as ABC News Republican Debate At Drake University - Tweet-By-Tweet on Technorati>

USC Trojan Fan Tries To Explain NCAA Sanctions to UCLA Bruin Fan

USC Trojan Fan Tries To Explain NCAA Sanctions to UCLA Bruin Fan

The USC Trojan football program in 2011 was limited to playing only the games that were scheduled within the first year of play within the PAC12 conference by the NCAA.

In this YouTube video conversation, that takes place after the USC - UCLA game, where USC Trojans drubbed the UCLA Bruins FIFTY points to ZERO points (50-0) to decide who would have the best record of competition within the Southern Section of the PAC12, a Trojan fan attempts to explain that USC, as a school program, did not cheat ... but were sanctioned by the NCAA for not being aware of a rules infraction perpetrated by an individual, Reggie Bush, whose college career ended in 2005.

Under the ruling by the NCAA, USC could not participate in any post season play in any Bowl games for two years (2010, 2011). If USC could participate, because it beat UCLA 50 to 0 in the PAC12 Southern Section play off, USC would have had to play against the PAC12 Northern Section winner, Oregon, who the Trojans had beat earlier in the season.

UCLA Bruins were able to score points (as opposed to not scoring any points as with USC) against Oregon in the playoff game ... but lost to Oregon, Dec 2, 2011 at Oregon, 31-49 ... and the game wasn't as close as the score suggests. By winning against UCLA's "gutty little Bruins", Oregon will represent the PAC12 against the Wisconsin Badgers in the Rose Bowl. So, the gutty little Bruins of UCLA, with its 6 win and 7 loss record, will be allowed to play in a post season bowl game (they will meet Illinois in the KRAFT Fight Hunger Bowl) as per the NCAA. This post season Bowl game is scheduled to be played in San Francisco on Sunday, December 31, 2011. It features a matchup between a team with a losing record (UCLA) against one entering the bowl game on a six-game losing streak (Illinois).

AP Top 25

Sun Dec 4, 2011

1. LSU
2. Alabama
3. Oklahoma St.
4. Stanford
5. USC
6. Oregon
7. Arkansas
8. Boise St.
9. Wisconsin
10. South Carolina

How did the UCLA Bruins get their nickname - the "gutty little Bruins"?

When the late Tommy Prothro coached football at UCLA, some of his over-achieving teams were known as "the gutty little Bruins." That designation was originated by Dean Cromwell, USC's track and field coach during the 1940s. When asked once about his next opponent, Cromwell, whose teams never lost to UCLA, said, "Oh, we're going to meet [former UCLA coach] Ducky Drake's gutty little Bruins." Since then, all UCLA sports teams have picked up the tag "gutty little Bruins."

So, the gutty little Bruins, with their gutty little 2011 6 win and 7 loss season football record, gets to play in a post-season Bowl game which is generally awarded to teams with a ... wait for it ... winning record! This re-defines the depths of the word "GUTTY".

Fight On!