2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

The Reviews Are In: Hillary Clinton At The New Hampshire Debate

The Reviews Are In: Hillary 'Very Strong

Performance,' 'Tour De Force,' 'Very Effective'
Boston Globe's James Pindell – 'Hillary Clinton tonight had a very strong performance.' "I need to say this. We enter these two debates, very important debates here at WMUR with two candidates up against the ropes. Mitt Romney and Hillary Clinton. One candidate, Mitt Romney did not get off the ropes. Hillary Clinton tonight had a very strong performance, and I think she did." [WMUR, 1/5/08]

Washington Post’s Chris Cillizza – Hillary showed 'she was willing to fight for it' and that could 'resound with New Hampshire voters.' "Clinton seemed to show tonight that she was willing to fight for it and that could potentially resound with New Hampshire voters who, unlike their compatriots in Iowa, tend to like a bit of combativeness in their politicians." [Washington Post’s The Fix, 1/5/08]

NBC News' Chuck Todd – Hillary made 'a very effective hit on Obama and Edwards.' "Clinton just made a very effective hit on Obama and Edwards because she was able to do as a counterpunch rather than as a direct hit. She got it out there to New Hampshire indies that Obama's chief state supporter is a state lobbyist. And she was able to hit Edwards for not passing anything in the Senate. BTW, not sure why the moderator just inserted himself on this, but... Clinton is getting a much-needed opportunity to make her change argument." [MSNBC First Read, 1/5/08]

ABC News' Rick Klein — Hillary's gave 'a tour de force of an answer' on Pakistan. "Pakistan… Hillary Clinton is the first to connect it to her campaign message: 'We have to be very conscious of all the consequences.' She finds five consequences… A tour de force of an answer. Experience begets change. That's the campaign message." [ABC News, Political Radar, 1/5/08]

The Atlantic's Marc Ambinder – 'Very Sophisticated.'  "HRC...gives a very sophisticated answer about the interrelationship between insecure weapons and India's fears." [Atlantic, Marc Ambinder, 1/5/08]

ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos – Obama looked 'a little peevish, a little small.' 'Not a good moment for Barack Obama there. I thought he looked a little peevish, a little small.' [ABC News, 1/5/08]

The Hill's Sam Youngman – Hillary 'showed a fire Thursday night that was new to her debate performances.' [The Hill, 1/5/08]

The Reviews Are In - John Edwards At The New Hampshire Debate

REVIEWS ARE IN – EDWARDS SHINES IN NEW HAMPSHIRE DEBATE

ABC’s George Stephanopoulos: Edwards “Showed Passion and Vitality and Energy Tonight…I Think This Was One of His Best Debates.” Immediately after the debate, George Stephanopoulos said, “The exception was John Edwards. I think he showed passion and vitality and energy tonight.  He was on-message.  He had a strategy tonight.  I think this was one of his best debates.” [ABC News, 1/5/07]

NBC’s Chuck Todd: “Edwards, btw, Had a Very Good Night.” “Edwards, btw, had a very good night; he got to look a bit more positive and a little less angry by being the guy who defended Obama.” [https://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/01/05/551919.aspx]

ABC’s Rick Klein: On Edwards, “If a Debate Could Vault Him Back into the Game, He May Be Having That Very Debate.” “10:30 pm: This happens at just about every debate: John Edwards comes back to his message again and again, in an effective way. If a debate could vault him back into the game, he may be having that very debate.” [https://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2008/01/live-blogging-f.html]

NBC's Chuck Todd: “Edwards' defense of Obama and hit on Clinton over this ‘change’ issue, the Dems and indies both thought highly of Edwards' line.” “An operative for one of the campaigns is watching the live dial tests on WMUR's web site. According to this operative, during Edwards' defense of Obama and hit on Clinton over this "change" issue, the Dems and indies both thought highly of Edwards' line. As for Clinton's response, the Dems in the group stuck with her but the indies were turned off completely.” [https://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/01/05/551765.aspx]

AmericaBlog.com: “Edwards Is Really Unparalleled When It Comes to Connecting Policies with People.” “10:13 Edwards is really unparalleled when it comes to connecting policies with people. I certainly find it very effective.” [https://www.americablog.com/2008/01/democratic-debate-open-thread.html]

TAPPED’s Harold Meyerson: “His Personal Narration Is Powerful… Edwards Is the Master Here.”  10:02 PM | “Edwards has just referred to his orientation as personal, not academic (read: Obama) or political (read: Hill). And his personal narration is powerful. Slowly, Obama moves to talking about his mother when she was suffering from cancer, but it's almost as if Edwards forced the story out of him. Edwards is the master here.” [https://www.prospect.org/csnc/blogs/tapped_archive?month=01&year=2008&base_name=personal#103567]

New Hampshire Presidential Watch: “The press center is eating-up John Edwards attack on the status quo.” “The press center is eating-up John Edwards attack on the status quo.” [https://nh2008.blogspot.com/2008/01/press-hearts-edwards.html]

TAPPED’s Tom Schaller: “R.I.P., The Clinton Era, 9:34 P.M. Est.” | Edwards Helped Bury Clinton as a Non-Agent of Change. “Wow.  Get your kids out and put them in front of the TV: The Clinton Era officially ended at 9:34 p.m. EST when Edwards paired with Obama to bury Hillary as a non-agent of change. Wow, again.” [https://www.prospect.org/csnc/blogs/tapped_archive?month=01&year=2008&base_name=rip_the_clinton_era_934_pm_est#103558]

NBC's Chuck Todd: Double Team Defense from Obama and Edwards Was Potentially Devastating for Clinton. “Clinton got her dig in on Obama (and it was a very fair hit) but the double-team defense from Obama, Edwards (and even Richardson) was potentially devastating for Clinton; it did her no favors.” [https://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/01/05/551758.aspx]

Matthew Yglesias: Edwards “Gave a Fantastic Response” on Answer to Rid the World of Nuclear Weapons. “John Edwards pivoted a bit to the broader issue of non-proliferation policy where he gave a fantastic answer about the need to combine short-term efforts with a long-term commitment to ‘rid the world of nuclear weapons’ as part of a broad push to revitalize the non-proliferation framework.” [https://matthewyglesias.theatlantic.com/archives/2008/01/pakistan_questions.php]

Matthew Yglesias: On Pakistan, “Edwards and Obama both offered great responses.” “UPDATE: Given a second, clearer shot at the nuclear proliferation issue Edwards and Obama both offered great responses. Clinton's decision to put bureaucratic reorganization of the non-proliferation apparatus -- rather than substantive shifts in policy -- struck me as a bit odd, but perhaps in line with her broader argument about experience. She knows the nitty-gritty details of executive branch organization.” [https://matthewyglesias.theatlantic.com/archives/2008/01/pakistan_questions.php]

ABC’s Rick Klein: “10:45 pm: Some Final Thoughts on the Democrats. Edwards May Have Turned in the Strongest Pure Performance.” [https://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2008/01/live-blogging-f.html]

Romney For President Communications Director Matt Rhoades Statement On The Eleventh Republican Presidential Debate

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY LAYS OUT A STRONG VISION FOR AMERICA'S FUTURE

Manchester, NH – Tonight, Romney for President Communications Director Matt Rhoades released the following statement on the eleventh Republican presidential debate:

"Tonight, Governor Romney laid out a clear vision for building a stronger America through real conservative change in Washington.  This election is about the future, not the past.  Of all the candidates sitting on stage, only Governor Romney is truly prepared to go to Washington and bring conservative change.  In just days, the people of New Hampshire will cast their votes for building a better tomorrow.  With his experience, vision and values, Governor Romney will build that better tomorrow."

What They’re Saying … About Mayor Giuliani At The New Hampshire/ABC News Debate

What They’re Saying … About Mayor Giuliani

The National Review’s Ramesh Ponnuru said Giuliani’s answer about priorities was “admirably grown-up.” (Ramesh Ponnuru, “Giuliani’s Answer, About Priorities,” The National Review’s “The Corner” Blog, https://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=MWUxMjk1YWZjM2U5NDVjOTFiODU5NzViMDRjMGEyMjg=, 1/5/08, Accessed 1/5/08)

The National Review’s Kathryn Jean Lopez: Rudy “just got the first applause of the night from our debate-watching party here in Manchester …” (Kathryn Jean Lopez, “Rudy,” The National Review’s “The Corner” Blog, https://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=ZTI2NzRmZDRhNWNmMzZhMzk4YzNkNGU5MDNlMWU3MDQ=, 1/5/08, Accessed 1/5/08)

The American Spectator’s Philip Klein: “I thought Giuliani did a great job expressing the reality of the enemy we were facing and rejecting Paul's absurd suggesting that criticizing Islamic terrorism was somehow anti-Muslim.” (Philip Klein, “Re: Rudy Slaps Down Ron Paul,” The American Spectator’s “AmSpecBlog,” https://www.spectator.org/blogger.asp?BlogID=10258, 1/5/08, Accessed 1/5/08)

The American Spectator’s Jennifer Rubin: “Rudy was excellent.” (Jennifer Rubin, “The Body Count,” The American Spectator’s “AmSpecBlog,” https://www.spectator.org/blogger.asp?BlogID=10285, 1/5/08, Accessed 1/5/08)

Rubin: “Rudy hasn't made an error tonight … He's got an A so far.” (Jennifer Rubin, “Taking A Step Back,” The American Spectator’s “AmSpecBlog,” https://www.spectator.org/blogger.asp?BlogID=10276, 1/5/08, Accessed 1/5/08)

Rubin said Giuliani gave “the strongest answer so far” on foreign policy. (Jennifer Rubin, “Foreign Policy,” The American Spectator’s “AmSpecBlog,” https://www.spectator.org/blogger.asp?BlogID=10251, 1/5/08, Accessed 1/5/08)

Rubin: “Rudy is giving an excellent answer on healthcare talking about free market principles.” (Jennifer Rubin, “Health Care,” The American Spectator’s “AmSpecBlog,” https://www.spectator.org/blogger.asp?BlogID=10261, 1/5/08, Accessed 1/5/08)

RedState.com: “Giuliani was characteristically solid.” (Mark I, “NH Debate Open Thread,” Redstate.com’s Blog, https://www.redstate.com/stories/elections/2008/nh_debate_open_thread, 1/5/08, Accessed 1/5/08)

The National Review’s Jim Geraghty: “I like [Giuliani’s] combativeness, he seems very well prepared, he can show a bit of humor, and he pretty much always hits the points he wants to make.” (Jim Geraghty, “Wrapping Up The Last Debate Before The New Hampshire Primary,” The National Review’s “Campaign Spot” Blog, https://campaignspot.nationalreview.com/post/?q=ODllMzJlMDc4MjQxNWYzMmU3MjFjY2FkZWU1ZTYzYjk=, 1/5/08, Accessed 1/5/08)

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: About Governor Mitt Romney At The Manchester, NH GOP Debate

WHAT THEY'RE REALLY SAYING ABOUT GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY AT THE MANCHESTER, NH GOP DEBATE

Fox News' Dick Morris: "I thought that Mitt Romney won the debate." (Fox News' "Live," 1/5/08)

· Morris: "You have to see this debate in two contexts. Partly, it’s a popularity contest but partly its an audition to see who's the toughest fighter, to see who would be the best boxer in the ring with Hillary or with Obama.  Then he came across hands down as the toughest boxer." (Fox News' "Live," 1/5/08)

· Morris: "I really felt fundamentally Romney really made the field." (Fox News' "Live," 1/5/08)

National Review's Jonathan Adler: "At his best, [Romney] was persuasive and presidential." (Jonathan Adler, "Re: Spin Room," National Review's The Corner, https://corner.nationalreview.com=, Posted 1/5/08)

National Review's Kathryn Jean Lopez: "Romney showed a steadiness under fire, sounded like a guy who knows what he's talking about on a number of issues, and introduced more of his biography than he has at debates. I thought Romney's performance was a good start to a weekend of debates where he had to do well – if he does very well tomorrow night, kicking it up a notch, he might show he's a turnaround artist yet in this primary process." (Kathryn Jean Lopez, "I Second The Levin Emotion," National Review's The Corner Blog, https://corner.nationalreview.com/, Posted 1/5/08)

· Lopez: "Romney is really in his element talking about substantial policy here. He knows this health-care stuff." (Kathryn Jean Lopez, "They're Doing The Work Of The Free Market," National Review's The Corner Blog, https://corner.nationalreview.com/, Posted 1/5/08)

· Lopez: "I think this seminar format suits Romney, who is a wonk, who loves data and problem-solving (and has even done some of it)." (Kathryn Jean Lopez, "On Domestic Policy," National Review's The Corner Blog, https://corner.nationalreview.com, Posted 1/5/08)

The Atlantic's Marc Ambinder: "And Romney is in his wheelhouse. He's been very strong so far and seems very eager to get in on every question, but his answers aren't forced. The Real Mitt Romney..." (Marc Ambinder, "Health Care," The Atlantic Blog, https://marcambinder.theatlantic.com/, Posted 1/5/08)

Commentary's John Podhoretz: "Mitt Romney is the most impressive performer this evening, striking a judicious tone of urgency and fluency." (John Podhoretz, "New Hampshire: Halfway Through," Commentary Blog, https://www.commentarymagazine.com, Posted 1/5/08)

· Podhoretz: "But as a matter of performance solely, he is far and away the best and he’s delivered it when he needed it most." (John Podhoretz, "New Hampshire: Halfway Through," Commentary Blog, https://www.commentarymagazine.com, Posted 1/5/08)

National Review's Mark Levin: "I thought Romney actually held up pretty well, given the onslaught." (Mark R. Levin, "The Debate," National Review's The Corner Blog, https://corner.nationalreview.com/, Posted 1/5/08)

Riehl World View's Dan Riehl: "If you were looking for substance across the board on issues, I think Romney was the clear winner in tonight's debate. McCain's well-known temperament problems lingered barely below the surface much of the evening, especially when someone dared disagree with him. Except of course, for his hugs for Hillary and slaps on the back for Fred. This is a change election and old hands from the Senate will not get it done." (Dan Riehl, "ABC Debate: It Was Romney's Night," Riehl World View Blog, www.riehlworldview.com, Posted 1/5/08)

· Riehl: "I've been watching the debate on ABC. I guess we can dispense with the nice guy image for Huckabee. He came out with one agenda - attack Romney. Romney handled it well. And as everyone else was on point and not looking to just attack, it left Huckabee looking like a jerk. Maybe he needs bookshelves floating behind him to make the nice guy image work? Just a thought." (Dan Riehl, "The Republican Debate," Riehl World View Blog, www.riehlworldview.com, Posted 1/5/07)

What the Media is Saying About Fred Thompson's Debate Performance

What the Media is Saying About Fred Thompson's Debate Performance

George Stephanopoulos: "I think Fred Thompson had a terrific night."

"I think Fred Thompson had a terrific night." (George Stephanopoulos, ABC)

"Fred Thompson won the debate." (The Atlantic)

"[Fred Thompson] came to play tonight." (ABC)

"[Thompson] and McCain sound like the adults on stage." (The Atlantic)

"Fred Thompson talking some serious substance too -- man, maybe I underestimated him." (ABC)

"Every answer was thoughtful and well-crafted; his tone matched the tone of the question; he wisely refrained from interjecting in the back and forth squabbling. He very deftly reminded viewers that he served on key Senate national security panels and is bringing his experience to bear." (The Atlantic)

"Still, it summed up what is likeable about Thompson - direct, clear, and logical." (National Review)

"Thompson is excelling on policy and style." (The Atlantic)

"Fred Thompson does get bonus points ... for intellectually honesty." (ABC)

"Fred Thompson does a great job of making the free market case for health care, in contrast to Romney's statism." (American Spectator)

"I think even the most ardent Romney supporters would agree that he didn't handle the question on his MA health-care plan all that well.  There was a bit of a deer-in-the-headlights look when Thompson challenged him on the plan." (NBC)

"[Romney] was backed into a corner on mandates in health care by Fred Thompson." (The Atlantic)

"How could [Mitt] have let Fred Thompson best him on a debate over healthcare? (ABC)

Statement By Campaign Manager Rick Davis On This Evening's ABC/WMUR Debate

STATEMENT BY CAMPAIGN MANAGER RICK DAVIS ON THIS EVENING'S ABC/WMUR DEBATE

ARLINGTON, VA -- Rick Davis, John McCain 2008 Campaign Manager, issued the following statement on this evening's ABC/WMUR debate:
"Tonight in New Hampshire, John McCain showed once again why he is the right choice in Tuesday's primary election.  John McCain clearly demonstrated that he is uniquely ready to be commander in chief from day one in the Oval Office.

"The voters of New Hampshire also saw tonight that John McCain is the consistent conservative who will bring change to Washington.  As president, he will not waver or equivocate in tackling America's toughest problems.  John McCain articulated a clear message of conservative change and leadership.  He has the courage of his convictions and a strong record of reform and taking on the Washington special interests.

"John McCain doesn't just talk, but rather has demonstrated courageous leadership time and time again.  When others were silent or equivocated, he advocated a new strategy for success in Iraq that is now working.  That's leadership when it counts.

"John McCain knows you can't buy votes in New Hampshire, negative attacks don't work and integrity matters.  He's the real deal.  He's the one Republican who can win in November against what will be a strong Democratic challenger.  With John McCain, there will be little doubt which candidate is ready to be commander in chief in a dangerous world.  Only he has the tenacity to shake things up in Washington, stop the reckless spending, and keep taxes low.

"John McCain's the man to beat the Democrats, hands down."

Obama Campaign to Air Two New TV Ads, "Independence" And "Would"

Obama Campaign to Air Two New TV Ads
Two new ads highlight Obama’s willingness to challenge conventional thinking, ability to unify country

MANCHESTER ,NH—Senator Barack Obama’s campaign announced today that it will begin airing two new television ads in New Hampshire. A thirty-second spot, entitled “Independence,” highlights Obama’s New Hampshire newspapers endorsements, which praise his independent thinking and ability to unify the country. Obama was endorsed by the Boston Globe, the Nashua Telegraph, the Portsmouth Herald, Valley News, and Littleton Courier.

The campaign will also air another thirty-second ad, entitled “Would,” which discusses Obama’s track record of fighting for meaningful change, even when it isn’t easy.

SCRIPT – “Independence”

Barack Obama: We are one nation, we are one people, and our time for change has come.

Announcer: Barack Obama. Endorsed by New Hampshire’s most respected papers. Endorsed because he’s our “best chance to break partisan gridlock.”

Endorsed because of his “common sense solutions”

Endorsed for his“honesty”… “independence” and ability to “reset the country’s reputation in the world”

Only Obama can “unify the country”.

I’m Barack Obama and I approve this message.

SCRIPT –“Would”

Five years ago, he said what the others would not, opposing the rash and reckless war in Iraq; warning that it would not make us safer.

In Washington, he did what the others could not, taking dead aim at the power of lobbyists; passing the farthest-reaching ethics reforms in a generation.

And as President, he'll do what the others cannot, unite a divided nation, repair our standing in the world and bring change we can believe in.

Duncan Hunter Gains Delegate At The Wyoming Convention

Duncan Hunter Gains Delegate At The Wyoming Convention

Mitt Romney Duncan Hunter and Fred Thompson gained the first delegates for the race to the White House.  Three days before the New Hampshire primary, Republican hopefuls Romney, Hunter, Fred Thompson all won delegates in the state of Wyoming.

Now, in the ABC and Fox debates that have silenced Duncan Hunter, will host three of Hunter’s opponents that have not scored delegates in any state.

New Hampshire Republican Party Chairman Fergus Cullen released the following statement regarding primary weekend debates: “Limiting the number of candidates who are invited to participate in debates is not consistent with the tradition of the first-in-the-nation primary.  The level playing field requires that all candidates be given an equal opportunity to participate – not just a select few determined by the media prior to any votes being cast.”

Well said Chairman Cullen - - another notable statement was made by Fox News chairman Roger Ailes  who said "Bias has to do with the elimination of points of view, not presenting a point of view.”  I might be interesting to hear what Mr. Ailes has to say about what Fox and ABC is doing now.  Is this fair and balanced, I do not think so.  One has to wonder if the race for President has come to who has the most money and who the media decides will be heard.

After unsuccessful attempts to convince Fox and ABC to include Congressman Hunter and Congressman Paul, Cullen announced today that the New Hampshire GOP would no longer support a Republican candidate’s forum scheduled for Sunday on FOX.

Mitt Romney On The Wyoming County Conventions

Mitt Romney on the Wyoming County Conventions

Boston, MA – Today, Governor Mitt Romney convincingly won the Wyoming County Conventions as voters in the state selected the nation’s first delegates to the 2008 Republican National Convention. In a crowded field, Governor Romney won the clear majority of delegates selected by counties today. With the announcement of today's results, Governor Romney released the following statement:

"Today, the people of Wyoming took the first step towards bringing true conservative change to Washington.  From Gillette to Jackson and Riverton to Cheyenne, my family and I visited Wyoming many times, meeting with residents and addressing the issues most important to voters in the Cowboy State.  We worked hard to earn the support of voters here, and I am honored to have won many of the first delegates awarded this primary season.  As the Republican nominee, I promise to fight to seat all of Wyoming’s delegates at the national convention.

"The voters participating in today’s county conventions made it clear that the Reagan coalition of fiscal conservatives, social conservatives and defense conservatives is alive and well in the West.  In the coming weeks, I will work hard to share my optimistic vision for our country’s future with voters as ballots are cast in New Hampshire and beyond.

"Today’s results are evidence that Americans want change, and our message of strengthening America through strengthening our economy, our military and our families is resonating with voters.  I want to thank the people of Wyoming for their support and generosity, and I will continue to campaign in this important state as the remainder of its delegates are selected and through to the general election in November. This is just the beginning."