2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

DNC Announces Dates, Media Sponsors And Locations For Sanctioned Debates

DNC ANNOUNCES DATES, MEDIA SPONSORS AND LOCATIONS FOR SANCTIONED DEBATES

Washington, DC - The Democratic National Committee in partnership with six state parties today announced the dates, media sponsors and cities for the six DNC sanctioned debates. Additional details regarding specifics for the individual debates including additional media partners and logistics will be announced at a later time. The DNC sanctioned debate schedule will be:

DNC SANCTIONED DEBATES:

July 23, 2007: YouTube/Google and CNN* in Charleston, SC

August 19, 2007: ABC in Des Moines, IA

September 26, 2007: NBC News/MSNBC** in Hanover, NH

October 30, 2007: NBC News/MSNBC** in Philadelphia, PA

November 15, 2007: CNN* in Las Vegas, NV

December 10, 2007: CBS in Los Angeles, CA

"Our strong field of Democratic candidates have been working hard, talking about the issues the American people care about and laying out a positive vision for America’s future," said DNC Chairman Howard Dean. "We are grateful to the media sponsors and our state parties for their role in providing important, diverse settings for the American people to hear directly from our candidates."

*Debate will be simulcast on CNN en Espanol.
**Telemundo will re-broadcast both debates.

What They're Saying, Part III: John McCain At Fox News Debate

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING, PART III: JOHN MCCAIN AT FOX NEWS DEBATE
McCain Won The Debate, Continues On A Roll With "His Mojo Back" And "His Engine On"

NBC's First Read: "If This Were A Boxing Match" McCain Won. "McCain: If this were a boxing match, we probably would have scored it for McCain on points over the other rivals. He deftly handled every critique ..." (NBC's "First Read," 5/16/07)

Time's Mark Halperin: McCain Got "His Mojo Back" And Delivered "Genuine Views ... All His Aces." "[McCain] Got some of his mojo back. Several answers especially on twin vulnerabilities of Iraq and immigration channeled his genuine views and transcended mere debate prep. Sold bipartisanship, hard choices, fiscal discipline, anti-torture, and experience all his aces." (Mark Halperin, "The Second Republican Debate," Time, 5/16/07)

MSNBC's Chris Matthews: "McCain is really coming back ... he is tough." (MSNBC's "Gregory Live," 5/16/07)

· Matthews: McCain "Looks Like He Has Got His Engine On." "I think we are going through one of these periods where McCain is making something of a comeback and getting much tougher and I think the fact that he looks like he has got his engine on helps him." (MSNBC's "Gregory Live," 5/16/07)

National Review Commentator T.J. Walker: "John McCain is back!" ("The Second Date," National Review Online, 5/16/07)

Slate's John Dickerson: McCain "Had A Good Night." "McCain also had a good night. ... Perhaps the most impressive moment for McCain came when he reasserted his opposition to torturing terrorist suspects." (John Dickerson, "Fox And Frienemies," www.slate.com, 5/16/07)

The Politico's Jim VandeHei: McCain Delivered "A Great Exchange ... Very Crisp." "McCain is basically saying you're a flip-flopper and he is going right after him on what everyone knows is the fundamental weakness of the Romney campaign. It was a great exchange. Again, it was very crisp and people could clearly understand the dynamic. McCain went on TV afterwards and even amplified the remarks: said listen, I felt like I was under attack and I got to draw the line and I got to push back." (CNN's "American Morning," 5/16/07)

McCain Showcased Strength, Experience, And Ability To Lead On Day One

NBC's Chuck Todd: McCain "Looked Strong," "Animated" And "Funny." "John McCain was John McCain. He looked strong, he looked animated and he looked funny again. He cracked jokes ... and I think that that helped him a lot." (MSNBC's "News Live," 5/16/07)

Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC): McCain "Passionate" And "Very Genuine," Showed He "Could Become President On Day One With No Learning Curve." "[J]ohn was passionate last night, he looked like a guy that could become president on day one with no learning curve. But more importantly, he's exactly where he's been his entire life on the issues. John McCain was very genuine and it was from the heart last night, and a year from now, he's going to be in the same position on those issues." (Fox News' "Fox And Friends," 5/16/07)

· Burr: McCain Is A "Straight-Shooter" Who Understands The War On Terror. "I believe John McCain is going to be the same straight-shooter that in the year 2000 was very competitive in the presidential race, and more importantly, a person who understands how important it is to end the war on terror because we've eliminated the threat." (Fox News' "Fox And Friends," 5/16/07)

NBC's Andrea Mitchell: McCain "The Only Candidate ... [With] His Own Unique Credentials." "McCain seemed to be recapturing the old McCain. ... [H]e was basically saying, 'I am who I am. Take me or leave me. This is who I am.' He was the only candidate who really spoke out and has, you know, his own unique credentials for that against torture, whereas the others were all trying to outdo each other." (MSNBC's "Gregory Live," 5/16/07)

Newsday's Dan Janison: "McCain, the former Prisoner of War, spoke with feeling against the use of torture both tactically and morally." (Dan Janison, [New York] Newsday's "Spin Cycle" Blog, "The Real Rudy Moment, Before And After ...," weblogs.newsday.com, 5/16/07)

Former Secretary Of State Bill Jones (R-CA): Debate Showed "McCain Clearly Stands Above The Field" And "Is Uniquely Qualified To Guide America Through These Challenging Times." "Last night's presidential debate in South Carolina showed that John McCain clearly stands above the field when it comes to the fundamental question of who is prepared to lead America, right now. To be sure, each of our Republican candidates offers their own distinctive set of credentials, but none are as uniquely qualified to guide America through these challenging times as John McCain." (Bill Jones, "Flash Report" Blog, "John McCain Will Do What Is Right For America," www.flashreport.org, 5/16/07)

· Jones: McCain "The Best Messenger On Stage For The Party Of Reagan ... In His Comfort Zone Railing Against Excessive Spending In Washington." "Last night, the best messenger on stage for the party of Reagan was clearly John McCain. His steadfast commitment to conservative principles and the defense of traditional values is what our party needs in its next standard-bearer, and his peerless experience in public service is what our country needs in its next President. ... Last night's debate also found John McCain in his comfort zone railing against excessive spending in Washington." (Bill Jones, "Flash Report" Blog, "John McCain Will Do What Is Right For America," www.flashreport.org, 5/16/07)

· Jones: McCain Exhibited "Energy, Passion, And Forthrightness," And "Is Only One Who Has Consistently Represented The Core Beliefs Of Our Party." "After having watched the debate and seen some of the commentary afterwards, I think it is now crystal clear that among the leading candidates, there is only one who has consistently represented the core beliefs of our party, and that is John McCain. ... We learned long ago that there's no quit in John McCain. His energy, passion, and forthrightness during these debates have reminded us that he has already been tested on the national stage; we can trust that he will never allow anyone or anything to come in between him and his obligation to do what's right for America." (Bill Jones, "Flash Repo rt" Blog, "John McCain Will Do What Is Right For America," www.flashreport.org, 5/16/07)

Power Line's John Hinderaker: McCain "Did Well." "McCain had several good opportunities, and did well with them. ... McCain also got in a slam at Congress under the Democrats its current approval level is accounted for by staffers and relatives ..." (John Hinderaker, "Power Line" Blog, "Impressions," powerlineblog.com, 5/16/07)

McCain's Remarks Won Laughter And Applause

The Politico's Mike Allen: McCain's Remarks On Spending "Got Laughter And Applause." "McCain got laughter and applause for: 'We let spending go out of control. We spent money like a drunken sailor, although I never knew a sailor drunk or sober with the imagination of my colleagues. By the way, I received an e-mail not long ago from a fellow who said I repeat this story "As a former drunken sailor, I resent the way that [drunken sailors continue] being compared to members of Congress."'" (Mike Allen, "Playbook: Fight Night," www.politico.com, 5/16/07)

Rich Galen: "McCain Performed Well" And Got Laughs Talking About Spending. "McCain performed well. ... He got another laugh by repeating his line about a drunken sailor e-mailing him complaining that he was tired of being compared to Congress." (Rich Galen, "The GOP Debate II," CNS News, 5/16/07)

CNN's John Roberts: McCain Delivered "Humorous Moment" On Spending. "And there [were] a couple humorous moments, as well. John McCain, trotted out again, it's a pretty tried and true line for him. But it worked really well last night, that Congress is spending like drunken sailors and you know I know a drunken sailor who said I take offense at that." (CNN's "American Morning," 5/16/07)

What They're Saying: About Governor Mitt Romney At The South Carolina GOP Debate -Vol. 2

WHAT THEY'RE REALLY SAYING ABOUT GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY AT THE SOUTH CAROLINA GOP DEBATE – VOL. 2

South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford: "I think that Romney looked very presidential." (Fox News' "Fox & Friends," 5/16/07)

Club For Growth President Pat Toomey: Romney was "reasonable, articulate, and conservative." ("The Second Date: An NRO Symposium," National Review Online, http://article.nationalreview.com, Posted 5/16/07)

National Review's T. J. Walker: "Mitt Romney is too slick. Of course by 'too slick' what I really mean is that I can't think of a single way to fault Romney's style, intelligence, grammar, emotion, or ability to connect with an audience. ('Too slick' is the last refuge of a scoundrel political/media critic who can't think of any other way to attack someone who has communication gifts beyond mere mortals)" ("The Second Date: An NRO Symposium," National Review Online, http://article.nationalreview.com, Posted 5/16/07)

New York Daily News' Michael Goodwin: "Romney had another solid performance, and it's easy to see him gaining modest traction with each appearance." (Michael Goodwin, "Rudy Scores With Assist From Debate Rival," [New York] Daily News, 5/16/07)

Goodwin: "[Romney's] quick and smart and has made a good impression in both debates." (Michael Goodwin, "Rudy Scores With Assist From Debate Rival," [New York] Daily News, 5/16/07)

Sen. George Voinovich (R-OH): "…Mitt really understands the management side of the federal government and one of the things I think that is really strong in his favor is that he has had management experience." (WMJI-Cleveland Radio's "Lanigan & Malone," 5/16/07)

Voinovich: "The man that is going to be President of the United States, it is the biggest business in this country.  …  And one thing this man understands is management." (WMJI-Cleveland Radio's "Lanigan & Malone," 5/16/07)

The Politico's Mike Allen: "Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney continued to look smooth and leaderly." (Mike Allen, " Politico Playbook: Fight Night," The Politico, 5/16/07)

National Review Washington Editor Kate O'Beirne: "As a talented overachiever, Romney's fate is to be judged on a tough curve." ("The Second Date: An NRO Symposium," National Review Online, http://article.nationalreview.com, Posted 5/16/07)

O'Beirne: "[Romney] can be expected to be thoroughly prepared and he's a natural salesman. So again he was confident and sure-footed." ("The Second Date: An NRO Symposium," National Review Online, http://article.nationalreview.com, Posted 5/16/07)

CBN's David Brody: "Romney was once again smooth. He was able to … make positive points on his business leadership skills. A high marks performance." (David Brody, "South Carolina Debate: The Brody File Reaction," The Brody File, www.cbn.com/CBNnews/158584.aspx, posted 5/16/07)

Family Research Council President Tony Perkins: "I think Governor Romney comes across well as understanding the issues." (CNN's "American Morning," 5/16/07)

Sound Politics' Eric Earling: "Mitt Romney - a very solid performance…" (Eric Earling, "Another Debate Round-Up," Sound Politics Blog, http://soundpolitics.com/archives/008623.html, Posted 5/15/07)

Syndicated Columnist Mona Charen: "Romney was smart and smooth as usual…" ("The Second Date: An NRO Symposium," National Review Online, http://article.nationalreview.com, Posted 5/16/07)

Dean Barnett: "I have a feeling that Mitt Romney will emerge from every one of these shindigs as the most articulate, well informed and appealing candidate. In terms of debating skills, it's a man amongst boys out there." (Dean Barnett, "Quickie Debate Recap," TownHall, www.townhall.com, Posted 5/15/07)

"Sister Toldjah" Blog: "Who do I think won? … I have to give the edge to Romney. He came off as the most prepared, and sounded very presidential and looked it, too." ("GOP Presidential Candidates: The 2nd Debate," Sister Toldjah Blog, http://sistertoldjah.com, Posted 5/15/07)

"Sister Toldjah": "I have to say as someone who has struggled wondering who to support, Romney is starting to sound very good to me." ("GOP Presidential Candidates: The 2nd Debate," Sister Toldjah Blog, http://sistertoldjah.com, Posted 5/15/07)

The Politico's Roger Simon: "Romney once again gave a smooth, controlled performance…" (Roger Simon, "Gloves Come Off At Second GOP Debate," The Politico, 5/16/07)

What They're Saying, Part II: John McCain At Fox News Debate

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING, PART II: JOHN MCCAIN AT FOX NEWS DEBATE
McCain Turned In "Solid," "Passionate" And "Effective" Performance

The Wall Street Journal's John Harwood: McCain Was "Effective ... Looked Good." "He does have a fairly effective Republican rival in John McCain who was effective in last night's debate ... I thought McCain looked good ... he got off a strong response to Romney ..." (MSNBC's "Gregory Live," 5/16/07)

Slate's John Dickerson: McCain Turned In "Solid Performance." "McCain did pretty well. He stood by some of his decisions that have caused him trouble in Republican circles. That works for him because of his reputation of speaking his mind. and he had a pretty solid performance last night ..." (CNN's "American Morning," 5/16/07)

Spartanburg Herald-Journal's Michael Smith: McCain "Reasonable" And "Passionate." "Tonight ... John McCain made the most ground. ... [McCain] sounded more reasonable on the subject of Iraq and terrorism, pointing out that if America leaves Iraq , the conflict will follow us home. He was passionate in his rejection of torture, protecting the nature and values of this nation. He responded appropriately to the question of the Confederate flag, saying it was time to move on." (Michael Smith, Spartanburg Herald-Journal's "BlogHub" Blog, "Giuliani, McCain Make Best Impression," www.bloghub.goupstate.com, 5/15/07)

The Politico's Jonathan Martin: McCain's "Experience Showed." "One of the biggest benefits that the Arizonan enjoys in the campaign -- and it's not mentioned often enough is that he has run this incomparable gauntlet before. That experience showed tonight. He delivered his Iraq views effectively, had the chance to hit his spending message and concurrent drunken sailor joke (still a new line to hundreds in the audience) and, most impressively, was able to deflect tough questions in a way that also jibed with the broader themes of his candidacy." (Jonathan Martin, The Politico's "Smith And Martin" Blog, "SC Debate: Final Thoughts," www.politico.com, 5/16/07)

CNN's Jacki Schechner: Political Blogs Gave McCain "A Lot Of Kudos" And Say "He Looked Strong Last Night." "There was a lot of kudos for McCain [from political blogs] that he had good opportunities that he took advantage of, that he looked strong last night " (CNN's "American Morning," 5/16/07)

Townhall's Mary Katharine Ham: "I noticed that several other candidates, on several occasions referred back to things McCain said with, 'Sen. McCain is right ...'" (Mary Katharine Ham, "Townhall" Blog, "Winners, Losers And Slapfights, Baby!" www.townhall.com, 5/15/07)

The Politico's Roger Simon: "McCain ... hit his talking points: He would reach across the aisle to Democrats; he has consistently been a conservative; and 'my life, my experience, my knowledge of the military and national security qualifies me most to lead.'" (Roger Simon, "Gloves Come Off At Second GOP Debate," www.politico.com, 5/16/07)

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC): "He's been to war ... He knows what war is about. He understands our enemy. He's going to make sure that this nation is well defended, and he understands what an American is all about. We're the good guys." (Byron York, "Giuliani Up, McCain Up, Romney Down, and Ron Paul Out Way Out," National Review Online, 5/16/07)

McCain "Drew Thunderous Applause" And Delivered "Most Important Answer Of The Night"

CBS' Harry Smith: McCain Answered Confederate Flag Question "To Thunderous Applause." CBS' HARRY SMITH: "[O]n that particular subject was the Confederate flag. He was asked about it last night. Let's take a look." SEN. MCCAIN: "I still believe that it should not have flown over the capital and I was wrong when I said that it was a state issue, but now I think it has been settled and I think it's time we all moved on on this issue." SMITH: "To thunderous applause, I might add." (CBS' "The Early Show," 5/16/07)

CBS' Jeff Greenfield: McCain Made "One Of The Most Important Local Comments," Discussing Confederate Flag To "Thunderous Applause." CBS' JEFF GREENFIELD: "That was also key, and that was one of the most important local comments if not the most important made. You're quite right. ... This was an appeal to South Carolina Republicans saying 'I'm with you ... It's over, you handled it correctly.' That thunderous applause was clear, at least in my mind, that McCain had made some points in South Carolina, which, as you point out, is a key early primary state." (CBS' "The Early Show," 5/16/07)

Charleston Post And Courier's Robert Behre: McCain "Drew Heavy Applause." "While the debate was held just blocks from where a Confederate battle flag flies on the Statehouse grounds, only one question directed to McCain touched on the flag. McCain said he was wrong to say previously that it was a state issue when the flag flew above the dome, but he then drew heavy applause from the partisan crowd by adding, I think it's time we all moved on on this issue.'" (Robert Behre, "Hopefuls Debate Terror Question," The [Charleston] Post And Courier, 5/16/07)

Los Angeles Times' Michael Finnegan And Mark Z. Barabak: McCain "Drew Thunderous Acclamation From The Crowd." "'I was wrong when I said that it was a state issue,' McCain said solemnly. 'But now I think it has been settled, and I think it's time that we all moved on o n this issue especially the people of South Carolina.' His response drew thunderous acclamation from the crowd." (Michael Finnegan and Mark Z. Barabak, "A Feisty Republican Debate In South Carolina," Los Angeles Times, 5/16/07)

TigerHawk Blog: McCain Won The "Biggest Applause Of The Night." "To McCain: The Stars and Bars question, summon[in]g moans from the crowd! 'It is settled. I think it is time that we all moved on on this issue.' Biggest applause of the night." (TigerHawk, "Tiger Hawk" Blog, "The GOP Debate Live-Blog Post," tigerhawk.blogspot.com, 5/15/07)

TigerHawk Blog: Discussing Iraq, McCain Delivered "A Solid Response, The Best Line." "First question to McCain: Why should Americans continue to fight and die when Iraqi politicians do so little? McCain: A solid response, the best line: 'When we lost the war in Vietnam, they didn't follow us home. They will this time.'" (TigerHawk, "Tiger Hawk" Blog, "The GOP Debate Live-Blog Post," tigerhawk.blogspot.com, 5/15/07)

The Heritage Foundation's Robert Bluey: "McCain Got It Right" On Spending. "Sen. John McCain got it right at the presidential debate when he said: Spending is out of control. We didn't lose the 2006 election because the war in Iraq. We lost it because we in the Republican Party came to Washington to change government and government changed us. We let spending go out of control. We spent money like a drunken sailor, although I never knew a sailor drunk or sober with the imagination of my colleagues.'" (Robert Bluey, "Bluey" Blog, "I Wonder What Tom Cole Thinks Of This?" robertbluey.com, 5/16/07)

Voters Praise McCain

David Haskins Of Greenville, SC: "I may not agree with him on every issue ... but I know he votes based on principle, not because that's what the head of the party wants him to do or even the [public] wants him to do." (Scott Helman, "GOP Foes Tout Conservative Credentials," The Boston Globe, 5/16/07)

Cicely Greaves-Vegas Of Yonkers, NY: McCain Is Gutsy. "[C]icely Greaves-Vega, 47, of Yonkers ... praised ... Arizona Sen. John McCain, whom she found gutsy for saying he was wrong' in a past position about the Confederate flag flying from the South Carolina Capitol building." (Maggie Haberman, "Abort Stance Clear: Panel," New York Post, 5/16/07)

Blake Bryson Of Lake Wylie, SC: "McCain is the only candidate who can win and work with the Democratic Congress ... He can get things done. He can handle the job." (Andrew Dys, "They Love Their Country And All Things GOP," The Herald, 5/16/07)

Bryson: It Is "An Honor" To Stand Up For McCain, "This Is Who I Want To Lead My Country." "'I'm here because this is my future, the future of all of us in this country. It is my generation's time to get involved.' Bryson called it 'an honor' to stand up for his candidate, with a 12-foot sign. 'People died in this country so I could vote, so I could stand here and say, "This is who I want to lead my country."'" (Andrew Dys, "They Love Their Country And All Things GOP," The Herald, 5/16/07)

What They Are Saying … About Mayor Giuliani – Part One

What They Are Saying … About Mayor Giuliani – Part One

Strategist David Gergen Compared Mayor Giuliani’s Performance To Reagan’s.   “I think Rudy Giuliani won the night … [Giuliani] seized a moment when Ron Paul sort of opened up this argument that maybe we had it coming, with 9/11 and Giuliani just jumped into the debate, he disrupted the debate. To just say no, no, that’s not right and I just don’t agree with that. … [I]t was like a minor Nashua moment when Ronald Reagan, you know, seized the microphone, there was a quality here about showing his sort of, not only his anger but strength that I think served him well tonight.” (CNN’s “Anderson Cooper 360,” 5/15/07)

Strategist Ed Rollins, Responding To Gergen: “He looked very presidential … He had a Ronald Reagan moment, I think he had a Rudy Giuliani moment.” (CNN’s “Anderson Cooper 360,” 5/15/07)

National Review’s Katherine Jean Lopez: “Unless something dramatic and not-characteristic-of tonight happens, Rudy won.” (Katherine Jean Lopez, “I Don’t Think You Have To Come Back After The Commercial,” http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=ZTJjY2JiM2YxYjJjNjQ5NjRkYWRjZWYwZDBkNWI2NTM, 5/15/07)

National Review’s Katherine Jean Lopez: “Rudy references Fort Dix before 9/11. Dealing with today, and the war that remains as real as it was five years ago. And shows he knows/doesn’t have an interest in resting on his ‘America’s mayor’ laurels.” (Katherine Jean Lopez, “Classy, Right,” http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=YzkxZjM2Zjc5Y2FjZjNhNzZiYjE2MWJlODhmMmUxMmE, 5/15/07)

National Review’s Ramesh Ponnuru: “[Rudy also wins] the coveted most-improved-performance medal.” (Ramesh Ponnuru, “ Rudy Also Wins,” http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=ZWI3ZGJhMTY3NDIyM2I0YTU0MzcyOTllMDlkZTA5ZWY, 5/15/07)

National Review’s John Podhoretz: “I have to say I think [Giuliani] not only took this debate, he won it by 31 lengths, like Secretariat in the Belmont.” (John Podhoretz, “Rudy Tonight,” http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=MTczZGM5YWQyNDJjNGJkMGI2ZWYyYTg0MTNlZWRjYjI=, 5/15/07)

National Review’s Jonah Goldberg: “From a reader: Tonight was the first time I could imagine any of these guys being president. Giuliani had that moment when you can say to yourself, ‘That’s what a president should say.’” (Jonah Goldberg, “The Race To Seem Presidential,” http://corner.nationalreview.com, 5/15/07

National Review’s Rich Lowry: “Strong answer … from Rudy — he always sounds authoritative when talking about domestic terrorism.” (Rich Lowry, “Strong Answer,” http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=ZGE0N2UxZWQ5ZmNhMGVkOTkyZjFjYTM1ZGI1NDYyOTI,  5/15/07)

CBN’s David Brody: “That is the Rudy Giuliani that America fell in love with on 9/11 and it was on clear display tonight.  … He hit one out of the park.” (David Brody, “South Carolina Debate: The Brody File Reaction,” http://www.cbn.com/CBNnews/158584.aspx, 5/15/07)

Brody: “He was serious, determined and meant business.” (David Brody, “South Carolina Debate: The Brody File Reaction,” http://www.cbn.com/CBNnews/158584.aspx, 5/15/07)

The Hotline’s Marc Ambinder: “Rudy Giuliani did very well. … His outrage when Ron Paul said something loopy about 9/11 was genuine, and his emotions overflowed into the audience; he bonded with them. A powerful moment that evoked Giuliani’s best moment and his best qualities.” (Marc Ambinder, “Pre-Spin Room Thoughts: McCain, Rudy, Romney,” http://hotlineblog.nationaljournal.com/archives/2007/05/prespin_room_th.html, 5/15/07)

The Washington Post’s Chris Cillizza: “It was a rare moment of raw emotion for Giuliani, and a good one.” (Chris Cillizza, “A High Note For Rudy Giuliani,” http://blog.washingtonpost.com/thefix/2007/05/a_high_note_for_giuliani.html, 5/15/07)

Townhall’s Matt Lewis: “Dang, Rudy’s strong on the Iraq/terror issue.” (Matt Lewis, “Game On!” http://www.townhall.com/blog/g/0aa24077-f77e-438c-a008-121f40642c43, 5/15/07)

The New York Sun’s Ryan Sager: “Rudy’s response on Iraq … touches at some length on the planned terrorist attack on Fort Dix. Good way to reach back to his prosecutor background.” (Ryan Sager, “The South Carolina Debate,” http://www.latestpolitics.com/blog/2007/05/the-south-carolina-debate.html,  5/15/07)

What They're Saying: About Governor Mitt Romney At The South Carolina GOP Debate

WHAT THEY'RE REALLY SAYING ABOUT GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY AT THE SOUTH CAROLINA GOP DEBATE

Des Moines Register's David Yepsen: "Best Overall Debate Performance: Romney."  (David Yepsen, "Best Overall Debate Performance: Romney," Des Moines Register Blog, http://blogs.dmregister.com, 5/15/07)

Yepsen: "Mitt Romney had the best overall performance. He was cool, concise, and showed an executive persona throughout the session."  (David Yepsen, "Best Overall Debate Performance: Romney," Des Moines Register Blog, http://blogs.dmregister.com, 5/15/07)

National Review Online's Mark Levin: "For what it's worth, Romney looks stronger and stronger to me. He's in his zone, he's nailed down his positions, he's confident and articulate, and he has charisma." (Mark Levin, "The Debate," Mark Levin Blog, http://levin.nationalreview.com, 5/15/07)

The Washington Post's Chris Cillizza: "Romney backed 'enhanced terrorism techniques' but drew the line at torture. He drew applause with his call to double the size of Guantanamo Bay, rather than close it." (Chris Cillizza, "On The Use Of Torture," The Fix Blog, http://blog.washingtonpost.com/thefix/, 5/15/07)

Dean Barnett: "Mitt gains from every one of these formats. The more the country gets to see him, the better it is for him… Anyway, about Iraq, his answer was so much more scholarly than the others. It's almost like he's a doctorate holder who actually knows the facts, while the other guys are platitude spewing high school students. His command of the facts and authoritative delivery have to be the envy of the field." (Dean Barnett, "Quickie Debate Recap," Townhall, http://www.townhall.com, 5/15/07)

Townhall's Hugh Hewitt: "Mayor Giuliani and Governor Romney are light years ahead in electability and seriousness than the other eight.  Each are superbly prepared and competent to talk at length and persuasively about the key issues ahead and not the old feuds and failed policies of the past." (Hugh Hewitt, "A Rudy-Romney Race," Townhall, http://www.townhall.com, 5/15/07)

Hewitt: "They are the class of the field, far beyond the rest in terms of presence and appeal… Mayor Giuliani and Governor Romney are light years ahead in electability and seriousness than the other eight.  Each are superbly prepared and competent to talk at length and persuasively about the key issues ahead and not the old feuds and failed policies of the past." (Hugh Hewitt, "A Rudy-Romney Race," Townhall, http://hughhewitt.townhall.com, 5/15/07)

Paul Mirengoff: "Romney put in another assured performance." (Paul Mirengoff, "About Tonight's Republican Debate," Power Line, http://powerlineblog.com, 5/15/07)

Ed Morrissey: "Mitt Romney continued to show that he has mastered the format." (Ed Morrissey, "Giuliani Wins, But Paul Threw The Game," Captain's Quarters, http://www.captainsquartersblog.com/mt/archives/009983.php, 5/15/07)

Jim Geraghty: "Last debate we were introduced to a very sharp, smooth candidate who knows how to make his case in a challengingly limited amount of time. Tonight, we saw last time's good performance wasn't just luck." (Jim Geraghty, "Republican Debate Number Two Wrapup," The Hillary Spot On National Review Online, http://hillaryspot.nationalreview.com, 5/15/07)

Macranger: "Romney is masterful. Handled Wallace's questions about gun control, abortion with ease." (Macranger, "Read My lips," Heading Right, http://headingright.com,  5/15/07)

Chin: "Both Romney and Hunter sound strong on Iraq.  Cogent, informed and passionate.  The others seems to be dancing." (Chin, "Iraq," Heading Right, http://headingright.com, 5/15/07)

Matt Lewis: "Once again, Romney looks (and sounds) sharp." (Matt Lewis, "Game On!," Townhall, http://www.townhall.com, 5/15/07)

The Influence Peddler: "Romney says we cannot fail. He paints a picture of what happens in Iraq if we leave prematurely. Sounds good." (The Editor, "Live Blogging the GOP Debate," The Influence Peddler, http://influencepeddler.blogspot.com, 5/15/07)

Romney For President Statement On The Second Debate

Governor Mitt Romney Wins Second Debate Advocating A Stronger America

Columbia, SC - Tonight, Romney for President Communications Director Matt Rhoades released the following statement on the second Republican presidential debate:

"Tonight in South Carolina, Governor Romney once again demonstrated why he is the best candidate to lead our nation forward and to meet the challenges ahead of us. Throughout this campaign, he has advocated for the policies that will lead to a stronger America – a stronger military, stronger economy and stronger families. By speaking to the need for conservative change in Washington and directly to the issues affecting Americans, Governor Romney won tonight's debate.

"With his optimistic vision and fundamental belief in the power of the American people, Governor Romney has shown voters why he is the best leader to meet a new generation of challenges."

What The Mayor Said Tonight

WHAT THE MAYOR SAID TONIGHT

ABOUT THE TERRORISTS WAR ON US

Mayor Giuliani: “I’ve Seen What Can Happen When You Make A Mistake” About Terrorism. Mayor Giuliani: “In the hypothetical that you gave me, which assumes that we know that there's going to be another attack and these people know about it, I would tell the people who had to do the interrogation to use every method they could think of. Shouldn't be torture, but every method they can think of. … And I would support them in doing that, because I've seen what can happen when you make a mistake about this, and I don't want to see another 3,000 people dead in New York or anyplace else.” (Mayor Giuliani, Republican Primary Candidates Debate, Columbia, SC, 5/15/07)

Mayor Giuliani: The Worst Thing To Show Terrorists Is Weakness. Mayor Giuliani: “These people do want to follow us here and they have followed us here. Fort Dix happened a week ago. That was a situation in which six Islamic terrorists, who were not directed by Al Qaeda but claimed to have been inspired by them, were going to kill our military in cold blood at Fort Dix. It was a 16 month investigation done by the F.B.I. and United States Attorney’s office and thank God they caught them. But we have to remind ourselves that we are facing an enemy that is planning all over this world and it turns out planning inside our country to come here and kill us and the worst thing to do in the face of that is to show them weakness.” (Mayor Giuliani, Republican Primary Candidates Debate, Columbia, SC, 5/15/07)

Mayor Giuliani: We Need To Identify Everyone In U.S. So We Can Find The Terrorists. Mayor Giuliani: “The reality is the focus on immigration should be to know everyone who is in the United States.  We should have a tamper-proof ID card.  We should have a database in which we can identify the people who are in this country. I know something about security. I think I have had more experience at having to secure a city, having to deal with security and the justice department than I would say anyone on this stage. And the reality is we have got to be sensible about immigration. If we do the kinds of things that some of the people here are talking about, this country is going to be in greater danger, it’s going to be more insecure, we are going to face a situation in which terrorists, like the Fort Dix people, three of whom were illegal, can find a big underground to hide in. So, we need a fence, we need technological fence, we need tamper-proof ID card and we need a way that people who are working in this country can come forward, and sign up for the tamper proof ID card get in the database and start  paying their way.” (Mayor Giuliani, Republican Primary Candidates Debate, Columbia, SC, 5/15/07)

ABOUT FISCAL CONSERVATISM

Mayor Giuliani: “I Ran Probably One Of The Most Fiscally Conservative Governments In The Last 30 Or 40 Years.” Mayor Giuliani: “As the Club for Growth pointed out yesterday in the report they did on me, I ran probably one of the most fiscally conservative governments in the last 30 or 40 years.  Spending actually decreased in comparison to the increase in population and inflation. Spending in New York City decreased more than just about any other state, considerably less than the federal government while I was the mayor. I lowered taxes 23 times… I did it in a place where it’s real hard to do it.  If you can lower spending in New York City …Washington is easier than New York City to deal with.” (Mayor Giuliani, Republican Primary Candidates Debate, Columbia, SC, 5/15/07)

Mayor Giuliani: “I Would Pledge Not To Refill 50%” Of Retiring Federal Employees’ Jobs. Mayor Giuliani: “And, finally, I put controls on every one of the city agencies, which is what I would do in Washington.  I’d do Reagan-like across the board budget cuts, 5 to 25%.  And there is a great opportunity that we have coming up:  About 50%, just about 50% of the federal employees are going to retire in the next 10 years.  …  We have the opportunity of not refilling all of those positions.  And I would pledge not to refill 50% of them.”  (Mayor Giuliani, Republican Primary Candidates Debate, Columbia, SC, 5/15/07)

Mayor Giuliani: “The Leading Democratic Candidate For President Of The United States Has Said That The Unfettered Free Market Is The Most Disastrous Thing In Modern America.” Mayor Giuliani: “But there is something I think really big at stake here. We’re looking at a race here in which the leading democratic candidate for President of the United States has said that the unfettered free market is the most disastrous thing in modern America. That's a quote. Or that's a quote she agreed with. She has also said with regard to taxes that we have to take money from you in order to give it to the common good. There is such a stark difference there that this election in 2008 is going to make a very big difference about whether we go in that direction. The direction of removing private choice, putting government in a situation where government is in charge of so many different things that I think those are the things we should be debating. And Republicans should be uniting to make certain that what the liberal media is talking about, our inevitable defeat, doesn’t happen.” (Mayor Giuliani, Republican Primary Candidates Debate, Columbia, SC, 5/15/07)

What They're Saying: John McCain At Fox News Debate

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: JOHN MCCAIN AT FOX NEWS DEBATE
McCain "Convincingly And Incontrovertibly Won Tonight's Debate," Delivered "The Line Of The Night"

National Journal's Marc Ambinder: "John McCain Convincingly And Incontrovertibly Won Tonight's Debate. He Was Strong, Confident, Answered Tough Questions With Ease And Dispatch, And Seemed The Most Presidential." "[I]n my judgment, John McCain convincingly and incontrovertibly won tonight's debate. He was strong, confident, answered tough questions with ease and dispatch, and seemed the most presidential." (Marc Ambinder, National Journal's Hotline "On Call" Blog, "Pre-Spin Room Thoughts: McCain, Rudy, Romney," hotlineblog.nationaljournal.com, 5/15/07)

Townhall's Matt Lewis: "McCain scores a big laugh and lots of applause with his Drunken Sailor' line." (Matt Lewis, "Townhall" Blog, "The Drunken Sailor Line Meets John Edwards At A Beauty Shop," www.townhall.com, 5/15/07)

NBC's Chuck Todd: "There's the animated McCain ..." (Chuck Todd, "First Read" Blog, "Romney, McCain Score Points," firstread.msnbc.msn.com, 5/15/07)

National Journal's Hotline "On Call" Headline: "McCain To Romney: The Line Of The Night." "McCain: I've take and kept a consistent position on campaign finance reform. I have a kept a consistent position on right to life. And I haven't changed my position on even number years and haven't changed my position based on what offices I may be running for.'" (National Journal's Hotline "On Call" Blog, "McCain To Romney: The Line Of The Night," hotlineblog.nationaljournal.com, 5/15/07)

The Washington Post's Chris Cillizza: McCain "Came Out Swinging" And Dropped "The Hammer." "In McCain's rebuttal, he came out swinging. He noted he had been a consistent supporter of campaign finance reform before dropping the hammer: I have not changed my position in even numbered years or based on the offices I have been running for.'" (Chris Cillizza, The Washington Post's "The Fix" Blog, blog.washingtonpost.com, 5/15/07)

The Palmetto Scoop Blog: "McCain looked strong, and was by far the best of the frontrunners." ("The Palmetto Scoop" Blog, "Live: View From Stage Right," www.palmettoscoop.com, 5/15/07)

"Eye On 08" Blog: McCain "Made A Great Impression." "John McCain did well too. I think that he really had some good lines. He made a great impression." ("Eye On 08" Blog, "Eye On 08 Blog: Final Thoughts," www.eyeon08.com, 5/15/07)

McCain "Came On Very Strong Tonight" And "Transcended The Format And The Event"

Former Lt. Gov. Michael Steele (R-MD): "I think John McCain came on very strong tonight. I think he was very clear and purposeful purposeful in his answers. I think he was direct." (Fox News' "Post Debate Coverage," 5/15/07)

The Washington Post's Chris Cillizza: McCain Showed "Willingness To Lead And Reach Across The Partisan Aisle." "McCain seems committed tonight to standing by his support for comprehensive immigration reform and using that position as evidence of his willingness to lead and reach across the partisan aisle." (Chris Cillizza, The Washington Post's "The Fix" Blog, blog.washingtonpost.com, 5/15/07)

National Review's Ramesh Ponnuru: McCain "Gave A Very Strong Answer" On Interrogation. "I think he gave a very strong answer, especially in disputing the likelihood of the scenario envisioned by the question." (Ramesh Ponnuru, National Review's "Corner" Blog, "McCain On Torture," corner.nationalreview.com, 5/15/07)

National Journal's "The Gate": "South Carolinians love their Confederate flags, but they also love it when McCain says everyone should move on." (National Journal's "The Gate" Blog, "Liveblogging The 2nd GOP Debate," thegate.nationaljournal.com, 5/15/07)

National Journal's Marc Ambinder: McCain "Handled A Confederate Flag Question With Aplomb ... And His Responses To The Torture Questions Were, Simply, Moving - He Transcended The Format And The Event." "He handled a Confederate Flag question with aplomb. He wore the fictionally commander-in-chief hat ably, and his responses to the torture questions were, simply, moving -- he transcended the format and the event." (Marc Ambinder, National Journal's Hotline "On Call" Blog, "Pre-Spin Room Thoughts: McCain, Rudy, Romney," hotlineblog.nationaljournal.com, 5/15/07)

The New York Times' Katharine Q. Seelye: McCain "Underscored His Own Experience." "Mr. McCain then underscored his own experience as a P.O.W. and as one of the few candidates with military experience an important credential in South Carolina, home to one of the biggest populations of military retirees. He said there were sharp differences on the question of torture between those who had served in the military and those who had not. We should not torture people,' Mr. McCain said, noting that if the United States tortures prisoners, then other countries will feel free to do it to American soldiers. I think that if we agree to torture people, we would do ourselves great harm in the world. There's more to war than the battlefield,' Mr. McCain said. Every military person who has been in battle supported my position.'" (Katherine Q. Seelye, The New York Times' "The Caucus" bl og, thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com, 5/15/07)

Even Other Candidates Praise McCain's Record Of Conservatism

NBC's Chuck Todd: "Huckabee just became the second candidate to hat tip' his opponent, John McCain. Rudy Giuliani was the first to agree with something McCain said. Not looking like a debate with all this agreement ..." (Chuck Todd, "First Read" Blog, "Where's The Debate?" firstread.msnbc.msn.com, 5/15/07)

Politico's Jonathan Martin: "Rudy, citing McCain's line, notes that the terrorists want follow us home." (Jonathan Martin, "All Iraq In The First 15 Minutes," www.politico.com, 5/15/07)

Statement From Michael DuHaime On South Carolina GOP Presidential Debate

Statement from Michael DuHaime on South Carolina GOP Presidential Debate

New York City –The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee released the following statement today from Campaign Manager Michael DuHaime:

“Tonight it was clear there was only one candidate on the stage ready to be President of the United States. Mayor Rudy Giuliani’s command of the issues and unifying, optimistic vision for the future of this country stood out in stark contrast – proving he is the strong leader these times demand. He will bring our Party and our country together to win the terrorists’ war on us and keep our economy strong and growing.”