Debate Reax
Peter Robinson ·
September 13, 2011 at 4:01am
My take: In the first half, Perry performed beautifully, demonstrating wit, strength, and a relaxed, natural poise. Then the question about the inoculation for schoolgirls that he attempted to enact placed him on the defensive--and he never really recovered, although after doing badly on that round he did come back in the last half hour, rising to a level of good-enough-ness.
Romney? He never did better than okay, seeming, at moments, condescending, and, when he attempted attacks on Perry, he appeared, for a moment or two, petulant.
On balance: Rick Perry helped consolidate his position as front-runner--but only that, failing to take command of the field.
And that, as I say, is my take.
What's yours?
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Comments:
Sep '10
Re: Debate Reax
Actually, I am not sure Rick Perry has a sense of humor.
I think the jury is out, but the poker line with Romney was well done. Peter said "Reaganesque" during the live chat, and I must agree. Whereas Woodsman's Kurt Cobain reference was as unReaganesque as is possible.
Dec '10
Re: Debate Reax
Romney: Began the debate behind on points for me because as far as I can tell he's simply not a reliable conservative. That said, his performance was fine -- competent and prepared. Didn't pick up on the arrogance and condescension others saw. Would hate to have to vote for him.
Perry: Desperately want him to be the "not-Romney" but continue to be underwhelmed. Awkward and defensive on questions he knew were coming. Lacked clarity on troops in Afghanistan, moving SS to states, and unconvincing on Gardasil rationalizations. Increasingly suspect he too is not reliably conservative.
Bachman: It struck me somewhere along the way that I've already heard her answer to every question she'll be asked. Inspiring originally, but the novelty has worn off.
Paul: Despite his crankiness and isolationism, his relentless appeals to liberty and federalism are essential to the debate.
Gingrinch: In a class by himself, both in what he says and how he says it. The rap is that he's, what, undisciplined? Given the field, I'm taking a second look.
Santorum: Seems thoughtful, principled and conservative. Again, why all the disrespect?
Cain: Great within his limitations.
Huntsman: Meh
May '10
Re: Debate Reax
I agree with everything Dr. Rahe has to say except "I'm inclined to support Perry". I don't know many TX republicans that like him. Not that I know that many but I could name a dozen with a visceral dislike and only a couple that find him acceptable. Wasn't that way with Bush. There's another distinction Perry could use.
Feb '11
Re: Debate Reax
I only saw part of the first half (I stopped not long after the his comeback to Mitt on Poker). I'd wished I'd watched more so I could see Perry's supposed mistakes.
I just can't get too worked up on the HPV vaccine issue. I've yet to hear anyone criticizing a Republican candidate over mandatory mumps, measles, or chicken pox vaccines. Each vaccine is required to attend public school and many universities. While none of the other candidates gave executive orders for vaccines, none of them advocated that other vaccine mandates be removed.
Is it wrongheaded of me to believe this is part of the anti-vaccine nonsense that we usually hear from the left?
Aug '10
Re: Debate Reax
I also agree with Dr Rahe on his assessment of the debate. He and I went at it pretty good on another thread today and I appreciate his willingness to engage (it was invigorating for me and probably frustrating for him). We disagree on our preferred candidates but I trust him to be objective about things and he proved that tonight.
Perry's folksiness plays well in Texas obviously but I wonder how well it will transfer to the national stage. He loves to throw red meat to the party base but independents may find it a bit rancid. And the guy has more vulnerabilites than just HPV vaccine and tuition for Mexicans...
Dec '10
Re: Debate Reax
Thanks for the link. It was insightful. Part of me wants to say, if he's stacked against the current White House Occupant, those things will seem minor compared to Solyndra, Fast and Furious and using Air Force One as his personal taxi for dinner dates, since Perry's escapades didn't cost the state.
I still think he is the best solution for the biggest problem: the economy and jobs. Say what you want about folksiness, but I think most Americans not living on a coastline are tired of being talked down to. I think a lot of folks are desperate to have someone look them in the eye and tell them the truth, without the sneer and the gaze down their nose.
Feb '11
Re: Debate Reax
If that's the case, how do you explain his electoral success?
Feb '11
Re: Debate Reax
I am definitely NOT a Paul supporter, but did he really "excuse" Al Qaeda? There's a difference between excusing/exonerating and explaining.
Aug '10
Re: Debate Reax
Pseudo: That would be great. I think Cain could end up playing the roll of blocking fullback to Perry's running back. I wonder if Perry's people are asking, "How can we get herman Cain on our side?"
Aug '10
Re: Debate Reax
Good question. But the current generation of young parents have been scared to death of vaccinations - by some pretty questionable data, it seems. Right or wrong, there is a sizable group of young parents who believe that vaccinations are bad and/or unnecessary.
Aug '10
Re: Debate Reax
I think you're on to something there.
Apr '11
Re: Debate Reax
I don't know how creating Staples, for example, a genuine if minor revolution in business productivity in the US, could be described as working on the backs of others. No detailed account of Romney's work fails to describe how incredibly hard he worked, getting into the details of budgets, penetrating the BS, taking charge, and leading. Other than as a statement of straightforward anti-capitalist bigotry (within which line of thought this sort of parasite claim is common), this comment is very hard to understand. Center right here, please, not Michael Moore.
The King Prawn
Elizabeth Dunn
These are two men who have absolutely nothing in common.
One has survived on the backs of others- aka affirmative action- and the other has been busy making donuts, paying taxes and providing jobs. · Sep 12 at 8:15pm
I have to disagree. His business model is entirely that of hanging on the backs of others. · Sep 12 at 8:19pm
Feb '11
Re: Debate Reax
Songwriter
Good question. But the current generation of young parents have been scared to death of vaccinations - by some pretty questionable data, it seems. Right or wrong, there is a sizable group of young parents who believe that vaccinations are bad and/or unnecessary. · Sep 13 at 8:01am
Also, Civil Sense, the mandated vaccines - measles, mumps, polio, etc. - are all communicable diseases, i.e., they are transmitted in the air or on the surface of desks and pencil sharpeners etc. just by being in the proximity of the infected person. You can't get human papilloma virus without sexual contact, which is, as Rick Santorum pointed out, not the kind of activity most associated with schoolchildren.
Edited on September 13, 2011 at 5:21pmDec '10
Re: Debate Reax
James Of England: I don't know how creating Staples, for example, a genuine if minor revolution in business productivity in the US, could be described as working on the backs of others. No detailed account of Romney's work fails to describe how incredibly hard he worked, getting into the details of budgets, penetrating the BS, taking charge, and leading. Other than as a statement of straightforward anti-capitalist bigotry (within which line of thought this sort of parasite claim is common), this comment is very hard to understand. Center right here, please, not Michael Moore.
The King Prawn
Elizabeth Dunn
One has survived on the backs of others- aka affirmative action- and the other has been busy making donuts, paying taxes and providing jobs. · Sep 12 at 8:15pm
I have to disagree. His business model is entirely that of hanging on the backs of others. · Sep 12 at 8:19pm
The only business he started produces nothing, it simply buys businesses that others have made and either improves them or sells them for scrap.
I take serious offense to your closing remark. You have obviously read nothing I write.
Apr '11
Re: Debate Reax
The King Prawn
The only business he started produces nothing, it simply buys businesses that others have made and either improves them or sells them for scrap.
I take serious offense to your closing remark. You have obviously read nothing I write.
He turned around some businesses and got some new businesses off the ground. In the course of doing so he made things. If creating Staples, as mentioned in the comment you replied to, is producing nothing and hanging on the backs of others, you're in straightforward anti-capitalist territory. Even if he did just improve businesses, as you suggest (and I take it you don't seriously dispute that he also worked with start-ups) how is that "hanging on the backs of others"? I cannot find an interpretation of this that is not straightforward hard left stuff.
Nov '10
Re: Debate Reax
James Of England
The King Prawn
The only business he started produces nothing, it simply buys businesses that others have made and either improves them or sells them for scrap.
I take serious offense to your closing remark. You have obviously read nothing I write.
He turned around some businesses and got some new businesses off the ground. In the course of doing so he made things.
Exactly.