Over in the Corner, Kathryn wonders if it’s time to ditch Ron Paul. I rarely come to his defense, but I note that he’s done better than Giuliani in a lot of the states so far.
I also note that it’s the (grumble grumble) 19th debate. Paul’s umpteenth answer on printing too much money may grate, but it’s no more predictable than Romney’s defense from charges of flip-flopping, Rudy’s umpteenth tale of rejecting the check from the Saudi prince, McCain’s invoking of honor, and Huckabee’s homespun parables. This isn’t just well-trod ground, this is the I-95 with extra lanes that Huckabee wants to build.
Giuliani mentioned the fears when a Japanese company bought Rockerfeller Center. He smiled, chuckled to himself and said something like, “Everybody thought there would be all of these changes.” I’m betting he’s thinking of a Dennis Miller Weekend Update joke from Saturday Night Live, when he reported that the traditional Rockerfeller Center Christmas Tree would be replaced with a bansai tree. He didn’t tell the joke, though.
Huckabee makes a fair and effective jab at everyone else on stage, noting that when CNBC hosted a debate in Detroit — back when Fred Thompson was a new candidate! — all of the candidates said the economy was doing well.
Is it just me or is Romney a little grayer at the temples tonight?
He makes a gentle, and again, I think fair shot at McCain — “we all talk about the pork barrel spending and the Bridge to Nowhere. But we all know the real problem, the real issue in spending, is entitlements.”
Is everyone tired on this stage? This debate is not exactly crackling with energy…
Judging by the audio, the newspaper editor in the audience asked his question from within a tin can.
McCain accuses Hillary Clinton of “wanting to raise the white flag of surrender.”