Only now, 68 minutes in, do I realize that McCain has an odd dark-aqua tie on a light-aqua shirt. What is this, the Don Johnson Miami Vice look?
McCain says any Social Security reform bill would require bipartisanship.
“The American people, always, when told of a crisis, come together and support a solution.”
Hunter steers the topic to exporting manufacturing jobs. It’s not quite a dodge, but it’s shoehorning his preferred issue (trade) into a discussion of a different topic (Social Security). Hume is incredulous, but Hunter emphasizes that the two issues are “closely linked.”
I know it will come as a shock to you, but in response to the question about Social Security, Tom Tancredo mentions illegal immigration.
Asked about Russia, McCain: “I don’t know about naive, but I know when I looked into Putin’s eyes, I saw three letters: A K, a G, and a B.” Segues to his call for a “league of democracies” since the Russians and Chinese are blocking meaningful action at the United Nations.
Hunter thinks we should have taken Putin’s opening about sea-based missile defense, based in the Black Sea.
Hunter closes with praise for Reagan’s support for missile defense. All of his applause lines are hitting their targets tonight.
Giuliani: “Now is the time to make clear to Putin that America can speak softly and carry a big stick.” He says NATO could use some reinvigorating.