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Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Guns and Poses

Tom Foreman
360 Correspondent

Last night's Republican debate was out of control. Republican? Well, sure, because I'm pretty convinced the Repubs were the biggest winners. Honestly, can you think of anything that would make the GOP happier than that Thunderdome of chainsaw dodge ball that passed for a Democratic discussion of the issues?

It is not that the top Dems did not bring up their dreams, visions, and plans for a greater America. It's just that those moments were drowned out by the cacophony of insults, accusations, and slurs that made the discussion look like a 2:00 in the morning slap fight in a bar.
I know, I know: Primary politics is about getting an edge, grabbing a few extra votes, ripping into your opponent even though he is from the same party.

But those candidates who win presidential elections, (and even more so, those who lose) know that there are limits. If you cut too deeply into your opponents during the primary, you can make your entire party bleed votes to the opposition party later on.

So what do you think: Is the viciousness of the Democratic fight going to drive away those independents and moderates they will need in the general election?

Posted By CNNBLOG: 1:10 PM ET
8 Comments

I have just one bit of advice for all the Democratic candidates.

Stop it!!

I don't care if you like each other or who worked for Wal-mart or a slum lord back in the day. To paraphrase a famous quote: What are you going to do for me now??

The war is a lingering mess, the economy is tanking, health has nothing to do with either health or care and all the candidates can seem to do is bicker about nonsense.

Stop it!!

The Replublicans are out there trying to return us to the 19th century and fashion the Constitution out of Biblical cloth.

There's far more at stake than this petty garbage. I'm begining to fear for the survival of Western Civilization. No kidding!! Things are looking bleak, so get with the program candidates and start convincing us there's a better world around the Democratic corner.

Posted By

Sharon, Elma, New York : 2:16 PM ET

Hi Tom,
Yes, the responses of the democratic candidates left a lot to be desired but hey, how about those questions?
You have to admit that part of the problem was the questions.
I am left wondering. . .
Is Bill Clinton REALLY black and CAN he dance like a brother?

Betty Ann
Nacogdoches,TX

Posted By

Betty Ann : 2:23 PM ET

Tom:
One has to admit the format CNN had last night for the debates did give the candidates the opportunity to show their crusty side when they felt personally attacked. But the catfight was also a waste of the CNN viewers' time. I would be disillusioned if I was an undecided voter.

Predictably, the Republicans will probably be on their best behavior for CNN's next debate.

Posted By

Sharon from Indy : 3:09 PM ET

This Independent is voting for Obama.

Posted By

Kathy, Andover, KS : 3:40 PM ET

Tom - if you think last night was bad, you're in for a rude surprise during the general election. You think the party of the SwiftBoaters is going to play pattycake with the Democratic nominee?

I'm glad they're getting battle-hardened by the primary process - believe me, they're going to need it.

Posted By

Arachnae, Sterling VA : 4:45 PM ET

WoW! That debate was great! The gloves are off. When Hillary came out with the Rezko issue I shouted out loud and woke up the puppy. I missed part of the debate after that but 360 showed some of the highlights. Thanks! I do think that John Edwards was more favorable last night, but the Republicans didn't really win anything. They are having their own problems. This fight will be nothing compared to what the Republicans will throw out in the general election. Remember Rove!

Posted By

Kathy Chicago,Il : 5:27 PM ET

Yes, I do believe the Democratic primary season is doing nothing but helping the Republicans and it will hurt the Democrats in the general election in November.

But the instigator of all this bloodthirsty rivalry isn't one of the candidates, it's Bill Clinton. If Hillary Clinton needs an attack dog Bill Clinton to win the Democratic nomination, then she doesn't deserve to win.

Someone should tell Bill Clinton to get control of himself and let Hillary Clinton win the nomination based on her own principles and ideas, and not with negative attacks on her primary opponents.

Posted By

Joseph Kowalski, North Huntingdon, PA : 6:47 PM ET

The candidates last night seemed to be (as the song goes) "acting more like children than children!"

Posted By

xtina chicago IL : 6:56 PM ET

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