Once again, the pack of Republicans that want to lead the free world gathered together on a stage. Sans one Fred Thompson. And perhaps Newt Gingrich. In the interest of full disclosure, I listened to this one via internet radio, thus missing body language, facial expressions and eye contact.

• Duncan Hunter - F - it is time for him to drop out of the debates. He adds little and seems to want to impress people with his fence building skills. He actually said he thought that slowing the building of the fence was a conspiracy designed to give “them” time to pass an amnesty plan. Pandered to a few folks by saying he would pardon Ramos Compean.
• Jim Gilmore - B - he would get an A if he could somehow make more of an impact. His answers are truly conservative. He was one of the few that said oil companies profits were appropriate, that the Kyota treaty was flawed and a waste of money, that conservatives can reach out to moderates without bending their core values.
• John McCain - F - His stance on immigration is puzzling, he wants to give them amnesty but said in the debate that 2 million of them have committed serious crimes. Said that the oil companies were making too much profit. Is that a conservative, free market position?
• Mike Huckabee - B - showed some passion, admonishing Mr. Blitzer for not allowing him to comment on immigration, which paid off later. Excellent answers on why the GOP has fallen from power, on gays in military, on faith. Good showing, if forced to pick a “winner”, I’d go with him.
• Mitt Romney - C - and that’s probably generous. Non-factor in this one. Had to pull out the Reagan card. Good answer on faith, pundits want him to back away from Mormonism, not going to happen. Big oil is making too much money.
• Ron Paul - C - gave some solid conservative answers. Didn’t handle the Canadian fence question well. Good answer on oil company profits and on subsidizing their R & D. Tied oil companies to foreign policy, saying it is designed to protect them. Had best answer on gays in military, group vs. individual rights. Said to just stop patrolling Iraqi streets and let them have at it.
• Rudy Giuliani - F - said that there is man-made global warming and that we should have a project like sending a man to the moon to address it. Still believes abortion should be legal and subsidized. Lightning hit the building when he addressed that issue, pretty funny. Had a strong reaction to the Libby question, saying there is no question he should be pardoned. Great response that small health care costs should not be covered under insurance.
• Sam Brownback - D - supports current amnesty bill. Nice answer on abortion but will support Rudy if nominated.
• Tom Tancredo - F - sounded like a banshee at times. Needs to go away. He actually said that we should end all LEGAL immigration. Still bitter about Rove telling him not to darken the door of the White House. Dude’s lost it.
• Tommy Thompson - D - no impact at all, even though he tried diligently on health care. Funny line saying whatever he did use GWB for, it wouldn’t be as UN ambassador.

The debate itself was the worst of the three thus far. The moderator, Wolf Blitzer, likes to hear his own voice and the questions were very lame. Is a guys belief about evolution really important in a presidential debate? I’m still puzzled by the comments relating to oil company profits. Are these guys Republicans or Democrats?

UPDATE: Huckabee’s website has listed the amount of time each candidate received.

Candidate Time (By Time Speaking)

• John McCain: 13 minutes, 5 seconds
• Rudy Giuliani: 12 minutes, 10 seconds
• Mitt Romney: 11 minutes, 21 seconds
• Duncan Hunter: 8 minutes, 10 seconds
• Sam Brownback: 7 minutes, 25 seconds
• Mike Huckabee: 6 minutes, 31 seconds
• Ron Paul: 6 minutes, 2 seconds
• Jim Gilmore: 5 minutes, 48 seconds
• Tom Tancredo: 5 minutes, 31 seconds
• Tommy Thompson: 4 minutes, 19 seconds

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Nothing to debate here - Lone Star Times Rocks!

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