GOP 2012 CNBC Debate Winners – Gingrich, Cain, Bachmann – Full Video - Latest Florida GOP Poll: Cain, Romney, Gingrich

The CNBC GOP Debate Team - image Telegraph UK


CBNC hosted a GOP debate last evening from Oakland University in Rochester, MI. The debate opened to the introduction of the candidates – applause for Gingrich, Cain, Romney and Paul were an early indicator of the sentiments of the crowd – Romney was expected to do well from one of his home states, however, appeared less on top of his game than normal – Cain was effective on message and delivering crowd pleasing punch lines and Gingrich appeared most presidential –steady and obviously the leader of the debate team. Bachmann remained on message as well and had what was, perhaps, the most blazing and memorable remark of the night’s debate: On Obama: ”I would say that President Obama’s the one that’s wrong because President Obama’s plan for job creation has absolutely nothing to do with the true people that know how to create jobs. He should be going to the job creators if he wants to know how to create jobs. Instead he continues to go to General Axelrod in Chicago to look for his orders to figure out how to deal with the economy”(From CNBC Transcript)

Although after watching multiple debates, allowing only for thirty or sixty second answers and rebuttals, the candidates punch lines may sound a bit tired (putting it kindly), specifically Herman Cain’s 9-9-9 plan and Romney’s continued denial of the boondoggle that is Massachusetts Commonwealth Care – it goes without saying that candidates must repeat in a matter of seconds their key points – for those who may not have tuned into the last ten debates – however, puts the candidates at risk with hard core political junkies who are constantly seeking something “new” from each candidate. The Presidential debate platform, with the exception of only two that were held so far, is designed for sound bites and opposition research. (See highlights from The Washington Post). The two debates referred to that allowed for more time and interaction between the candidates were CNN’s Tea Party Debate, and the Lincoln Douglas Gingrich Cain Debate hosted by the Texas Tea Party (Video on C-Span and this blog).

What this debate, as all future debates will tell those aficionados’ of the political arena – who is comfortable in the forum, and who stands up to the pressure, not only of the debate but of the events affecting the candidate as well as the nation. From the CNBC Debate, the composure shown by Cain, Gingrich and Bachman and Ron Paul was remarkable – Romney appeared less at ease than in previous debates, Rick Santorum appeared harried as well as Huntsman, and Rick Perry is simply not cut out for public debates. (See Video’s of Texas Gubernatorial debates: example: YouTube, Texas Governors Debate )

The next GOP Debate will be held, for a second time, in the Lincoln Douglas style, on November 19, at 4 to 6 PM from Des Moines Iowa (C-Span will carry this debate). The debate will feature candidates Michele Bachmann, Herman Cain, Newt Gingrich, Ron Paul, Rick Perry and Rick Santorum – Mitt Romney has yet to confirm his invitation to this particular forum.

The CNBC video in its entirety appears below.

Cain continues to maintain a lead in the polls – the latest out of Florida by Rasmussen shows Cain leading the field with a familiar spread: Cain 30%, Romney 24%, Gingrich 19%. It goes without saying that Cain’s rise to the top, and the subsequent, multiple allegations which have been leveled at Cain in a growingly apparent attempt at character assassination, are being, for now, brushed aside by the most staunch conservatives (Florida). Two of the detractors remain anonymous, the others, one has a history of multiple complaints at multiple job sites,(AP) and also works for the Obama administration in “communications” and the second and most visible (Gloria’s latest attempt at demeaning the GOP anyway she can), shared an apartment building with the aforementioned David Axelrod and also filed multiple complaints for harassment.

Overall, to date, the top three candidates appear to be holding steady as the political season turns the corner towards Iowa and New Hampshire in a few short weeks – what one can anticipate, (crystal ball here), Romney will do well in his own backyard, which includes the states of NH, Michigan, UT and WY while Cain and Gingrich will pick up the balance. A repeat of the 2008 GOP presidential nomination appears likely, with Romney out by March/April, and either Cain or Gingrich in a battle for first. A Cain Gingrich ticket would serve the nation, putting a non-Washington outsider together with a man who has extensive experience as the Speaker of the House, and enough distance from Washington to stymie detractors. Bachmann would also make a great second, however, from a pragmatic (heartbreakingly so) point of view, would herald a repeat of the media frenzy foisted on Sarah Palin, and although tough as nails, the focus would be on Bachmann as female, rather than as the capable tax attorney, small business owner, and tough legislator. Although we appear to have overcome stereotypes, the incident with Herman Cain proves that the U.S. has not, especially as far as conservatives are concerned, and the media and DNC use this to their full advantage. It is also obvious, that without a third party candidate (be so very wary of this scenario – and look to Massachusetts’ last Gubernatorial election as the proof in the pudding – Axelrod watched with intent for a purpose), a scenario exists where should one surface (say a Democrat who suddenly get’s religion, breaks from his/her party and runs as an independent), the election results will show a 3 to 5 point margin going to the “third party candidate”, making a 1 point lead not only possible but probable for the current Occupant of the White House. The only way in which a third candidate should be taken seriously would be if that candidate was affiliated with a prominent and strong third party. Since the Tea Party is not yet formed (legally) as a third national party, it is doubtful that a candidate emerging to challenge this late in the game is anything more than a Trojan Horse for David Axelrod. (Again, kudos to Bachmann for her remark).




Part I


Part II




Part III

2012 GOP Update: Pawlenty – Sees No Difference Between Fees & Taxes, Bachmann Leads in Polls, Palin to Announce Late Summer

Pawlenty vs. Bachmann, Pawlenty Sees "Fees" as the answer (ie. Taxes!), yet criticizes Bachmann for lack of experience at a Governors Mansion - image: TPM.com

In the latest Iowa poll released by Magellan StrategiesMichelle Bachmann leads the field in Iowa by 13 points, followed by Romney at 16, Pawlenty the third in line, by 8 points, the balance of those announced also in lower single digits. 24 percent of the respondents are undecided, with Sarah Palin not included in the polling. Bachmann leads in all poll demographics, Female and Male Voters, Fiscal and Social Conservatives, as well as voters 65 plus. Although there is still a significant amount of time between July and the 2012 Caucuses/Primaries, it is interesting to see Bachmann, currently the lone woman in the race, pulling far ahead of her male counterparts. In casual grocery store, to art gallery polling, this blogger finds that across a wider range of demographics, to include political affiliation, the general consensus is, at this point, although some may not care for the women running (they automatically include Palin), they would prefer to see either Bachmann or Palin in the White House as opposed to any of their male counterparts or the current occupant. Granted, these are non-scientific polls, based on casual conversations in primarily New England States, however, the fact that the respondents are unknown, chosen at random, and in states considered “Democrat strongholds” – it is reminiscent of the Carter-Reagan contest of 1980, but with more at stake – there appears to be more willingness on the part of the staunch Democrats to look at the women in the GOP.

Perhaps being so close to Massachusetts, where taxes are the norm, regardless of the economic clime, Pawlenty’s inability to see the difference between fees and taxes is a deal-breaker. In an interview on Fox News, Pawlenty has no problem taking umbrage at Michelle Bachmann (given his standing in the Iowa polling, however, he also had no problem in assessing fees on cigarettes and other items while Governor of Minnesota. While Romney was Governor of Massachusetts additional “fees” were assessed on a multitude of services – all fees are considered revenue for the State involved – revenue for States is generally derived from taxes. In any wise, both fees and taxes are additional monies taken out of the individuals pocket and placed into the hands of the State. Note to Pawlenty: Semantics: Fees Are Taxes!

Sarah Palin, also on Fox, noted that she would make a decision by August or September (AP.) Palin, as previously noted in this blog, can afford to announce into early fall, as she has a solid grass roots organization and name recognition. In addition, with the release of the documentary “The Undefeated”, Palin’s story is being told across America – one which is in direct contradiction to the general impressions proffered by the “mainstream media”. Although currently playing in limited venues in key states, how long before the DVD’s will be available for grassroots supporters and private viewings? Dubbed, the “Road to 2012”, the film is making an impact on both the choir and those who may not have been fans of the former 2008 GOP VP candidate. In effect, Palin, through the documentary is on the campaign trail, however, once announced; will that translate into a surge in the polls? Palin currently, when included, generally places third in all polling, therefore, if announced, she and Bachmann may find themselves the first women in history to be frontrunners in a major political party. Although there is a “rebuttal documentary” regarding Palin, it is receiving little play with the exception to those dedicated Palin Derangement Syndrome leftists. The film was produced by a British filmmaker, with a debut at the Toronto Film Festival in September. Again, in Toronto. One has to wonder how many of Hollywood’s elites will flee the country (or at least threaten to flee) if either Bachmann or Palin are elected to the office.

2012 GOP Update – Bachmann Leads Romney in Latest Iowa Poll

Michelle Bachmann (R-MN) has taken the lead over former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, in the latest Iowa polling data from American Research Group. Michelle Bachmann leads with 21%, followed by Romney at 18%, Ron Paul at 14% and unannounced, Sarah Palin at 11%, the balance of the candidates are in single digits with 10% undecided.

Romney, who ran for the GOP nomination in 2008, lost the Iowa Caucus in the 2008 Republican Primary to former Arkansas Governor, Mike Huckabee, went on to win New Hampshire, and lost in all important South Carolina.