LCR contributors have chimed in. An independent conservative, a libertarian, and a true conservative/tea party activist put forth their well-spoken thoughts on last night's GOP debate in South Carolina.
I watched it as well but didn't have time to blog, so here goes my take:
Pawlenty: Let's begin by setting our target square on the establishment: Tim Pawlenty or "T-Dawg", as he's lovingly referred to by those who should know better. Apologized for his his support of Cap And Tax, almost breaking into a Jimmy Swaggart, "I have sinned" moment that in my opinion automatically disqualified him from serious fiscal conservative support:
Pawlenty is way too polished and rehearsed. An actor. A thinner less chiseled-chin-and-hair Mitt Romney. Would throw the Tea Party under the bus as John Boehner has done. Deeply flawed candidate in-so-far as conservative/Tea Party/small 'l' libertarian ideals goes, none of this is new news. The type of politician that this nation can ill afford given our fiscal situation. Pawlenty = David Frum/RINO favorite of the night.
Rick Santorum: The kind of Republican that towed the social conservative line hook line and sinker yet stood by as this nation was spent into oblivion during 2000-2006. Voted for Medicare Part D. 'Nuff said... Not up to the Herculean task of righting this nation's financial ship. We won't get fooled again regarding this kind of Republicanism! Santorum = Big-government Republican.
Herman Cain: Like the guy, I really do. Love his charisma, energy and life story. Was disappointed, however, in the substance -- or lack therof -- of many of his answers. Seemed a bit cagey and came in squarely short of his awesome performance at CPAC. Love the guy, I really do, but he needs to do better next time and stress his conservative bona fides. Herman Cain = Tea Party Member/Registered Republican Searching in a Field of Big-government GOPers favorite of the night.
Ron Paul: Exactly what one would expect post-2008. No one knows the Constitution, the dangers of unlimited foreign engagements, perilously-forgotten Austrian economics theory and viable solutions to the financial disaster(s) that we face like Dr. No does. Monumentally loses the public though when he decries water-boarding for Gitmo detainees. Also loses on drug legalization with the conservative base. The thing that makes Paul so appealing is also his worst enemy: he never, ever, ever minces words and speaks his mind. Wish he could ease into positions that clash with traditional thought, instead of unleashing full-frontal assaults. Love him or hate him, that's Ron Paul and he's the grandfather of the Tea Party Rebellion. Excites the youth more than any candidate, bar none -- and he's 75 years old! Ron Paul = Libertarian +Tea Party + Youth favorite of the night.
Gary Johnson: Came out of the gates wonkish and libertarian awkward. Has the best track record of slashing spending as Governor of New Mexico but wasn't able to present that record. Needed less focus on marijuana, (don't know why Johnson focuses so much on pot when national bankruptcy is imminent but I respect his honesty). Needed more focus on his economic prowess and proven track record of fiscal conservativism in a Democratic-leaning state. With a little debate coaching and more focus on his strengths, can come out near the top next time. Gary Johnson = Split-Off Votes of Libertarian + Tea Party favorite of the night.
Did you watch the debate? Thoughts, anyone?
Cross posted to LCR.
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