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Just a few thoughts on the Florida debate this evening.

Romney came out swinging.   He looked and sounded almost desperate and petty at times. The one thought that came to my mind as he continued in rapid fire succession was; “Slow down and take a breath!”

Newt was more mild tempered and mannered and actually looked more presidential.  A lengthy exchange between Romney and Newt continued on until the moderator had to step in to pause for a commercial.

The good news for Newt was that much of what Romney was saying I think went over the heads of many folks.  I was a little glossy eyed trying to keep up with the rapid fire assault by Romney. Way too many claims and attacks that jumped all over the place and way too fast.

When taken one at a time or perhaps choosing the more damaging claims, it may have been more effective for Romney. But to fire off that salvo, it made him look desperate in my opinion.

After Romney squeezed in several attacks, moderator Williams turns to Newt and say’s;

“Mr. Speaker, 30 seconds to respond.”

Newt was like; WTF?

It was a little comical when Newt I think almost lost it with the moderator commenting on only having 30 seconds to respond to all that was said.

But over all I think Newt did a god job at deflecting and countering many of the attacks from Romney.

Newt then stating he would have rebuttals to the claims on his campaign site and stated he didn’t want to spend any more time chasing Romney’s false claims.

The one thing that stood out for me and I think many people was on immigration.  While Romney doesn’t want to deport millions of illegal immigrants, he wants them to return to their home countries and apply for citizenship.  A self-deportation if you will.  This garnered a few audible moans or chuckles from the audience.

Oh Yeah, people who risked there lives and small fortunes to get here are going to get back on a bus and go back home?  Riigghhhtt!

Santorum managed to stay clear of the face off and managed to throw a few jabs of  his own on  Newt and Romney.  I think Santorum had a good night though he didn’t really have a break out moment. Nothing he’s said seems to energize or create a spark of enthusiasm for me.  But that’s just me.

Paul seemed to have drawn the most applause. Granted the audience was rather subdued and warned to refrain from outbursts and applause.

But people like the idea of no war. Imagine that?  And it’s that consistent message that people really find comfort in I think.

No doubt war should be the furthest action taken in any situation. We can all clamor around Paul’s pacifist message on that.

But when it comes to very real and certain scenarios, Paul’s message sounds weak, misguided and out right dangerous.

Some early bloggers and news sites with strong bias focused the aspect on Newt not being able to get a standing ovation. Of course they neglect the part about the audience being cautioned and also left out that none of the candidates got an enthusiastic cheer or whistle after their remarks.

Over all the night went well for all involved.

So who was the winner in the night’s debate?  If you want my biased slant it was Newt.  But my honest opinion had to either go to Santorum or Ron Paul.

Of course I’m having fun. One of the funniest vid’s I’ve seen in a while.

But when you think about how he’s the only candidate up there who want’s to legalize pot and other drugs, it sort’a makes this video that much funnier.

A debate on in a few hours from Tampa Florida 9pm Eastern time.  If time permits and if something needs addressing, I’ll be back to comment on it.

So until then, enjoy this video clip.

Juan Williams, what can I say?

He’s probably the only democrat that I truly respect and like. I actually like the guy.

I don’t agree with his politics or half of what he sides with in discussions. But I think he’s genuine and presents another view and perspective without being annoying or repulsive like most democrats are.

He’s able ( in my opinion ) to have a little bit of common sense. Though I still believe his thinking or logic is faulty, it’s because I have a differing opinion. I’m not suggesting Juan is wrong all the time, just most of the time.

In jest and having said that, tonight’s debate showed a Newt Gingrich at his best.

Juan Williams asked Newt Gingrich if he thought referring to Obama as a food stamp president was a bad move and belittling to poor people especially to African Americans to demand jobs, not food stamps.

Well, I’ll just have the video speak for itself.

I wouldn’t be too hard on Juan Williams. It is a legitimate question and people deserve to know. Someone had to ask the question.

I find it comical in a way that questions that deal with race, are usually asked by a person of color. As if the question hold’s more weight.

I still love ya Williams and don’t hold the line of questioning against you. Of course had Newt failed at answering this, I may have had a different opinion of you. = )

Hey folks, I know I said no more are articles a main focus for me.  Yet here I am again.

No worries, just a few thoughts and observation about tonight’s debate hosted by ABC News.

Tonight’s debate seemed to be much faster paced than others.  It almost reminded me of a spur of the moment pick-up football game for some reason.  It just looked hastily put together and off the cuff.  I don’t know, just a personal observation and feeling that doesn’t really amount to much.

I think the fast pace came from the candidates who were eager to get into some questions and eager to hit one out of the park so-to-speak.  And for all the candidates this was true.

Romney looked and seemed smooth and steady.  And managed to duck the incoming crossfire between the nutty Ron Paul and Rick Santorum.  Also caught in the fire was Newt and Paul over military service.

And that’s what I want to touch on in this post.  You know I’m really getting sick of this Ron Paul clown. The Willy Wonka on that stage.

Putting aside his naïveté on foreign relations, Ron Paul is an intelligent guy. No question and no argument here.

He’s also an opportunist.  And naturally in a competition as we are seeing, who wouldn’t be?  Keeping that in mind and knowing that he ( Paul ) and one other candidate ( Perry ) served in the Military, why not make that a sticking point?

Why not make that just another reason to vote for Paul right ?   A man who served his country.   And that’s fine. You want to wear that badge of honor? You want to wear that uniform? That’s great!

But to only wear it when it fit’s your convenience then rip it off and stash it in the closet when going on about foreign affairs is weak.

But here’s where Paul crosses the line and makes me want to rip his eyebrow off his head.

Paul:  “I think people who don’t serve when they could and get three or four or even five deferments have no right to send our kids off to war and be even against the wars we have. I’m trying to stop the wars but at least I went when they called me up,”  he said while huffing and puffing like a maniac!

Newt:  “Dr. Paul has a long history of saying things that are inaccurate and false. The fact is I never asked for a deferment. I was married with a child. It was never a question. “I personally resent the kind of comments and aspersions he routinely makes without accurate information and then just slurs people.”

Paul:  “When I was drafted I was married with two kids and I went.”

Newt:  “I wasn’t eligible for the draft.”

Do we all need a quick reminder on the Vietnam War?  Nobody wanted to go. Those who were unfortunate enough to get a draft notice, contemplated dodging it and many did.  Those who served, I salute you.

But there were those who happened to fall into the defined guidelines and didn’t have to report for duty. Consider yourself lucky. End of story!

But Paul wants this to be a story.

How many of those lucky enough to fall into that category would want to volunteer for a meat grinder in Vietnam?  I’m sure some did and many regretted it too.

Let’s be honest, would you?  I sure as hell have no problem in saying I would not have volunteered for a Vietnam if I fell into that category of deferment and didn’t have to go. Especially knowing what I know about that war.

But Paul, the anti-war, anti-military pacifist is now proudly wearing his service uniform and calling out Newt?   Really?  Are you kidding me?

Paul was drafted and went when called up.  I salute him.   But why wouldn’t he have volunteered?  He had to wait for a draft to go?

Of course I’m being silly and facetious.  It’s as silly an argument as Paul’s initial attack on Newt.

Again, Paul wants to make this a story?

So let’s take a closer look into this story.

If it wasn’t for Paul’s MD, he would have been on the front lines humping around the jungle, getting torn up like the rest of those drafted kids.

Knowing that his saving grace from real combat was that MD of his, he of course happily served when drafted.

I would have gone too knowing I’d be out of harms way working on torn up kids and gaining much needed experience in my profession in an environment free from combat.

So cut the military heroics and bullshit Paul!  I respect your service and admire the work and lives you may have saved out there. But don’t you dare turn this around on Newt or anyone else who fell into the established guidelines of deferment.

You and I know damn well you would have had a similar path had you not had that MD.  Why?  Because you’re an intelligent guy and like most, don’t particularly care for getting shot and killed in that meat grinder.

Talk about hypocrisy!