OPINION: John McCain wins New Hampshire Debate

To be fair to the other side, two days after enjoying the Democratic debate, we sat there and listened to 120 minutes of the Republican candidates explaining why the Iraq war was worth it and why Hillary Clinton is bad.

Instead, of writing a huge column about this, I'm just going to cut straight to the chase.  Four of our five editors voted on these rankings:

1. John McCain: Clearly stood out from the pack.  Showed flashes of lightning moderation on social issues like immigration, language and tolerance of other races.  He was aggressive, but not desperate like last debate.
2. Ron Paul: As a candidate who was ridiculed by conservative talk radio, he stood his ground on foreign policy and was applauded on multiple occasions.  He made the best out of the short time Wolf Blitzer gave him to speak.  He was thorough, to the point, and effectively touted his credentials as a student of the constitution.
3. Tommy Thompson: Had the best response on health care, and effectively pointed out his experience as an executive.
4. Mike Huckabee: His performance gave 'values voters' a reason to look at him before Brownback.
5. Tom Tancredo: Courageously took Bush to task for his big government conservatism, and came across as a true conservative.  This debate will not help him much.  But between Tancredo and Duncan Hunter -- the other Southwestern anti-immigration candidates -- Tancredo was definitely on higher ground by the time the debate ended.
6. Rudolph Giuliani: Maybe all that lightning was a message from God.  The best moment for him on global warming.
7. Mitt Romney: McCain made him look like a hypocrite for opposing other languages but putting his campaign ads in Spanish.
8. Jim Gilmore: Effective in explaining how he can woo independent voters.  Other than that, nada.
9. Duncan Hunter: Showed little depth besides on immigration.
10. Sam Brownback: Grant it, he was not given much time to talk.  But thinking back on it, can you recall anything he said?  Case and point.

Feel free to add your take in the comment box.

Comments

[Erick]

I must say, a horrific and painful evening was brought on with ease and even some joy by having everyone at The Blue State here to revel in it all. Hope we do more chatroom occasions soon.

[George]

Agreed. i wouldnt have watched 10 minutes of that debate otherwise.

Paul gets my nod for winner. He overcame the media generated issues that will never truly be settled (abortion, immigration reform, intelligent design, gays in the military) and offered real long term solutions for Iraq while scolding the rest of the candidates for their thoughtless, party-line stances on Iraq.

[Sig]

Just a quick note since I'm at work. I have yet to review the entire debate but from how your assement reads I wold like to say The Blue State is indeed fair and balanced and that is most appreciated:)
I was only able to participate in half the program tonight due to work but what fun it was! Along with some(alot)of ripping on the candidates there was quite a bit of critical commentary and it leads me to belive that the participants just were not buying the some old same old out of the rebublicans and are vigeriously calling them on it.
It bears repeating, thank you for hosting the live chat that was truly fair and balanced coverage and I applaud The Blue State.
PS..My guys is doing very well at the MSNBC poll.
Sincerely, Mike from Tucson

[Chief Editor: Todd]

Thanks Sig!! This Live Chat thing was a great experience, and we'll try it again during the next political event this summer (whenever that will be).

[Tony]

I agree with George about Ron Paul. I was drawn towards his honest, "I don't care what the party thinks or wants to hear" attitude. He's the guy that "answered" the questions...none of that political fluff which got the majority of them in office.

McCain did well, and he better cherish that moment, because he is not capable of "staying the course" of his performance last night.

[Project Vote Smart]

For more information about the Republican Presidential Candidates, including voting records, speeches, issue positions and campaign finance information can be found at: Presidential Candidates

For more information on the Republican Presidential Candidates please visit Project Vote Smart or call our hotline at 1-888-VOTE-SMART.

[The Mexican]

Ron Paul, hands down. He fights the arduous current, and he doesn't back down when challenged; and when he doesn't back down, he doesn't become aggressive, he becomes witty. He answers in concise, coherent answers within his time limit. He's a candidate that would divide a bunch of liberals, moderates, and conservatives. And, he has a better Iraq War plan than all the Dems have put out as far as our involvement: he'd rather get the hell out and not give a shit about what happens, 'cept through diplomacy and no more force; no more residual troops left after our leave. And while we'd hate to leave a humanitarian crisis, there's one now, and a lot of the contention against us is because we are there. Once we leave, they'll fight each other until they decide to reconcile differences and work together after all the bloodshed--that's without any of our troops being in harm's way.