stlouiedipalma;1286820 wrote:I thought Romney pretty much won the debate on style points. He had some nice facts and figures to refute the President, but offered precious few specifics on his big ticket items, as has become the norm. He goes on and on about closing loopholes in the tax code, but won't offer one single specific about which loophole he will eliminate. It's also pretty obvious that he won't name one single program or government department he will cut, only offering that vague "not worth borrowing from China" line from the campaign. He also kinda threw the tea party under the bus, as he never once mentioned anything they support strongly. It was obvious that the etch-a-sketch was in full operation tonight as Mitt went straight down the center on this one.

He may pick up a few points from this, but he still needs to give the American voters a reason to vote for him other than "I'm not Obama". He might show some movement nationally, but I highly doubt the battleground states will get much tighter after tonight.

stlouiedipalma;1286820 wrote:I thought Romney pretty much won the debate on style points. He had some nice facts and figures to refute the President, but offered precious few specifics on his big ticket items, as has become the norm. He goes on and on about closing loopholes in the tax code, but won't offer one single specific about which loophole he will eliminate. It's also pretty obvious that he won't name one single program or government department he will cut, only offering that vague "not worth borrowing from China" line from the campaign. He also kinda threw the tea party under the bus, as he never once mentioned anything they support strongly. It was obvious that the etch-a-sketch was in full operation tonight as Mitt went straight down the center on this one.

He may pick up a few points from this, but he still needs to give the American voters a reason to vote for him other than "I'm not Obama". He might show some movement nationally, but I highly doubt the battleground states will get much tighter after tonight.

fish82;1286825 wrote:He only needs "a few points."

stlouiedipalma;1286820 wrote:He also kinda threw the tea party under the bus, as he never once mentioned anything they support strongly. It was obvious that the etch-a-sketch was in full operation tonight as Mitt went straight down the center on this one.

stlouiedipalma;1286830 wrote:Another thing to consider is that tonight's debate topics were right in Mitt's wheelhouse. He still has two more to go with topics he is understandably weaker at.

jhay78;1286829 wrote:Romney hammered home more than one goodie for the Tea Party tonight:

1) slammed the Independent Payment Advisory Board from Obamacare, both statistically and philosophically. George Will thinks this argument will gain traction the next few weeks.

2) at least philosophically embraced states' rights and the 10th Amendment vs. Obama's view of the role of the federal government

3) repeal of Dodd-Frank, although he could've and should've slammed it more

That's just off the top of my head . . .

fish82;1286825 wrote:He only needs "a few points."

stlouiedipalma;1286835 wrote:You're right. I forgot about that entirely. That was where I realized he is following the John Kasich game plan to a certain degree. Eliminate federal programs and force the states to administer and pay for them, just as Kasich has eliminated state programs and funds only to force local communities to bear the burden. It shows a huge deficit reduction on the big picture but it crushes the state/community tryong to foot the bill.

Ty Webb;1286842 wrote:I'll be the first to admit....Gov. Romney had a good night if good means twisting the truth and still not giving any firm,solid plans how how he is going to accomplish his goals.

The next debate will be the best one because it will have to best questions.

The third debate I am willing to bet will look exactly like this one....only IN REVERSE.

Enjoy your "victory" tonight....but let's be honest. Is this really going to move the polls all that much?

sleeper;1286844 wrote:Nice talking point. How's that list of Obama's "firm, solid plans" coming?

sleeper;1286844 wrote:Nice talking point. How's that list of Obama's "firm, solid plans" coming?

gut;1286854 wrote:Same thing as 2008 - leaving you hoping for facts and plans as he promised change. He's a candidate that campaigns on ideals, not ideas. If the Obama koolaid drinkers held BO to the same standard, had the same critical eye, this race wouldn't be remotely close.

The contrast that really stood out was substance (as much as can be expected in a few minutes) vs. the empty suit. Clint Eastwood's chair routine nailed it.

Ty Webb;1286846 wrote:Did you even listen to Romney tonight??

Show me one soild,concrete plan he has for accomplishing anything he said he might do


Multiple times President Obama said something he wanted to or has accomplished and then said how he did it or how he will do it

sleeper;1286857 wrote:No he hasn't. Like I said, nice talking point.

Ty Webb;1286856 wrote:You're kidding me right??

Give me ONE example of any "substance" Romney had for any idea tonight

gut;1286860 wrote:Are you kidding me? And you think Obama had substance? Did Romney lose you over the simplistic concept of marginal rate cuts being pro-growth? That while the plan can be revenue neutral, the next dollar is taxed at a lower rate which stimulates the economy? And, by the way, that's hardly an unoriginal or contentious idea.

I've said this before, some people, for some inexplicable reason, could absolutely not be convinced to vote other than Obama. Even the liberal media is acknowledging the beatdown. You've got to be an extreme koolaid drinker to think Obama on that stage tonight was remotely the more compelling candidate.

Ty Webb;1286858 wrote:Did you even watch the debate??

sleeper;1286862 wrote:I did. I didn't hear any specifics from either candidate, because debates aren't long enough to outlay specific plans. Your bias in singling out Mitt and then claiming Obama laid out his plan is pretty embarrassing.

Ty Webb;1286856 wrote:You're kidding me right??

Give me ONE example of any "substance" Romney had for any idea tonight