Republicans Debate

Last evening Republican Presidential candidates squared off for their pre-primary debate in New Hampshire. I thought there were several interesting exchanges.

First was the alacrity with which all the candidates separated themselves from their leader, President Bush. Most supported the Iraq war but treated the President’s handling of it with contempt.

The most frightening moment came when Giuliani, almost salivating, spoke of his willingness to use nuclear weapons to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear bomb. He said, (I’m paraphrasing) If Iran had a nuclear weapon they would give it to terrorists who would use it on the United States. Does that sound familiar to anyone?

They were all asked if they, as president, would pardon Scooter Libby. Every one of them, all strong advocates of law-and-order, said they would pardon him. He was a good man, they said, and did nothing wrong. I guess they did not think perjury is wrong. Of course, they all thought it was wrong when Clinton did it.

Of all the candidates, Ron Paul, Libertarian turned Republican, made the most sense to me. He is the only Republican candidate who sees the folly of the Iraq war and idiocy of thinking of using nuclear weapons against Iran.

What did you think was the most interesting from the debates?

Did any candidate stand out for you? Why?

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