The Candidates and the Fox Debates

Gingrich; donkeyhotey

Roger L Simon: Explaining Newt   "Let’s begin here: America is in a slough of despond. In fact, it’s in close to the worst shape it’s been since the Great Depression. Negativity rules the land. Few people are happy or optimistic. Basically, this once great nation is asleep.

"And we have a president who wants us to stay there, who is banal, irritating, humorless, reactionary, self-righteous, and narcissistic all at once. He hasn’t said one interesting thing or proposed one creative idea since being in office.

"Unfortunately, the Republican candidates aren’t much better."....   (emphasis added)

One caveat this author gives about his opinions: "Now I am not a Beltway person. I am something even worse — a Hollywood & Vine person — so everything I say is suspect and should be."  This quote sounds accurate to me. I do recall A.B. Stoddard on Fox Special Report, quoting someone once serving alongside Gingrich who said he "couldn't govern himself across the room".

Paul; donkeyhotey

Debate Discussion: Showdown in Sioux City: Ron Paul’s Waterloo?  "Ron Paul had a terrible run when attempting to explain his policies on Iran’s nuclear program, ultimately losing a one-on-one confrontation with Michele Bachmann. This was Ron Paul’s worst debate."....
"Santorum, noting Iran’s attitude since 1979, explained the facts to Paul. Who will surely ignore them as he has been for years. Rick Santorum might make a fine secretary of Defense. His instincts are solid and he has a strong defense record from his days in Congress."  Also: Why Ron Paul Can't Win ; "The candidate's problem isn't better-funded opponent or media bias—it's his own views on foreign policy."
Few know that Neville Chamberlain had some excellent economic policies to help Britain out of the depression. He is forever known for that one major foreign policy failure that led to the rape of Europe. Few realize it at present, but soon the major concern of this country will be Iran and the Middle East, which Paul and Obama are most unqualified to handle. TD

Winnowing the Field   "We fear that to nominate former Speaker Newt Gingrich, the frontrunner in the polls, would be to blow this opportunity. .... That year he was kicked out by his colleagues, the most conservative ones especially, who had lost confidence in him. During his time as Speaker, he was one of the most unpopular figures in public life. Just a few months ago his campaign seemed dead after a series of gaffes and resignations. ....."

NRO: Jawing for the Presidency  "I have some scribbles for you on the latest GOP presidential debate, held in Sioux City, Iowa. Nothing major, nothing all-encompassing — just a few scribbles."