Lightning Round

Did you catch the Des Moines Register GOP debate yesterday? Didn't think so. I only survived the first hour, but here's a quick "lightning round" recap:

Fred Thompson: He's acting angry now. At least he's showing signs of being interested in the whole enterprise.

Mitt Romney: He reiterated that he is in favor of things being "strong". The "Weak" lobby must be devastated. This guy really takes generalities to a whole new level. If he ran against Hillary, I can just hear the debate:

Moderator: How would you fix Social Security for future generations?

Hillary: I believe this is an important issue, no question. I promise as your President to take a serious look at this issue. I think it is that important.

Mitt: I believe that a strong military and strong families is how you solve that crisis. And that's what I'll bring to this issue - strength.

American Public: Is Mike Bloomberg still available?

Ron Paul: In deference to his most rabid independent fundraisers, every issue for him is now related to the currency of the United States, and our need to return to the gold standard. His college supporters everywhere have to be scratching their heads, saying, "I wonder if it's too late to switch our support to that short Democrat who married the tall redhead..."

Tom Tancredo: I had the odd experience last night of realizing that he represents Colorado. I am pretty sure that I have referred to him in past entries as being from California. Is it possible that Tancredo is so obscure, that even someone like myself who is immersed in the process doesn't know what state he represents??? I think hell might be an endless lunch date with this guy. I'll let you know...

Alan Keyes: Ah, bet you didn't know he was running, did you? Keyes was selected as the GOP's sacrificial lamb in 2004 against the juggernaut that was Barack Obama in Illinois. Of course, Keyes was listed as being from Maryland. Seems he goes where the cameras are, regardless of state affiliation. He was quite the angry candidate last night, too, railing against the Republican machine at each opportunity instead of answering any questions. He reminded me of the fictitious news commentator, Marvin Disgruntled, who ended every commentary with his signature line, "I'm Marvin Disgruntled, and you can all go to hell."

Duncan Hunter: He received no questions on immigration, yet still managed to get in a line about his plans to finish the giant wall across our southern border. I am sure that in his view, that would prevent any more Mexicans coming into our country and attacking us again, like they did on September 11th.

John McCain: Does he have enough time left to make his move against such a weak field? The clock is ticking.

Rudy Giuliani: Low taxes will cure cancer. I especially liked his line that every great innovation in our country's history occurred when government got out of the way, and was not involved. Perhaps he didn't consider the space program to be a government program And the Internet? Government program. Has he ever heard of the military-industrial complex?

Mike Huckabee: On message, once again. The guy is smooth, perhaps the smoothest politician in the entire 6,000 year history of the planet.

21 more days til caucus.

JS