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Let's Get Ready to Rumble, Take II
The Republican Primary Debate may not have taken place in Las Vegas, but it had the same show-man like feel to it as the last Democratic Primary Debate. The latest GOP debate drew the largest amount of viewers thus far, with more than 4.4 million tuned in to watch the action. The debate gave the the candidates, who appear to have vastly differently approaches to public policies, a chance to clarify their positions. While any polite conversation would prevent most people from discussing religion or sexuality (in or out of the military), no topic seemed to be off the table.
One of the highlights occurred right at the starting gate. Anderson Cooper, the moderator, asked Mitt Romney whether he believed New York City was a sanctuary for illegal immigration under Rudy Giuliani. Romney responded, "[New York] called itself a sanctuary city. And as a matter of fact, when the welfare reform act that President Clinton brought forward said that they were going to end the sanctuary policy of New York City, the mayor actually brought a suit to maintain its sanctuary city status."
Rudy Giuliani, affectionately known as America's Mayor, responded sharply, "It's unfortunate, but Mitt generally criticizes people in a situation in which he's had [by] far the worst record. … There was even a sanctuary mansion. At his own home, illegal immigrants were being employed, not being turned into anybody or by anyone."
Another highlight was when John McCain turned to libertarian-leaning Ron Paul, saying, "Congressman Paul, I've heard him now in many debates talk about bringing our troops home and about the war in Iraq and how it's failed and I want to tell you that that kind of isolationism, sir, is what caused World War II," he continued, "We allowed Hitler to come to power with that kind of attitude of isolationism."
The lively candidate from Texas calmly responded, "The real question you have to ask is why do I get the most money from active duty officers, military personnel?"
Seriously, this has been the best debate so far for Republicans who want to differentiate between the candidates. With New Hampshire opening up its voting booths on January 8th, it's true now more than ever that the candidates need to help in that differentiation.