Newt stands out as statesman in Arizona debate

The CNN debate held in Mesa, Arizona, on Wednesday was in my opinion the best debate so far. The questions were mostly framed well and only once, when the contraceptive issue emerged, did the moderator run the risk of heavy-handedness. John King did a good job, much better than his last effort.

Former Speaker Newt Gingrich won the debate.

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The US Report covers CNN debate on Twitter

Join us tonight on Twitter where I'll be commenting on the debate in real time. There's never a dull moment in these Twitter-fests, at least from where I sit.

Often the Tweets are more enlightening than the moderators' questions.

Use the Tweet feed in the left column to follow us @TheUS Report.

Newt wins Myrtle Beach debate

In my opinion, there's no question former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich won the GOP Presidential Debate in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Gingrich received a standing ovation that ran into the commercial break when he debated the idea of high school students working, even as janitors, with Juan Williams.

More commentary on Tuesday. Oh, a hat tip to Fox. That was an excellent debate with well-framed questions.

Iowa debate last before Christmas; nothing earth shaking

The Iowa GOP debate sponsored by Fox News concluded with no earth shaking revelations. Some of the early questions were repeats of what came before, and it gets tedious to listen to candidates talking about generalities like what leadership means. After a sluggish start, though, things got more interesting.

I’d score the debate with three winners, each in their own way.

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RPOF-CNN debate scheduled for Jacksonville

On the heels of an announcement about Florida moving the state's presidential primary to January, the Republican Party of Florida issued the following announcement:

Today the Republican Party of Florida and CNN have entered into an agreement to co-host a nationally-televised debate on a date between January 22 and January 31. The move ensures Florida voters, and the nation, will hear directly from the Republican presidential contenders just before Florida’s January 31st primary. The debate will be held in a venue in Jacksonville.

 
“The Republican Party of Florida is excited to be working with CNN for a debate linked to the state’s primary date,” said RPOF Chairman Lenny Curry. “The opportunity to host it in my home city, Jacksonville, helps shine the national spotlight on another region of Florida that our eventual nominee must win.”

Florida Governor Rick Scott said of the announcement, “After national debates in Tampa and Orlando, this latest partnership with CNN for a debate in Jacksonville in January demonstrates the crucial role Florida will play, not only in the Republican Presidential Primary, but in the general election next November.”

Response to Facebook post about a supporter's concerns about Perry

I started writing this as a response to a Facebook post but I realized it was just too long for that social media.

My FB ‘friend’ wrote about Gov. Rick Perry’s debate skills which even the governor knows are not working. The FB post noted President Barack Obama’s debate talents.

I thought about this a lot.

I am totally flummoxed by Perry’s failure to take advantage of opportunity.

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