Gingrich was the one to chastise the moderation of the debates. Perry was childish and petulant in his attack on Romney for hiring an illegal alien, and hypocritical when he gives illegals in state tuition. Herman Cain spent his time defending the only plan that has been out in public for all to see. The rest have only claimed to have a plan that is available on a web site. If you can't explain your plan in a debate, and it can only be viewed on a web site,then it is probably too complicated for the sheeple to grasp as well. Cain has a plan that can be a starting point for a great effort in reforming our tax code and getting government out of the way. If the others want to attack they bettter bring something to the table or get out of the fight. Cain and Gingrich might be the best of the candidates, and one of the two should be the nomination, and maybe the other as VP. Get rid of the establishment (Romney), the conservative wannabe (Perry), the who is that guy attacking the others (Santorum), and my plan on the website is going to create jobs, but I can't explain that right now, but I'm your next president (Bachman), and the fiscal genious but crazy foreign policy idiot (Paul). All have some good ideas, lets get them together in a coherent simple plank that America can get behind, and get the Marxist treasonous regime out of Washington.

The media has set up the debates and the format which are designed to pit candidates against each other. Why do we need another 12 debates? This is an unprecedented format and allows liberal news commentators to bait candidates to attack each other by the choice of questions. Why do we allow the left leaning news media to control the process of selecting a republican presidential candidate?

I certainly hope these candidates will listen to you, Mark. How embarrassing! We can, and need to be bigger than this. How can anyone take use seriously if we aren't?

RON PAUL...2012

When the "message" went "deliverable", the "next in line" "I've paid my dues" Romney becomes the front runner. Unless we do a gut check and coalesce around a true Constitutional conservative, it is his to lose. Then how do those who helped gain the house vote in 2012? Notice that he (Romney) doesn't get above 25% or so, fascinating.

EVERYI moderator has led the debaters in the direction of personal fighting. I think (as you labeled him) pretty boy Cooper did his job to a "T" and that was to promote disharmary amongst the contenders. Yes the MUST head President Reagans "eleventh commandment" or Obama will "WALK" in 2012.

The debates are rigged by the leftmedia to favor the incumbent (LIBERAL). If our guys don't get their act together and start talking real issues, real solutions instead of schoolyard squabbling, we ain't gonna win.

I concur completely with the sentiments in the article. Romney and Perry were both doing Obama's work in the last debate. While he's been written off from the beginning as having too much personal baggage, Newt Gingritch has the best experience and intellect. He would make mincemeat of Obama in a debate. It is time for many conservatives to remember that in electing a president, they are hiring an employee for an very important job. They are not choosing a spouse. Gingritch should not be discounted. He was a supremely successful Speaker of the House and is an unwavering conservative. I like Cain, but he has no political experience. He might make a good VP to get some, but we'd have someone who knew the ropes in Newt.

TV wants news. News usually consists of conflict. It should be no surprise that this is the goal of every debate moderator. These candidates MUST rise above the baiting and *clearly* tell the public how they will fix the current problems and work toward a better future.

Why is everyone so carefully ignoring Gary Johnson? He's the only candidate in the whole pack who doesn't make me queasy. The only one who BELIEVES in LIMITING government.

Well, him and Ron Paul, but while Ron is a nice guy with lots of good ideas, he does have a little tinfoil in his hat.

Is "Patriot Post just another part of the "Ministry of Propaganda"?

Why so little... if any mention of the most viable candidate of all?

"The Man" with all the answers to Americas problems... I speak of none other than RON PAUL.

See www.RonPaul.com

I am very disappointed with the rancor between the various Republican candidates during the past three debates. The only bright spot has been Newt. He is the only one that sees what the debate moderators are attempting to do - and he won't play their game. The target should be Obama and his harmful policies - not each other. Keep doing what you're doing Newt!

I would say that Newtd, not sure of the spelling of his last name, but I think he could beat BHO.

It seems to me that the only two GOP candidates who are focused on the issues rather than on slamming the other candidates are both from the great state of Georgia. Newt and Herman have done their best to talk about solutions and to follow Reagan's eleventh commandment. And I believe both are fully aware of the limits our Constitution places on the federal government.

Mr. Alexander you nailed it! The Republican establishment is NOT conservative and doesn't want to be. So we need to throw them out. To win 2012, America needs to get behind a radical platform of Congressional term limits (12 years in Congress), a flat tax with minimal deductions (Mortage interest, alimony), elimination of welfare (replaced with workfare set at the minimum wage), a balanced budget amendment, lockdown of our southern border, and a national right to work law. Those planks would make up a landslide platform to start us on our path back to solvency, sanity and unity.

Why in hell have debates? They are not debating Democrats; it doesn't require much intelligence to

realize that this is the doing of the left-wing press, and these fools go for it.

A good debater may not be the best President. This

debate sounds like the crap of high-school sycophants.

Cain/Gringrich 2012

OR

Gingrich/Cain 2013

I'll take either ticket.

Newt is a candidate who seems to be more on the topic of what he would do, as apposed to attacking his opponents. He has said that any one of them would be a better president than B.O. Herman Cain is another who focuses on reasons to nominate him rather than reasons not to nominate someone else.

oops.....

or Gingrich/Cain 2012....not 2013

Newt is the most knowledgeable candidate in ANY room of politicians. He has character issues that will preclude his nomination for the top slot. Cain & Paul are the ONLY true constitutional conservatives in the field. They differ on foreign policy, Paul an isolationist and Cain more moderate.

Cain Newt OR Cain Paul ticket is our only hope. Even that may not pull us back from the cliff.

The most knowledgeable candidate, by quite a distance, is Newt Gingrich. I admire the approach he is taking also. Attack the left, not your fellow candidates. It is liberal ideaology that got us to where we are and only conservative action will save us!

Ron Paul will shred BHO in debate without being uncivil. From what I have seen, he's the only one that deals with the fundamental issue of our economic trouble: Federal government overreach, returning its scope to Constitutional levels. No one else has a workable plan for that. He has the correct Austrian economic view. Keynesianism has to go, completely.

Mark - an excellent analysis of the errors of too many of the Republican candidates. Too bad they can't detect wisdom when it is offered. Based on what I seen in the last two debates(?), I have eliminated Perry and Romney from serious consideration. There are other more level-headed people still standing who are serious about addressing the issues rather than being attack dogs.

Who is the candidate most capable of defeating Obama? CAIN. HE'S BLACK, SMART, & KNOWS WHAT IT TAKES TO RUN A BUSINESS!!

Cain and Paul are the only trustworthy candidates in the running. While I have no evidence that Backman is untrustworthy I fully believe a current law degree is a 4 year brainwash to reverse the prior 22 years of moral and ethical values your family, church, and community have managed to instill in you, Lawyers can't be trusted!. :)

To me it is a tie between Herman Cain and Newt Gingrich.......but these debates are not for us conseratives, they are for Obama and his tribe, you don't think they are watching and calculating every word?

The most knowledgable in my opinion is Newt, who could be a great chief executive by putting together "a team of rivals" similar to what Lincoln did. Just think about the possibilities!

Cain

Name names my friend. I could not see the whole debates. Who are you speaking of. You are being as evasive as they are. Tell us who said we need to stand together. Tell us who responded properly to your requests. We need to know. Lead damnit lead!

MRC has a history of proving that the MSM is biased and against the conservatives at every juncture. This election cycle is nothing but a free for all and will continue and worsen. Why the GOP allows liberals to formulate and ask the questions for the debate is a mystery to me. We're conservatives damnit - DON'T OUTSOURCE OUR PHILOSOPHY!!! Control it and every aspect of it. Avoid ABC-nile, NBC-nile, CBullS--t and Commie News Network and their liberal stooges. For an acceptable "effect" control the "cause."

Cain Newt is probably the strongest ticket to defeat Obummer.

Iars, what does Cain's being black have to do with it? You racist!

Thank you Mark for bringing some maturity and rationale to these debates. I am so tired of these candidates repeating and inflating what they've done and not declaring what they're going to do with specific actions and programs. I believe we need a President with experience, a record of accomplishment, an ability to broker compromise and end this partisan gridlock, and the intelligence to govern. Given those criteria, there is only candidate in any party qualified to be President: Newt Gingrich. His conduct in the debates only confirms my choice.

Ron Paul is without doubt the most knowledgeable and the most trustworthy of all the Republican candidates for the Presidency. It has been stated recently that Ron Paul is the most learned politician since Thomas Jefferson (paraphrased). I also believe he is the only candidate capable of defeating Obama. A Ron Paul candidacy and presidency would certainly be a "win win" situation.

Fellow Conservatives, You know all those fund-raising mailers disguised as surveys that we get from the Republican National Committee every other day? I suggest we withhold donations to the RNC until they step out from in front of Herman Cain and foster the idea that he is a national candidate who is for real and can win. He was the only one to follow Reagan's 11th Commandment during the last debate. He possesses the armor of morality to withstand attacks from Obama and the Progressives during the upcoming campaign, and the proven leadership and problem-solving skills to turn our beloved country's course away from democratic socialism. We need to surround him with true conservatives who are loyal to the original letter and intent of our blessed Constitution. Cain in 2012!

Of course the LeftMedia influences how the GOP candidates poll. Why else would we have John McCain in 2008?

On the one hand the candidates need to differentiate themselves from one another. But on the other they need to constantly remind voters of the abyss which obama and company have dug this great country into.

Ron Paul already locked my vote. He stood there in Las Vegas for 40 minutes ignored while others fought and beat around the bush. In the end he was not allowed a closing statement like the rest of the group on nimwits.....

The most knowledgeable, wisest and non-bickering candidate is Newt. He is a great historian and I believe a strict constitutionalist. If he and Obama had a debate, it would take major surgery to untie the knot in Barack's tongue.

Cheryl (as corrected):

"Cain/Gringrich 2012

OR

Gingrich/Cain 2012

I'll take either ticket."

Even as a "Yankee"--I'd love it!

In answer to your question about who is the most trustworthy candidate, I would have to say it is Ron Paul. We may not agree with all of his positions, but he has been consistent his entire political career. To me that is worth a lot. Outside of him, Cain is the only other candidate worth supporting and he probably has the best chance of defeating Obama. I'd love to see a Cain/Paul ticket.

The left media is truly hard a work to pick for us a candidate that has just enough appeal to fall short of defeating... Oh my goodness, a missing brain cell forgot the guys name!

I do not understand why our candidates allow the forums they are given for these debates....I have heard rooms filled w/what seems to be only Romney supporters, heard asinine questions by the leftist so-called journalists, heard the bickering yet heard nothing to show why that candidate is different than O'Bummer...I'm sick of it. I want to hear them put O'Bummer on the defense & kick his butt!

Cain/Gringrich 2012

OR

Gingrich/Cain 2013

I'll take either ticket.

Cain or Ron...

I have not yet came across to any of Ron Paul's flaws in regards of the strict constitution (as is, not a living document). Although his foreign policy is very radical (and naive in my opinion), what would the Founders do? Would they advocate invading other countries? I would love to hear the rebuttal LOGICAL arguments against Ron Paul in line with the constitution.

I find it surprising and somewhat disturbing that Ron Paul gets the most money from the military (of all branches) - more than the sum of all military people's donations toward all other GOP contenders.

Please correct any of my notes. (I am trying to find a rebuttal argument against Ron Paul in one group forum advocating Ron Paul)....

Kudos to Mark Alexander for an articulate article and for telling these candidates to stop the BS. Attack, attack attack should be the message but not your own! John McCain made the mistake of not attacking ,but just soft peddaled and see how that worked out?

Newt Gingrich would be my choice to debate Obama. He could clearly lay out a plan for improvement and could counter Obama's retorts clearly and without teleprompters.

Alexander...Thanks for the great article. What needs to happen is the Tea Party or comparable Conservative entity MUST conduct its own Presidential Candidate debates open to all conservative candidates and not limited to these “phoney” front runners selected for us by the "plantation media". For the sake of our national security we must get away from the practice of placing any CREDIBILITY in a debate process stage-managed/orchestrated by the "plantation media" and its effeminate moderators. There is absolutely nothing to be gained by the Conservative Community lending any credence to the GOP debate process as currently structured. It should be publicly loudly denounced as "illegitimate" and preparations made to stage "Tea Party" debates among all legitimate conservative candidates giving voice to all conservtives and not limited to those the "plantation media" chooses for us.

With the national debt at $132k per taxpayer, and rising at a rate of $12k per taxpayer, per year. I suggest Ron Paul. Notice how the other candidates are starting to sound more and more like him? That's because he's right, and deep down you know it.

Mr. Alexander, The Republicans are falling into an Democratic trap. Charlie Sheen would be a better president than Obama. I like Newt,but he is not electable. He probably has the best ideas,but his past haunts him!Everyone of my friends who voted for Obama say the only Republican they might vote for is Romney! He has his warts and Perry just doesn't cut it. His debating,especially the other night,is embarrasing! I like Cain ,but Obama would bury him in a debate and Cain has no gov't backround. In this case it would hurt him! Pat Buchannan has stated the Tea Party may get frustrated and put up a third party candidate,like Ron Paul. Huge mistake,like Delaware! The only Republican that can beat Obama is Romney! Don't screw this up Republicans,or our children will have NO future. Get smart! STOP the petty bickering that prove nothing,except the re-election of Obama! It will be the end of this country as we know it!Look at the Wall Street crowd. That's our future with Obama!

The most knowledgeable candidate? Why, Herman Cain of course!

Newt is probably the most knowledgeable and intelligent, but not electable or Presidential.

My strong preference is Herman Cain who, while not all knowing, has the savvy and sense to get people around him who do know most of the answers. That is what Reagan did and what works best in the private sector where fiscal malfeasance and hypocracy don't survive indefinitely, much less thrive as in the public sector. Also, Herman isn't a lawyer or beholden to the Beltway Establishment crowd....yet!

Since it is a foregone conclusion of all properly cynical citizens that no politician is trustworthy, my choice for the "most trustworthy" must be the only non-politician, Herman Cain.

Clearly, the smartest man and the best speaker in the race is Newt Gingrich, But he has shown that he cannot be relied upon to hold a steady course. Once he sat on a park bench with Nancy Pelosi to endorse the Algorean theories of global warming he lost all credibility with me. He would, however, be an excellent choice for VP or Sec. State.

What is needed is someone who does not worry about re-election, knows the course required to right this listing ship of state and who has the steel to see the task through without wavering. This is not a time for compromise, it is a time of assuring our survival.

In answer to your question about who is the most trustworthy candidate, I would have to say it is Ron Paul. We may not agree with all of his positions, but he has been consistent his entire political career. To me that is worth a lot. Outside of him, Cain is the only other candidate worth supporting and he probably has the best chance of defeating Obama. I'd love to see a Cain/Paul ticket.

No more damn debates! They are counter productive when only used to attack other candidates and that's what is happening.

Newt Gingrich is the most knowledgeable, intelligent and mature adult candidate that the GOP has available for us as conservatives to nominate to date! Bar none! The establishment best get on with putting their best foot forward and not in their mouths with all the school yard bickering and false or embellished accusations which amounts to petty immature childish behavior, not presidential qualities and surely not with any integrity to say the least. One would think they were employed by the Obama administration, the unions or one of the far lest wing liberal groups in order to give support to Obama and trash the GOP party.

It is Time to Cowboy up and act like a gentleman with honor and integrity showing conservative values and moral behavior, not empty words or step aside. We do not need anymore Circus clowns performing on stage for the liberal attack machine, but one who stands above the rest with the knowledge and shows himself/herself Presidential. We certainly did not see this in anyone other than Newt Gingrich in the latest debate in Nevada. I might add it does not help to have a liberal moderator and so called journalist from a liberal media like CNN instigating and promoting GOP candidates bickering and attacking each other, those some chose to follow along like school children on the playground.

Newt again was absolutely correct with his assessment of the CNN moderator who absolutely was unprofessional and had his own liberal agenda.

"Does the Leftmedia influence GOP candidate polling?"

That question should replace "Is the Pope Catholic" as the premier example of questions that need no response.

I liked, before he was popular, Hermann Cain.

Why not just stop the stupid, non-productive debates all together. Why not ask the readers how many watch these debates. I am old enough to remember when canidates HAD to take the time to campaign in small and large towns and cities where people could see them and hear them and make value judgements on their own.

I'm thinking the candidates who are attacking each other are pretty much the RINO-type, so they don't really care what the conservatives think and definitely follow the Dem playbook: beat your opponent to a pulp, then smear him some more.

Most are probably very honorable, but I would trust Herman Cain to do what he thinks is right.

He is straight forward, candid and lets the chips fall where they may....the very antithesis of DC.

Like many American conservataives, I am greatly anticipating the demise of Obama. I agree that the candidates are self destructing with the exception of Ron Paul. He is the obvious choice. He has all of the requisite qualities to take this government and turn it on its proverbial ear. The debates are a contrived tool used by the MSM to try and control mainstream thinking. Nothing about them adds to the voters understanding of each candiates personal views. So WHY does the public ALLOW this kind of behavior to continue? We have the hammer. All we have to do is use it. I have watched, read and studied every piece of information I can get my hands on concerning the various candidates and I cannot understand for the life of me WHY Ron Paul always gets the shaft by the media. You remember after the last election, the media couldnt wait to get Ron Paul on all of their shows whereas beforehand he couldnt buy a slot on prime time. I like this man very much. He has character and integrity and I believe he has the right ideas to elevate this country to its rightful position as the leader of the free world. He needs a lot of help from non MSM getting his message out to the masses. People from all persuasions are listening and responding to his message. Its up to all of us to help get that message out to the voters.

Herman Cain is the only contender for the president of the United States in 2012 that I trust.

Trust is a big factor in many people's pick for president, even if they don't know it themselves. We as people usually will gravitate toward someone if we "Trust" them.

That is why most of the contenders don't have the full backing of the U.S. population. Again, the people have to pick the better of the evils.

Herman Cain may not have all the marbles in his bag for being a great president, but he knows how to bring a failing business to stardom. Now, this gets my attention!

He will do what President Ronald Reagan did, by placing some very key people around him, who knows how to handle Foreign Affairs, but I believe Herman Cain knows how to handle bullies and Terrorists already.

Well, you got my vote!

I firmly believe Herman Cain and Newt Gingrich are the most sincere.

Mr Gingrich is very brilliant and a great debater.

Mr Cain is also brilliant and has common sense.

We will never agree completely with any of them.

But for our Republic to survive we need steady heads and strong hands at the wheel.

No more rock stars!

The Republican Primary Debates should be organized and run by Republicans, not the media. This is not "Enterainment" it is a selection process and letting people outside the party choose the questions is counter productive and injurious.

Organize and produce the debates and then sell TV rights to media.

Gingrich! Unfortunately the GOP let the DNC destroy Newt in 1996, and now the LEFT MSM is relishing in the rehash thereof.

I agree that the bickering must stop; however, the media also must stop encouraging it. The debates have too many on stage and everyone would be better served with smaller groupings and more time for each candidate to clearly state their position. These debates have been about sound bites to give the media and pundits something to talk about. This has also caused confusion and anger in the base. Read some web sites and the comments and the vitriol flying around is over the top. The primary season is fast becoming a circus. Thank you for your email

Once again, Mark...you have echoed my thoughts on this subject. Of course Newt is the best of the pack intellectually but will do well to be a VP. The 'contenders" as it were have decided that attacking each other with playground antics is the ticket. It's embarrassing that this group of conservatives chose to play into media expectations. Is this the best we can hope for? Seriously? I sure hope not. The 11th commandment is forgotten and this group decided that attacking each other was the best route to take. And with it and if continued they will assure that the current administration will have yet another 4 years of continued disasters. No plans, no direction and petty accusations. Attacking Herman Cain was jealousy driven when of all the candidates, he was the only who presented a plan. My IQ went down 10 points after listening to the Governor of Texas. Yes, I live in Texas.

There is only one true conservative among the GOP candidates that has lived the American dream and has the charisma and warmth of Ronald Reagon. He was born into very modest means. He never believed he was entitled to anything he didn't work very hard to achieve. He is a leader of regular working folks. He embraces the main difference between government and the private sector in capitalism - the one essential ingredient in the foundation of freedom - accountability. He is the epitomy of accountability, integrity, American Exceptionalism and good ol common horse sense. He is Herman Cain.

When you strip everything aside, Newt is the best candidate by far. He has the experience to get things done in Washington...his coalition as House Speaker and the Contract with America during the Clinton era shows that...the last balanced budget in Washington, I believe. But he has been away long enough to get back in touch with the American people and real issues and has been very articulate about real SOLUTIONS. Newt is the guy for revolutionary recovery of our Union.

The most trustworthy candidate is, without a doubt, Congressman Ron Paul. He is a true Conservative from the old school (Goldwater) who asks himself before every vote "Is this within the powers granted to Congress in the Constitution?" If it's not, he votes "No." As a Tea Partier, I can say THAT is the only thing worthy of my trust these days!

I would love to see a Paul/De Mint ticket for 2012. Those are two guys I can fully put my trust in.

While they do not allow enough time for him to say much, Newt Gingrich, by far, seems to have the best grasp on all of the issues, and the best ability to articulate them. If the decision was based solely on the debates, he would be the choice; hands down. Unfortunately he carries some baggage that precedes the debates.

Also, I think almost one-half of the country does not bother to learn anything about a canidtae's character or principles, or even his sgenda for presidency. Rather, they elect the one that looks the best. Given that, Newt is not likely to be a winning choice.

I believe however, that a ticket with one of the others and Newt as V.P. might prove to be a winning combination.

Ken Stock

I think Newt and Ron are the most knowledgeable. At this point Herman Cain seems to be the best combination of knowledge and electability. Mitt is a moderate and Rick needs more seasoning (I hope that's all he needs?). I would love to see Michelle as a VP candidate or somewhere in the upper levels of the next administration.

I agree that we should no longer contribute to the RNC. I have not done so in over 5 years. I stuff the solicitation envelopes with everything I can find so as to force extra payment on the other end. The RNC seems intent to re elect/elect moderates and RINOs. I contribute directly to my conservative candidates or through organizations such as Club for Growth.

Originally, I felt that Newt carried too much baggage to be a viable candidate. But after watching 8 debates, he seems to me now, to be the only one who will hand Obama his head in debate. All the old news about Newt is just that...old news. We need a genuine Conservative who can articulate our message, and Newt seems to be the only one fitting the bill.

The Republican candidates participating in the most recent debate in Nevada reminded me of a bunch of bickering kindergarten children. Newt Gingrich is the only one who even came close to exhibiting a Presidential presence. But alas, he probably is carrying too much baggage to get elected. Pray for our nation.

I think Ron Paul would be the best President, however, I don't think that he is electible since the general population is "moderate" and "middle-of-the-road" and believe Paul is too extreme. In the end, Romney will be selected as "our" candidate. This is a HUGE mistake. To elect Mitt Romney would be no better for our country than to re-elect Obama. They are both socialist/Keynesian progressives (okay, full-blown Marxists, really) and are interchangable. This truly does not bode well for us...

The childish bickering of Romney and Perry just makes the media smile. Reminded me too much of life at home with my sisters...

What if "mom" Michelle Bachmann had thrown up her hands and yelled "in her outside voice", "cut it out boys, take it outside"?

To answer your question as to 'who is the candidate most capable of defeating Obama' the answer is unfortunatly - Hilary Clinton.

Ron Paul is the most trustworthy and knowledgeable about all matters affecting our republic.A true profile in courage, he has a proven track record taking positions on most issues that time and events have proven him to be correct.All the big media outlets,Fox News included, treat him as if he didn't exist.What are they afraid of? Makes one wonder if any of them are truly fair and balanced.

Fox Business is the only one I've observed that gives all the candidates a fair hearing.Watch closely if you nhaven't noticed.

Gingrich and Cain. Alas, Newt has some real personal baggage but I am willing to overlook that in trade for some intelligence in the White House. Cain would be an ideal VP in that he can bring business sense to a government that lacks it totally! Yes, the media is laughing over how the Republicans are destroying each other in endless debates that setttle nothing and convey nothing

Why is it that we have to watch a Republican debate on a liberal cable network conducted by a liberal progressive host - Anderson Cooper - and expect a fair exchange of ideas.

The ruse that the audience attendants asked the questions was quickly put to rest as the moderator re-stated the questions to advance his agenda and that of CNN.

When will Repulbicans stop letting the communist left in the media establsh the rules and then make the Republicans not only play by those rules but embarass themselves in the process.

Why don't these Republicans debate only on Fox. It has a larger audience and much more credibility than all of the other cable and network programs combined.

Are the Republicans afraid that they will be attacked and ridiculed by the left for using Fox as thier forum. Th Dems don't have that problem using NBC, CBS, MSNBC, CNN and PBS to advance thier agenda.

Doesn't the GOB realize that the progressives, leftists and democrats, their useful fools and fellow travelers are their sworn enemies?

NOW HEAR THIS, ALL YOU GOP PRESIDENTIAL-HOPEFULS! UNTIL YOU HEED MARK ALEXANDER'S ADVICE AND QUIT ATTACKING ONE ANOTHER, I'M THROWING MY SUPPORT TO NEWT GINGRICH BECAUSE HE IS HAS AT LEAST GOTTEN THAT MESSAGE CLEAR!

Gotta go with Gingrich at this point. I do this with trepidation after Newt's antics through the years but am hoping he has matured to the point where being "too smart by half" ( making ads with Pelosi, backing a RINO for NY congressional race) will not resurface. I would work for a Gingrich/Cain ticket. Would prob. sit on my hands for any other nominee.

My husband and I have been going back and forth on who we thought should be our next Republican nominee. The last two debates really solidified our decision. We both agreed, without knowing who the other would choose, that if we could pick one of the candidates and place them in the oval office it would be Newt Gingrich. He is extremely knowledgeable and could run circles around Obama in one on one debates. He seems to really love America and is passionate about protecting our great nation from the liberal agenda! I don't think it's that he has too much baggage it's just that the liberal news media likes to blow things out of proportion because they hate people with real values.

There is no doubt in my mind that Herman Cain is the man America needs. He can debate Obnumba under the table with his common sense and veracity.

Herman Cain has a proven record of turning things around with his executive credentials. True, he has not held public office, but he can do a lot better than the One who only answers "present" and no one knows anything about him. Just being in public office is no credential if you do nothing.

Mark

you are so right as usual.

just can't get my arms around these guys...none are solid conservatives

Newt speaks well but he belongs in the pres's Cabinent

not the WH

Push comes to shove, whoever runs against BO gets my vote.

Gotta go with Gingrich at this point. I do this with trepidation after Newt's antics through the years but am hoping he has matured to the point where being "too smart by half" ( making ads with Pelosi, backing a RINO for NY congressional race) will not resurface. I would work for a Gingrich/Cain ticket. Would prob. sit on my hands for any other nominee.

On January 31, 2012 we have to have a Republican candidate nominated to go against President Obama. The only candidate of the eight Republican candidates that we can be assured to defeat Obama is Mitt Romney. First of all he more intelligent than Obama. Romney is a better debater than Obama. He is in the process of raising the money that will be necessary to defeat the, approximately 750 million that Obama will raise. Romney has in place an organization in all 50 States. The Republican Party will win at least thirty states with 350 electoral votes to Obama winning the maximum of twenty states with 188 electoral votes, if Romney is the nominee. If Cain or Perry or Bachmann or Gingrich is the Republican nominee, then the Republicans will lose the election and we will be doomed to four more years of the worst President in the history of this country. I am a Tea Party member and I would prefer a more conservative candidate as the nominee, but we do not have one that can win. Only Romney puts us in the position of winning this election. Put aside what you would like and go with what you can have.

The republican debates should come to an end, and soon. These candidates are only playing into the hands of the left, and giving the Obama camp ammunition. Wait until the summer of 2012 to strut your stuff, that will confuse (them). There are plenty of talk shows you can be more definative on your position. Everyone knows that Obama is a screw-up, nothing more needs to be said on that. He's hanging himself with the American people.

Please have your emissaries repeat that campaign advice. Sometimes, the most capable candidate is not running. Team GOP team has to defeat Team BO.

Herman Cain earned a B.S. in Mathematics and a M.S. in Computer Science. He served as a civilian in the U.S. Navy performing enhancements to the electronic navigation systems. He has a 9-9-9 plan to solve the over taxing and deficit spending. If Herman was President and Newt were V.P. (Speaker of the Senate), I think a lot of what is wrong would be righted.

Not:

Romney - Romney/Obama CARE (no no no no)

Perry – Mandated (!!) govt produced vaccines to be administered to girls.

Paul – domestic good / foreign tragic

Houseman – who

Perhaps if the last two died

Bachman – domestic good (fighter against ocare) / foreign lightweight

most capable to defeat obama

Newton – Inside beltway experience – could be good or bad

Most intellectual of group, historical perspective, aware of liberal dangers

Able to articulate his position and diminish the opponent.

Cain – Most aware of the mentality of the left, successful in business,

From humble beginnings, excellent speaker (does not need a prompter)

Cain – Pres Newt VP (he can then control the Senate)

If the elite Republican leaders will not WAKE UP then they should be removed and replaced IMMEDIATELY.

Business leaders are waiting for a stable platform to expand. Why should they jeopardize their jobs, say yes to a decision, and then have an administration change the rules and cost them their jobs. It is all about survival, and it becomes very personal even for a fortune 500 exec.

Having a moderate Republican candidate will assure Obama a second term.

To have a third party will assure OBama a second term.

RADDAD

I think, after studying each GOP candidate, I've limited the field to three; Newt Gingrich, Herman Cain and Ron Paul. The others are still in their adolescence, with their finger pointing, name calling, etc. These "juveniles" may be great further down the road, but for the present, they need time to mature. I would like any combination of the three previously mentioned. Newt has the most experience and either of the other two would make a fine VP. Also, any of them could beat BHO in a debate, even without the theft of the teleprompter.

The LeftMedia is driving most of the activities of the Republican contenders for the GOP nomination, and this will result in a win for Obama if the people and the contenders don't wake up, and right quick. This infighting within the republicans at this time is only more power for Obama. While Obama has been steadily campaigning from a position of (relative) strength, the would-be GOP nominees are busy pointing out the weaknesses of their foes. If the GOP doesn't get its' act together quickly, the election will be handed over to Obama, since al of the potential weaknesses of any nominee will have been pointed out numerous times by all of the other contenders. This is without doubt the most important election that modern America has ever seen, and we're losing our position of power that we have had due to Obama's job performance and the state of the economy. I, for one, will vote for whoever gets the GOP nomination, (the actual name on the ballot doesn't matter near as much as it represents NOT OBAMA), because I know that if Obama gets a second term, this nation will not survive as a Constitutional Republic.

Your stated Tea Party intention to "purge all the establishment GOPers from Congress" shows your lack of understanding of how complicated Congressional districts and states are. There is no way a "conservative Tea Party candidate" could take a number of seats in the Northeast. We took back 6 seats in 2010 in New York, a deep blue state, by running conservative candidates who had to take stands that were "squishy" on several issues. They were supported by "The Estabilshment" GOPers in New York. That could not have happened with Tea Party support alone. You need to rethink your position. I WANT TO WIN IN 2012!

In my opinion. Newt is the only one who gets it. He is the only one who could hit the ground running, and would make Barry look like a fool in any debate. I hope he doesn't carry too much baggage from his past to not be considered. He is the most qaulified canidate we have. He could build a great cabinet from the others, but he needs to take the lead role. He's our best hope. Kevin Cox

Newt Gingrich is the most knowledgeable candidate. He would slay Obama in a debate...or a series of debates.

Gingrich, Paul and Cain Are the only ones I can seriously get behind!

Least trustworthy GOP candidate? Romney by a mile and a half - OK: maybe not a mile-and-a-half from Huntsman. Next? Believe it or not, I see Bachman on that role. Then Gingrich, tied with Perry. Then Cain tied with Paul. The problem I have with Paul is not that I don't trust him to do what he espouses - its that I think he will, and foreign policy - and security for Americans abroad - will go to hell in hand-basket. I trust Mr. Cain. I just don't think he'd survive the experience of being nominated.

Note that I will support whomever is nominated as splitting the conservative vote assures the socialists get to finish their dirty work within my lifetime. Can't have that; not for me, not for my children, not for my grandchildren.

Paul and Cain

Politicians on both sides of the aisle have been ignoring the restraints written into the Constitution for years now, and it continues to get worse every day. With the federal bureaucrats busy writing over 80,000 pages of new gov/t regulations every year, this nation is being governed by unelected bureaucrats and at the whim of the executive branch via Executive Orders. We, as a nation, need to get back to the ultimate law of the land - the Constitution of the United States. The Tenth Amendment, the Fifth Amendment, and many more are being trampled under foot on a daily basis, and federal courts are more than willing to back the gov't at every turn, regardless of the openly unconstitutional nature of many of the laws and regulations that are now in effect. If the citizens don't wake up in time to back ONE person to defeat Obama, the politics of Saul Alinsky, Wm. Ayers and Van Jones will be the order of the day. Once that door is opened, this nation will never recover. It's much, much harder to put the evil genie back into the bottle than to prevent the rise of Communism or Socialism or Marxism or whatever you want to call it. Make no mistake, Barack has much worse ideas in mind for this country if he can lie his way back into office for a second term.

Cain/Gingrich or vice versa should be able to wipe away the Obama/Biden debacle. Romney's got all the money, but no chutzpah.

Ron Paul -- What yoy see is what you know you are going to get.

Right now, I think the only electable GOP candidate is Mitt Romney. No! He is not the most conservative candidate, but he is the most electable candidate because we need independent voters to support our candidate. Without them, we will surely lose thw election and, very possibilby both houses of Congress. Ask yourself what is more important to the future of our Country? STICKING TO STAUNCHLY CONSERVATIVE VIEWS OR WINNING THE WHITE HOUS AND CONGRESS? Right now, we look like a bunch of bickering popinjays and that does not inspire confidence. Get behind a candidate that can win, then use your influence to guide him....please!

Amazing how many of the posters have come to the same conclusion I have, an all-Georgia ticket. Cain keeps Gingrich's feet to the conservative fire, and Gingrich helps guide Cain through the mine-infested waters of the Beltway. I'd like to see Cain replace the 9% national sales tax with a 9% payroll tax. That would be an improvement over the present 15%, and the unemployed wouldn't be hit by sales taxes totalling up to 19%. That would be a dramatic negative on every purchase.

LOSING in 2012 IS NOT AN OPTION!

The old VietNam Vet

I am SICK of political posturing and media misrepresentation. The last presidential election was intolerable. This one is already worse. There's another year of this to endure?! I stopped watching the news in 2008, but the blah, blah, blah is everywhere and incessant!

Beeeeautiful email AND DEAD ON - SERIOUSLY - they absolutely must CUT THE CRAP.

But one thing though that really needs to be presented is that Romney is a Big Time - RINO, he believes in Global Warming controls, abortion rights, gay marrages forced on the churches, alternative power sources just like OBama - Not to say we shouldn't be looking at the private sector keeping an eye on China dumping its products to grab control....

The saddest thing is that Palin bailed and Bachmann doesn't seem to have the wherewithall to pee on the feet of the (so-called) Republican kingmakers. Cain is left and, unless he starts throwing some bodies to the side of the road, we will be stuck with Romney and, eventually, Obama. All these candidates are cowed by the leftist media and dance to their tunes in hopeless expectation of getting a good word in edgewise.

And why did Perry and his wife stop to listen to the media drummers and change their dance? I guess that's why we have debates: to see who is smart enough to ignore them. We have Romney today because he listened to them in 2008. He's gonna lose!

Herman Cain represents the best hope for this country. He's got a resume' that most mere mortals could only dream of, and the best part is, he's NOT a lawyer or a career politician. This man has the brains, the work ethic and the intelligence to surround himself with the best and the brightest without cowing to the Beltway political machine. Having said that, I'll vote for whoever gets the GOP nomination, because that's absolutely the MOST important thing that ANY patriotic American can do in 2012. This is it. If he wins a 2nd term, you might as well forget about anything remotely like a free country, with the rule of law and private property rights. If you think that Obama wouldn't nationalize most big business in this country, then you're underestimating the worst threat that this country has EVER seen.

The most qualified,intelligent and articulate candidate in all of these debates has been Newt Gingrich. The only question in his regard is his appeal to those that view our elections as popularity contests instead of choosing the best person for the job. In my opinion, I truly believe that if Abraham Lincoln were running for president today, he would never have a chance of being elected. Probably one of our least physically attractive presidents ever. He wouldn't stand a snowballs chance. What a joke we have turned this process into.

I believe that there is one "adult in the room" and that is Newt Gingrich. It angers me that he has been written off as unelectable. I believe that he would be the one to "wipe the floor" with Obama when it comes to a debate. He has the experience and the knowledge of foreign policy to get this country turned around and back on the right track.

Cain and Paul are the two most honest. Paul isn't presidential material, though, as much as he has some good ideas. I'd like to see him as Treasury Sectretary. I like the Cain-Gingrich preferably in that order, or vice versa, best of all. Bachmann is shrill and desperate as is Santorum. Perry looks childish and Romney is just another slick politician who can't be trusted.

I’m not sure I want a candidate whose main worthy criteria for making the Republican Primary is his ability to beat Obama. I want a candidate who will require government to obey the Constitution of the United States. So far as I have seen, only one candidate is qualified and chomping at the bit to do that, and that is Ron Paul.

Mark...I commented earlier but I failed to mention what a great, timely article this is. Right on the money. The big question is: What do we do to replace these biased, controlled debates? And is there enough time? I would vote for a series of personal, in depth interviews with each candidate conducted by serious conseratives on paid for prime time TV and radio. Perhaps the various grassroots organizations could raise the funding with some donations by deep pockets like the Koch Brothers. I constantly search for speeches by the various candidates under uncontrolled circumstances but they are few and far between. Just watched a good long speech by Ron Paul at the LPAC convention. Pretty well laid out the biggest share of his ideas to that audience. A series like this would be very helpful in vetting the candidates. THe current debates INCLUDING the tea party/Fox one in FL are just a waste of time and only allow the MSM to spin the candidates to their own ends. The other problem as I see it is the ability of the average conservative voter to discern between fact and fiction and having the right balance of head and heart in vetting the candidates.

To be blunt, Romney is simply another career politician. That means tat he has given up any semblance of fairness or liberty for Americans in exchange for more of the same BS that has put this country over $14 trillion in debt. We need someone who is NOT a career politician, and who is NOT another lawyer. We need someone who still cares about the Constitution and states' rights. by the tone and quotes of many reps, you'd think that the Constitution doesn't even exist anymore. We DO, in fact, still have the Tenth Amendment. The federal government only has a certain number of powers, and the rest is left to "the states or the people". That is a simple fact of life, until and unless we anemd our Constitution. In his 1st year Obama hired over 100,000 new, additional fed. gov'/t employees, and the number of fed employees who make over $150,000 per year has more than doubled. The federal government is NOT the solution to our problems, it IS the problem.

This has been a major problem for some time, the leftmedia gets to foster dissent within the ranks of the 'enemy camp' (to THEM and then sit back and take note of the fallout for the DNC to use in the general. In the old Pogo cartoon strip, the famous quote was "We have met the enemy and he is us" Newt and the Hermanator are the only ones trying to stay above the fray (OK, my guy Cain started to slip over the 'rock mess' but he caught himself and rose above it). That's why those to are rising to the top, maybe not like a skyrocket, but steadily, because they aren't being identified with trashing other candidates, but rather saying what they would do to fix this mess. Reminding the American people that we ARE still AMERICANS and that is still an EXCEPTIONAL thing to be! I agree with several of the previous posters, I personally would lke Cain at the top of the ticket, but I'm hoping for a Cain/Gingrich ticket in '12.

2012... Time to raise CAIN!

It seems Newt has the spirit of the Gipper more than the others!

Rejection of Herman Cain because you don't agree with 999 would be a horrible mistake. The 999 plan wouldn't be automatic if Cain were elected, but would have to be enacted by the legislature, and the present tax code rescinded. Cain should be viewed first and foremost on his potential to be a strong and effective executive, and his record certainly lends credence to that.

I forgot to include Herman Cain!

It's not hard to see that Newt Gingrich is the guy who is sitting quietly above the fray. While many think him 'unelectable' because of some perceived 'personal' baggage, I've concluded he's the only 'conservative' candidate so far who has demonstrated both poise and focus. I also have no doubt that he's laid down the gauntlet...get rid of the moderator, just have a time keeper! I believe the media has made itself to much a part of the process by 'steering' the conversation.

Mr. Alexander, Just who is the most popular candidate amongst active military and veterans, garnering more than double the contributions from those groups than all the other candidates combined.

Who is currently holding another money bomb hoping to raise $1 million dollars and instead is well over $2.5 million in just a few days with nothing by grassroots donations?

Who consistently ranks in the top three in all the polls, all the caucus', and in campaign contributions, yet no one will say his name.

When I watch all the idiot reporters on TV, I find myself asking one question and now I find myself asking you the same question?

WHAT ABOUT RON PAUL?

Ron Paul is the most honest, the most Constitutional and the most principled candidate we have. He seems strange to so many people because we, as a people, have strayed so far from our Constitutional roots that most of us wouldn't recognize it and we don't.

Be careful of Cain, he's not as much an outsider as he would have you believe. He was Chairman of the Fed for Pete's sake and we all know the problems the Fed created when it was formed in 1913. Cain also said "Go ahead and audit the fed. You won't find anything because there's nothing there to find." And his 9-9-9 plan just adds another way for politicians to steal money from hardworking Americans.

Gingrich/Cain 2012

We need a "grown-up" back in the White House!

merryblueeyes said it best, "Newt Gingritch [sic] has the best experience and intellect. He would make mincemeat of Obama in a debate. It is time for many conservatives to remember that in electing a president, they are hiring an employee for an very important job. They are not choosing a spouse.

"Gingritch [sic] should not be discounted. He was a supremely successful Speaker of the House and is an unwavering conservative. I like Cain, but he has no political experience. He might make a good VP to get some, but we'd have someone who knew the ropes in Newt."

Most trustworthy candidate(s):

Newt Gingrich and Herman Cain

Disappointed that Michele Bachmann did not remain above the fray.

There is so much experience, knowledge, expertise and even attractiveness among the candidates which would be useful in helping to lead the country out of the mire, but how can a Republican president appoint any of them to his cabinet or staff once they have been derided by himself or the other candidates.

They need to team up and run rough shod over Obama...not each other.

We Americans want to feel proud of our country's strength and leadership again.

What an embarrassing waste of talent. We need statesmanship!

I don't know who the most trustworthy candidate is, but I really don't believe it is either Romney or Perry. I'm a little leery of Newt because he seems just a little too political. Pretty much the same for all the GOP hopefuls with the exception of Paul and Bachmann. What I really like about Cain is his very successful business record where BS doesn't cut it and one has to face reality. If that's where his character was shaped, I'd have to go with him.

I don't spend much time commenting, nor reading comments, but I have to say these are the most civil and thoughtful I've seen, having read some of the other sites....only post I really disagree with is the guy who thinks Romney is the only one who is "electable"...same kind of thinking that got us McCain and a horrible defeat last time. A moderate or RINO or centrist, however you want to label him, will lose the election and our Constitutional Republic. billy396, reading your posts is like "is there an echo in here?" Dead on, to my thinking.

Beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel....

HERMAN CAIN, HAS MY VOTE. HE IS A PROBLEM SOLVER, NOT A POLITICIAN. I DON'T BELIEVE HE WILL GO INTO THE OFFICE THINKING OF THE NEXT ELECTION, ONLY WHAT HAS TO BE DONE TO STRAIGHTEN OUT THIS MESS.

Ron Paul is the most trustworthy candidate. Not very electable maybe, but he IS from Texas. Put him on the ticket with Herman Cain--top or bottom--, and I would go out and register just to vote for him.

The moderators may think this off topic, but I don't think so. The intranacine warfare is not only limited to personal attacks, but also strategic moves designed to thwart the opposition and the electorate. There are moves afoot that I'm sure we are all quite aware of that several states are considering moving their primaries up/ There are OTHER states who, by STATUTE are supposed to be "First in the nation" therefore, the first would necessarily affect the second. I've heard rumblings that a certain candidate's operatives have been working behind the scenes to force these moves to lock in some delegates while he is still the front runner, or close to it. He's thrown a bone or two to some of his weaker opponents in the debates to keep them 'in the game' because as long as the 'Anti-Romney' vote (70%) is split 4 ways, 25% is enough to win a primary. (The Ron Paul vote will be the Ron Paul vote, they'll probably even write him in in the general) I hope and pray that some of the weaker candidates get out and throw their support behind someone other than Mr. Inevitability. Or we WILL get stuck with the RINO again

Recently a friend of mine who truly is a conservative, though not really a Constitutional scholar asked me about his tepid support of Cain. When I asked him if our real problem was the economy or whether the government has gone too far and mucked things up, he responded that the latter was the real problem. Only a person who is really knowledgable of the limits the Constitution places on the government will solve our problems in the long run. In the short run, Cain, as a successful business person might have good ideas to help the economy (9-9-9), but only in the short run. Gingrich would be the choice if we want a long term solution. So, do we want temporary relief or long term relief.

Newt Gingrich will clobber Obama in any debate any day, every day every way. Gingrich/Cain is a ticket I would support.

Never could figure out why the debates were held anyway. Guess this shows that it's a bad idea.

I am elated to see Herman Cain at the top of some recent Republican Presidential polls. I have been on his wagon since before he announced his candidacy.

Out of all running he has the most impressive resume.

However, he is being attacked by the Anti-American Left-wing News Media and Liberal White and Black Demokrats who want to keep the American Blacks on Uncle Sam's Plantation and Herman Cain out of The Whitehouse!

Herman Cain is also being railroaded by the establishment Republicans who are ready to anoint Mitt Romney with the nomination as they say Hermain Cain cannot win.

Let there be no doubt, Mitt Romney is a RINO. When all is said and done giving him the Republican nomination for 2012 the Republicans will be no better off than they were with John McCain in 2008!

The BHO campaign in 2012 will consist of race baiting and class warfare as he has no record of accomplishments to run on! A BHO / Cain match up in 2012 will throw all of this out of the door. When it comes to the debates Herman Cain will chew up BHO and spit him out like a bad chew of tobacco!

The current demonstrations by the left will continue all around our nation into next year. Let there be no doubt, what is going on now is just a preview of what is to come. As BHO's poll numbers fall they will get more intense. The campagn season will not be a pretty one!

Herman Cain is my choice for President. Newt Gingrich for Vice President. Cain is the only one who is not a career politician.

Absolutely!!! The strong candidates get painted as morons or idiots. They don't want a real candidate to run against Zero.. They want a rino to be on the other side and Dems win every time. We need a strong, real conservative, who can articulate the message and get it out.

Looking for Gingrich/Bachmann ticket.

I have to agree with Rick Perry on the melding of more than one candidate. Oh! If only we could do that. We could have the political intellect of Newt, the passion of Santorum, the strict constitutionalism of Paul,the business smarts of Cain, the love of country of Bachmann. Romney has nothing for me and neither does Huntsman. A toe to toe between Newt and Obama would be a smack down! I guess I'm gonna' have to go with Newt.

There are only three with the knowledge to run this

country. Let's start with three who will do the same ol", same ol". Romney, Perry, and Santorum,and

the others in the race are all a part of the estab-

lishment. They should'nt even be considered.

Gingrich, Paul, and Cain are the only choices. Yet,

although Gingrich has been a D.C. insider, he brings

a calm demeanor to politics and a wherewith all to

get things done politically. Paul has been talking

the same issues for 30 years and has never waivered

on any position. It is all truth with him!! And he

truly believes in the U.S. and the Constitution.

Cain is a newcomer to politics, but has good in-

stincts for economics, being a successful business-man, and has the ability to correct the mistakes or should I say financial injustices that have been made to our capitalistic system.

I don't have any idea which should be the next

president, but believe it should be one of them, or

this nation will never recover from the abyss that

Obama has taken us to.

These debates have become a circular firing squad. The Dems will have videos of them all and will use them in the general election to great effect.

My hope is that after several votes, no candidate will have sufficient votes to win the GOP nomination; at which point, they will turn to Sarah Palin to accept the nomination and carry the banner against Obama.

Sarah is the one most qualified to face Obama and will not be faced with negative videos of fellow GOPrs firing at her.

Yes, definitely the LEFT MEDIA (other that a very small minority of print and visual media) they all report with a left slant using words and pictures that distort the facts. I am very disapointed with any and all of the debate monitors who used the same type of question asking "slants on the facts" that the Left Media uses.

Newt by far and second is Ron Paul who is more specific in certain areas. Newt is knowlegible in all politic area, specifically the Constitution.

Newt and then Cain

Cain can do it IF all of us get behind him. Of course, if we all got behind any of the 7 we could elect a republican over Obama.

Gingrich is the most knowledgeable overall, but Ron Paul is right up there too.

For All:

As a Ronald Reagan Conservative Republican, I wish to warn all Republicans that we need to be much more aware and alert in the next election to assure that sanctity & Sanity returns to Government. Right now The American electorate are being led astray. Americans are I hope a lot smarter than what the MSM thinks, and I hope they all do their homework this time around before even considering going to vote.

With that being said, I wish to offer the following analogy of the candidate situation.

Ron Paul - Libertarian, not Republican, should be gracious and leave the field. Too much controversy in remarks made and much too divisive.

Newt Gingrich - Retread, disgraced, House Leader, forced to resign position due to errors in judgement. Now wants to be President, has real problems with telling the truth, is a member of the CFR, Supports NWO, Agenda 21, etc. NO on him. Check out the analogy of the John Birch Society on this man.

Herman Cain - Untested, Inexperienced, no previous political associations or offices. Wants to Tax everyone, 9-9-9 is a nightmare waiting to come to life. No Foreign Policy background, and fully unprepared.

John Huntsman - Little known, former Ambassador in the orient, not well known and has recognition issues. No real plan yet presented for America.

Mitt Romney - Represents BIG Money, and the Rich, fomer Governor of MA, passed Healthcare in state, Obamacare fashioned around his plan, is running for second time, doesn't represent smaller government, doesn't want lower taxes. Doesn't support strength on ILLEGAL issue, will not seal the border to the south, wants the Dream Act, etc. Not who I would vote for.

Rick Perry - Gov of Texas, Big SEIU supporter as many of jobs created went to public sector, believes Washington has responsibility for border, provided Dream Act to Illegals in his state, friendly with leadership of Muslim Brotherhood in Texas, and allowed Sharia Court in Texas. NO, NO this man does not fit for me.

Michele Bachmann - Mother (5 Natural, 25 Adopted), housewife, Sr.Congresswoman PHD, U S Tax Attorney strong leadership, knowledgable, sits on Intelligence Committee for House of Representatives,dynamic, conservative, has a 12 point plan for America to return our nation to greatness. Is candidate of the TEA Party. Pro Life, defends Marraige between one man and one woman. Does not support the Dream Act, will shut the border down, will fence and put troops in place if necessary, strong on Defense. I fully consdier her to be stronger than most running now, except the next candidate. I am considering her candidacy here strongly and encourage others to consider her also.

Rick Santorum - Former U S Senator, strong Ronald Reagan conservative, family values person, Pro Life, defends Marraige between one man and one woman. Has a plan to reduce Corporation Taxes to 0 from 30% or more, which will bring into the country 1.6 Trillion now sitting off shore. Does not support the Dream Act, will shut the border down, will fence and put troops in place if necessary, strong on Defense. I have met and talked with him, he is sound, smart, and inteligent, as well as experienced in Washington D C. He would be a strong leader. Soft spoken but carries a big stick so to speak.

Well there you have it, now I ask you to take some time and do some more homework, and be sure you know who you are supporting inside and out. This election is going to be the most crucial of elections for our country.

One last thought, can anyone remember back when both parties prepared and groomed candiates to seek the office of President. What we are seeing happening today in this race is it is a FREE for ALL with very little support from the main Party until the conventions are over. Even the conventions are not as exciting as they used to be because everyone now relies on primaries to do the job that delegates at conventions did before. How sad.

I wholeheartedly agree with this article and that the Repubilican debates need to either STOP, or be open to those that are actually contenders...you should have to garnder no less than 10% average in the polls, or you are out. I used to think that Rick Santorum would have perhaps made a good VP, but no longer. He needs to sit down and shut up before he gives the GOP a bad name. My choice would be a Cain/Gingrich ticket...both level heads.

Your comment to the current pool of candidates was too tactful. You should have left it at CUT THE CRAP-GROW UP. I don't watch the debates for that very reason. The sophomoric infighting and slash and burn that goes on is, in a word, PATHETIC.

The fact that the leftmedia shows favor to Romney is proof positive that he is NOT the correct candidate-only if you want four more years of bho. In that case stock up on food and ammo ASAP.

LIBERTY and at the same time HONOR MUST BE RESTORED

Herman Cain and Newt Gringrich are equally trustworthy and I have not seen either gentleman resort to "you did's" but only focusing on "I can."

Newt Gingrich will clobber Obama in any debate any day, every day every way. Gingrich/Cain is a ticket I would support.

I had to shut off the debate when I observed the "shooting in the tent" between Romney and Perry.

CUT THE CRAP is right. These "debates" are staged debacles set up by the media to generate controversy, ergo ratings. You can tell by the soundbites that get played ad infinitum the next morning on the network news. The debate questions are aimed at inflicting damage on the candidates. I prefer the approach Fox News used last night with Sen. Santorum - some might say Santorum - who? He had an opportunity to flesh out his positions and not be interrupted by a time bell or an opponent.

I find that I am answering some of these questions better than the candidates, because they are responding with rehearsed stump positions regardless of the question. For example, when Romney accused Perry of having most of the new jobs in Texas are going to illegals, my response would have been, "Does anyone on this stage believe that if the Federal Government was doing its job in closing the border to the constant inflow of illegal immigrants, that those jobs would be going to legal citizens? As President, I'll work with the states to enforce the laws that are presently on the books, since this administration has decided to take a pick-and-choose approach on which laws it wants to enforce, and which to ignore." Go on the offensive, but against the status quo and the Obama statist regime. Point out where your position is superior, without running down your opponent - there will be time for that in the general election.

I may be a bit off topic, but here goes. I listen and read as much information as time will allow. The "Breach of Oath" petition is, to my thinking, the best opportunity to make a lasting imprint and return the country back to the founding fathers vision for ALL men to be free. Yet, I have not heard the rallying cry for signer to the petition on most talk radio shows. What do we need to do to get more people to know of the petition???

I love Herman Cain. He's just too naive and does not know politics, which would in the end result in him turning into Pinocchio. I think Obama is essentially a puppet as well. I'm going for Romney/Gingrich 2012!

I agree with this article and thank the author for putting into words what many of us feel and think about this election so far. Sooner or later some of the candidates will have to throw in the towel or I am going to suspect conspiracy on the part of all of them to hand over the presidency once again to Obama.

During the Fox debate in Tampa all the candidates were asked "Who would you pick up here for a vice president" Herman Cain said Newt!

I think Newt is the smartest by far,but has to smooth out a little. Romney is the same old B.S. and if we want America back,I don't think he's our guy. I think the Tea Party and the Republican Party are going to have a problem settling on Romney.

I believe Newt and Michelle are the most knowledgeable. I give Newt the edge. With every debate he elevates himself in my eyes. The "bickersons" have lost me. Unless one of them is "last man standing", I will not vote for them. Just want to hear what they stand for, not what they don't like about another. Good ideas show stand on their own and not be shredded from attached from within.

Yes, I feel the left-wing media have too much influence on polling.

The GOP needs to wake up.

As I understand it the GOP is set, yet again, to have a debate on MSNBC.

Let me remind you-all of the last one? We were stuck with Brian Williams and John Harris of the Politico asking questions BS in picking the Republican nominee. After this disaster we were handed over to Al Sharpton, Rachel Maddow, Lawrence O’Donnell, Ed Schultz, and the rest of the crew at MSNBC spewing their liberal anti GOP BS!

Why does the GOP shoot themselves in the foot? Let there be no doubt these un-American Liberal Demokrats not friends of the GOP! The people who watch MSNBC are lost souls but they are happy drinking BHO kool-aide and are unwilling to be saved! MSNBC is 100% oposed to the GOP.

I suffered through the debate. When I was turned over to the MSNBC panel I cannot write my remarks and quickly switched over to Fox News.

Let there be no doubt the GOP Debate gave MSNBC in one night more viewers than it probably had ever gotten.

The GOP should stop being self destructive and just tell MSNBC and CNN to put it where the sun don’t shine

Now this past Tuesday evening debate we have to put up with Anderson Cooper on CNN. What a spoiled little rich kid… liberal leftist un-American socialist... born with a silver spoon in his mouth… never having to work a day in his life… living off of inherited wealth from his grandmother Gloria Vanderbilt who in turn is a descendent of Cornelius Vanderbilt! Someone should ask this little punk about redistribution of wealth. You can bet Anderson and his clan aren’t going to redistribute any of their wealth. However, they are interested in redistributing our wealth!

The old school GOP are losers! If they do not wake up shortly and see the bulk of their supporters do not approve of their tunnel vision on reality! 2012 may just be another 2008!

Newt would absolutely mop up the floor with Obama in a debate, and is a hundred times smarter, to boot!

Newt showed the Reagan wisdom near the end of the debate. Cain certainly understands it.

Newt has continued to show his remarkable intellect and political skills and is now poised to be the true, conservative, "not Romney" candidate. He is the best debater, and as a former professor, author, and Speaker of the House, he has the understanding of politics and history as well as the communication skills to forcibly and clearly articulate a vision of conservatism. No other candidate, alas, combines these many qualities. He has also shown himself to be a statesman (remaining focused on Obama and not being divisive with other Republicans), and has shown a commitment to coming up with real policies, both domestic and foreign. I love Michele Bachmann and Rick Santorum - and Ron Paul as economic advisor -- but it is now time to stop debating about all the would-be candidates and support Newt as the true conservative alternative to Romney.

Newt will eat Obama's lunch in a debate. Herman can do the same. The two would make a great ticket. They elevate by their civility. What about the 3rd Georgian: Allen West?! Is it too late to get him in the race? What a trifecta!

After observing the farce of a debate this week, I do not think any one of the canidates could take the most knowlegable mantle. The slickest and most oily of the bunch is Mitt, the bigest hothead, Pecos Perry. Cain seems to have a gap in his world knowledge. The rest seem to be just ordinary. Paul takes the bigest nut award, in spite of having the possible lead on how to fix the economy. If they don't get their act together, we just may see Obammy back in, in 2012.

It doesn't help that the stupid Republicans allow Leftmedia moderators to host their debates. Why don't they get Michael Moore or Rosie O'Donnell to be moderators so Hussein can be re-elected without a doubt?

Romney and Perry are an embarrassment to those of us who are serious about taking Obama out of the White House in January 2013. Santorum, Bachmann, and Huntsman are not much better. Herman Cain and Newt Gingrich are the only two candidates who seriously answer questions without smearing their opponents. The infighting and quarrelling amongst the candidates shows that the GOP is not united in its cause and is not ready to assume the leadership role that this country desperately needs. Save the mudslinging until Obama is on the other side of the podium. At that time I expect the GOP candidate to take the gloves off and pull no punches.

It's gotten to the point that I will not watch another debate until serious questions are asked and answered in a manner deserving the respect of the highest office in the country. It is shameful to watch Romney and Perry go at each other like teenagers fighting over a girl at school. Santorum, Bachmann, and Huntsman answer questions with answers they think the public wants to hear. Cain and Gingrich are the only candidates who answer questions candidly and truthfully.

The Republican debates are like a battle field among themselves. Nothing substanial is coming from any of them that give us a clue to how they would turn the Obama destruction of this country around. I stopped watching after the 2nd debate. I will never vote for a Democrat especially Obama so it will have to be the usual vote for the opposition even if you have to hold your nose doing it. I am really tired of the Republican establishment (the good old boys club) choosing their choice and stuffing it down our throats. The only person to vote for on my list is actually Santorum with the exception of a couple of things that I am not happy with him over but heck, you have to start somewhere and the rest are clueless!

At this point in the campaign, Herman Cain has the best approach to the issues and is poised to defeat Barack Obama. Based upon his proven executive abilities, he specialized in turning losing organizations into winners,his knowledge of macroeconomic issues gained while serving with the Federal Reserve and an ability to rapidly master new situations, his is the right approach for this time. Newt Gingrich is a close second and should b part of any new conservative administration.

Of the grups in the GOP field, my choice is Cain. We need a President who actually has presided before. And of course the jackass party is having fits over the prospect of an opponent who is even darker in color than the Chosen One.

The problem with all the Republican candidates is their refusal to face the heart of our national problem. And that is not Obama's policies which are bad enough,but Obama himself. They all know that he is ineligible for the presidency through both birth and criminal activity. Why their cowardice and for those who have sworn an oath to defend the Constitution why the failure to upheld their oath?

I didn't think the debate was all that bad, Mark. I think Huntsman and Perry did themselves no favors by being rancorous. Huntsman particularly looked childish talking about his victories and Bachmann sounded more cheerleader than candidate. Ron Paul, Herman Cain and Mitt Romney all looked better in my view, as did Newt Gingrich.

I like the depth of Gingrich's world view and the simplicity of Paul's convictions. I like Cain's straightforwardness. It's nice to have four really good candidates.

Outstanding commentary...if only these folks would listen more and articulate their vision for America, the sad part for us in Kentucky is that by the time the primary gets here.....we probably won't like the anointed one......

The common thread running through the comments is that PP readers do not want Obama elected to a second term.

The "debate" process began too early and was primarily driven by the left leaning media in order to identify a republican candidate they could spend an entire year degrading. That hasn't worked for them yet, so they keep offering polls which show Romeney to be the purported republican front runner. But this is called into question by some recent polls that show Cain surging. The media needs to support Romney because he is a candidate who would guarantee Obama's victory, Cain has them shaking in thier boots.

I used to think this process was a good way for the electorate to sort out the candidates and decide on whom they wanted to run for president. Now, I'm not so sure we are not again being manipulated by the MSM like we were in 2010.

I didn't like McCain, detested his Conservative-lite politics and too-willing attitude toget along with Libs, but I held my nose and pulled the lever on November 4, 2008, because I heeded Ronald Reagan's 11th Commandment. Unfortunately, too many "conservatives" stayed home from the polls that day because they felt McCain wasn't conservative enough for them.

I fear one candidate in the current crop of republican hopefuls, but would again hold my nose and pull the lever for them if that candidate is the republican nominee.

Allow the process to run its course but keep in mind the ultimate goal of this election: the redemption of our Country and that for which she once stood and will continue to stand; the beacon of liberty on a sea of darkness.

Cain seems to be the best candidate thus far. I envision Cain and Obama on the same stage debating...Obama would be shown to be the Establishment's hack that he is. If there are no telepromters available, he would be in dire straights. Cain represents what is needed for this country...adherence to The Constitution, honesty and returning this nation to being productive with its citizens thriving.

These debates are embarrassing.

RE: 2011/10/20 gop contenders

I totally agree. None of the candidates are "satisfactory" material for the presidency.

One, as a governor, did his own Obamacare and the visited Washington three times to help the Obama crew "fix" Obamacare.

One is A Federal Reserve pet who thinks they do no make any mistakes and should not be bothered by Congress.

Two are so old has-beens as to be totally unaware of what is going on in Washington..just politics as usual.

The most conservative of the lot is very inexperienced and not likely to last to/through the primaries.

One is a theoritician, a good debater, but I fear that in the heat of battle he will lose it because he is a compromiser. In fact, I think he is probably the better of the lot although I have doubts about is backbone.

I have refused to even listen to the bickering debates. I will just be forced to vote for anyone who opposes Obama Socialism.

No one seems to understand that there is a coup in process and we need afighter to stop it. Reagan would not stand for the least of it.

Mark,

In some sense you are right; however how can a candidate expect to show the differences between them? The best way is of course to show what you propose for solutions and to politely show that you differ with your opponents approaches to the problems. This can be done in a more hospitable manner.

When I was debating Jeff Chavez for the Republican Nomination to run against Loretta Sanchez Brixey at the Anaheim Republican Assembly, he got up and proposed government programs. I merely stated that the problem is too many government programs, and that I would, if I was in Congress, propose eliminating many government programs before possibly introducing new legislation that did not conflict with out Constitution. I got the endorsement that night, but did not win the primary. The rest is history, Jeff temporarily dropped out, and I temporarily ran a write-in campaign until Jeff came back in.

My method has always been not to attack the opponent directly, but to paint a picture so that the voters can see the difference or point themselves.

God bless, yours in Their Hearts,

Kenneth M. Fisher, Founder & Chairman

Concerned Roman Catholics of America, Inc.

@Bruce Phillips

I'm sorry you feel that way Mr. Phillips. Why not just allow the early primaries to decide the candidate and dismiss the rest as superfluous? In fact, with Romney doing so well in the northeast, why not just cede the nomination to him.

BECAUSE all votes count when it comes to preparing the platform for the Republican party in the coming election. The candidate we choose will become the voice of that platform, so we should choose a wise and elequent speaker.

Newt

I believe the BEST ticket would be Newt / Ron. Newt has the experience and the political clout to make things happen in DC and begin to end the socialistic ideas that have crept into every corner of society; while RP would be great to draw from for economic ideas, gain foreign relations experience, and then be able to walk in with a more complete resume.

Bachman

Herman Cain is the most honest, upright, straight talker in the contest for President. His 9-9-9 plan may not be perfect but it is sway ahead of whatever is in second place. We need to reform the taxe code and reign in spending if we hope to servive as a free people.

Bravo Mark!

You have articulated my frustration as I observed the GOP candidates put on a petty show that was lacking in dignity and decorum. The cost for this type of behavior is monumental; the continuation of the Obama regime. Our country will become unrecognizable if that is allowed to occur.

If Barry stays on his present ramp. -- anybody.

I smell rank hyprocisy in the air. Where was all the chest beating when Perry was simultaneously attacked by Bachmann, Romney, and Cain? Hmm? Perry fended for himself. So can Cain and Romney. Gingrich? Good grief! Personal history: Would make most men blush. Politics: Proponent of Toffler's Third Way and started as a Nelson Rockefeller supporter when Conservatives were backing Goldwater and Reagan. Newt doesn't pass the Conservative smell test. Period.

Excellent article and right on. Why not just come right out and state the obvious which is Newt Gingrich and let us get on the bandwagon to name Gingrich as the GOP Candidate. These debates have become a JOKE to say the least and out of control. Anderson Cooper lost control early on and never regained it. ONly 12 more to go.

Newt Gingrich has stayed above the fray except for a fleeting moment with Romney regarding the Mass. Health Plan. People say he is unelectable due to his problems in the HOUSE 13 years ago, his, let me say, untidy, personal life and his reputation early on for using personal attack politics. I believe he has learned a great deal in the intervening thirteen years and is a better man today. He is obviously the most knowledgeable, brightest, common sense based and calmest of all the candidates. Newt Gingrich would easily trounce Obama in any debate and the election and he is imminently qualified to fulfill all the responsibilities of being the President of the United States of America.

God Bless America.

Why should we conclude the process to obtain our nominee? Doing so, as I said, would only give the Dem-Libs an entire year to degrade the republican candidate.

By not having a clear front runner the left is left with creating straw men at which to shoot, and by the time the republican candidate is chosen those arguments will be seen for the lies they are.

I say leave 'em guessing!

Ron Paul

AMEN!!!!!

From everything I have seen and heard Herman Csin seems to have the edge. Smart man.

Newt..

The GOP is famous for snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. Ron Paul has the best domestic plan, weak on international affairs. And probably not electable. Herman Cain is a businessman. He's met payrolls, delivered products. Far better than anyone in the curent administration. The East Coast Establishment GOP doesn't like him. They didn't like Reagan. My choice? ABO. Anyone but Obama.

I could not agree more strongly with your sentiments. Truly some of the worst debaters I have ever seen. Very light on the issues and potential solutions and very heavy on the personal attacks.

Nothing substanative comes out of these media driven fiasco's. They are not debates. It is made for TV and is like watching a reality show of disfunctional actor's playing at politics. It would be funny if it wasn't about life and death matters. Limit medical liability law suits, limit product liability law suits, stop prescription drug company's advertising their latest pill (we are self diagnosing ourselves into a stupor)allow bigger medical pools to spread risk. Reduce capital gains taxes to zero (0) but require the asset to be held for minimum of two years to encourage long term planning rather than short term dividends. In other words let doctor's practice medicine, let producers produce, encourage long term growth, create jobs that pay more than minimum wages. And to top it off, Congress is allowed to meet for one month each season (summer, autumn, winter, spring sessions) and they must go back to the community they represent and work like I do. Lastly return to the judeo-christian principles that served us so well.

As Newt Gingrich has said "any candidate at these Republican debates would be a better President than Obama". Although I agree, I don't want to vote for the lessor of two evils. Mitt Romney, like John McCain is Democrat lite. His track record says he won't end this creeping socialism just slow it down. We need it stopped and reversed before it's too late. I'm afraid Romney isn't the one to do it.

I don't care if Mitt's good looks make some Republican women swoon. We can not let the Main Street Media pick our candidate for us again this election.

I like Hermen Kane. Ibelieve his 999 tax change is a stepin the right durection. I would like to see the income tax ELIMINATED as well as thcorporation tax.

A value added tax seems to me most fair. Everybody pays taxes instead of almost 50% paying no taxes. If you pay taxes you have a dog in the fight while if you pay notaxes you back the guy who promises to take from the workers and give to the slackers.

Newt is the only one with the experience, intelligence and wit to stand up to the Democrat media onslaught that is going to continue until election day. Even though Obama doesn't get the crowds or the enthusiasm he once did he has the money and the media. Perry goes off on tangents too easily. Cain's 999 plan isn't going to win the day. Bachmann is too shrill. Romney is too polished. Newt has the ability to listen to the other person and destroy his/her argument with logic and without losing his cool.

Sorrowfully , i suppose Mitt Romney is on top but I feel he is another one trick pony just like Obama.Too sft for the job that must be done.

Mr. Alexander --- When can we look to some right media coverage, rather than left media. Can we not get together enough alleged conservatives to promote the "right" agenda?

Way to go, Alexander. It is hard to believe that anyone who seriously wants to convince us they are capable of being President of the U.S. would engage in the childish bickering we see in the Republican candidate debates.

I think Newt and Ron are the most knowledgeable. At this point Herman Cain seems to be the best combination of knowledge and electability. Mitt is a moderate and Rick needs more seasoning (I hope that's all he needs?). I would love to see Michelle as a VP candidate or somewhere in the upper levels of the next administration.

I agree that we should no longer contribute to the RNC. I have not done so in over 5 years. I stuff the solicitation envelopes with everything I can find so as to force extra payment on the other end. The RNC seems intent to re elect/elect moderates and RINOs. I contribute directly to my conservative candidates or through organizations such as Club for Growth.

Ditto to all those who remember Newt's smack-down of the moderators and leading from the front by letting the rest know (but most didn't listen) the path to success is in teamwork and keeping the primary objective in the crosshairs (yeah, I said it!) - defeating BO and his political machine. Herman is the ONLY true businessman in the bunch and Newt is the sharpest political and historical mind of the lot. I see Cain and Gingrich as the ticket. Newt would equally - or maybe more so - be the Secy of State, but would rather see him in the second seat guiding things from the background.

Bachmann's attack dog approach with both Romney and Perry ended it for her with me. Ron Paul may be brilliant, but he has the stage presence of a crack head. He's another one who can't shut up when he's ahead, even when he's right. I do think the guy would be good to have in the cabinet, though, where he can do good work, but where his peers can keep an eye on him. Neither Perry nor Romney have any business running for President and I hope neither one is nominated. Perry is my Governor, has done a good job and needs to stay where he's at. Romney was, is and always will be a slick political type that I just don't trust. Gumby will be whatever he has to be to get elected. Herman's biggest stumbling block is his 9-9-9 financial plan. YES, it's a great idea! YES, we know other things must be done to make it work and it may not come to fruition in its current form. YES, we know the biggest problem is the media won't support it (way to easy to play the "poor" card), the average voter is too ignorant to learn or understand it, and worst of all, refuse to take their medicine if curing our economic mess means sucking it up and maybe paying a little more taxes. Consumption tax is the ONLY way to get our money out those who don't pay taxes for whatever reason and those who make their livings illegally. Drug pushers, prostitutes, black market traffickers and illegal aliens for starters.

Ron Paul is the Only choice.

His policies do not do well in 60 second sound bites but

When thought through make a great deal of sense.

I too thought he was off the wall because of the way he is pittance in media left and so called right.

Since have digested all his books and he makes the most sense.

As to the BIG objection, being isolationist or passive, if u think that you hVe not done your homework.

Dr Paul is for peace thru strength and just wars, those in defense authorized by the proper Constitutioal authority, legislative not executive. He also is for interaction thru trade, it

Is less likely you will gun someone down when such action will hurt your pocketbook.

Could there be an element of naïveté in Dr Pauls thinking?

Perhaps !

I however will accept that and some ideological differences

In a man of steadfast principle rather than complete agreement

With some whose finger is constantly in the wind.

The most knowledgeable, by far, is Newt. He could definitely out debate Obama. He knows how the Hill works, he doesn't get involved in the bickering. He should be the Republican candidate!

Thank you, Mark, for your editorial remarks today. I agree!

Hello America,

The most trusted among the candidates is of course the candidate not sullied by politics . . . Herman Cain. His business acument puts him in good stead for the immediate job at hand if he wins the primary then general election . . . rebuilding America economically.

Mr. Alexander is so right about the stupidity of attacking opponents. The most popular of all the candiates going in, had she simply answered questions regard her presidential policies while the rest of the field cannibalized each other, to include Mr. Cain who got caught up in the feeding frenzy would now be the front-runner by a mile.

I wrote comments about this particular subject when I was cheering for the momma grizzlies to come forward and give the Bama a good mauling. A savvy political leader knows you save the savaging for your general election opponent. We want to know what you intend to do to turn the country around . . . that's it.

The Turban Torpedo

Quite frankly it is shameful that the GOP candidates are just to stupid as a group to fight for our country. The ignorance is very plain when they allow the liberal media to lead them around like sheep.

Vince Lombardi, lead the Green Bay Packers to 3 consecutive world championships and he said it like it is and I hope those GOP contenders for the nomination get a clue from this simple Quote.

“THE TEAM THAT CONTROLS THE BALL WINS THE GAME!”

I say to those that GOP candidates that are allowing themselves to be used as useful idiots

LEAD, do not follow the entrenched Beltway crapola and do not let those liberal pukes moderating the debates set your agenda!

Newt Gengrich is the most knowledgable.

The most trustworthy GOP Candidate is Herman Cain.

The GOP candidate that could be Obama is - any of them - if they'd just quit fighting each other!

As of the last debate, Herman Cain is the only

GOP candidate that I would vote for and he isn't

perfect. I respect his history of success in the

private sector and his vision of a new less cumbersome tax code, whether it be 999 or the fair

tax. I'm not convinced that Mr. Cain is where I

would like him to be on illegal immigration. Yes,

he's in favor of completing the fence to strengthen

our borders, however I think he's a little weak on

E-Verify and the anchor baby incentive issues.

Mitt Romney is the typical Republican RINO and Rick

Perry is not far off that mark. Ron Paul has some

interesting ideas, but then goes to the extreme on

many issues.

I think Herman Cain needs to be listened to and

granted the opportunity to expand on his ideas.

One thing we know, he doesn't mince words and says

it like he sees it.

Newt is very articulate on Constitutional issues, but has a lot of baggage that the Dems can use to smear with.

Ron Paul has a strong working knowledge of the Constitution and is very impassioned about it, but has some views that while not wrong are not mainstream America.

Both would make excellent presidents.

In fact, a Newt / Ron or Ron / Newt Administration could be the perfect storm to the Dems fishing boat!

Hooray for your "Memo to GOP Contenders: Cut the Crap!" The candidates are demonstrating how low they can go, not how can lead with integrity and insight. Ugh! At this point, I won't be voting for any of them!

I know the crap going on during the debates is bad, but this does tuff them up for whoever will debate Obama...If we pussy footed around the issues then when the attacks came during the presidential debates we wouldn't be ready. Romney is very presidential, but NEWT speaks with the most wisdom.......

Well said ! Each of our candidates should receive a copy of this Post. That "debate" got me so upset with the whole process that I quit watching. You are right, Anderson Cooper, instead of controling the debate, continued to forment more rancor among the candidates. I truly would like each to express what he as president would do. I care not what one candidate thinks about the other.

Respectfully to you Cain supporters;

He was a director and defender of the Fed Res, the cause of most of the ills of the last century.

Mr Cain deserves cudos for his private sector accomplishments,

The F R deal is a deal breaker.

Also check his completely simplistic reply on the issue of abortion. No mention of the horrible court decisions in Roe and Doe, no mention of it being a state issue, come on

The question is, which candidates will ignore their over-stuffed ego and reliquish the race to the best-qualified candidate?

Spot on, as usual. I cringed while I was watching the debate this week. I anticipate the debate will provide a rich trove of outtakes that 0bama will use in the general election.

Like many others, I think Newt would absolutely roast 0bama in a debate. It would be fun to watch!

I am extremely disappoint with your article about the Republican candidate debate and comments concerning none standing for the Constitution. You seem to have joined the liberal media as well as the Republican establishment media in refusing to include Ron Paul! Not one word about his stand for the Constitution and the most basic points he has made with respect to correcting the government debacle. Granted he is not popular with the media and the so-called establishment, but he is certainly expressing (and has stood four-square for the constituion throughout his time in Congress) what most of us want and believe. We will not survive as a free nation if we do not return to the Constitution as our controlling document! We cannot be "half pregnant"!

Of course the media rams their GOP choice upon us knowing that the person they lavish the praise on has no chance to beat their chosen one. This happened in 2008. McCain was nobody's choice until the media made him the darling of the day to the detriment of the meaningful candidates who had to drop out without media support. We were faced with choosing the better of 2 evils and we know how that turned out! Glad to see this point of view being set forth - GOPer's quit attacking each other and talk only about how bad Obama's agenda is for the USA then stick to only what you will do differently to attempt to fix this mess!

An excellent "Memo" and though only one response , hopefully each "contender" will have taken it to heart . Ahh .. if only we could mix&match ...some Herman Cain ..a dash or five of Ron Paul .. in a base of Newt Gingrich ...

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU MARK!!!

We have gotten to the point where we have been considering not watching anymore of the debates and to think we have 12 more to have to SUFFER through. We can't imagine why the candidates have to belittle one another constantly and not tell what their plans for getting this country back on track. At least Newt Gingrich let Anderson Cooper know what he was up to but the others just wanted a put-down for the ones considered the top contenders. We need someone that wants to listen to WE THE PEOPLE! Your article Mark was a breath of fresh air!

Yes, the leftist media controls what the public sees and hears. Very few pople watch the actual debates and the media is how they get the information. Using a leftist, obamination filter certainly affects the results.

The other item most candidates seem to forget is they are giving cannon fodder to the democrats to be used against whomever ends up being the Repubblican Candidate.

I want myself and this country to be represented by Herman Cain. I was impressed by the debates I saw and convinced by his book, "This is Herman Cain!"

NOT Perry

The winner of the most recent "debate" was Anderson Cooper. He served it up and Perry threw it, to Cooper's delight. Romney should have taken a page from Newt's book and said, "I'm not playing your game." If Perry is so desperate as to dredge up some illegals cutting Romney's grass five years ago, then let him shoot his own campaign in the foot, but don't take everyone else down with him.

Newt Gingrich.

Newt Gingrich

Nice to know I'm not alone in my assessment of the "field" to date. The "debates" more resemble a warped reality show rather than an opportunity to present real ideas fro solutions rather than ho hired an illegal to mow his lawn ! At this juncture would love to see a Cain/Gingrich slate; Newt for the historical guidance on th econstitution and Herman on practical business like solutions.

You seem to fertilize more than the "crap" and your pedantry is so utterly boring. You might have been constructive had you been less impressed with yourself.

So true and so terrifying. Can't we join forces and agree to win the election in 2012 and uproot this administration's policies? All this internal competition is weakening the conservative position. We all should reread the Jefferson quote at the beginning of the article, paying special attention to the words "easy conquest". Frankly, it is going to take a great deal of hard work, personal sacrifice, common sense, and faith on the part of every American to pull us out of the miry pit into which President Obama and Co. have led us. There are no easy answers and no quick fixes. Whoever wins the Republican nomination is going to have to walk a thin tightrope balancing optimism and reality over a chasm of disaster. I'd like to think there was someone on that debate stage who can do that; but, I sure didn't see that kind of wisdom on display during the debate.

Mr. Alexander, as a conservative I enjoy reading Patriot Post. Your writing and arguments are almost always top-notch. This time, however, I didn't agree with everything in your article, and offer the following comments:

1. You didn't stress enough our most important objective: GET RID OF BARACK OBAMA! Do any of us think that ANY of the Republican candidates in the debates would not be better than Obama? Despite what Michelle Bachman keeps saying, Obama is NOT going to be easy to beat. You will be amazed (and frustrated) by the huge sums of money Obama will raise to spend on attack ads and get-out-the-vote drives. The liberals will do literally anything to keep him in office. Don't be surprised if some "crisis" is manufactured at just the right time to make Obama look good and get him re-elected.

2. So to me, ELECTABILITY has to be the No. 1 factor in choosing a candidate. Yes,we can nominate the most conservative candidate up there, but he or she will never win the general election. To beat Obama, our candidate MUST get the vote of a large majority of the country's independent voters. That will require a more moderate conservative candidate as our nominee.

3. Even though most of us don't like to admit it, an important element of electability is a candidate's APPEARANCE, including age and demeanor. In this area, Newt Gingrich falls short, especially compared to Obama. I do like Gingrich, especially his knowledge, intellect, and wit. However, he tends to project a somewhat arrogant, know-it-all attitude. And of course he has some personal baggage left over from his years as Speaker, when he and his House colleagues spent money like it was going out of style, contributing significantly to our national debt. As you said, he might be able to out-debate Obama, but I fear this would not translate into success in the general election.

4. All of the above points lead me to support MITT ROMNEY for President. He has strong executive capability and experience in both the private and public sectors, is extremely bright, speaks exceedingly well, is energetic, is Presidential in appearance and manner, is young enough, and doesn't allow himself to be pushed around by rude bullies or rabble-rousers. His positions on the issues, while perhaps not conservative enough to make any of us completely happy, are still light-years to the right of Obama. He has promised time and again that HE WILL REPEAL OBAMACARE! What more with regard to healthcare can he say than that? He also is much more knowledgeable about healthcare than any of the other candidates, and would be more capable of developing solutions to the country's problems with healthcare and its costs.

5. Mr. Alexander, the format of the debates is clearly the reason that the Republican candidates are attacking each other. Many of the questions are carefully designed to pit one candidate against another. And you are right: it makes all the candidates look bad, and Obama wins. But you can't expect one candidate, when criticized by another, to not defend himself. You can't expect one candidate, when another candidate rudely intrudes on his time by interrupting, to just stay silent and accept it. Both Santorum (a self-righteous back-stabber) and Perry (a dullard bully) repeatedly did that to Romney on Tuesday night, and he did what you would expect any worthwhile candidate to do: he stood his ground and fought back. Wouldn't you want him to do that later on if Obama were to attack him like those guys did?

6. Personally, I think we've had enough of these "entertainment TV" debates. I'd like to see the candidates all agree to refuse to participate in any more of them, unless the format is radically changed. What's happening now is just helping the Democrats.

7. From what I can tell, many of the "anyone but Romney" people don't like him because (1) he's not conservative enough, and (2) he's a Mormon. I've addressed the first issue above. The Mormanism issue is just BIGOTRY, plain and simple. I'm a Presbyterian, not a Morman, but it APPALLS me to think that a large segment of Americans have been so brainwashed by someone (their pastors?) that they will not vote for a person simply because of his religion. How do you think being a Mormon would affect Romney's ability to govern? Did President John F. Kennedy, a Catholic, call the Pope before he made important decisions? Do you really think Mitt Romney would make poor decisions and be a bad President because he is Mormon? Mormonism is a faith I respect because of two reasons: (1) they have the best family values, character traits, and work ethic of any religion I know about; and (2) through their extremely generous charity work, they have done more for the American people (and for other people around the world) than any other faith.

I apologize for the length of these comments, but I feel very strongly that we simply CANNOT AFFORD TO LOSE THIS ELECTION, so we MUST put up our most electable (and capable) candidate, MITT ROMNEY, as our Republican nominee!

P.S. Mr. Alexander, I notice that the word "crap" (used in the title of your article, I guess for its shock value -- to attract attention) is apparently no longer considered profane, though I thought it was. How soon can we expect the s-word and the f-word to appear in your articles?

I am going to write an email with a link to this essay to all of the campaigns. I hope others join me. Some of the candidates in particular made fools of themselves in the last debate, and they are unfortunately playing right into the hand of the liberal media who want them to go down in flames.

I am surprised at so many people backing candidates that are probably not electable. Quickly, here's what I see:

Romney- slick, strong presenter- good debater. Too many people worried about his flip-flops... will he be conservative enough? Might win but has weaknesses.

Perry- not slick enough in the debates, but not nearly as bad as he is portrayed. Has some weaknesses, but I think he's a strong conservative with great experience. If you listen to him, he makes sense- didn't like his attack mode in Vegas (but media did).

Cain- good speaker, but no experience. Will not win.

Michele B., Santorum- good strong conservatives, will not win (VP possibilities)

Newt- smart, idea man. Would be an interesting candidate but has too much baggage.

Johnson, Huntsman, Paul- interesting libertarian aspects but will not win. Paul is best of the bunch and is forcing the big boys to move his way, but he is too extreme on foreign policy. And he certainly is not the follower of Reagan's 11th commandment- it was his people who tried to get dirt on Perry (apparently it didn't work).

One point that people are forgetting. Once the primaries begin, candidates without money or who lose will drop out. Civility will return and the focus will go to Obama. I would vote for any of the possible Republican candidates over the current mess in the White House.

Mark,

Thank you for asking the candidates to stop attacking each other,and concentrate on exposing the damage Obama has done to our Constitution and our country. Please ask them to memorize Reagan's 11th commandment;it is disgusting for them to attack each other;differences in policies can be discussed without the ugliness exhibited at the Las

Vegas debate,and as you said,only benefits Obama!!

God help us if he is re-elected.

This has nothing to do with the media. It has everything to do with bad candidates. In my opinion, Obama has been a good President when comparing him to Bush. Under Bush, we had almost 0 job growth, the banking system colapse, two wars, 911, auto industry colapse, and losing 750,000 jobs when Obama took office. You can blame Obama all you want, but the facts are the facts. Clinton created 23 million jobs over 8 years by raising taxes on the top and balanced the budget. Bush and the Republicans almost completely colapsed the economy after just 6 years. It will take many more years to get back to the Clinton era. Let\'s make it happen...and use facts, not talking points.

Thanks

I agree with Billy. Good facts.

Respectfully to you Cain supporters;

He was a director and defender of the Fed Res, the cause of most of the ills of the last century.

Mr Cain deserves cudos for his private sector accomplishments,

The F R deal is a deal breaker.

Also check his completely simplistic reply on the issue of abortion. No mention of the horrible court decisions in Roe and Doe, no mention of it being a state issue, come on

Herman Cain is the Gentleman in the crowd. I watched the first 3 debates and refuse to watch any more.I agree, I do not want to watch Republicans stabbing each other in the back. I have a feeling most people feel this way and there is more support for Herman Cain than the media realizes because of that.

To recapture the US Senate we need to purge the voter rolls of Mexicans (not Hispanic-Americans and Spanish speaking Americans) that re-elected Harry Reid and the Mexican-Progressive Senator (or the Senator who was re-elected by them) from California. Of course I keep hoping for the earthquake that puts the People's republic of California into the Pacific Ocean (talk about water pollution).

"[N]one of the candidates has given more than peripheral attention to the most pressing issue of the current era -- the restoration of constitutional integrity"? Come on, Mark. Ron Paul, like him or not, has made that his mantra for all of his public service career. The fact that he is virtually shunned in these quasi-debates makes me want to hear more of what he has to say. Secondly, the fact that so many people on the left, right, and in between, seem to be clueless on the vast difference between isolationism and non interventionism leaves me a bit hopeless about all of them. If they can't figure out something that simple, how in the world can they "fix" anything?

"[N]one of the candidates has given more than peripheral attention to the most pressing issue of the current era -- the restoration of constitutional integrity"? Come on, Mark. Ron Paul, like him or not, has made that his mantra for all of his public service career. The fact that he is virtually shunned in these quasi-debates makes me want to hear more of what he has to say. Secondly, the fact that so many people on the left, right, and in between, seem to be clueless on the vast difference between isolationism and non interventionism leaves me a bit hopeless about all of them. If they can't figure out something that simple, how in the world can they "fix" anything?

In response to the "11th Commandment," my thoughts go straight to Michele Bachmann. I was very excited about her candidacy until she started her onslaught of Rick Perry. Though I live in Texas and am no big supporter of Perry, I thought she could have left her comments about the HPV vaccine end after he stated he had made a mistake. I found her insistent carping about it to be unpresidential and looked for someone else to support.

In response to the most knowledgeable question, I would have to say Newt can claim that. However, he also has starred in an ad with Pelosi advocating "global warming," or whatever the idiots are calling it now, among other things that I can't overlook.

I'm on the Cain bandwagon right now. I hope he can manage to keep his sense of humor (God knows we all need one right now!), and his common sense approach.

The leftmedia definitely influences candidates on both sides. They are keying in on Romney and Perry especially after their high school squabbles. If this stupidity goes on for another year, they will surely lose the presidency AND the gains they made in the House in 2010. I am totally disgusted with the immaturity of the candidates and their lemming-like jump to self-destruction. God help us; Washington surely won't!

Newt is the most knowledgeable. However, I do not believe he's electable.

To WJohnson above, you have some reasonable points, but many are so far off the mark it's discouraging.

Especially #2. In 1980 the same comments, verbatim, were made about Reagan.

I rest my case.

Herman Cain seems like a stand-up guy who says what he means and means what he says. I don't see him being a "puppet". I noticed his straight forward approach in SC before he became known and have liked him ever since. Just think he should re-think the 9-9-9 plan or spell it out better. The sales tax part is a hang-up.

There were only two adults on the stage at the last free for all! Newt Gingrich and Herman Cain. Newt Gingrich is by far the most knowledgeable and presidential candidate.

Newt Gingrich is easily the most knowledgeable candidate. The liberal media isn't covering him because they know he can beat Obama in a debate.

I am SO glad somebody said exactly what I was thinking. I was absolutely appalled at what I was seeing on that stage. I can't believe after your note to them, all but 2 or 3 of them didn't listen. Are they THAT in need of power that they put themselves above the defeat of Obama? It was disgusting!!

So to me, ELECTABILITY has to be the No. 1 factor in choosing a candidate. Yes,we can nominate the most conservative candidate up there, but he or she will never win the general election. WJohnson

Ahh! How easy has it become to replace moral committment with political expediency. Yes, Romney is perhaps the most "polished" of the candidates. He'll probably do well in the swimsuit competition. However, I'm looking for a candidate with a strong moral compass. Mitt's compass is pointing at whatever direction the wind is blowing. He truly is the candidate of convenience.

When running in liberal Massachessets, he ran as a liberal pro-choice Republican. Only when he decided to run for the Presidency did he revise his position to be that of pro-life to appeal to conservatives which comprise the Rebublican base. This smacks of the worst kind of political opportunism, and sadly it is certainly not the only example, ie. see his evolving positions on Romneycare, cap and trade, gay marriage, gun control etc., etc., etc., The list goes on and on and on.

Mitt is simply untrustworthy, a politician who will say and do absolutely anything in order to get elected. We already have one occupant of the

White House fitting that description. We don't need another.

I think Newt Gingrich would destroy Obama in a debate. Teleprompters are not allowed in debates. But I thing Rick Perry would actually do more to create jobs, reduce spending, and reduce the size of government. He would instill more confidence in Americans and businesses. But Obama would destroy him in a debate, even with no teleprompters. Romney would be another McCain in the White House.

Love this board and all the very knowledgeable and patriotic participants here.

I do disagree on one of the premises voiced here: the debates on the whole have been a plus. Why? Perry was exposed for the apparent inability to think on his feet and now Romney is starting to get exposed as the flimflam man that he is. The debates helped many voters to discover Mr. Cain and also have given Newt new life. The most important thing is they have limited the effect that money plays in the nomination process, at least to this point.

IMHO, Romney or Perry would be our nominee without the aid of these so-called debates.

I have watched all the debates. This was the worst

one and I, of course, knew you were referring to Newt Gingrich. I would love to see Newt be our nomineee. I feel without a doubt he would be very good for our country. I have followed him throughout

his good times, bad times. Those who say he's unelectable because of his "baggage," need to think about the fact that every human being on this earth

carries some sort of baggage, since none of us are perfect. I want someone who is conservative, knows and understands our Constitution and history of this country and has great ideas, can speak without a teleprompter, and without a doubt can "wipe the floor" in a debate with Obama. At least we know all about Newt's background, sure can't say that about Obama. I think Newt would be a close second to Ronald Reagan and should be wisely considered. No more "hope and change" mantras. I know he respects and loves this country and would speak forcefully in defense of America.

As several have pointed out in this thread already, Ron Paul is the ONLY candidate who has consistently stood for Constitutionally limited govt throughout his long political career. Frankly, I find Mr Alexander's failure to acknowledge this in his essay quite annoying and misleading

If Romney, Huntsman, Santorum, Perry or Gingrich are nominated, I will not be voting Republican(for only the 2nd time in my life). I'll write in a candidate on principal like I did in 2008 and contribute generously if Ron Paul runs as a 3rd party candidate

Replacing Obama with Romney or Gingrich is not a solution; its a political sleeping pill that will put the Tea Party movement into complacency while the country continues to careen over the cliff; what difference does it make if we go over at 90 MPH under Obama or at 55 MPH under some RINO? We still end up dead at the bottom of the abyss.

If America really is so lacking in wisdom and discernment to elect a socialist or his RINO equivalent, the perhaps its time to end the whole experiment launched in 1776; it has become a bloated, grotesque caricature of itself anyway. America stands in need of severe Divine chastening and judgement and the way thru that may be to break it apart.

At least those of us in Red State areas could have a govt in line with our worldview and not constantly trim and compromise with a bunch of Blue State democratic socialists.

Hmmm, Gingrich would clearly be the one to make mincemeat out of Obama in debates!

As far as the rest, they better quit playing the debate game by the msm's rules. I am dumbfounded as to why they allow themselves to get sucked in! Cut the Crap and Get a Grip!!!

Newt appears to be one of the candidates who wants to stick to the program of defeating Obozo and not shredding other candidates; candidates ripping into each other just plays right into the hands of the leftists and their media. Newt seems to be staying above the eggshells. His knowledge and background make him an excellent candidate to defeat Obozo, however, the leftist media will have a field day with his past personal life. Sarah Palin is still being ground up for fodder and that election was 3 years ago! Frankly, I don't really trust the other candidates; one wants to bury his head in the sand and let Iran run rampant in the Middle East, another candidate has a liberal healthcare policy in place, then yet another has a tax plan that will actually cause a majority of Americans more money, and one candidate wants to give illegal aliens free oollege tuition when American students have to take out loans to go to college and then, hopefully, upon graduation, find work so they can repay those loans. I think Newt is the best candidate at this point; he at least makes good sense.

Mr. Mark Alexander, I know you're a Christian, and in my book, you get big bonus points for rightly quoting the Lord Jesus Christ.

"For you, O LORD, are the Most High over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods." -Psalm 97:9 NIV

Right on, Mark! I thought these debates (debates, that's a laugh, they are as far from a debate as the North and South Poles) were to be to find a candidate to best Obama in 2012. Instead they have turned out to be a sort of one-upmanship fiasco between Romney and Perry. These clowns are supposed to be slamming Obama and his administration not each other. These guys and these so-called debates SUCK!

You say we should elect Obama II because you don't like Obama I? You'd rather die after lunch than in the morning? This defeatist attitude is what got us in this mess. It wasn't the Democrats. It was you! No guts, no glory.

Why aren't there any great presidential candidates? Because you wouldn't vote for them. If you stop voting for them, they'll stop running. But the same goes for Obama II. If you stop voting for him, he'll stop running too.

And the media gets too much credit (blame) for the choice of candidates. You let the Beltway choose your candidates. I've shown instances where the Party has used your money to pack meetings and endorse candidates that did not have local support in previous articles.

I agree that Obama I has got to go, but surely we don't have to elect his clone. Since you've sent all the good men packing (and some of them were less than ideal), I'll help you elect anybody but Obama II. But after this let's show a little guts. If all the above are evil, vote for none. Or write in somebody good. If you quit voting for them they'll quit running. Especially if you quit donating to them or the Party they'll quit running.

I'll give you, some people just aren't electable. But after we get rid of Obama I, let's not elect the very slightly lesser of two evils just because it's easier than GETTING OFF YOUR ASS AND GETTING AN AMERICAN ELECTED! Put your money where your mouth is. If you say you're a conservative, help elect a conservative. In the end you'll get the government you deserve.

"If ye love wealth better than liberty,the tranquility of servitude than the animating contest of freedom, go from us in peace. May your chains sit lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that ye were our countrymen!" —Samuel Adams

Newt Gingrich would hang Obama out to dry in any kind of challenging, nitty-gritty debate.

Rick Santorum may be the most trustworthy candidate.

Herman Cain may be the most intellectually proven candidate, numeracy-wise, in my lifetime. His personal story is a wonderful confirmation of what America is about.

I keep hearing about Newt Gingrich and his "Baggage". I believe that we need the strongest candidate to get rid of Obama in 2012. "Baggage be damned!" At this time in our country's history, we need someone with the experience, intelligence and conservative values to lead our country. That person is Newt Gingrich. I would pay money to see Newt debate Obama. Without his teleprompter to assist him, Newt would make Obama look like the know nothing fool that he is.

Until the Las Vegas debate, I had pretty much disregarded Newt Gingrich as a viable candidate. However, the debate changed my mind. He came across as the most mature, knowledgeable, and presidential of the bunch. I was very disappointed in Gov. Perry's behavior. In trying to portray more aggressiveness, he just shot himself in the foot.

Ron Paul. Period.

You are all falling into the media's trap. They are afraid of Ron Paul and by ignoring him they hope you will too.

If you think Ron Paul is an isolationist, then you have indeed fallen into their trap. Do your homework. Freedom comes with a price. Do your own fact=finding.

Mr. Alexander, I'm severely disappointed in you. The Patriot Post is supposed to be for the active military among us and you deserted them.

Why do I say that? Because far more of our citizens have died, three or four times as many, in these actions on the so-called "war on terror" than died on 9/11. It's like our fellow citizens in the military have suddenly become an expendable commodity in our current state of affairs.

Are they expendable? Is there a safer, smarter way? There certainly is and there is only one person I know of who has the guts and the integrity to say it.

Ron Paul.

Herman Cain, in my mind, is the only rock solid candidate amonst the lot. Newt comming in second.

Cain will be blown out of the water if he is the nominee. Whoever is nominated, hold your nose and vote. Think of Obama, listen to Obama, and see the results of Obama. Then support any Republican running and to he** with all the I'm a conservative; you're not a conservative crap. Tired of listening to the squabble. Reagan was so right...United we stand, divided we fall.

Herman Cain is the real deal. The media ( and perhaps establishment Repulicans) are setting traps for him, but his direct answers reveal the conservative principles that he advances.

The "999" is just a step toward a FAIR TAX that would unleash American free enterprise and our economy. His foriegn policy statement "Identify our enemies and stop sending them money" is perfect, especially from a guy that has not yet been given classified briefings. I trust him to put together a team that will help him restore American exceptionalism.

He has my support - and more of my money each time I hear him speak.

PS Newt is the most intelligent of them all but he is a John Edwards on wives and is married to a plastic BarbieDoll. Don't want to look and listen to that for four years.

Newt in 2012

At first I was for Perry but after seeing him self destruct with Romney I am throwing my hat in for Newt Gingrich...

My vote for the most knowledgeable candidate for the GOP is Newt Gingrich, without a doubt. I had about written him off, as another writer said, but everytime I hear him speak in debates, or on some program now, I'm amazed at all the things he can pull off the top of his head in an instant. And when you hear them, you know they are facts and not just things to say to try to gain another point or two. That shows he puts much time and effort into deeply studying situations as they really are, and researching ways to solve the many dilemmas that face our country. I have a "gripe" regarding the debates, however,---it seems that no matter who is hosting the debates, Fox, CNN whoever, the questions seem to flow more to Romney, Cain and Perry, while Newt and the others seem to catch a question here and there. I wish they would spread the opportunity around more equally so that all of the candidates can have an equal chance to respond to the questions. By the way, with all the ups and downs of the "top 3" candidates' polling numbers, Newt's numbers seem to be climbing "steadily", not in a jerky up and down way. I pray that it is a sign of success for him and our country in the presidential election next year.

God save our country!

What a bunch of nonsense talk. Ron Paul is the only candidate that has a serious plan to get this country back on track. Everyone else has so much baggage or no experience. Seems like people are afraid to talk about the issues. Ron Paul was a early supporter of Ronald Reagan back when he was not so popular. Our country is in serious trouble and we need some that is willing to make some drastic changes and cut unnecessary government spending. I don't know why I still subscribe to this Patriot Post. Mark made negative comments about Ron Paul in 2008 and that ticked me off. Ron Paul is the most patriotic candidate running but, because he is against the unconstitutional wars that he is somehow unpatriotic. I back our troops but I don't have to back the stupid politicians that sent them into unconstitutional wars. I hope you wake up Mark. You quote all the founding fathers but who among the candidates knows the constitution and the quotes of the founding fathers better than any of them and you for that matter? Who has a voting record to prove it? Ron Paul 2012!!

The Patriot Post is a highly acclaimed advocate of Essential Liberty, the restoration of constitutional limits on government and the judiciary, and the promotion of free enterprise, national defense and traditional American values.

This is Ron Paul!! Where are the other liberty candidates? There are none.

Great material here, Mark A! Bless our Constitution and You plus your dedicated staff!

Herman Cain is my pick for many reasons. One of which is trust worthiness. He's my pick, He posseses outside the beltway character.

Sadly it seems that the media does indeed choose the GOP candidate. That's why we were stuck with McCain last time. The media seems bent on a Romney/Perry run off. Neither of these men are the best choice and I find them as establishment types that cannot be trusted!

Newt is the most knowledgeable of the candidates but I find him somewhat untrustworthy.

Ron Paul is a constitutionalist, albeit in Libetarian form, but is a little too "squirrelly".

I find Herman Cain as the most well rounded candidate. He's a Constitutionalist Christian Conservative. Bottom line, I trust Herman Cain more than I trust the others. Of course none of this matters if candidates other than Romney and Perry can get air time in the media...

I would like to see Cain and Paul on the ticket with Newt in a high level position.

Cain and Paul are the most trustworthy.

Ron Paul. The media is clearly censoring his message and promoting RINO's. www.ronpaul2012.com

S/F

Newt Gingrich.

Cain IS the Fed. Don't belittle that fact.

@AndrewK - How about Gary Johnson? He's almost as Libertarian as Ron Paul. And he has a track record that blows all of the other candidates out of the water - New Mexico went from being in debt to having a budget surplus.

I say a Paul/Johnson ticket.

I support Mr. Cain. He has solid business experience. He knows how to take the lead. I know he doesn't have any military experience, but neither does Barry. If he appoints advisers who are knowledgeable, he would be fine.

In watching the debates, the only one of the whole bunch who seems to have their facts together, focuses on addressing the current problems facing this country, and refrains from attacking the others is Newt Gingrich.

Despite my earlier misgivings, I have to say, in my opinion, Newt is rising to the top.

Just say NO to Romney !!!!! We must get away from notion we can get a Republican elected because he is almost a democrat. Democrats will still vote for their liberal. Conservatives will either avoid the stench, hold their noses and try to pick the lesser of the two evils or not vote for either evil I refuse to ever hold my nose and vote for a RINO again. I would never vote for Romney for any office. I really wish he would drop out of the race. If RINO Romney gets the nomination it will be a sure win for obama's second term.

Newt Gingrich, is by far the best of the lot.

Newt, imo is being ignored by the Media and not getting much exposure on the Debates.

He need a chance to prove himself.....

I do hope romney does not get the nomination . But if by some chance he does he will never get elected to the Presidency. There are too many of us who can not support him from the Conservative side. Nominating romney would be a mega mistake and insure a second obama term. romneybama must not be nominated if the Republicans are serious about winning the Presidency.

Cain would get my vote. He Seems honest, straightfoward, and upholds my consertive values. He thinks out of the box, is unafriad, and is like a breath of fresh air in this stinky political climate.

I have been convinced for a long time that Newt is the man to take on Obama. I haven't understood why he is not polling better. Maybe the liberals are controlling the polls. I would think they would be deathly afraid of a run against Gingrich.

Of All the wannabees it has to be Newt Gingrich who is the best choice!!

The thought of putting Ron Paul against that tumor Obama is myopic tunnel vision. He can't win! Regardless of how sweet his patriotic language might be to some of us, and how spot on he may be when he speaks of abolishing the Dept. of Education and so on, he alarms many conservatives. And do you really believe that if he alarms a lot of conservatives, that he has any chance at convincing wishy-washy independents that he's safer than Obama? Defeating Obama must be our first priority. If we don't first stop the bleeding, we won't even have a chance to debate the merits of Paul's vision - we'll be locking and loading to save our Republic.

If we aren't careful and wise, we are going to repeat the disaster of 1992 when Perot split the conservative ticket and allowed the minority of liberal socialist to take control of the White House. And then the Republicans put un-electable Dole against Clinton and gave it to the Socialist again!

I love him, but Ron Paul is not the man for the mission today. We are teetering on the precipice of disaster. We need to think tactically.

For AMERICA'S sake! PLEASE!

FOR AMERICA'S SAKE! PLEASE! GOV. PERRY & MR. ROMNEY! STOP FIGHTING EACH OTHER! Do either of you realize how petty you both sound? Do either of you realize how childish you both seem? I know you are both after the Republican nomination; I know that in a debate, you have to 'out-do' everyone else. But, please! Be adult about it! Get together, stop the Democrats, stop Obama, TAKE BACK AMERICA! Get back to the issues our great country is dealing with! Obama must be stopped!

I am wearing my "Vote Newt Gingrich 2012" t-shirt as I write this note. There are no other GOP candidates that fit the full bill of experience, who believes in Reagan's "11 Commandment", economic growth through small business America, the Constitution for which America was founded on, and is politically savy on foreign affairs. This gentleman has all the essentials needed to give a one-two punch to Obama's gangsta government and knock them out of the ring. What we don't need is anyone who does not have the experience to help our country get back on its feet; RINOs not welcomed. "Vote Gingrich 2012!"

I could not agree more. I plan on voting for someone based on what he/she tells me about himself. Not based on what he tells me about someone else.

Herman Cain is the only logical un-Obama candidate!

Speaker Gingrich. He has had the most intelligent and potentially effective tactics and strategies to refute BHO's political maneuverings. The stodgy Republican elements (Rove, et. al.) seem to not listen to him and are allowing Obama to make the GOP appear as if they are the idiots and Obama is the smart one. WAKE UP GOP. We cannot endure another four years of B. Hussein Obama.

of course, they love it & it very well could get that idoit elected again you rebublicans CUT IT OUT YOU ARE NOT CHILDREN YOU HAD DAMM WELL SUPPORT EACH OTHER m dean

Newt Gingrich

Newt is my choice as a true conservative. If the Republicans want to win and save this country from Obama and his socilisistic approach,then they MUST sit down and agree on who is best qualified to beat Oboma and render FULL support to get him elected.Do it for America, Please.

Newt Gingrich is clearly the most knowledgable candidate. Having said that, however, I think that Herman Cain has more charisma and connects better than Newt. No matter what, O has to go!

I have to agree with the comment made about the debate this week. Newt Gingrich was the ONLY CANDIDATE whose behavior was appropriate. He looked very Presidential and also looked embarrassed by the behavior of Perry and Romney. Speaker Gingrich was the only adult on the stage! If those other candidates don't get their acts together everyone will just change the station or turn the debate off, which is what I did Tuesday night. My remote works just as well with whinny, childish comments from Republicans as it does with the continuous Obama blathering.

John Huntsman

I've liked Newt from the beginning and all the debates have solidified my choice. He's brilliant, probably the smartest one running. He would tear Obama up in a debate. That's who I will vote for in the primary, but I will vote for whoever gets the GOP nomination against Obama. O must Go!

Yes, Mr. Alexander proved that the reason Obama is Commander in Chief and may even be reelected! In addition to see the aspirants fighting with each in the debate is another proof as to why Obama is President and may be reelected! With all due respect, the Tea Party was no help either to the Republican Party and may even have contributed to fighting between these aspirants. The Tea Party was not able to bring the party together while it mostly spent time pointing out what was wrong and their solutions at the same time were so radical that drove away Republicans. America is an Empire with no solutions anymore, like all previous Empires that self-destructed.

Herman Cain is the best candidate for the job. Let's get behind him and support him for the job of President of the United States in 2012.

Remember this, if the government were a business it would not exist. A business cannot operate on deficit. Herman Cain is a businessman and I believe he can pull this country back together.

I am convinced the progressives are terrified of him by virtue of their demonizing attacks against him.

Although not my choice for president, I think Gingrich would

knock the Liar=in=Chief out of the ballpark in a one-on-one

debate.

Some say Paul is a genius on the budget but crazy in foreign policy. If this is so, why is he the most supported candidate amongst the military personnel, more than all the other candidates put together. Also, if you notice he gets practically no airtime at the debates or anywhere else for that matter, even here! What is the leftmedia so scared of and the right media concerned about when it comes to Ron Paul! Think about it!!!!

A single phrase will explain the disgusting manner in which these "contenders" have been behaving: Simple Minded.

Do these individuals honestly believe that by trashing their opponents now that should he/she win the nomination that the voters will find them an "attractive" candidate? Every time you spew forth negative comments about your opponents, you are turning off the voters and you may cause sufficient voters to "sit out" the entire election process and put that worthless clown back laying siege to the oval office.

What voters want, is NOT someone who can sling the most "mud", but a candidate who has the best program to bring this nation out of the recession that frank and dodd and obama have been instrumental in creating.

So, to those seeking the nomination, SHUT your mouth about the other candidates and start NOW to bring forth your program or GET OUT of the race.

The next time there is a Conservative moderator at a debate, he/she should state from the beginning that "mud slinging" will NOT be tolerated. If the candidate begins to sling mud, he/she will have his/her mike shut off.

WE have been watching this whole process evolve and have changed several times. Newt G. is the only one not attacking other candidates...granted he has a lot of baggage, but he is the smartest one up there. He could deal wit BHO in a debate , while I think POTUS would chew up and spit out most - but not all - of the other

GOP candidates. But the big ? is can he be elected?

Right now I think he will get my NH primary vote.

Newt was the smartest person on the stage. Perry just doesn't have it.

Ron Paul is correct in that we need to bring the troops home from all over the world. Let's put them on the southern border until the fence is built. Paul & Gingrich sem to be the only two that grasp the gravity of the situation we find ourselves in and Cain had the charisma and lack of experience to propose bold solutions. If the OWS crowd would actually take the time to listen to Paul, I think his message would also resonate with them.

I'd be proud to have Paul, Gingrich, or Cain as the nominee. I also think Santorum would be a good VP.

Of course the "chattering asses" in the media influence the nomination process, especially the republican who they consider most beatable. "RINO" McCain was the latest example, and now the New York Times has endorsed Mitt Romney.

What does that tell you beltway republicans, RINO's, moderates and independents? Romney's not the candidate of "the people". He's democrat lite and we've had enough of these losers for ten lifetimes.

Will the real conservatives please stand up?

The most knowledgeable is Newt Gingrich. The most electable is Rick Perry, if he'd only get his head out of his ass and speak from the heart.

He knows what to say, so he doesn't need 'advisers' telling what to say about certain topics. He really ought to listen to Rush Limbaugh's analysis of his debate performances. Rush has it nailed and Perry should take it to heart.

Absolutely the leftwing media influences poll results. And they definitely portray conservative ideas and candidates in the worst possible light. They have convinced themselves that no lie is too extreme if the cause is just (as long as they get to define what's just).

Ron Paul is the only straight shooter.

So it's settled then.

Paul/Gingrich

or

Gingrich/Paul

The federal reserve took away our money.

The federal reserve gave us inflation.

The federal reserve took the power over money from the people and gave it to a private corporation who answers to no one but themselves.

Do you really want to support a former chairman of the federal reserve???

Think about it and do your diligence.

Alan Greenspan stated on national TV, in an interview, when asked about the relationship between the president and the federal reserve, that the fed is answerable to no one.

No one.

They are above the law.

THAT is who is controlling our fiat currency and THAT is why we no longer use real money and THAT is why we have inflation. Inflation is the price that we as a country have to pay to use someone elses currency (the federal reserves.)

With all due respect, posting here is preaching to the choir. Lets get some ideas up here about convincing every Republican candidate to stop playing these games. I've been to GOP.com and didn't see a good way to put out the word. I believe if we can convince every campaign manager to stop the infighting we can allow the people we trust to make the correct informed decision for the next president of the U.S. Would threatening to stop every contribution we can until the petty bickering stops help? I'm open to any suggestion that affects ALL the candidates.

Great article, Mark. I, like many others am totally frustrated. I have watched every debate, and have become increasingly disturbed by them. I had hoped to learn the candidates' plan to give us back America, but it seems only Newt can rise above the fray and actually speak on several issues. We will vote here in SC on Jan. 21. Not much time to settle on such an important event. God help us.

Ron Paul is by far the most knowledgeable candidate for President. He is the most trustworthy and he would defeat Obama in a heartbeat. He is not the greatest speech maker. He is not the most handsome. He is simply the best chance we have to secure the type of constitutional government we want as conservatives.

If you have a question on some part of his platform (and you will note that he has one complete with a budget ... which none of the others have - even that current guy occupying the White House) then just ask him for clarification. There are several things I have heard recently explained during his media interrogations that cleared up things in my mind. He's not that radical or over the top as they keep trying to make out in the MSM - that is when they even choose to mention that Ron Paul is among those who are running.

Because of their attempt to "black him out" it might be nice for the Patriot Post and their allied publications, both printed and email based, to lead the way for frequent reviews and URL references to important points that Paul is making. If you don't want to splinter the cause (and I agree) then lets try to focus on the candidate of proven character and honesty. These attributes will endure far beyond the individual items that are making the news at this time. A President has 4 years to make decisions and we don't even know most of the matters he will be leading us through. Lets get a guy in that office we can trust.

Ardent supporters from many camps. One issue with little focus here is important to me: "Anthropogenic Global Warming". Newt lost me when he followed the polls to that camp. That issue is one that will lead to Global controls--with loss of sovereignty. (Has the globe warmed recently? Yes. But it was much warmer long before fossil fuels were being burned.) I hope that the passion displayed by so many here will not turn into a third party option and split the non-socialist vote--leading to the complete collapse of the US under BHO. Whatever your persuasion, please don't abandon the only option for removing BHO from office! (How 'bout we start fresh? Say by drafting Allen West? He seems to have most of the best attributes of the current crop.)

Herman Cain and Mitt Romney are the only two have laid out an economic plan - HC with his 999 and MR with his 59 point plan.

Herman Cain and Mitt Romney are also the only two candidates who have consistently opposed illegal immigration, will get our borders secured (finally) and will return the power to the states to enforce current federal immigration laws and promote LEGAL immigration.

This should be an important issue for every American in this country. It affects us in jobs, the soaring costs of education, healthcare, auto insurance, criminal costs and benefits and services. It also is directly responsible for the 25,000 American Deaths of 100% preventable and unnecessary deaths.

Newt Gingrich is for some forms of AMNESTY. Michelle Bachmann answered the Telemundo reporters two part question "what will you do with the illegal aliens already in our country" with "well..it will depend on how long they've been here, if they have families and if they have a criminal record.." But once Rick Perry tanked in the ratings over this pro-amnesty stand - she changed her tune. Ron Paul despite what his website says indicates he is for some amnesty. Clearly, Rick Santorum, Jon Huntsman are pro amnesty as well.

I like having all of these debates - it is a true vetting process for the candidates. And, if you were a candidate and another candidate accused you of wrong doing or is misinterpreting something you said or did - YOU would respond to clear it up too.

There is only one of the 'candidates' that come close to meeting your requirementws, Newt.

My take, Ed

Even worse is better is an illogical argument.