Comments on: Live Blogging the Republican Debate

By: Matthew Dickinson

Matthew Dickinson — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 02:50:09 +0000

Good question. It depends, of course, on the composition of Congress – if Republicans are in charge come 2012, which is likely, they would at least give it a hearing. But passing it in its current form? Not likely, since most analyses suggest it will reduce government revenue and increase the deficit. But for Cain’s purposes, this should be viewed primarily as a marketing device designed to gain him attention. So far, it has worked. Even if his opponents attack it, it still means they are talking about him.

By: Tom Campanella

Tom Campanella — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 02:39:55 +0000

Also, is there actually any chance that the 9-9-9 plan (or some variation) could pass in Congress? If not, doesn’t that discredit Cain’s whole campaign right now? Why are the other candidates taking the plan so seriously instead of just calling it for what it is… a publicity stunt. You would think someone like Perry, who lost top tier status to Cain, would go after the guy a little bit more. Very surprising to me.

By: Matthew Dickinson

Matthew Dickinson — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 02:35:13 +0000

Biniyam,

You may be right. For what it’s worth he has consistently led the polls, and is the frontrunner among investors on InTrade as well. I was less enamored than you regarding his response to Gingrich, since it didn’t really address Gingrich’s concern that the middle class does’t pay capital gains taxes, but as you point out his shout out to the middle class will probably play well.

By: Biniyam Estifanos

Biniyam Estifanos — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 02:29:46 +0000

Hello All,

If I was a republican and I had to choose one of these candidates to be a president would be Mitt Romney. I just felt that his responses were sincere and the people were able to relate to him more. When asked by Gingrich about the fact that if a person makes less than $200,000 that they get a tax break and asked Romney whether or not he agrees with this. Romney was able to confidently answer this question not to Gingrich but to all of those middle-class families who were at home possibly watching this debate. He said that it was indeed the middle-class that needs the tax cuts and he is going to make sure that this happens. The rest of the time he did stay away from the view of the public because the other candidates did not want to give him any chance to appeal to even more people. I must say I do agree with you Professor that he will be the republican candidate just by default while the rest are tearing each other up. His closing statements were very powerful as he talked about himself and what this country needs. I guess they did save the best for last. My prediction: MITT ROMNEY is the candidate.

By: Matthew Dickinson

Matthew Dickinson — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 02:26:01 +0000

Owen,

Great question (and see Tom’s query along similar lines). I confess that I’m not sure what Newt is doing here. As you point out, his grasp of policy details is second to none, as are his debating skills, and yet he seems reluctant to engage fellow Republicans in a negative sense. Tom speculated that he’s angling for the vice president shot, although I think that’s a long shot. All I can think of is that he’s playing a deep game in which his positive demeanor and stay above the fray approach pays off in a slow but steady way. In his defense, he has been making incremental inroads in the polls. Maybe he knows something we don’t?