I have to say the two debates were by no means boring.

It became quite evident early on in the Republican debate that Mitt Romney can’t seem to get away from the negative side, slamming John McCain every chance he got. He also slammed some of the other Republican candidates as well. John McCain got in a few good jabs in response, but he kept them to a minimum, trying to focus on the positive. It also appeared the other candidates were gunning for Romney as well, though the rest of the back and forth was, for the most part, cordial.

While I have already made my decision as to which candidate I will vote for on next Tuesday (Fred Thompson), I have to say that Rudi Giuliani impressed me. If he were to win the Republican nomination, I would have no problem voting for him.

The Democrat debate didn’t get quite as negative as the Republican debate, but there were still more than a few pointed barbs thrown by one candidate or another towards Hillary Clinton. It seems to me that they were trying very hard to stay as neutral and as careful as they could, not giving any details about how they would approach this problem or that, unless they were trying to show that they weren’t Hillary. The only issue where they seemed to have detailed plans was for a rapid withdrawal from Iraq, regardless of the consequences. That certainly didn’t fill me with confidence and made it clear that I have nothing in common with them at all.

A poll by WMUR-TV after the debates show that McCain gained on Romney and that Obama may have edged out Clinton.

Now it comes down to the only poll that counts the vote on Tuesday.

As you may or may not already be aware, members of the Watcher’s Council hold a vote every week on what they consider to be the most link-worthy pieces of writing around… per the Watcher’s instructions, I am submitting one of my own posts for consideration in the upcoming nominations process.

Here is the most recent winning council post, here is the most recent winning non-council post, here is the list of results for the latest vote, and here is the initial posting of all the nominees that were voted on.

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From the DT page:

We should not aid these brutal chiefs

Why is it that every time there is an outbreak of savagery in the benighted continent of Africa (International News, December 30) our blinkered politicians feel it is incumbent on Britain to become involved in the internal affairs of the country concerned?

We no longer bear responsibility for our actions in our former colonies any more than Rome or the Normans do for their occupation of Britain, but for some obscene reason the Islington and Notting Hill liberals, riddled with guilt for our role in the slave trade, still believe that we should pour billions of pounds of reparations into them in order to absolve ourselves, blithely ignoring the fact that the paramount chiefs were selling millions of their brethren to Arab slave traders long before the Romans arrived in Britain and continue to do so to this very day.

The white man’s burden was laid down many years ago and Africans have now reverted to their tribal past. The bloodletting in Rwanda, Darfur, Uganda, the Congo and now Kenya is but a foretaste of what is to come in the Republic of South Africa and elsewhere. Pouring money into the coffers of corrupt chieftains will only hasten that sorry day.

Geoffrey Morgan, Long Bennington, Lincs

There was no genocide or famine during Empire days. Africa got rid of the European colonists. Now its time for them to take care of themselves. No matter how much the BBC and Sky go on about the state of Kenya I still won’t give a toss. Its a great shame what is going on but the West bear no blame for it nor do they have a role in solving it.

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An intelligent leader in today’s Daily Telegraph demonstrating clearly why and how multiculturalism has failed in the UK. Rather than just criticise however; there is a clear path on how to get out of the mess it has made.

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Further to this and the row surrounding the comments of a Pakistani-born Asian Christian Bishop; Philip Johnson has written a good piece.

Sir – As someone who has baptised converted Muslims who have turned to Christianity, I can testify to the intimidatory nature of Islam’s presence in Britain.

Having worked and ministered abroad I am continually surprised by Britain’s naive and ill-informed approach to dealing with the small Muslim minority within her borders. A militant, aggressive two per cent of the population seem to able to hold the remaining 98 per cent to legal, spiritual and cultural ransom.

Sharia law is not just some culturally diverse programme to be enjoyed by a few immigrants – it is an ignorant, closed alternative to British laws and freedoms. The sooner Muslim leaders are challenged forcefully the better. Let’s have one policy, one legal system, one culture and one nation.

Rev Richard Fothergill, Bath, Somerset

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The debate is being moderated by ABC’s Charlie Gibson and local ABC affiliate WMUR’s Scott Spradling. The debate will last 90 minutes.

The Democrats participating are: Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, John Edwards, and Bill Richardson.

9:03PM EDT The debate will follow the same format as the Republican debate.

What about the greatest threat to America, nuclear terrorism? How aggressive would you be in going after Al Qaeda?

Obama – I would go into western Pakistan after them if we have actionable intelligence. Press Pakistan to go after them. If they don’t, we will. Believe the present administration has not dealt with nuclear proliferation.

Edwards – I agree with Obama as far as going after Al Qaeda. But what should America do about nuclear proliferation and the nuclear arsenal of Pakistan in the long term? Our present ad hoc policy isn’t working. Maybe best way to deal with it is do away with all nuclear weapons.

Richardson Use diplomacy first. Don’t need another action like Iraq. Pakistan is a potential failed state, Musharref hasn’t gone after Al Qaeda in his own country. Will ask him to step aside as president of Paskistan and hold elections.

Clinton Did take action about 10 years ago, sending in cruise missiles in an attempt to take out Bin Laden. Al Qaeda has been able to regroup because we didn’t go after him with enough troops in Afghanistan. With actionable intelligence, we have to be careful otherwise could generate conflict between India and Pakistan. Must be careful about removing Musharref. Must repair failed policies of Bush in Afghanistan.

Richardson US backed the Shah of Iran, which we paid the price for. Must not support dictators at the expense of our foreign relations.

Obama Part of the reason we’ve been ignoring Afghanistan because we were focusing on Iraq. Must also makew sure we have Pakistan’s agreement before we act against Al Qaeda.

9:18PM EDT The next President may have to deal with a nuclear attack. The day after a nuclear weapon goes of in an American city, what would we wish we had done to prevent it and what will we actually do on the day after?

Edwards First, find out who attacked us. Second, it’s the responsibility of the President to be a force for strength and calmness. It would be an enormous mistake to make it worse.

Obama We would have to retaliate. It would be more profound issue if it was a nuclear attack. We must work on nuclear non-proliferation. We should be taking a leadership position.

Clinton First, have a very high level of commitment to eliminate the proliferation of nuclear weapons. The stateless terrorist will have to operate from somewhere. Any state acting as a safe haven for such a group will face heavy retaliation.

Richardson When Secretary of Energy, worked with Russians to secure nuclear weapons. First, secure loose nuclear weapons. Will work with Soviet Union (huh?) to do this. Will not preempt.

89:28PM EDT What does change mean?

Clinton All of us are advocating change, overcoming Republican domination of Washington. There’s a lot of room to ask all of questions about change. Obama could debate himself about change, with his change about health care.

Obama – I have been consistent about health care, but if was designing a health care system from scratch, would set up single payer health care system. Make health insurance mandatory for children. My system is affordable. On Social Security, think the cap should be raised so wealthier pay more into system.

Clinton Obama changed his position many times, saying one thing but voting differently.

Obama – I have been consistent on positions.

Edwards Obama and I have differences, but we agree on a number of issues. Any time anyone speaks out for change, the status quo will attack. We need unfiltered debate about change.

Clinton Making change is not about making speeches, it’s about working hard. Made sure children and National Guard have health.

Richardson Been in hostage negotiations that have been more civil than this debate. What we need is change, no question. Is experience now a leper? What is wrong with having experience in Congress, the Cabinet, as a governor? Experience counts. We need someone with experience in the White House.

Edwards There are entrenched special interests that stand between America and the changes we need. I believe there are differences between us as to what changes are needed.

Obama Help make sure people can self-govern, make sure government is transparent. Make sure that government is responding to their needs.

9:45PM EDT Iraq, there are signs that the surge is working. You were all against it. IS anyone ready to say surge has worked?

Clinton Purpose of surge was to give Iraq government time for political solution. But they have not been doing what they need to do. Sees no reason for troops to remain another day.

Richardson It’s a massive failure. Brings up the total casualties and says there’s no military solution and there’s no political solution in sight. No one is participating in a regional solution. There can be no change unless all our troops come home.

Obama The bar of success has become so low that we’ve lost perspective of what should be our long term goals. We haven’t made ourselves safer in the process. We’re wasting our time, money, and American lives to no purpose.

Edwards It is the responsibility of the President to make policy. I would listen to the military commanders. Will pull 40 to 50 thousand troops in first year of presidency, will end military operations in Iraq, and end the war.

Richardson Cannot leave a small amount of troops or UN peacekeeping to do what the US military has been doing. Must get out of Iraq to take care of our own people.

Clinton In agreement about getting troops home ASAP. Let Iraqis know there’s no more blank check. Has to be done correctly to ensure a safe withdrawal. Will start withdrawal within 60 days of taking office.

9:59PM EDT Scott Spradling now moderating. Asks Clinton about UNH Survey Center’s report that all candidates are qualified to serve, but see Richardson and Obama as agents of change and more likable than you or Edwards.

Clinton It hurts my feelings! I think Obama is quite likable. Bush was a President that everyone wanted to have a beer with, a uniter, not a divider. Americans think that wasn’t the right choice. I think I am an agent of change. I have 35 years of making change.

10:03PM EDT - I revved up Republicans asking about running against you. What’s your response?

Obama – I was going back and forth between Republicans and football. I think that we’ve seen a disaster in both foreign and domestic policy in the past 7 years. But we’re seeing a hunger for a different kind of politics for pushing aside special interests and allowing people back into government.
More transparent government. Regardless of what Republicans are saying, the people have lost confidence in their government, and that Independents and some Republicans will cross over.

10:07PM Is prior executive experience important? Is relative youth?

Richardson – I think executive is very important. I’m the only one with executive experience. I’m the only one that’s negotiated with foreign governments. The only one that’s faced down Saddam Hussein and North Korea. Youth is not.

What about rising fuel prices?

Richardson Both parties have been failing in energy policy. I’ve created oil reserves that helped the Northeast. We need to reduce greenhouse gases by 80% by 2020.

Edwards No. I won’t have any lobbyist or those representing corporate interests in my White House. (Is this the answer to the question?)

Why don’t talk about your 6 years of service in the Senate? what will you do as President?

Edwards Insurance companies are running all over the people. We need a president that will take on the powerful insurance industry. It’s something I did in the Senate. It’s personal to me. I don’t like the idea of lobbyist influencing elected representatives.

Obama – I agree with John on this issue. I’ve seen the costs of the health care system that is broken.

Clinton Can we have a reality break? We’ve got to have a plan for a Patient’s Bill Of Rights. We’ve got to translate talk into action and feelings into reality. (My God! She played the feelings card!) Also brought up Bill’s administration and the changes he made to balance the budget.

Edwards Can’t take lobbyist or PAC money and then stand up to them.

Obama Washington is designed to resist change, but it can be done by making big changes, not incremental changes.

Richardson This is the kind of bickering that turns people off. As a governor I am frustrated every time you guys and the President get nothing done, because the burden is on us. To resolve problems you’ve got to bring people together, to heal this country. You build coalitions, ask the public to make sacrifices, to do something to help the country.

10:30PM EDT Global warming. What about the Carbon Tax. Is it a good idea?

Richardson It’s a bad idea. It’s not a mandate. You want to go after the polluters. It’s better to use a cap and trade system. A carbon tax hurts the consumer.

Obama – I agree a cap and trade system will work better. We fine polluters which will raise billions. (And they won’t pass that on to the consumers?) We should change over to compact fluorescent lights, better insulation on homes.

Clinton Energy costs on families in New Hampshire have tripled since Bush has been in office. Wants to force utilities to become more energy efficient.

10:35PM EDT Are we heading into a recession? What about the Bush tax cuts?

Clinton Set the cap on the tax cuts at $250,000 per family. Wants to fix the AMT (Alternative Minimum Tax).

Edwards A few Americans are getting wealthier. The greedy corporations are making too much. Exxon Mobil made $40 billion on profits. American jobs are heading overseas. It will hurt the middle class. We need a different tax policy, a different trade policy.

Obama Proposes an immediate tax cut for middle class making less than $75,000 and would pay for it by closing loopholes in the tax code.

10:40pM EDT - What about the small business owners that are providing payrolls and health insurance that may lose out on the tax policies?

Richardson You’ve got to balance the budget. Line item vetoes. Get rid of corporate welfare. We have to improve our education system.

10:43PM EDT Is there something you’ve said in a debate that you wish you hadn’t said?

Clinton Sure I have. I’ll leave it to the pundits to say what I have or haven’t said.

Richardson – I was asked who my favorite Supreme Court Justice. I then asked Dead or alive? Justice White…and then I found out he was against Roe vs. Wade and against civil rights. So that wasn’t a good one.

Edwards – I made fun of Senator Clinton’s jacket.

Obama – I made a few.

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The debate is being moderated by ABC’s Charlie Gibson and local ABC affiliate WMUR’s Scott Spradling, with each party’s debate lasting 90 minutes.

At one point it looked like one of the major Republican candidates wouldn’t be participating. Ron Paul, Congressman from Texas, had not originally been invited. There had been some controversy about Paul’s exclusion, as there has been about Dennis Kucinich’s exclusion from the Democratic debate. But Paul made the cut while Kucinich is still excluded.

The Republicans participating are: Mike Huckabee, John McCain, Rudy Giuliani, Fred Thompson, Mitt Romney, and Ron Paul.

7:00PM EDT Charlie Gibson explains the format of the debate. First, no podiums. They’ll all be sitting down in a semi-circle. Second, it will be more freeform, with no timers. The candidates will address each other. Third, the candidates will be taking questions from viewers via Facebook. you can join the debate by going here.

7:10PM EDT The first question was about foreign policy, particularly in relation to the Bush doctrine. Was it arrogant?

Huckabee Will make sure that the US is secure and that we will use our strength only when necessary.

Thompson – says that Huckabee has changed his tune, but understands that we are in a global war. Says that we weren’t arrogant going into Afghanistan, but were going into Iraq with inadequate troops levels.

Giuliani Thinks that necessary changes were made, but mistakes were made. Military is too small, need to add 10 brigades to army and 300 ship navy.

McCain America is not safe, but it is much safer. Thought we went into Iraq without enough troops. Thinks we have more challenges ahead of us and gives Giuliani a lot of credit for his actions during 9/11.

Paul Bush Doctrine of pre-emptive war is wrong. Thinks no Third World nation is any danger to us.

Romney Slams Paul about his lack of understanding about the motivations of radical Islam. Believes Bush did the right thing going into Afghanistan and Iraq.

Thompson Responded to the question of pre-emptive war, saying that the old ways of doing things won’t work, bringing up the possibility of biological or chemical attacks by radical militant Islamists. MAD (Mutually Assured Destruction) doesn’t work. Giuliani agreed.

Huckabee Actually called the radical Islamists Islamofascists.

Giuliani – Thinks we should make sure to help moderate Islamic governments.

7:35PM EDT What about your principles and philosophies and do you change them according to opinion polls?

McCain Haven’t changed since he raised his hand at the US Naval Academy. Has been steadfast and knew the Surge was needed to succeed in Iraq.

Romney Concerned about America and knows were are a great nation because of our principles. Thinks our families are our strength.

Giuliani Know what you believe! Says President Bush was right that politicians that change with opinion polls are weak, that we must stand by our principles.

Charlie Gibson brought up points that all of the candidates, with the exception of Ron Paul, have changed their viewpoints.

Huckabee and Thompson Both agree that all Presidents have their wish lists. Both agree that policies must change as situations change, but stick by your principles and your plans.

Paul Slammed anything that was not delineated in the Constitution.

7:43PM EDT Health care. US doesn’t insure all it’s citizens. Why not?

Giuliani US has best health care in the world. To do as other nations have, going to socialized medicine, would destroy the quality of our health care. If we socialized medicine, where will the Canadians go for health care? Health care should be free market.

McCain Health care costs are going up far faster than inflation. Health care should be outcome based, should be more free market. Give incentives to treat patients and make them well. No incentives to hold costs down now.

Romney Implemented mandatory health insurance in Massachusetts and state would help individuals pay for health insurance. Don’t need Hillarycare.

Paul Should not be spending trillions on war. Could spend it on health care.

Thompson Best health care in the world but costs more than it should. Government take it over? No. Should be more free market to drive down costs. Some without insurance chose not to have it.

Romney – I like mandates! Force everyone to have health care insurance or force uninsured to pay.

Huckabee We don’t have a health care system, we have a disease care system. It’s all upside down. Too much health care costs go to treat chronic diseases rather than prevention.

8:04PM EDT Now using timed responses. Scott Spradling moderating: Path to citizenship?

McCain Illegal immigration a problem. Have to secure borders before going after illegal immigrants Use electronic status verification for immigrant workers, use guest worker program.

Romney Disagrees that the existing illegal immigrants should be deported. No amnesty. Should wait in line like everyone else wanting to come to America. Unfair to those wanting to immigrate.

Giuliani Should secure border. Require identification before entering country. Tamper proof Ids for guest workers. Deport illegal immigrants that have committed crimes. If illegals will register they can stay. If not, will be deported. Immigrants will have to learn and speak English if they want to become citizens.

McCain Did not advocate amnesty, despite claims by Romney.

I thought that McCain and Romney were going to come to blows about illegal immigration.

Thompson Enforcement by attrition by securing borders and stopping further illegal immigration, ensuring immigrant workers are legal, do away with sanctuary cities. It’s a national security issue.

Huckabee Americans are upset about illegal immigration. Must secure borders. Agree with Thompson that it’s a national security issue.

Paul Tamper proof ID’s for immigrants is a back door to national ID’s. A bad idea. Get rid of the incentives to immigrate illegally to the US.

Romney All candidates are in favor of legal immigration.

8:24PM EDT Assuming Obama is the nominee, why should voters not vote for him?

Romney Pushing some kind of socialized medicine, a bad idea. He wants change, but what kind of change?

Thompson Has adopted position of every liberal group, his first answer to every problem is the federal government. Should remember the idea of federalism, that the government is usually the problem, not the answer.

McCain Agrees Romney is candidate of change. Believes that Obama is too weak on foreign policy and doesn’t have the experience.

Giuliani Obama would require too much on the job training during a time of war.

Huckabee Thinks Obama would raise taxes, weaken the military, and encourage our enemies.

Paul Obama and I are alike in some ways. Spoke out against the war like I did. Younger voters like us both. But won’t deal with monetary policy and taxes, will push welfare state.

8:33PM EDT What about gas prices? Aren’t they going to go higher?

Paul Look at price of oil related to value of dollar, euro, and gold.

McCain Thinks we need to wean ourselves off of oil.

8:35PM EDT - What bout oil company profits?

Thompson No windfall profits tax, the price is what the price is. It’s bought on open market and economies of China and India are growing and increasing demand for oil. It’s a free market.

Giuliani Must work on energy independence. Nuclear, wind, solar, other technologies. Must work on it like the Apollo program.

Huckabee Possible to be energy independent in 10 years. Provide incentives to innovate, don’t tax them.

Romney Need to do it. Maybe not in 10 years, but must be done.

8:42PM EDT Democratic candidates joined the Republicans on stage.

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Mark Steyn column about the battle over who is more caring and sharing. A most interesting battle that has become rather loud of late.

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