Tuesday, October 09, 2007

HORSERACE

The Republican Debate in Michigan, Part Three

Rudy: "We can't throw out the baby with the bath water" on trade agreements... "We're a country that depends on exports. All of these people coming out of poverty in India and China, we should see them as customers."

Should a Dubai company be allowed to own 20 percent of NASDAQ? Rudy: As long as they pass security and safety clearances.

Ron Paul has no objection, provided there are no security issues. Huckabee says that American companies have to pay more to produce goods than overseas companies. "This party is going to have to address it, or we're going to get our britches beat next year."

McCain warns about history's lessons on protectionism; Smoot-Hawley.

Thompson: It all depends on national security issues. Doesn't seem to be one there.

Duncan Hunter says he doesn't trust Dubai. Claims they have ties to A.Q. Khan network. Says he wants "mirror trade."

My Romney guy, who predicted that Law and Order actor Fred Thompson would excel at the debate because he's only being asked for short, rehearsed answers, says, "I was wrong. He can flub one minute answers."

Chris Matthews asks Thompson about the Alternative Minimum Tax. Fred says he rejects the argument that tax revenue is "lost" when taxes are cut. "We shouldn't confuse the wealth of Washington with the wealth of the nation." Generally speaking, lower tax rates improve the economy. Cites Kennedy, Reagan, Bush administration experience.

Wants AMT indexed for inflation.

Ha! During the break, the first commercial is for AmeriTrade, featuring Thompson's co-star, Sam Waterston.

Over in the corner, Rich says Thompson is "Not making any mistakes, but not shining by any means." I might be more underwhelmed. His answers, so far, have been a bit tentative...

We're back. Matthews asks about Iraq. Thompson: We didn't go in with enough troops, and we didn't know what to expect when we got there. Now we're seeing progress. Says we won't have to "leave with our tail between our legs." Says leaving in that manner would result in a less safe United States in America. Refers to Islamic fascism.

Much better answer.

10/09 04:37 PMShare