Live Blog – ABC News/Yahoo News Republican Debate in New Hampshire

It’s certainly been an interesting week. I’m honestly shocked that Santorum has suddenly risen to such a prominent spot in the race for the Republican nomination. I mean, from my perspective? The guy is a joke as a candidate. When you look at his petulant behavior during the earlier debates it’s pretty clear that, unless he went through a major personality change, Obama would shred him in a debate during the general election. His views on “family values” and homosexuality range from laughable to offensive, to the point where I think there’s very little chance he win enough votes from moderates and independents to actually win the election. The only real hope he’d have is that a whole slew of people would just stay home instead of choosing between him and Obama.

That said, I think his moment in the spotlight is going to be fleeting.

I really hope that Huntsman is able to make a splash in South Carolina and continue his campaign. I like Huntsman. I don’t agree with his politics in many ways, but he’s not a jackass. I can’t say that about the rest of the contenders.

I also hope that Gingrich decimates Romney. That will be fun.

Commentary is starting, so here we go…

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Live Blog – ABC Debate from Drake University

Here we go again! I swear, it seems like there’s a whole bunch of debates this cycle. Is that normal, or am I just noticing it now that I’m paying attention. I know there aren’t this many Presidential debates once it’s down to the main candidates.

So yeah, should be interesting tonight. Gingrich is currently in the lead, so anyone who thinks they have a chance to win should be gunning for him. Those who can only hope to get a Vice Presidential nod at best will probably be backing him up. He made some really poor comments yesterday about Palestine, so I’m betting that’s going to come up at some point during the debate.

Perry? Oh, Rick. You released what was one of the most offensive things I’ve seen yet this election season. The internet turned around and crucified you for it, but it remains to be seen whether or not it will help you with the Republican base. While it may do so, I can’t believe it would be possible to win a general election after saying something like that.

Santorum. You actually said that science should get out of politics. I…I have nothing but scorn for you, sir.

Huntsman has agreed to a Lincoln/Douglas style debate with Gingrich that’s going to take place in a few days. I’m not sure what his motivation there is other than, perhaps, sucking up to the front runner. He has to know he’s not going to get the nod at this point, so maybe he’s hoping for a VP nod.

Romney…Umm…He’s been kinda boring and quiet lately. Bachmann has too. I think Romney is probably counting on the fact that his numbers haven’t really fluctuated much and I don’t imagine we’ll see much out of the ordinary for him. He’s going to stay the course and let the media wear down Newt (if Newt doesn’t do it to himself). I also suspect we’re not going to see much “new” from Ron Paul for similar reasons. If Gingrich and Romney both self-destruct he’s sitting pretty.

BEER FOR THE EVENING – This is, of course, the most important part of the debate. I’ll be enjoying a Cigar City Brewery Maduro Brown Ale. I will. alas, probably only be enjoying one as I have to leave to pick up the boy as soon as the debate is over.

And with that all being said it’s time for me to get set up in the living room. I’m going to disable the Twitter to Facebook feed for now because, frankly, there’s no point leaving it up. It’s going to break in a few minutes anyway.

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Live Blog – CNBC Republican Debate at Oakland University

Should be interesting to see how things go down this time. In particular, I’m curious as to whether or not the sexual misconduct allegations against Cain come up. Romney mentioned something recently about these things being “very serious,” so I’m wondering if he’s going to use them as an opportunity to come out on the offensive.

On a personal note, I have to get the boy from school at 9 and cook dinner while I’m watching this, so coverage is going to be a bit on the spotty side. Sorry about that, folks.

Let’s do it.

Shortest. Live. Blog. Ever.

Apparently CNBC decided they weren’t going to stream the debate.

Jerks.

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