Excerpts from the June 13, 2011
CNN/WMUR-TV/New
Hampshire
Union
Leader Debate |
BACK
|
from the CNN rush
transcript, selected by Democracy in Action
1. It was interesting to see how the
candidates introduced themselves "in one short sentence." Most
managed several short sentences, and, as one observer noted, they
generally managed to mention their children.
JOHN KING: ...Now, we've asked for no opening statements. However, we
will continue a
tradition from our past New Hampshire debates, to ask each candidate in
one short sentence -- hopefully, five, maybe six or seven seconds -- to
introduce themselves to the voters of New Hampshire and the United
States of America.
Let me begin with an example. I'm John
King with CNN. I am honored to be your moderator tonight, and I am
thrilled to be back in Red Sox nation.
(APPLAUSE)
Now, let's start at the edge of the stage with Senator Rick Santorum.
FORMER SEN. RICK SANTORUM (R), PENNSYLVANIA: Hello, New Hampshire. I'm
Rick Santorum. I served 12 years representing Pennsylvania in the
United States Senate, but I also have substantial executive experience
making the tough decisions and balancing budgets and cutting spending.
Karen and I are the parents of seven children.
(APPLAUSE)
KING: Congresswoman?
REP. MICHELE BACHMANN (R), MINNESOTA: Hi, my name is Michelle Bachmann.
I'm a former federal tax litigation attorney. I'm a businesswoman. We
started our own successful company. I'm also a member of the United
States Congress. I'm a wife of 33 years. I've had five children, and we
are the proud foster parents of 23 great children. And it's a thrill to
be here tonight in the "Live Free or Die" state. Thank you.
(APPLAUSE)
KING: Mr. Speaker?
FORMER HOUSE SPEAKER NEWT GINGRICH: I'm Newt Gingrich, former speaker
of the House. And when 14 million Americans are out of work, we need a
new president to end the Obama depression.
(APPLAUSE)
KING: Governor?
FORMER GOV. MITT ROMNEY (R), MASSACHUSETTS: I'm Mitt Romney, and it's
an honor to be back at Saint Anselm. Hopefully I'll get it right this
year. And appreciate the chance to be with you and to welcome my wife.
And I have five sons, as you know, five daughters-in law, 16 grandkids.
The most important thing in my life is to make sure their future is
bright and that America is always known as the hope of the Earth. Thank
you.
(APPLAUSE)
REP. RON PAUL (R), TEXAS: I am
Congressman Ron Paul. I've been elected to the Congress 12 times from
Texas. Before I went into the Congress, I delivered babies for a living
and delivered 4,000 babies. Now I would like to be known and defend the
title that I am the champion of liberty and I defend the Constitution.
Thank you.
(APPLAUSE)
KING: Governor?
FORMER GOV. TIM PAWLENTY (R), MINNESOTA: Good evening, I'm Tim
Pawlenty. I'm a husband. My wife, Mary, and I have been married for 23
years. I'm the father of two beautiful daughters, Anna and Mara. I'm a
neighbor. And I'm running for president of the United States because I
love America, but like you, I'm concerned about its future. I've got
the experience and the leadership and the results to lead it to a
better place.
(APPLAUSE)
KING: Mr. Cain?
HERMAN CAIN, GODFATHER PIZZA CEO: Hello, I'm Herman Cain. I am not a
politician. I am a problem-solver with over 40 years of business and
executive experience, father of two, grandfather of three, and I'm here
tonight because it's not about us. It's about those grandkids. Happy to
be here in New Hampshire.
(APPLAUSE)