Monday, June 13, 2011
  Reactions to the CNN/WMUR-TV/New Hampshire Union Leader Debate 		BACK

Mon, Jun 13, 2011 at 10:05 PM
ROMNEY CAMPAIGN DEBATE STATEMENT

MANCHESTER, NH – Romney for President Communications Director, Gail Gitcho, issued the following statement after Monday’s debate at St. Anselm College in Manchester, NH:  

“Mitt Romney was honored to participate in the debate tonight to bring his strong economic message to New Hampshire. Americans want a president who will make creating jobs and controlling spending their number one priority. 14 million Americans are unemployed, and our nation is facing record deficits and unprecedented debt. In the private sector, Mitt Romney grew businesses and created jobs. As governor, he turned a deficit into a surplus. President Obama took office with no leadership experience in the private sector and his record speaks for itself: historic unemployment and job losses. Mitt Romney believes Americans deserve better.”

 

Mon, Jun 13, 2011 at 10:05 PM
Bachmann Wins First GOP Presidential Debate


Manchester, N.H. – On the heels of announcing she has filed the necessary paperwork to run for President of the United States, Michele Bachmann brought the voice of the people into the first 2012 Republican Presidential Debate in Manchester, N.H.

The conservative leader passionately outlined her vision during the debate for less government intrusion, increased economic growth and job creation, decreased spending with real cuts, outlining a path to a balanced budget, repealing Obamacare, and tax reform.

Throughout the debate, Bachmann made it clear economic growth and job creation was our No. 1 priority by saying, "This election will be about economics. It will be about how will we create jobs, how will we turn the economy around, how will we have a pro-growth government. This is a great story for Republicans to tell. President Obama can't tell that story, his report card has a failing grade. Republicans have an awesome story to tell. We need every one of us on a three-legged stool. We need peace through strength. Fiscal conservatives, social conservatives -- we need everyone coming together, because we're going to win. Make no mistake about it; President Obama is a one-term president!!"

Bachmann continued on the topic of the economy by discussing why the United States should not raise the debt ceiling, "I've already voted 'no' on raising the debt ceiling in the past. Unless there are serious cuts, I can't." She added, "Clearly President Obama has failed in leadership. Under his watch, the last two and a half years, we have increased the federal debt by 35 percent. What we need to do, in Congress and with the President, we need to instruct the Treasury Secretary to pay the interest on the debt first then we won't have a failure on our full faith and credit."

On the topic of TARP, Bachmann stated, "I fought behind closed doors against my own party on TARP. It was a wrong vote then and continues to be a wrong vote. Sometimes you have to vote principal over party."

When asked about her stance on repealing Obamacare, Bachmann indicated, "I want to make a promise to everyone watching tonight, As President of the United States, I will not rest until I repeal Obamacare. It's a promise, take it to the bank, cash the check, I'll make sure that happens. This is a job killer, this will kill 800,000 jobs. What could the president be thinking knowing it will kill 800,000 jobs?"

On the influence of the Tea Party, Bachmann outlined an overall strategy for Republican victory in 2012: "What I've seen in the Tea Party, I'm chairman of the Tea Party Caucus in the House of Representatives. What I've seen is - unlike how the media has tried to wrongly and grossly portray the Tea Party - the Tea Party is really made up of disaffected Democrats, Independents, people who have never been political a day in their life, people who are Libertarians, Republicans. It's a wide swath of America coming together. I think that's why the Left fears it so much because it's people who want to take the country back. They want the country to work again."

When asked about her pro-life stance, Bachmann described, "I do believe in the Tenth Amendment, and I believe in self-determination for the states. I believe marriage is between a man and a woman. I carried that legislation as a State Senator in Minnesota. I believe for children, the best way to raise children is with a mother and a father."

Bachmann closed the successful debate strongly on foreign affairs by saying, "Our policy in Libya is substantially flawed. Obama's own people said he was leading from behind. The United States does not lead from behind."

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Mon, Jun 13, 2011 at 11:10 PM

Santorum Again Proves Strongest to Take On Obama

Manchester, NH - On questions ranging from the economy to social issues and spending to foreign policy, former Senator Rick Santorum demonstrated an understanding and strong ability to communicate solutions to address our country's challenges.

 

"While some on the stage tonight preferred to give one-sentence applause lines, Senator Santorum concentrated on giving direct, honest answers that offered not just criticisms of the current administration but real solutions to address our nation's most serious challenges.  Now more than ever, Americans are looking for a president with the courage to call it like it is and the candor to give honest and forthright answers about how best to solve our nation's problems," said John Brabender, senior advisor to Senator Santorum.  "Senator Santorum stood firm in his strong support of Chairman Ryan's budget plan, and he spoke plainly and clearly about the failures of the Obama administration when it comes to foreign policy.  Rick Santorum continues to demonstrate - whether it be in debates, interviews or townhall meetings - that he has the depth of knowledge on the issues that challenge our country and the willingness to speak candidly with the American people about what needs to be done to return our country back on a path to prosperity."

 
June 13, 2011
STATEMENT ON NEWT'S DEBATE VICTORY

Newt 2012 released the following statement from campaign Communications Director Joseph DeSantis:

Newt Gingrich clearly won the debate. 

He cut through the clutter and spoke clearly.  His message resonates.  Newt decisively addressed the challenges facing the nation, the destructiveness of the Obama administration, and offered an optimistic vision for America’s future. 

Newt Gingrich is the only candidate offering solutions as big as America’s challenges.  And he has a track record of success to make these solutions a reality.  Under his Speakership, over 8 million new jobs were created.  Taxes were cut.  Spending was cut.  The budget was balanced.  Hundreds of billions of dollars of debt were paid off.  Surpluses were created. 

Newt Gingrich’s Jobs and Prosperity Plan is the boldest blueprint for turning our economy around and creating millions of new jobs. 

His “Patient Power” healthcare plan to replace Obamacare is detailed and in depth, reflecting the decades he has spent studying the issue and would ensure healthcare for all without mandates or bureaucracy. 

Newt is a national champion for an American Energy Plan. His Drill Here, Drill Now, Pay Less petition-drive energized the 2008 campaign and led to the end of the Presidential and Congressional bans on offshore drilling. 

His authority and knowledge on these critical issues and more were on display tonight, showing everyone that Newt is the right man to take on President Obama in the general election and the right man to lead this country in these challenging times.

Mon, Jun 13, 2011 at 10:24 PM

DNC Chair Wasserman Schultz’s Statement on Republican Debate in New Hampshire

Washington, D.C. – Following the Republican debate in New Hampshire tonight, DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz released the following statement:

“Tonight’s Republican debate was a reminder that we’ve been down this road of failed economic policies and proposals before.  The economic recession in America wasn’t caused by bad luck; it was caused by bad Republican policies.  But the Republican candidates are doubling down on the same flawed policies that led to the loss of 3.6 million jobs in the final months of 2008 and gravely affected middle class families across America.

“And if those policies weren't bad enough, we heard support tonight for policies as extreme as ending Medicare and privatizing Social Security - policies the American people have rejected over and over again.

“The debate tonight put into stark relief the contrast between the Republican presidential candidates and President Obama.  Republicans want to roll back the protections President Obama put in place to make sure another financial crisis of the magnitude we saw in 2008 could not happen again.  President Obama is making the tough decisions to get our country going in the right direction, has taken our economy from job losses to 15 straight months of job gains, cut taxes 26 times, and focused like a laser on getting the middle class back on its feet while those campaigning to replace him have failed to show they can lead on these issues.
 
“Under Mitt Romney’s leadership Massachusetts was 47th out of 50 states in job creation.  And thanks to Tim Pawlenty, Minnesota was left with a $6.2 billion projected deficit.  The fact is, when it comes to economic leadership, the Republicans have nothing to brag about.  This isn’t what the American people want.  They want to see progress that works for them.   Tonight we were reminded that Republican candidates have nothing to offer but the failed policies the American people have already rejected. ”

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PRESS RELEASE from Log Cabin Republicans
Tue, Jun 14, 2011 at 1:19 PM

To Achieve Victory in 2012 GOP Candidates Must Unite, Not Divide
(Washington, DC) - On issues ranging from national security, foreign policy, jobs, economic growth and civil liberty, Log Cabin Republicans are concerned that these early GOP primary candidates did not represent the priorities of the Republican electorate in CNN's televised debate.

"The candidates in this CNN debate did not make a strong case to the American people, particularly not to the moderates or younger voters we will need in 2012 to defeat Barack Obama," said R. Clarke Cooper, Log Cabin Republicans Executive Director. "Some of the views expressed by the candidates were out of sync with today's GOP. A clear majority of Republicans today support the end of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell.' The stark contrast between candidates looking to turn back the clock on repeal on the same day that Republican-appointed Defense Secretary Gates declared that the military would soon be ready for open service makes our party appear fearful of change. Calls for a federal marriage amendment while in New Hampshire, a state which currently enjoys marriage equality, showed several candidates to be out of touch. True conservatives know that the federal government should respect individual liberty."

"Front-runner Mitt Romney, in particular, knows better. Seventeen years ago he opposed 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' and vowed to support the Employment Nondiscrimination Act. Log Cabin Republicans remember that promise, and are committed to reminding all conservatives that inclusion wins. The pointed exclusion of pro-equality candidates, such as former New Mexico governor Gary Johnson and openly gay Republican candidate Fred Karger, from this debate wrongly perpetuated the myth that Republicans are uniform in their opinions on social issues.  Our party deserves candidates who will represent the values which unite us - individual liberty, fiscal responsibility, and limited government."

 

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Log Cabin Republicans is the only Republican organization dedicated to representing the interests of gay and lesbian Americans and their allies. The 30-year old organization has state and local chapters nationwide, a full-time office in Washington, DC, a federal political action committee and state political action committees.

PRESS RELEASE from CNN
June 14, 2011

CNN’S REPUBLICAN DEBATE IS #1 LAST NIGHT; DRAWING 3.162 MILLION VIEWERS
TOPS FNC’S FIRST GOP DEBATE IN THE KEY DEMO
AC 360 #1 AT 10 PM
 
According to Nielsen Fast National data, CNN’s first Republican debate (8-10pm) moderated by John King, delivered an impressive 3.162 million total viewers and 918k among adults 25-54 last night, Monday, June 13.  CNN ranked first in both total viewers and in the key demo 25-54, topping second place Fox News by 61% among total viewers (3.162 million vs. 1.959 million) and 94% among adults 25-54 (918k vs. 473k).  CNN also out-performed third place MSNBC by 288% among total viewers (3.162 million vs. 814k) and by 348% among P25-54 (918k vs. 205k).
 
Compared to Fox News' recent GOP Debate (5/5/11), CNN had a 7% advantage in the key demo adults 25-54 (918k vs. 854k).
 
Following the debate, CNN's Anderson Cooper 360 ranked first in cable news with 1.895 million total viewers and 627k adults 25-54, ahead of  FNC’s On the Record  by 23% (1.546m) and 51% (416k), respectively.  MSNBC’s The Ed Show trailed with 963k total viewers and 281k in the demo.
 
Other key highlights:
--Compared to CNN’s first GOP Debate in the 2008 Election Cycle (6/5/07), last night’s debate was 54% ahead among total viewers (3.162 million vs. 2.055 million) and was 23% ahead among P25-54 (918k vs. 747k).
 
--CNN's performance last night represents an increase of 385% in total viewers and a 352% advantage in the demo over CNN'S prior 4-Monday 8-10p average (excluding Memorial Day).
 
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Jennifer A. Scoggins
CNN Washington |  Senior Publicist