Thursday, September 22, 2011
  Reactions to the FOX News/Google Debate in Orlando, FL
BACK

10:55 p.m.
SENATOR NORM COLEMAN: ROMNEY WINS FLORIDA DEBATE 

Boston, MA – Former Minnesota Senator Norm Coleman issued the following statement on tonight’s Orlando debate:

“Mitt Romney stood out tonight as the only candidate prepared to lead our country at home during a time of economic strife and abroad during a time of great uncertainty. Mitt is clearly head and shoulders above the rest of the field when it comes to understanding the free market and what it will take to get our economy on track again. Whether it is his twenty-five years of experience working in business or his record turning around Massachusetts’ economy, Mitt Romney has a lifetime spent creating jobs and working in the real economy. That experience was on display tonight.”

11:03 p.m.
CONGRESSMAN TOM ROONEY: ROMNEY “READY TO BE PRESIDENT ON DAY ONE” 

Boston, MA – Florida Congressman Tom Rooney issued the following statement on tonight’s Orlando debate:

“Mitt Romney won tonight’s debate by laying out his pro-growth economic plan and displaying why he is ready to be president on day one. President Obama’s policies have failed Florida – unemployment is now at 10.7% and is much higher in parts of the state. Mitt Romney has the experience working in the real economy that will be needed to get Florida and our country on the right track – he isn’t another career politician. Floridians are also looking for the candidate who will fix Social Security for future generations, not a candidate who has pledged to dismantle it and possibly put our seniors’ retirement in question.”

11:13 p.m.
SENATOR JOHN THRASHER: ROMNEY WINS ORLANDO DEBATE 

Boston, MA – Florida State Senator John Thrasher issued the following statement on tonight’s Orlando debate:
 
“Mitt Romney came out on top in the debate tonight by sharing his vision for getting America back to work. His experience in the real economy is unparalleled in this field of candidates, and he demonstrates the leadership necessary to create jobs and turn this economy around. President Obama’s failure to do so will be the critical issue of this election.
 
“Our nominee must also be someone who will save Social Security, not someone who will dismantle it. Millions of Americans rely on this program. Does Rick Perry think it will be feasible for these hardworking Americans to still receive the benefits they have been promised if Social Security is run by the states? The federal government has an obligation to honor its end of the bargain, and Mitt Romney will ensure Social Security is sustainable for future generations.”

11:06 p.m.
Huntsman Campaign Manager Matt David Issues Statement Following GOP Debate

Huntsman campaign manager Matt David issued the following statement following the GOP debate:

"There are only three plausible nominees for the Republican Party, and tonight's debate made it abundantly clear that of that group, Governor Huntsman alone possesses the foreign policy credentials, successful executive experience, vision and substantive solutions required to lead our nation.

"Governor Huntsman reminded voters that he is the only candidate with hands-on foreign policy experience, whose views are informed by that experience; the only candidate with a proven record of creating jobs in both the private and public sector; and the candidate best-equipped to defeat President Obama.

"As our campaign continues, Jon will continue to cut through the sound bites by speaking truthfully and directly to the American people about his vision to rebuild our nation’s strength and prosperity. And as recent polling confirms, the more people get to know Jon Huntsman and the solutions he's offering, the more they like him."

11:08 p.m.
Gov. Rick Perry Again Stands Strong on Conservative Record and Vision to Get America Working Again

ORLANDO, Fla. – As his campaign strengthens and gains support, Gov. Rick Perry’s conservative agenda and record were again the center of attention at the FOX New Channel/ Google debate in Orlando, Florida tonight. 

Perry shared his steadfast commitment to get America working again as the next president of the United States, defended his conservative economic and social policy record in Texas and reiterated his goal to speak honestly and effectively about reforming Social Security to protect current and near beneficiaries and fix it for younger workers. 

“Americans are concerned with getting our economy back on track to prosperity and creating the jobs that Americans are desperately looking for,” said Gov. Perry. “I am proud of the record I have in Texas working to create an environment that creates jobs and in turn opportunity for our people, and I look forward to applying our blueprint for success at the national level – a model based on restrained spending, low taxes, predictable regulations and a fair legal climate.”

On job creation, Gov. Perry has the best record of job creation among all the candidates, including President Obama.  Texas has created more than one million net new jobs under Gov. Perry and is home to approximately 40 percent of all net new jobs in America since June 2009.

Perry contrasted his renowned pro-jobs record with the failed record of former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, who signature accomplishment – government-mandated health care – was the model for the job-killing federal ObamaCare.  Romney’s Massachusetts was 47th in job creation during his term in office. 

Gov. Perry’s strong record of cutting taxes, signing six balanced budgets, reducing general revenue spending and leading America’s top job-creating state makes him the candidate America needs to create jobs and get our nation’s fiscal house in order. In fact, he is the only Texas governor since World War II to cut state general revenue spending.

For information setting the record straight about various statements made during the debate, please visit http://www.rickperry.org/p5-debate-recap/, or follow @PerryTruthTeam on Twitter.

For more information about Gov. Rick Perry’s record, presidential campaign and plan to get America working again, please visit: www.rickperry.org

11:16 p.m.
GARY JOHNSON SETS HIMSELF APART IN THE PRESIDENTIAL FIELD

September 22, 2011, Orlando, FL -- Bringing a new voice to the Fox News / Google Debate, former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson made it clear that he offers a real alternative to 'business-as-usual' in the Republican presidential field.  Pledging to not wait years for a balanced federal budget, Johnson pledged to submit a balanced budget in 2013. Citing the 750 vetoes he exercised as governor, he also vowed to veto any legislation that would result in deficit spending.

In a statement released after the debate, Johnson said, "Tonight, a great many people had their first opportunity to see that there is a candidate who will actually focus like a laser on the task of reducing government, eliminating deficits, and freeing the economy to create real jobs.  As Republicans, we need to face the reality that today's out-of-control spending is as much a Republican problem as it is a Barack Obama problem, and simply paying lip service to bringing it under control won't fly with the American people.

"Likewise, Republicans deserve to have a candidate who will challenge the notion of foreign intervention and unjustified, undeclared wars we cannot afford.  I am gratified to offer that alternative.  

"From individual liberties to drug policy to immigration, too often the Republican field has sounded like a chorus rather than an honest dialogue.  I am committed to bringing truth and real-world approaches to those and other issues, not just sound bites.  Tonight's debate was an opportunity to do that, and I suspect many Americans were ready to listen."

11:31 p.m.
Bachmann Brings Voice of American Voters to GOP Debate

Orlando, Fla. – After a tremendous showing at last week's GOP debate, Republican presidential candidate Michele Bachmann clearly demonstrated tonight at the Fox News-Google Presidential Debate that she is the only conservative candidate who will bring the voice of the American people to the White House, where it has been absent. Throughout the debate, Bachmann offered solutions to the mostpressing concerns offered by voters.

One viewer asked how much of his earned money he deserved to keep, to which Bachmann answered, "I think you earned every dollar, you should get to keep every dollar that you earn. That's your money. That's not the government's money."

Bachmann continued with her views on responsible tax policy by stating, "Barack Obama seems to think that when we earn money it belongs to him and we're lucky just to keep a little bit of it. I don't think that at all. I think when people make money; it's their money. Obviously, we have to give money back to the government so that we can run the government. But we have to have a completely different mindset and that mindset is: the American people are the genius of this economy."

When the topic shifted to immigration, Bachmann was clear on her stance, "As President of the United States I would do what my job would demand of me – that's to uphold the sovereignty of the United States of America. To do that I would build a fence on America's southern border, on every mile, on every yard, on every foot, on every inch of the southern border. I would not allow taxpayer-funded benefits for illegal aliens or for their children. That's a magnet. End the magnets for illegal aliens to come into the United States of America."

Following the discussion on immigration reform, Bachmann fired back against Gov. Perry's HPV vaccine mandate by saying, "Gov. Perry mandated a healthcare decision on all 12-year old little girls in the State of Texas and by that mandate those girls had to have a shot for a sexually-transmitted disease. Gov. Perry made a decision where he gave parental rights to a big drug company. That big drug company gave him campaign contributions and hired his former chief of staff to lobby him to benefit the big drug company. That's what was wrong with that picture."

As social issues became the focus of the debate, Bachmann was asked her thoughts on prayer in public spaces, to which she replied, "Of course we should be able to exercise our faith, and whether that expression occurs in a pubic school or occurs in a public building, we should be able to have freedom for all people to express our belief in God."

Bachmann brought the largest concern of the American people to the forefront of the debate – jobs. She emphasized the biggest hurdle to job creation is Obamacare by stating, "This week a study came out from UBS that said the No. 1 reason why employers aren't hiring is because of Obamacare. That's why I introduced the bill to repeal Obamacare, and as President of the United States, that's the very first thing I would do is repeal Obamacare."

Bachmann rounded out a strong debate performance by commenting on who would accompany her to the White House as Vice President; "Obviously we need to have a strong constitutional conservative and that's what I would look for in a Vice President. Every four years conservatives are told that we have to settle, and it's anybody but Obama. I don't think that's true. President Obama has the lowest public approval ratings of any President in modern time. That's why we need to choose a candidate who represents conservatives and constitutional conservative positions."

Sept. 23, 2011 12:12 a.m.
Cain Wins FOX News/ Google Debate

(Orlando, FL)- Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain participated in the Fox News/ Google/ Republican Party of Florida debate tonight at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, where he continued to contrast himself with the career politicans as a business leader with real solutions.


On the 9-9-9 Plan

"This economy is on life support. That's why my 9-9-9 plan is a bold solution. It starts with: throw out the current tax code and pass a 9 percent business flat tax, a 9 percent personal income tax and a 9 percent national sales tax. This is the most important part: it eliminates or replaces the corporate income tax, the personal income tax, the capital gains tax, as well as the estate tax. It treats all businesses the same. And the people who are paying only payroll tax, 15.3, that 15.3 [percent], they don't have to pay. They only have to pay 9 percent. And unlike Governor Romney's plan, my plan throws out the old one and he's still hooked to the current tax code. That dog won't hunt."


On Scaling Back Government & Social Security Reform

Lee Doren from Arlington, Virginia, asked:"If you were forced to eliminate one department from the federal government, which one would you eliminate and why?" Cain responded,
"The first department, if I were forced to eliminate a department, I would start with the EPA. It's out of control. Now I know that makes some people nervous, but the EPA has gone wild. The fact that they have a regulation that goes into effect January 1, 2012 to regulate dust says that they've gone too far. So, rather than try to fix it, eliminate all of the things they have right now and then start rebuilding a responsible EPA.

Now with the rest of my time, may I offer a solution for Social Security, rather than continuing to talk about what you call it?

I have proposed the Chilean model. It has been around for 30 years and it works. It's a personal retirement account. In the last 30 years, not only has Chile succeeded with that model, but 30 other counties have done so. I don't think we're doing a service to the American people by continuing to banter about what you call it. The solution is fix it."

On Reforming Education

"All the programs at the federal level, where there are strings attached: cut all the strings. We've got to encourage parents to take advantage of choices, but provide those choices. We must find ways to empower the students. This is how we're going to improve education. Primarily, get the federal government out of trying to educate our kids at the local level."


On Israel

Yigal Marcus from Teaneck, NJ asked, "How would you approach Israel and the threats it faces from Iran, Hamas, Hezbollah and the PLO?" Bret Baier followed up, "How would you respond to the unilateral declaration of a Palestinian state?"

"It starts with an extension of the Reagan philosophy of peace through strength. My philosophy would extend that to peace through strength with clarity. This administration has not made it clear how it stands with Israel. When I was in Israel last month, I met with the Deputy Prime Minister and he made it shockingly, chillingly clear, given everything that's going on: Israel will defend itself with all of the tensions going on in the Middle East. He also made it real clear that he wasn't sure how this administration stood when it came to Israel. I made it clear, and I would also make it clear to all the other people in the world, that if you mess with Israel, you are messing with the United States of America. We will stand solidly behind Israel. If, in fact, it was clear to the Palestinians where the United States stood, they might have had second thoughts about trying to pull such a move without negotiating with Israel."


On Cain's Cancer Survival and Health Care

Debate moderator Chris Wallace asked Cain about his claim that under Obamacare, he would not have survived stage IV cancer of the liver and colon. After extended applause from the audience and fellow candidates, Cain responded,

"The reason I said I would be dead under Obamacare is because my cancer was detected in March of 2006. From March 2006 all the way to the end of 2006, for that number of months, I was able to get the necessary CAT scan tests, go to the necessary doctors, get a second opinion, get chemotherapy, get surgery, recuperate from surgery, get more chemotherapy in a span of nine months. If we had been under Obamacare and a bureaucrat was trying to tell me when I could get that CAT scan, that would have delayed my treatment. My surgeons and doctors have told me that because I was able to get the treatment as fast as I could based upon my timetable and not the government's timetable, that's what saved my life because I only had a 30 percent chance of survival. And now I'm here five years cancer-free because I could do it on my timetable and not a bureaucrat's timetable. This is one of the reasons I believe a lot of people are objecting to Obamacare because we need to get bureaucrats out of the business of micromanaging health care in this nation."

Following his response, Cain received a standing ovation.


On American Morale

"Obviously, it starts with economic growth and yes, I have already laid out how I would do that with my 9-9-9 Plan. What Americans are looking for, in order to build their confidence, is leadership. There is a severe deficiency of leadership in Washington, D.C. and once we fill that void, I believe that the American people will begin to develop some confidence again, in terms of believing in this nation. Ronald Reagan was the one who said that we are a shining city on a hill. We've slid down the side of that hill. Americans want somebody who is going to lead them back to the top of that hill. That's how we turn this country around."

On a Potential Running Mate

A YouTube user, Darrell Ownens, asked who the candidates would pick among those on stage for their potential Vice President. Governor Perry responded that he wanted a hybrid of Speaker Newt Gingrich and Herman Cain. Governor Huntsman also chose Cain as his potential running mate, applauding not only his fashion sense, but also his economic plan. Cain responded,

"This is a game, and it is hypothetical, I'll play the game. If Governor Romney would throw out his jobs/ growth plan and replace it with 9-9-9, he has a shot. If he does not, I would probably go with Speaker Gingrich, who I have the greatest admiration for, in all seriousness, because of his history and his depth of knowledge. I could go on because I have respect for everybody up here, but it's a game."

On the Debate

Of the 1 hour and 45 minute debate, Herman Cain received 7 questions and spoke for a total of 6 minutes and 14 seconds.

Following the debate, conservative commentator and CNN contributor Erick Erickson named Cain the winner of the debate. "The winner is Herman Cain. The audience loved him," Erickson wrote. "Cain's answers were out of the park awesome. He provided the most uplifting moments and the most memorable lines, with substance included." Syndicated columnist Michelle Malkin also declared Cain the winner.

Tomorrow, Cain continues his "Common Sense Solutions" bus tour throughout the state of Florida, as well as provide a keynote address at CPAC Florida.

Sept. 23, 2011 12:20 a.m.

SANTORUM EMERGES AND PROVES HE CAN ANSWER THE "3AM PHONE CALL"

Orlando, FL - At tonight's Fox News debate, former Senator and current Republican Presidential Candidate Rick Santorum (R-PA) proved he's the one conservative who can win the nomination for President and defeat Barack Obama.  Senator Santorum took on Texas Governor Rick Perry on immigration and exposed his policies as more liberal than President Barack Obama's, and took on the misguided idea that America should completely disengage in the Middle East.

Hogan Gidley, National Communications Director said, "If there's one thing we've learned from President Obama, it's that experience matters.  You've got to be able to go more than one question deep to lead this nation.   Santorum's depth of understanding and record on foreign policy, social issues and immigration provides him with the ability to answer tough questions - and that clearly separates him from those who seem to be lost without their speechwriters standing right next to them or a teleprompter in front of them."  

Tonight, Senator Santorum emerged as the one full-spectrum consistent conservative who can lead this country back to greatness."

ON RICK PERRY AND IMMIGRATION:
 
 "Why are we subsidizing?  They should pay the whole boat.  And why are we giving preferential treatment (to illegal aliens).  Yes, I think he (Governor Perry) is soft of immigration."

"He (Governor Perry) gave a speech in 2001 that he was for bi-national health care with Mexico and Texas.  I don't think Barack Obama even wants that."

ON THE FUTURE OF THIS COUNTRY
 
 "Ronald Reagan believed in who we are as a country. And this President has forgotten who we are as a country."
 
"This country believes that we have certain God given right to every man woman and child."
 
"President Obama is the new King George the 3rd because he also believed in a top down approach to government, and we need a President who believes in you."

ON EDUCATION:
 
 "We need an education system that focuses on the consumers, and who are the consumers?  The parents are the consumers."

"It's the parents' responsibility to educate their children - the government has conditioned parents to think it's the governments' job."

IN RESPONSE TO AMBASSADOR HUNTSMAN:
 
 "Just because our economy is sick, does not mean that our country sick."

ON DON'T ASK DON'T TELL:
 
 "What we are doing is playing social experimentation with our military."
Sept. 23, 2011 12:06 a.m.
Roemer Campaign Manager Issues Statement Regarding GOP Debate 

Carlos Sierra, Campaign Manager for Governor Buddy Roemer's Campaign for President, issued the following statement following the GOP debate tonight in Orlando, FL:

"I assure you that when Governor Roemer is invited to a debate, he will bring a breath of fresh air that is badly needed. Any one of the GOP candidates is better than President Obama, but why are we settling? That’s exactly what we are doing with the current field being allowed on-stage.

Governor Roemer is the most-qualified presidential candidate on either side. Being the only one with a degree in economics from Harvard, and also the only candidate who has been both a congressman and a governor.

Governor Roemer’s day will come, and when it does, the important issues of too much special-interest money in politics and unfair trade will finally be at the forefront."

Americans for Legal Immigration PAC
Sept. 23, 2011 11:40 a.m.
ALIPAC: ''Rick Perry Is Finished''

September 23, 2011 (MMD Newswire) -- Texas Governor Perry destroyed his chances of winning the GOP Presidential primary during last night's debate when he defended his support for in-state tuition for illegal aliens which is opposed by 81% of all Americans.

"Rick Perry proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that he is not the right choice for America by supporting these radical illegal immigration attracting measures," said William Gheen, President of ALIPAC. "Perry's support for in-state tuition for illegals forces taxpayers to pay to replace their own children in the limited seats in our colleges!"

Prior to 2005, several states like Texas passed in-state tuition for illegals into law without adequate public or lawmaker debate and knowledge.

In 2005, Americans for Legal Immigration PAC defeated North Carolina's HB 1183's In-state tuition for illegal immigrants and then went on to use new strategies to defeat similar measures in 20 other states. Americans for Legal Immigration PAC has become a top voice in America representing the over 80% of US citizens opposed to this measure.

Rick Perry was heavily booed for the second time last night as he continued to promote in-state tuition for illegal aliens.

Mitt Romney opposed Perry's positions and pointed out that Perry's in-state tuition for illegal aliens law was forcing Texans to pay approximately $100,000 in tax monies to support each of the current 16,000 illegal immigrants in Texas colleges.

Romney went on to paraphrase ALIPAC's platform "Comprehensive Immigration Enforcement" which includes adequately enforcing America's existing immigration and border laws by cracking down on employers, securing the borders, and removing taxpayer benefits for illegals like Perry's tuition breaks.

"GOP voters cannot vote for Rick Perry now without legitimizing and supporting in-state tuition for illegal immigrants," said William Gheen. "Perry has assured his own defeat despite the fact that he is receiving so much support and favoritism from globalist groups in the media. It is clear to me that the globalists who are responsible for illegal immigration in America are using their power to promote Rick Perry at this time."

The Center for Immigration Studies (CIS) has just released a new study illustrating that 81% of the 'new jobs' created in Texas under Rick Perry have been taken by legal and illegal immigrants instead of suffering American citizens.

Rick Perry Booed Again For Illegal Immigrant Support Plan: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJ0POI1PUdI

For more information, to join the fight against illegal immigration, or to schedule interviews please visit www.ALIPAC.us

from Log Cabin Republicans
Sept. 23, 2011  11:21 a.m.
Shameful Response to Gay Soldier Mars GOP Debate

(Washington, DC) - Log Cabin Republicans are disgusted at the response to a question by an openly gay servicemember regarding "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" during last night's GOP presidential debate.

 

"Senator Santorum's shameful response to the combat soldier's question regarding open service was incoherent and out of touch. America's uniformed leaders support gays and lesbians serving alongside their colleagues with dignity and respect. Santorum's divisive and homophobic remarks do not befit a commander-in-chief," said R. Clarke Cooper, Log Cabin Republicans Executive Director. "Americans want to hear about how our next President is going to cut our national debt, present a confident foreign policy and most importantly help the private sector thrive to create jobs. Unfortunately, for many Americans the take-away from last night's debate was not that Republicans have the solutions our country needs, but that too many in our party are clinging so strongly to a failed and discriminatory law that they are willing to disrespect a man in uniform. As a current Army Reserve officer and an Iraq combat veteran, I found it appalling that a soldier serving down range would be disrespected in such a fashion."

from National Jewish Democratic Council
Jewish Dems Thank GOP Pres. Debaters For Reminding Jews Why They Vote Democratic

NJDC to Romney, Cain: Where Were You When Obama Wore His Pro-Israel “Badge of Honor” Yesterday?

WASHINGTON, DC- The National Jewish Democratic Council (NJDC) tonight thanked the 2012 Republican presidential candidate field for espousing positions that are so out of step with the mainstream of American Jewry that they firmly reminded the American Jewish community why it votes so reliably Democratic. NJDC President and CEO David A. Harris issued the following statement in response to tonight’s debate: 

“Tonight’s dismal Republican debate may have been painful to watch for many Americans—but especially so for American Jews. On national television, we witnessed a field of Republican candidates doing just about everything they could to remind Jews why they overwhelmingly support the Democratic Party.

From attacking health care reform and the social safety net to proposing flawed solutions to Medicare and Social Security, the candidates in tonight’s debate made it clear that they are uninterested in preserving the programs and policies valued by the vast mainstream of our community. And that is to say nothing of their collective positions tonight on social issues, which so many American Jews find socially regressive, if not repugnant.

Moreover, the performance by former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney and Herman Cain left me wondering where they were yesterday when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lauded President Barack Obama’s speech to the UN and said that Obama wore his support of Israel like a ‘badge of honor.’ [The New York Daily News, September 21, 2011] It is profoundly disturbing that these candidates would continue to engage in such attacks against this pro-Israel President based purely on partisan politics—despite all of the statements from Israeli leaders, the President’s widely-applauded record of diplomatic and military support for Israel, and the growing number of impartial, Republican, and Democratic observers calling out these candidates for their inappropriate and dangerous behavior. [AP, September 21, 2011] [NJDC, September 22, 2011]

As the candidates gain more exposure over the coming months, the historic bond between the American Jewish community and the Democratic Party will be reaffirmed and strengthened because most in our community will witness—again and again—that today’s Republican Party is deeply out of touch with their Jewish values. The Republican primary process will help prove that the Democratic Party remains the one natural political home for American Jews.”
from the Democratic National Committee
Sept. 22, 2011 11:09 p.m.
DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz’s Statement on GOP Presidential Debate in Orlando

Washington, D.C.  – Following the Fox News/Google Republican presidential debate held in Orlando tonight, DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz released the following statement: 
 
“Tonight, the Republican candidates for president held their second Florida debate in as many weeks, and whether they’re in Orlando, Tampa or any other part of the country, the message is always the same: they have no new ideas for creating jobs or helping America’s middle class.  They simply want to get rid of all the things that protect and improve the lives of middle class families—Social Security, Medicare, the EPA, the Department of Education, Wall Street Reform, the repeal of ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell,’ and more.  We heard more of the same failed policies of the past that the Tea Party is demanding they support – policies that would dismantle Social Security into pieces, end Medicare as we know it, and provide even more handouts and tax cuts to large corporations, special interests and the richest Americans while asking our nation’s seniors, students and middle-class families to pay for it.
 
“What we did not see tonight was a single Republican candidate stand up for the bipartisan American Jobs Act, the President’s proposal to get more Americans back to work and put more money back into their pockets.  Nor did they offer support for President Obama’s new plan to restore economic security and reduce the deficit by more than $3 trillion over the next decade.  That would require the Republican candidates to challenge the right-wing ideology of the Tea Party, and from everything we saw tonight, that is a pipe dream. 
 
“Let’s be clear, the policies GOP frontrunners Mitt Romney and Rick Perry and the rest of the candidates all support would slash Social Security –cutting benefits and putting seniors at risk.  And all the GOP candidates support the Republican budget plan in Congress ending Medicare as we know it.
 
“At a time when we need to be moving our country forward, Republicans are offering no plan for securing our economic future – and that is something we simply cannot afford.”



Sep 22, 2011 at 11:52 PM
Don’t Take Our Word For It: Republicans on Republicans 

Tonight’s GOP presidential debate showed us what we already know: instead of offering a plan to improve the lives of middle-class Americans, the Republican candidates would rather figure out which of them has changed their position the most since the hard-cover copies of their books came out. They and their conservative colleagues attacked each other in an endless race to the right to impress their Tea Party base. With accusations flying - flip-flopper! Soft on Immigrants! – none of them managed to offered a single new idea.

ROMNEY ON HIS FELLOW REPUBLICANS

Romney Said Perry Believed “The Federal Government Shouldn't Be In The Pension Business, That It Is Unconstitutional… And It Should Be Returned To The States.” “It is different than what the governor put in his book six months and what you said on interviews following the book. There's a Rick Perry out there that is saying that almost quote it says, that the federal government shouldn't be in the pension business. That it is unconstitutional. Unconstitutional and it should be returned to the states. You better find that Rick Perry and get him to stop saying that.” [Romney, Fox/Google Debate, 9/22/11]
 
Romney To Perry: “I Actually Wrote My Book.” [Romney, Fox/Google Debate, 9/22/11]
 
Romney Said To Perry That It Was “Fine For To You Retreat From Your Own Words In Your Own Book.” “Fine for to you retreat from your own words in your own book but don't try to make me retreat from the words I wrote in my book. I stand for what I wrote. Believe the people in this country can read my book and see exactly what it is, thank you.” [Romney, Fox/Google Debate, 9/22/11]
 
Romney Was Asked About Perry’s Argument For Giving In State Tuition To Illegal Immigrants: “It Is An Argument I Can't Follow.” The Fox News moderators asked, “What about Governor Perry’s argument that it is better to get these kids an education and get them jobs than to consign them just to be a burden on the state?” Romney replied, “It is an argument I can't follow. I gotta be honest with you.” [Romney, Fox/Google Debate, 9/22/11]
 
Romney Attacked Perry For Giving Illegal Immigrants $22,000 A Year Discount To Attend Texas Schools: “If You Are A United States Citizen From Any One Of The Other 49 States You Have To Pay $100,000 More.” “I don't see how it is that a state like Texas to go to the university of Texas, if you are an illegal alien you get an in-state tuition discount. That's $22,000 a year. Four years of college, almost $100,000 discount if you are an illegal alien go to the University of Texas. If you are a United States citizen from any one of the other 49 states you have to pay $100,000 more. That doesn't make sense to me. That kind of madness… that kind of magnet draws people into this country to get that education to get the $100,000 break. It makes no sense.” [Romney, Fox/Google Debate, 9/22/11]
 
Romney To Perry: “You Wrote A Book Six Months Ago” And “You Are Already Retreating From The Positions In That Book.” [Romney, Fox/Google Debate, 9/22/11]
 
Romney Claimed Perry Said “Social Security Was Forced Upon The American People” And “Social Security Should Be Returned To The States.” “In that book it says Social Security was forced upon the American people. It says by any measure Social Security is a failure not to 75 million. You said Social Security should be returned to the states. Those are the positions of your book.” [Romney, Fox/Google Debate, 9/22/11]
 
 
PERRY ON HIS FELLOW REPUBLICANS
 
Perry Defended His Position On Social Security, Said This Isn’t The First Time Romney Has Been Wrong On Some Issues. “Let me say first, for those that are on social security today, for those people that are approaching social security, they don’t have anything in world to worry about. We have made a solemn oath to the people of this country that the social security program in place today will be there for them. Now, it is not the first time that Mitt has been wrong on some issues before.” [Perry, Fox/Google Debate, 9/22/11]
 
Perry Criticized Romney On Health Care Reform, Said Romney Deleted A Reference To Romneycare In The Paperback Version Of His Book. “Speaking of books and talking about being able to have things in your books, back and forth. Your economic adviser talked about Romneycare and how that was an absolute bust and it was exactly what Obamacare was all about. As a matter of fact, between books your hard copy book you said it was exactly what the American people needed to have, that Romneycare given to them as you had in Massachusetts. Then in your paper book, -- in your paperback, you took that line out. Speaking of not getting it straight in your book sir….” [Perry, Fox/Google Debate, 9/22/11]
 
Perry Said Romney Supports President Obama’s Race To The Top, Called His Support “Not Conservative.” “One person on this stage that is for Obama’s Race to the Top that is Governor Romney, he said so this last week. I think is an important difference between the rest of the people on this stage and one person that wants to run for the presidency. Being in favor of the Obama Race to the Top and that is not conservative.” [Perry, Fox/Google Debate, 9/22/11]
 
Perry Attacked Romney For Flip-Flopping On Multiple Positions. “I think Americans don’t know which Mitt Romney they are dealing with. Mitt Romney against the second amendment before he was for the second amendment? Before he was before the social programs from the standpoint of he was for wade before he was against roe vs. wade. He was for race to the top. He’s for Obamacare and now he’s against it. I mean, we will wait until tomorrow and see which Mitt Romney we are really talking tonight.” [Perry, Fox/Google Debate, 9/22/11]
 
 
BACHMANN ON HER FELLOW REPUBLICANS
 
Bachmann Criticized Perry For Taking Sovereignty Away From Parents With HPV Executive Order And For Accepting Campaign Contributions From Merck. “Here's the real issue, Governor Perry mandated a health care decision on all 12-year-old little girls in the state of Texas. And by that mandate, those girls had to have a shot for a sexually transmitted disease. That is not appropriate to be a decision that a Governor makes. It is appropriate that parents make that decision in consultation with their doctor. Here the even more important point, because Governor Perry made a decision where he gave parental rights to a big drug company. That big drug company gave him campaign contributions and hired his former chief of staff to lobby him to benefit the big drug company. That's what was wrong with that picture.” [Bachmann, Fox/Google Debate, 9/22/11]
 
 
HUNTSMAN ON HIS FELLOW REPUBLICANS
 
Huntsman Criticized His Republican Opponents For Having No Foreign Policy Experience. “Just one issue I want to respond to my friend Rick Santorum here. -- We have a difference of opinion in terms of overall foreign policy. I think the only one on stage with any hands on foreign policy experience having lived overseas four times.” [Huntsman, Fox/Google Debate, 9/22/11]
 
Huntsman Criticized The Affordable Care Act, Which Was Modeled After Romneycare. “[W]e are fundamentally approaching health care reform the wrong way. This one trillion dollar bomb that Obamacare means to this country over 10 years is creating such uncertainty in the marketplace that businesses aren't willing to hire, to deploy capital into the marketplace everyone it has gummed up our system. I say we go out to the states and let the states experiment and find breakthroughs in how we address health care reform. Health care reform is a three trillion dollar industry the size of the GDP of France.” [Romney, Fox/Google Debate, 9/22/11]
 
Disagreeing With Santorum, Huntsman Said Americans Want To “Bring Our Troops Home From Afghanistan.” “I believe that after 10 years of fighting the war on terror, people are ready to bring our troops home from Afghanistan, Rick.” [Romney, Fox/Google Debate, 9/22/11]
 
Huntsman Predicted That Romney And Perry Were “Going To Bludgeon Each Other To Death” And Eventually “Disappear” Like Giuliani And Thompson Did In 2008. “I'm tempted to say when all is said and done the two standing in the middle, Romney and Perry aren't going to be around because they are going to bludgeon each other to death. I'm also reminded four years ago we had two front runners in similar situations one by the name of Giuliani and the other Thompson. They seemed to disappear altogether. I can’t remember where they went.” [Huntsman, Fox/Google Debate, 9/22/11]
 
 
CAIN ON HIS FELLOW REPUBLICANS
 
Cain Said Romney’s Tax Plan Is A Dog That Won’t Hunt. “Unlike Governor Romney's plan my plan throws out the old one he's still hooked to the current tax code. That dog won't hunt.” [Cain, Fox/Google Debate, 9/22/11]
 
 
SANTORUM ON HIS FELLOW REPUBLICANS
 
Santorum Called Perry “Soft On Illegal Immigration.” “No one is suggesting that the students that are illegal in this country shouldn't be able to go to a college or university. I think you are making this leap unless we subsidize this, the taxpayers subsidize it they won't be able to go. Most folks who want go to the state of Texas or any other state have to pay. The point is why are we subsidizing? They go, they just have to borrow, find other sources to be able to go. Why should they be given preferential treatment, as an illegal in this country? That's what we're saying. …yes, I would say that he is soft on illegal immigration. I think the fact that he doesn't want to build a finances.” [Santorum, Fox/Google Debate, 9/22/11]
 
Santorum Suggested That Perry Was More Liberal Than President Obama On Immigration. “He gave a speech in 2001 where he talked about -- buy national health insurance between Mexico and Texas. I don't even think Barack Obama would be for buy national health insurance. I think he's very weak on this issue of American sovereignty and protecting our borders and not being a magnet for illegal immigration, yes.” [Santorum, Fox/Google Debate, 9/22/11]
 
Santorum Criticized His Opponents On Iraq. “We need to have any -- I'm hearing numbers of 20-30,000 troops potentially to remain in Iraq, not indefinitely. But to continue to make sure this is a stable transition. This is the difference between Congressman Paul, Governor Huntsman, Governor Perry and myself when it comes to issue. I say when we engage in Iraq and Afghanistan, we engage because we want to be successful. We want victory. We want to have accomplished a national security objective for this country. To make sure that we are safer. We are not on a political agenda to withdraw troops. First thing to make sure we secure success.” [Santorum, Fox/Google Debate, 9/22/11]