The Weeks Review

LAST NIGHT'S DEBATE

Having watched the debate last night, I have tried to categorize the candidates as to the major philosophical classifications thus far:

GIULIANI
Social: Moderate
Fiscal: Conservative
Defense: Conservative
Iraq: Will prosecute the war until victory is achieved.

THOMPSON
Social: Conservative
Fiscal: Conservative
Defense: Conservative
Iraq: Will prosecute the war until victory is achieved.

HUCKABEE
Social: Conservative
Fiscal: Moderate with liberal overtones.
Defense: Conservative with moderate overtones.
Iraq: Claims he wants victory, but I have doubts about his sincerity.

ROMNEY
Social: Conservative
Fiscal: Conservative
Defense: Conservative
Iraq: Will prosecute the war until victory is achieved

MCCAIN
Social: Liberal
Fiscal: Moderate
Defense: Conservative
Iraq: Will prosecute the war until victory is achieved.

PAUL
Social: Insane
Fiscal: Insane
Defense: Insane
Iraq: Immediate withdrawal, followed by an apology to Muslim world for having annoyed them.

In a Nutshell: I think Fred Thompson was the most impressive last night, particularly when he slapped down Huckabee on the subject of his "conservative credentials". As I recall, during the last debate Fred slapped down Huckabee about his stand on Gitmo. Fred always seems prepared, with his arguments well conceived and presented. Giuliani, Romney and McCain passed muster and performed as expected, but no better. Huckabee seemed, as he always does, a bit out of his league.

Ron Paul acted like the lunatic he is.