McCain fared poorly in contrast with Romney

Yes, Huckabee and Paul were in the debate but the spoke very little.

McCain got his facts wrong several times tonight, specifically when he attacked Romney.  He cited statistics that were incorrectly calculated regarding Romney's record.  Romney corrected the record and McCain looked stunned that his facts were wrong. 

Viewers were repeatedly reminded that many conservatives oppose him, including Rush Limbaugh's statement that his nomination will destroy the Republican Party. 

McCain, when asked if he would vote on his original immigration bill, refused to answer.  He said repeatedly, "it won't come up."  He clearly believes in his immigration bill even now.  Saying it won't be voted on looks like he's trying to get away with something.  But if he believes in his bill he could not simply answer the question outright because Republicans hate his bill. 

The audience was reminded by a questioner that he said the Bush tax cuts favored the wealthy too much, the same ones he wants to make permanent now. 

Finally, when confronted over his distortion of Romney's statement McCain pointed to another statement by Romney where he refused to comment on the surge when he was Governor of Massachusetts.  This came after Romney received an obviously sincere ovation from the crowd after he corrected the record.  Romney clearly won this point.  McCain looked petty.   

It is difficult to see why a significant number of Republicans think McCain is more erectable than Romney.  Conservatives very likely will not show up to vote for him in great enough numbers to win the general election. 

The Ref | 1/30/08 | Permalink