GOP FOREIGN POLICY DEBATE ANALYSIS

Tonight’s G.O.P. debate was about foreign policy and hosted by the National Journal and CBS News. It was marked by some sharp disagreements between the candidates, another gaffe by Rick Perry and an easy win by the undermatched debate champ Mitt Romney.

First of all, how many times can Rick Perry kill his campaign? In an attempt at a dramatic statement of philosophy he blundered again, this time by misquoting the prophet Ronald Reagan. Perry said that Reagan crushed “Russia” to dust when it was the USSR that collapsed for many reasons after Reagan left office. A huge mistake by Perry not only because it’s historically dodgy but worse, it’s needlessly antagonizing to a nation that is easily agitated. Russia wasn’t and isn’t crushed, thank you very much, and I bet they don’t appreciate you saying that.

But Perry wasn’t done yet. Somehow it got much worse. He followed that up by threatening to do the same to China. I think even the audience was stunned. Another nation there is no reason to pointlessly threaten. For the first time in this campaign, I was having Bush flashbacks. I’m really surprised at how he’s handling himself.

Huntsman didn’t get much time but did get an opportunity to slap down Perry’s plans to destroy China. That guy is dangerous to Obama. I think he is the only one who would be certain beat him in a general election.

It’s exhausting listening to Newt Gingrich. He always seems mad and yelling. Whenever he’s challenged, like when he doesn’t have a good answer for a question, he’ll go on the attack: against the media, the questioners, some philosophers in the 18th century. Give it a rest man. When asked how would he think ‘out of the box’, Gingrich replied that he would follow Reagan, Thatcher and the Pope. Oh yeah – that’s the kind of creative new thinking we need.

Romney was Romney. He was focused on attacking Obama. He had a watered-down version of talk radio trash. Arguing that Obama appears weak to the rest of the world. [so much of the Right's forgiven policy is about appearance - watch and notice] His arguments were pretty exaggerated and many not valid at all. If this is his best stuff then it will be a tough go if he gets to the general election.

Foreign policy is one of the topics I find myself in some agreement with Ron Paul. Many things he said, especially about Iraq and Iran, we’re spot on. His argument against water boarding / torture were stirring and should be required listening for everyone.

The rest of the crew were just background noise. Cain looked like a defeated man. Santorum was as peppy as ever and believes with all his heart he’s gonna be President. As far as Michelle Bachman, I don’t mind saying, that if there was one time I might welcome Herman Cain’s firm hand with women, it would have been to shut that woman up!

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