We're counting down the last few hours until the Southern Republican Presidential debate – TONIGHT at 8pm ET on CNN. What questions do YOU want moderator John King to ask the 4 candidates left standing? Post here or tweet using #CNNDebate
Having just celebrated Martin Luther King Day and since he is a Historian I am curious of Speaker Gingrich's opinion regarding the History of Black Voting Rights in America ... Reconstruction to Jim Crow to Voting Rights Act of 1965. With our blemished history are we tying the present to our past with recent voter ID legislation?
January 19, 2012 at 5:53 pm |
Robert and Pamela
This is a 2 part question for Mitt Romney:
1) Do you believe in fairness in taxation? Yes or No
2) If you answer YES, then will you promise to support a 15% tax rate for EVERYONE!
I only make $14,000 per year and I am taxed at 20%.
Thank you, Robert and Pamela, Charleston, SC
January 19, 2012 at 6:16 pm |
Sergio
People come to this country to obtain degrees and begin their careers. How will you make it easier for immigrants who came here to study, to stay once their schooling is complete? It is too common for people to be sent back after receiving their degree, when the U.S. needs as many scientists and engineers as it can retain. Its counter productive to give these people degrees and then send them back to China!!!
January 19, 2012 at 6:18 pm |
Robert
Please ask Romney if he believes Obama is a Christian and if Mormons are christians
January 19, 2012 at 6:24 pm |
Allen
To Mitt Romney – Pres Obama was forced to explain his relationship with Rev Wright, and eventually had to distance himself – Are you prepared to denounce the racist practices of the Mormon Church? Additionally, why are you concealing your tax return until April? Americans should expect to see the last 5 or 6 years.
January 19, 2012 at 6:25 pm |
V. Eastridge
I appreciate you and all of CNN commentators. In tonights debate I hope you will challenge Newt Gringrinch again on the poor kids have no work ethic statement. Apparently he has never been poor. I am 74 years old and I was around poor kids and wealthy kids growing up. The wealthy kids got all of the toys they wanted without ever working, the poor which included me, had to work to help the family, and they worked 10 times harder than the wealthy kids did. The poor had to do without. Newt is way too arrogant to ever get my vote. I am a white male , 16 years as a republican and independant turned Democrat recently because of this kind of arrogance. The other reason I changed to Democrat is because of the republicans war policy. Thank you
January 19, 2012 at 6:28 pm |
Robert Frager
Mr.. King:
Ask the candidates advocating smaller government that iif elected, how many federal and federal financed jobs, state and local, in South Carolina and around the country would they erliminate?
As President, how would you see the role of the United States in other countries where there are large numbers of people being oppressed but where there is no obvious US national or economic security threat (e.g. in the Democratic Republic of the Congo)?
Bryant
Miami, FL
January 19, 2012 at 6:33 pm |
Mary
What does Newt say about the fact that he cheated on his ill wife just like John Edwards and then wanted an "open marriage" between wife number two and his fling of the moment, Calista?
January 19, 2012 at 6:37 pm |
Linda
Why do the GOP Republican always want to call President Obama food stamp President? It was President Bush put this country in the financial downfall due to unemployment. The GOP made sure the teacher, fireman, and police are unemeployed. I went to college and has a Master degree and still lost my job.
January 19, 2012 at 6:42 pm |
Linda
why are the SC wanting to have a GOP candiate Newt Gingrich who has all types of dirty baggage in their background, abusing women, racist, and is Bipolar, grandiose and is unfit to be the POTUS? Why would anyone want a person of his character which is a mix fit to be in the highest office of the USA and to embarras with these other countries.
January 19, 2012 at 6:47 pm |
Arthur Sayed
Question for Rick Santorum. India, Israel, and Pakistan have never signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty? Do you believe this is a threat to national security? Does Israel have nuclear weapons?
January 19, 2012 at 6:59 pm |
Shannon
I think each candidate should be asked if their Executive decisions will be based on their own personal religious morals or on the wants of the majority of their constituents.
January 19, 2012 at 7:06 pm |
Robert R Smith
since the CFR has so many people involved in the policies of our country overseas, would consider not naming a CFR member to every cabinet in your administration?
January 19, 2012 at 7:09 pm |
Robert R Smith
do all of you have your cabinet chosen for you through the Council on Foreign Relations, or which of you do not?
January 19, 2012 at 7:10 pm |
David
As a Christian it is hard for me to believe the SC Evangelical are so blind. For years Newt loved his sinful ways and yes God does forgive but God would not give Newt a place of leadership, as he did show himself unworthy.
So i would ask Newt, how can you expect to take the highest place of leadership ? That would be like the evil one asking God, forgive me, now give me the most exalted position above all, are you kidding me.
January 19, 2012 at 7:24 pm |
Harlin Kreplick in Florida
Will any of the candidates support the extention of the Mortgage Relief Act, due to expire at end of year. Millions of families that pay their mortgage but live in underwater homes may be forced to short sale their home this year, hurting their financial future and keeping the r.e. market values for all to continus downward.
January 19, 2012 at 7:52 pm |
Shiva
Mattyice2423 on November 6, 2011 Hey Jon I cmmeonted on the article but I forgot to put my twitter so my name on there was mcmcorrea24 and my twitter is @mattyice2423
February 25, 2012 at 2:50 am |
Randi Leifer, R.N.
HI John King ! Love you on CNN Here is my interest.
In general, what are each of the cadidates individual positions on tort reform/medical malpractice, and specifically, Congressman Paul supports Tort Reform and a cap on pain and suffering lawsuits has been instituted in his home state of Texas. Doesn't he think that to be hypocritical being that it is unconstittional?
January 19, 2012 at 8:02 pm |
Paul Henchey
Question for Santorum – You say the party needs a conservative on the ticket – would you accept the role of vice president on a Romney-Santorum ticket?
January 19, 2012 at 8:11 pm |
Pat
Gentlemen, who of you can say you have read Osama bin Laden's 2002 letter to the American people entitled "Why we are fighting you?" and will you please comment on it if you have?
January 19, 2012 at 8:11 pm |
Jeff
Most Americans feel that President Obama's Health Care Law was shoved down our throats, and that the Democrats were unwilling to compromise with the Republicans on anything. The reason the Democrats took that route was because of the constant gridlock that's now in Congress between the Republicans and Democrats. What I want to know is - If you're President of the U.S – to avoid the constant gridlock and to pass some kind of legislation, where would you at least be willing to compromise with the Democrats, so that the American public doesn't feel as if the Republicans are trying to force something onto us???
January 19, 2012 at 8:13 pm |
grace
to Ron Paul–
If you believe in a minimal government that does not enforce morality, then why do you believe that the government should control a woman's right to choose?
January 19, 2012 at 8:13 pm |
A.C. Grubbs
Mr. Gingrich, would you if you were President support the National Defense Authorization Act for 2012?
January 19, 2012 at 8:18 pm |
Denise
Should Congress and Barack Obama be tried for treason for passing the National Defense Act of 2012, which takes away from Americans their right of arrest for only probable cause quickly followed by legal representation, arraignment, and trial – all Constitutionally guaranteed – and said law gives Obama the power to lock up Americans for life without charges, without probable cause, without evidence, without habeus corpus, without trial – IF Obama, only, suspects the American of terrorism? How is that NOT TREASON?
January 19, 2012 at 8:19 pm |
yassiemac
Mr. Gingrich and Santorum has many suggestions on how to help minorities. What about reparations? It was given to Native Americans, Japanese, Jewish People. Why is it never for African Americans? It seems to be the best way to address the poverty and put everyone on equal footing.
January 19, 2012 at 8:19 pm |
Steve Dunkley
Why don't we stop these farcical debates and primaries. Get the elected members of congress to choose the presidential candidate for their respective parties. At least they could then be chosen on ability – not wealth or looks. Fortunately we had the village idiot leave the competition today – we now have to listen to four people rip each other to pieces until the candidate is chosen; at which time they will adore each other in the name of unity. Hypocracy doesn't begin to describe it.
January 19, 2012 at 8:23 pm |
julie bonneville
PLEASE seriously address the infrastructure issue with specific answers: how can we replacce our antiquated air traffic control systems when it is a goverment responsibility , likewise updating our air rail transportation sysytems when private industry cannot and won't until get involved if it won't produce a profit. Republicans seem very against infrastuctue spending in a serious way, in all the debates, I have watched everyone , and no one has offereda serious answer to theis issue
January 19, 2012 at 8:27 pm |
Dallas Ayres
When, if ever, will any of you "man-up" and admit your deeply seated fear/hatred of gay people? Hiding behind religion no longer is a cover for continuous denigration of a specific segment of the populace of this Country.
January 19, 2012 at 8:28 pm |
Dennis M. Toles, MPA, SPHR
Wgy is there an appearance that the republicans candidates are not answering the questions, but have agreed to denegrate Presidennt Obama and agree on their collective hatred of him personnaly and project what attacks that are implied by the questinos that are being posed insted of providing any substantive answer. They appear impotent and afraid to actually answer anythig since they do not appear to have any specific approaches designed to solve anything. They are blaming the POTUS but have no solutions. This is useless rhetoric and indicates a lack of innovation and preparation on the issues thatt are looming a fabric of global inadequacy from our provate sector corporate leadership as well as these who would be President. Ask them what there approach actually offers us for decision-making regarding the differences between them. It is obvious that they want to replace Obama.
January 19, 2012 at 8:29 pm |
Susan Travis
How many Mormons did Mitt Romney hire for his companies, and why do Mitt Romney's sons all work for pharmaceutical companies, big real estate developers, and a major advertising company owned by the Japanese that represents the largest corporations in the USA ?
January 19, 2012 at 8:29 pm |
M.Towne
What is our country gonna do about Russia? They are getting stronger and improving forces. Also talking about building a huge bomb? Why worry about soldiers having jobs when they come home when we have a possible huge situation. They chose to have that job.
January 19, 2012 at 8:31 pm |
Dennis M. Toles, MPA, SPHR
Why is there an appearance that the Republican candidates are not answering the questions, but appear to have agreed to denegrate Presidennt Obama and agree on their collective hatred of him personnaly and project what attacks are implied (and expected from Democrats) by the questions that are being posed, instead of providing any substantive answers. They appear impotent and afraid to actually answer questions directly. It seems they do not have any specific approaches designed to solve anything. They are blaming the POTUS but have no solutions. This is useless rhetoric and indicates a lack of innovation and preparation on the issues that blanket this nation with a fabric of global inadequacy from our private sector corporate leadership as well as these candidates who would be President. Ask them what their approach actually offers us for decision-making relative to the differences between them. It is obvious that they want to replace Obama. Why will the act of replacing the sitting president be a positive move and how is the proposed action linked to their individiual intentions?
January 19, 2012 at 8:37 pm |
Pam Young
As a life long Republican who has represented my region numerous times at state conventions, I have always supported the Republican party for their fiscal responsibility. At this time, however, the fiscal situation requires both spending cuts and tax increases. Recently the Republican party has opposed any kind of tax increase to help solve this problem. Who among you will support a tax increase to help resolve our long term debt problem? I do believe that my vote as well as many others hangs upon your answer.
January 19, 2012 at 8:37 pm |
A.C. Grubbs
Mr. Romney, I know you would support such recent legislation as the National Defense Authorization Act fo 2012 but would you also support recent legislation such as SOPA and PIPA? If not, why would you be against SOPA and PIPA but not be against something worse like NDAA?
January 19, 2012 at 8:38 pm |
Amy
The issue with SC unemployment is that it doesn't encourage people to get a job. I got a part time job making about 10% of my previous salary and was declined for an unemployment extension due to having employment. Other states such as NJ will continue benefits until gainful employment is obtained. This is why SC's unemployment is so high becauses it pays not to get a job.
January 19, 2012 at 8:40 pm |
Janene
Romney keeps talking about jobs he's created. Can he tell us a little about those jobs? What is the average pay of a Domino's Pizza employee? A Staple's employee? What kind of benefit package do they have? Health insurance options and cost? 401k....
January 19, 2012 at 8:42 pm |
Paul Womack
what is your view of Cuba and it is about time to change our views of trade with it? Would you agree our 50 years of sanctions have failed?
January 19, 2012 at 8:48 pm |
Matthew Kyle Salmon
If this country was based and sought for freedoms including religion, why are you denying Gays the right to get married, due to YOUR religious beliefs. Why do politicians use religious beliefs for policy? That is NOT freedom.
January 19, 2012 at 8:50 pm |
Halyne
. I totally agree. Indeed when you chase down those seirots from the provided links you find excerpts , out of context sound bites , half truths, or just flat out opinion pieces from the likes of Coulter. etc. False witness and distortion indeed.One of the links is to a Buzzfeed video in 1988 about George HW Bush campaign and how Newt felt that Bush needed his own vision, not the vision of Reagan 80, or 84 . He said if Bush runs on a continuation of Reagan he would lose because people will vote for what might be good change, and instead he needed to define his administration from his own views and not Reagans. Of course Drudge has spun that into Gingrich Bashing Reagan circa 1988 . Ridiculous.
March 22, 2012 at 3:32 pm |
Colette Clarke
Other than the fact he doesn't want to answer a hard question about his own behavior, I can't understand Speaker Gingrich's sanctimonious response to Mr. King's first question because once, family values mattered enough to him to lead the charge to impeach a president, tying up the country's business and money. Now we know that during that same time period he was in the midst of a 6 year extra-marital affair, leading me to believe he wasn't telling the truth about his belief in family values but only using them as an excuse to rid the country expensively of a president with whom he didn't agree. If family values mattered enough to him to impeach a president for what by any account was much less than a 6 year extra-marital affair with a staffer, why do they now not matter? And if he won't offer an answer, how I am and others to whom these values do matter, to believe his behavior has changed. Like it or not, private commitments and our ability to keep them transfer directly to public commitments.
January 19, 2012 at 8:54 pm |
Robert J. Fudge
If Republicans are so concerned with personal liberties, why do they want the government to dictate the terms of marriage, abortion, and substance use?
January 19, 2012 at 8:56 pm |
Dallas Ayres
Mr. Gingritch, what basis do you have for making statements that you have more authority than the Supreme Court in choosing what laws/rulings you would follow/obey as President??
January 19, 2012 at 8:56 pm |
Patricia Wales
Why give money to over 150 countries around the world some who are enemies such as Chavez' country?
January 19, 2012 at 8:58 pm |
phillis straka
The professional political class-many line their pockets at the public trough and almost all of them talk favorably, when they are campaigning, about term limits. Once they are in office, we never hear another word about it. It seems as though their primary concern is to perpetuate their careers. How do you feel about term limits for congress?
January 19, 2012 at 8:58 pm |
Dennis M. Toles, MPA, SPHR
When are these candidates going to move forward instead of talking about there tired records. The facts are that we are in a time which has not been seen before. What are t hey going to do if elected. Being a corporaate raider and /or participating in long gone administrations that partially helped to proliferate this mess does nothing to delineate their capacity to govern in this present environment.
January 19, 2012 at 8:59 pm |
lloyd everett
i would like to know how the candidates would explain and curtail the excesses of congress in regards to their medical ins., retirement packages and other benefits such as vacation that normal americans do not have access to?
January 19, 2012 at 9:05 pm |
Dennis M. Toles, MPA, SPHR
We give CHina manufactuing since their lack of concern for their labor and environment makes it cheaper for them to produce. We pay many times over since htey are demanding more gas as they gain industrial strength as a result of private sector market driven decision-making (unseen hand of Adam Smith). We then pay premium prices on everything because of higher gas prices. We cannot just drill and have oil pipes as terrorists targets all of the country. We need a better long term answer to this global reality. We must have a orchestrated approach to operating in the new global economic environment. What say the candidatse on how cutting taxes and regulations to immulate China are going to fix the United States onto the right path for our future?
January 19, 2012 at 9:10 pm |
A.C. Grubbs
Would any of the candidates support a flat tax?
January 19, 2012 at 9:11 pm |
John Johnson
I am a liberal democrat. There are more than just a few of us out there. WIll any of you make any attempt whatsoever to put aside your obvious hate and be my president too?
January 19, 2012 at 9:11 pm |
A.C. Grubbs
Would any of the candidates support a fair tax?
January 19, 2012 at 9:12 pm |
Adrian Amerio
Lobbing is a big part of America politic activity. How the candidates will restrict or eliminate this damaging democratic industry.
January 19, 2012 at 9:21 pm |
Stephanie
As President of the United States, what will you do with the NDAA Martial law that Obama signed in January?
January 19, 2012 at 9:25 pm |
Scott St Clair
Would you be willing to reduce federal employess wages by 10% excluding military? Based on the current raise to non Federal employees. Also reduce Medical benefits to Federal employees
January 19, 2012 at 9:26 pm |
James M
How would you make american's believe in this country the way they did under Ronald Reagan?
January 19, 2012 at 9:28 pm |
Carl Smith
I have been very proud to have served my country to the point of retiring from the military after 22 years. I served in the State National Guard to make it 22 years. One of the greatest benefits that I had depended on during my service was the secrurity for healthcare for myself and spouse in my later years of life. It was so disgusting to me that the president was so willing to give nonworking citizens in the US free medical care and they did nothing for it but be born. This is a slap to me and all retired government employees that worked for their benefits. Why is this not a question to the canidates?
January 19, 2012 at 9:28 pm |
Eric Michaels
If you became President when Obama did, under the same circumstances, what would you have done different. Be specific. Would you let the companies fail? How much would have been added to the deficit?
January 19, 2012 at 9:28 pm |
Theresa
I would like to know why Mr. Romney can never answer te questions...I would like to see him answer a question without turning it around to President Obama, my question is this "Why would you pass a right to work state law, I work in a right to work state, and in case the candidates dont know, we work for companies that can fire you for no reason at all and pay you just above minimum wage.
January 19, 2012 at 9:29 pm |
Dennis M. Toles, MPA, SPHR
How much government exspansion will controlling to border require? Certainly you don't believe that a fence will achieve this do you? Isn't late to start talking about English as the legal language? Why did we make all of the accommodatinos for the latinos over all other immigrants? Are we going to be as diligent regarding immigration infractions among all nationalities? How will this be accomplished without further loss of the rights of American citizens? When it was to the benefit of Americans we de facto encouraged the immigration of people from South America. Black Americans were forced to come to this country. Black Americans are citizens, but Newt wants to have minority children them replace unionized janitors in schoold districts across America. What types of jobs and opportunities is this preparing them for when the schools in the areas in which a great deal of them live are being horribly neglected?
January 19, 2012 at 9:32 pm |
Stephen Bullion
I've heard many of the candidates speak on returning rights to the states and speaking of the right of every American to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness...my question is, how do these ideals not conflict with support for a constitutional amendment banning same sex marriage? Are same sex couples not entitled under these ideals set forth in our constitution to the same opportunity to find happiness in a committed loving marriage and along with it, the sames privileges as heterosexual couples?
January 19, 2012 at 9:32 pm |
Jason
What public policy is being served by allowing members of the United States Supreme Court as well as members of Congress to trade stocks after receiving nonpublic information, thereby personally profitting from "sensitive" information received in their official capacity? Should not Congress be held to answer for insider trading violations just like the general investing public? Were you in favor of the STOCK Act being indefinitely tabled?
January 19, 2012 at 9:34 pm |
madelyn
A couple of weeks ago, I believe that mitt Romney hinted he might be open to a vat tax. He said that he could philosophically understand the reasoning behind such a tax.
Is he in favor of such a tax?
January 19, 2012 at 9:39 pm |
Anthony Marino
What would they do to address the ongoing problem of cyber attacks on the US military, government and industry that originates in communist China?
January 19, 2012 at 9:39 pm |
Dennis M. Toles, MPA, SPHR
in response to ilegal immigration, would it not be prudent to remove the economic incentive for immigration by creating better integrated economic (i.e. global) entities and options that would make our current corporate citizens less likely to act unpatrioticaly based upon profit motives. It is the corporate decision makers who decide in great part to abandon U.S. consumers (taking their jobs and locating them outside of the USA) under the guise of remaining globally competitive. Can Americans reasonably be expected to work and have living wages under the same wage scales being paid in many of the countries that our corporations go and get labor while asking the American troops to protect their economic interests, while avoiding paying taxes that the troops depend on for their compensation?.
January 19, 2012 at 9:41 pm |
Dennis M. Toles, MPA, SPHR
Super PAC funds are also fungible. Ron Paul is speaking about morals in a forum that hsa allowed for foreign interests to fund candidates that t hey find favourable, but these candidates want to take a supposed moral and ethical stand when asked about SOPA, etc.. Is there a problem therein?
January 19, 2012 at 9:47 pm |
Raj Poojara
Question for Governor Romney – Would you have agreed to the bail out of Automobile companies and the Financial companies which President Obama did ? What would you do differently ?
January 19, 2012 at 9:50 pm |
John
We have freedom of religion in this country. Would you try to impose your religion on others (on issues such as gay marriage) if you are elected president?
January 19, 2012 at 9:52 pm |
ricky
why not talk about gas prises instead of jobs? there are plenty of jobs out there, the people of the us are lazy!!!!!! that is a proven fact. but there is no excuse for the gas prises
January 19, 2012 at 9:56 pm |
Dennis M. Toles, MPA, SPHR
Newt really is trying to keep the Republicans targeted upon the removal of Obama, but like the rest of the candidates he is not offering individual solutions. The only freedoms we are hearing from is the rich being free to continue to diminish the stature of the averaage American. Romney has values that don't reflect any regard for the masses of Americans. He does not even appear to even have any regard for the poor who will always beg amoung us everywhere. He does not understand that he comes from priviledge and his versuion of hard work does not apply to people who could never walk through the doors he was allowed to enter. These guys all need a reality check.
January 19, 2012 at 9:58 pm |
John Edmiston
Mr. King: I sent a separate email, but i'll send this. You did a markedly professional job moderating tonight's Republican debate from Charleston. I admire your tenacity and your restraint as you are admonished by Speaker Gingrich. The former speaker has made it a habit of admonishing the media at every turn, to usual loud and spontaneous applause. I admire that you keep your cool, but I would like a pointed CNN editorial on the comments made by Gingrich. You were giving him the right to answer, and getting it over with. He obviously didn't want it brought up at all. And I think his commentary spoke more about him than anything he said or denied. Thank you for your professionalism and your tenacity.
January 19, 2012 at 10:24 pm |
Bill Hunter
Mr. King-I just wanted to point out to you that over one half of the marriages in the United States fail. A great number of the people in the audience and watching on TV are aware of feelings that exist between the parties of divorce. I was very disappointed that you opened the presidential debate with a question that was at a National Enquirer level and so personal. Thanks for lettting me express my view-Bill Hunter
January 19, 2012 at 10:35 pm |
Raddy Naudain
Why do you not talk about Ron Paul after the debate? It has been 50 minutes and you not mention Ron Paul once! Do you really not understand the power of media and how much you influence people? You should not ignore him during debate and especially after. You are not suppose to take sides and by not giving him any coverage you do exactly that.
Raddy
January 19, 2012 at 11:02 pm |
audrey
I thught Mitt Romney won by far. He is the one with all of the answers and can actually help the country
I wasn't around for Newt's history the first time and I am interested in his family life, I personally don't want his mistress as a first lady, not a good role model. Newt looks like a bully and a washington insider
January 19, 2012 at 11:06 pm |
Rick Dizbon
John...You did an excellent job tonight moderating the Republican debate. This was the first of the debates to really get down to the nitty gritty. Your opening question to Newt was the right thing to do even though Newt didn't seem to like it. My hats are off to you and your staff at CNN for a fantastic introductory segment and for the professional set design and overall presentation of the debate. Instead of criticizing, the candidates should be thanking CNN for the best coverage ever. As a native of South Carolina, I am so pleased and grateful of the way you presented our state to the rest of the country.
January 19, 2012 at 11:12 pm |
Ann
Why was Ron Paul again marginalized by Mr. King in the debate tonight? Who is paying you to exclude him from equal participation? Why are you afraid to give Con. Ron Paul equal opportunity in this debate and in the media and in the press? When your camera man panned the candidates at the end of the debate they showed only three candidates from the left to right and excluded Ron again! It is pathetic to give unfavorable treatment to one of four candidates. The public deserves to hear from all of them on these important issues.
January 19, 2012 at 11:15 pm |
Maha
If John King wanted to get a straight answer from Newt, he should not have asked a straight question. It was a right question on open marriage to Newt but it was asked wrongly at wrong moment. John should have quoted a situation from Clinton era on how Newt reacted on such social issue and then validated Newt's stand to the current question. If CNN's idea is to move up Newt over Mitt, then it is the right move to instigate Republicans who react emotionally rather than logically on Presidential issue!
January 20, 2012 at 8:57 am |
Dave
Mr. King, I hope you (and your producers and CNN) learned a lesson from Mr. G's redressing of the decision to open the Presidential debate with such a personal and sensatinalistic topic, although I fear none of you have.
We concur with Mr. G putting it to you all as he did. Are you now also a Nancy Grace drama-monger-type now?
I used to turn to CNN/HLN as my primary objective news source but as of the last 1.5 years it seems you are turning more sensationalistic and that I in turn, find myself turning to other sources for my news. Shame shame.
We expected more professionalism and focus on current, real issues pertinent to the future of our country that is represented by this debate and the electoral process; not this dirty laundry slobbery.
CNN...Please go back to your roots of being our objective news source, staying above the fray of sensationalistic journalism for ratings over substance and truth.
January 20, 2012 at 11:53 am |
jonas
John King was absolutely right in asking Newt about the question of the alleged open marriage issue. It was an appropriate, timely, relevant issue. What Newt did was make it appear that media has this agenda against him and the other GOP candidates vis-a-vis a kid glove treatment for Obama. Nice try but he was way off. He should have responded and address directly the question to settle once and for all. If I were John King, I would have challenged Newt to address the issue and not the divert the focus of the discussion.
Newt reaction would have only been acceptable had the question been formulated and invented by John King on a whim. His harsh reaction would have been understandable if the question was a mere gossip. But everybody knows it was a legit news story. Whether King asked if in the first or last portion of the debate is immaterial. It is a valid issue and Newt's only option is to meet it head on, period.
Congrats CNN for exposing the kind of thinking Mr. Gingrich have with regard to moral issues.
January 20, 2012 at 1:14 pm |
Nena
Mr. King – You were right to ask Newt Gingrich that question about his marriage. Gingrich's angry response makes me think that he is guilty after all. He acted like a typical bully who uses "anger" to distract from real issue. The thought of him becoming or president frightens me – he strikes me as an individual who has made lying an art form.
January 20, 2012 at 3:24 pm |
Richard Sherwin
John King, Thank you so much for asking Newt Gingrich the question about his adulterous relationship with his present wife (Clarista). He is such a hypocrite. When it was Bill Clinton then marital fidelity was very important in our political leaders. Now that it is Gingrich, the story is very different. It took guts for you (John King) to ask the question and just because the idiots in the audience were up set does not matter to most of the citizens in the U.S. The Republicans in South Carolina are very mean and angry like most Republicans. Keep up the heat on the Republicans, John. All this country needs is a salamander for President.
Richard Sherwin
January 20, 2012 at 5:06 pm |
ricky
i ask before and now i ask again why won't anyone talk about the gas prices. it is a big problem that needs to be fixed. if gas prices would come down then everything else would. we as the people need some of relief.
January 26, 2012 at 9:00 pm |
Rob
Would you accept a 100 Million Dollar donation from a single donor? What if that donor were China or Iran? How much is too much?
Thanks John!
February 22, 2012 at 2:18 pm |
Rob
To Rick, then Newt, then the business man – President Obama's latest tax plan is to reduce the corporate tax rate to 28% however; he is proposing a new tax on US corporations abroad. These corporations would then be taxed by two countries. How damaging would this be and specifically why? Assuming the bill passes how would a US corporation abroad adjust to maintain its profit margins?
February 22, 2012 at 2:35 pm |
Rob
Warren Buffet paid almost 7 Million dollars in taxes on 63 Million in earnings – for 2010. In dollars not percentage– how much is too much to ask from one individual?
February 22, 2012 at 2:50 pm |
Susan Spires
Our National debt has surpassed our GDP, Gas is (depending on where you live) $3.60 to $5.00 a gallon, the president says he'll cut our defense budget and nuclear warheads with Iran going nuclear, Social Security and Medicare/Medicaid are unsustainable and need reformed ... So, there's plenty of BIG problems we face, let's not have STUPID questions. Toss one or two of these out there and let the candidates have at it.
February 22, 2012 at 6:31 pm |
Susan Spires
How exactly did that $ 2 Billion Obama gave to Brazil's Petrobras for it's off-shore drilling help create one American job?
February 22, 2012 at 6:33 pm |
Debbie
I have watched every debate held so far. I just want to know if just for once the questions would be answered without having something bad to say about the other debaters. Can any of you answer the questions without bashing or having something negative to say about the other one? How can we come together as a country when all we are doing is tearing each other down? Stick to what is important...jobs, economy, gas prices, the national debt and what it means to our children's future. That is what I am concerned about. Just answer the questions and leave each others personal life out of it. Thank you
February 22, 2012 at 8:24 pm |
Ed Chalmers
For each candidate: if you were president today what would you do bout the high escalating gas prices we are now experiencing? Both sort tern and long tern?
February 22, 2012 at 8:45 pm |
mini moto
Woah this blog is magnificent i like studying your posts. Keep up the great work! You recognize, lots of persons are hunting around for this info, you could aid them greatly.
Your daily destination for political news. Join John each night as he pulls back the curtain on Washington, cuts through the partisan noise, and gets to the bottom of stories that affect you.
John King, USA aired weekdays at 6pm ET. The final show aired June 29, 2012.
Any questions for John? Tweet them to @JohnKingCNN and he'll answer them Tuesday's at noon ET on CNN.com/LIVE
Having just celebrated Martin Luther King Day and since he is a Historian I am curious of Speaker Gingrich's opinion regarding the History of Black Voting Rights in America ... Reconstruction to Jim Crow to Voting Rights Act of 1965. With our blemished history are we tying the present to our past with recent voter ID legislation?
This is a 2 part question for Mitt Romney:
1) Do you believe in fairness in taxation? Yes or No
2) If you answer YES, then will you promise to support a 15% tax rate for EVERYONE!
I only make $14,000 per year and I am taxed at 20%.
Thank you, Robert and Pamela, Charleston, SC
People come to this country to obtain degrees and begin their careers. How will you make it easier for immigrants who came here to study, to stay once their schooling is complete? It is too common for people to be sent back after receiving their degree, when the U.S. needs as many scientists and engineers as it can retain. Its counter productive to give these people degrees and then send them back to China!!!
Please ask Romney if he believes Obama is a Christian and if Mormons are christians
To Mitt Romney – Pres Obama was forced to explain his relationship with Rev Wright, and eventually had to distance himself – Are you prepared to denounce the racist practices of the Mormon Church? Additionally, why are you concealing your tax return until April? Americans should expect to see the last 5 or 6 years.
I appreciate you and all of CNN commentators. In tonights debate I hope you will challenge Newt Gringrinch again on the poor kids have no work ethic statement. Apparently he has never been poor. I am 74 years old and I was around poor kids and wealthy kids growing up. The wealthy kids got all of the toys they wanted without ever working, the poor which included me, had to work to help the family, and they worked 10 times harder than the wealthy kids did. The poor had to do without. Newt is way too arrogant to ever get my vote. I am a white male , 16 years as a republican and independant turned Democrat recently because of this kind of arrogance. The other reason I changed to Democrat is because of the republicans war policy. Thank you
Mr.. King:
Ask the candidates advocating smaller government that iif elected, how many federal and federal financed jobs, state and local, in South Carolina and around the country would they erliminate?
As President, how would you see the role of the United States in other countries where there are large numbers of people being oppressed but where there is no obvious US national or economic security threat (e.g. in the Democratic Republic of the Congo)?
Bryant
Miami, FL
What does Newt say about the fact that he cheated on his ill wife just like John Edwards and then wanted an "open marriage" between wife number two and his fling of the moment, Calista?
Why do the GOP Republican always want to call President Obama food stamp President? It was President Bush put this country in the financial downfall due to unemployment. The GOP made sure the teacher, fireman, and police are unemeployed. I went to college and has a Master degree and still lost my job.
why are the SC wanting to have a GOP candiate Newt Gingrich who has all types of dirty baggage in their background, abusing women, racist, and is Bipolar, grandiose and is unfit to be the POTUS? Why would anyone want a person of his character which is a mix fit to be in the highest office of the USA and to embarras with these other countries.
Question for Rick Santorum. India, Israel, and Pakistan have never signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty? Do you believe this is a threat to national security? Does Israel have nuclear weapons?
I think each candidate should be asked if their Executive decisions will be based on their own personal religious morals or on the wants of the majority of their constituents.
since the CFR has so many people involved in the policies of our country overseas, would consider not naming a CFR member to every cabinet in your administration?
do all of you have your cabinet chosen for you through the Council on Foreign Relations, or which of you do not?
As a Christian it is hard for me to believe the SC Evangelical are so blind. For years Newt loved his sinful ways and yes God does forgive but God would not give Newt a place of leadership, as he did show himself unworthy.
So i would ask Newt, how can you expect to take the highest place of leadership ? That would be like the evil one asking God, forgive me, now give me the most exalted position above all, are you kidding me.
Will any of the candidates support the extention of the Mortgage Relief Act, due to expire at end of year. Millions of families that pay their mortgage but live in underwater homes may be forced to short sale their home this year, hurting their financial future and keeping the r.e. market values for all to continus downward.
Mattyice2423 on November 6, 2011 Hey Jon I cmmeonted on the article but I forgot to put my twitter so my name on there was mcmcorrea24 and my twitter is @mattyice2423
HI John King ! Love you on CNN Here is my interest.
In general, what are each of the cadidates individual positions on tort reform/medical malpractice, and specifically, Congressman Paul supports Tort Reform and a cap on pain and suffering lawsuits has been instituted in his home state of Texas. Doesn't he think that to be hypocritical being that it is unconstittional?
Question for Santorum – You say the party needs a conservative on the ticket – would you accept the role of vice president on a Romney-Santorum ticket?
Gentlemen, who of you can say you have read Osama bin Laden's 2002 letter to the American people entitled "Why we are fighting you?" and will you please comment on it if you have?
Most Americans feel that President Obama's Health Care Law was shoved down our throats, and that the Democrats were unwilling to compromise with the Republicans on anything. The reason the Democrats took that route was because of the constant gridlock that's now in Congress between the Republicans and Democrats. What I want to know is - If you're President of the U.S – to avoid the constant gridlock and to pass some kind of legislation, where would you at least be willing to compromise with the Democrats, so that the American public doesn't feel as if the Republicans are trying to force something onto us???
to Ron Paul–
If you believe in a minimal government that does not enforce morality, then why do you believe that the government should control a woman's right to choose?
Mr. Gingrich, would you if you were President support the National Defense Authorization Act for 2012?
Should Congress and Barack Obama be tried for treason for passing the National Defense Act of 2012, which takes away from Americans their right of arrest for only probable cause quickly followed by legal representation, arraignment, and trial – all Constitutionally guaranteed – and said law gives Obama the power to lock up Americans for life without charges, without probable cause, without evidence, without habeus corpus, without trial – IF Obama, only, suspects the American of terrorism? How is that NOT TREASON?
Mr. Gingrich and Santorum has many suggestions on how to help minorities. What about reparations? It was given to Native Americans, Japanese, Jewish People. Why is it never for African Americans? It seems to be the best way to address the poverty and put everyone on equal footing.
Why don't we stop these farcical debates and primaries. Get the elected members of congress to choose the presidential candidate for their respective parties. At least they could then be chosen on ability – not wealth or looks. Fortunately we had the village idiot leave the competition today – we now have to listen to four people rip each other to pieces until the candidate is chosen; at which time they will adore each other in the name of unity. Hypocracy doesn't begin to describe it.
PLEASE seriously address the infrastructure issue with specific answers: how can we replacce our antiquated air traffic control systems when it is a goverment responsibility , likewise updating our air rail transportation sysytems when private industry cannot and won't until get involved if it won't produce a profit. Republicans seem very against infrastuctue spending in a serious way, in all the debates, I have watched everyone , and no one has offereda serious answer to theis issue
When, if ever, will any of you "man-up" and admit your deeply seated fear/hatred of gay people? Hiding behind religion no longer is a cover for continuous denigration of a specific segment of the populace of this Country.
Wgy is there an appearance that the republicans candidates are not answering the questions, but have agreed to denegrate Presidennt Obama and agree on their collective hatred of him personnaly and project what attacks that are implied by the questinos that are being posed insted of providing any substantive answer. They appear impotent and afraid to actually answer anythig since they do not appear to have any specific approaches designed to solve anything. They are blaming the POTUS but have no solutions. This is useless rhetoric and indicates a lack of innovation and preparation on the issues thatt are looming a fabric of global inadequacy from our provate sector corporate leadership as well as these who would be President. Ask them what there approach actually offers us for decision-making regarding the differences between them. It is obvious that they want to replace Obama.
How many Mormons did Mitt Romney hire for his companies, and why do Mitt Romney's sons all work for pharmaceutical companies, big real estate developers, and a major advertising company owned by the Japanese that represents the largest corporations in the USA ?
What is our country gonna do about Russia? They are getting stronger and improving forces. Also talking about building a huge bomb? Why worry about soldiers having jobs when they come home when we have a possible huge situation. They chose to have that job.
Why is there an appearance that the Republican candidates are not answering the questions, but appear to have agreed to denegrate Presidennt Obama and agree on their collective hatred of him personnaly and project what attacks are implied (and expected from Democrats) by the questions that are being posed, instead of providing any substantive answers. They appear impotent and afraid to actually answer questions directly. It seems they do not have any specific approaches designed to solve anything. They are blaming the POTUS but have no solutions. This is useless rhetoric and indicates a lack of innovation and preparation on the issues that blanket this nation with a fabric of global inadequacy from our private sector corporate leadership as well as these candidates who would be President. Ask them what their approach actually offers us for decision-making relative to the differences between them. It is obvious that they want to replace Obama. Why will the act of replacing the sitting president be a positive move and how is the proposed action linked to their individiual intentions?
As a life long Republican who has represented my region numerous times at state conventions, I have always supported the Republican party for their fiscal responsibility. At this time, however, the fiscal situation requires both spending cuts and tax increases. Recently the Republican party has opposed any kind of tax increase to help solve this problem. Who among you will support a tax increase to help resolve our long term debt problem? I do believe that my vote as well as many others hangs upon your answer.
Mr. Romney, I know you would support such recent legislation as the National Defense Authorization Act fo 2012 but would you also support recent legislation such as SOPA and PIPA? If not, why would you be against SOPA and PIPA but not be against something worse like NDAA?
The issue with SC unemployment is that it doesn't encourage people to get a job. I got a part time job making about 10% of my previous salary and was declined for an unemployment extension due to having employment. Other states such as NJ will continue benefits until gainful employment is obtained. This is why SC's unemployment is so high becauses it pays not to get a job.
Romney keeps talking about jobs he's created. Can he tell us a little about those jobs? What is the average pay of a Domino's Pizza employee? A Staple's employee? What kind of benefit package do they have? Health insurance options and cost? 401k....
what is your view of Cuba and it is about time to change our views of trade with it? Would you agree our 50 years of sanctions have failed?
If this country was based and sought for freedoms including religion, why are you denying Gays the right to get married, due to YOUR religious beliefs. Why do politicians use religious beliefs for policy? That is NOT freedom.
. I totally agree. Indeed when you chase down those seirots from the provided links you find excerpts , out of context sound bites , half truths, or just flat out opinion pieces from the likes of Coulter. etc. False witness and distortion indeed.One of the links is to a Buzzfeed video in 1988 about George HW Bush campaign and how Newt felt that Bush needed his own vision, not the vision of Reagan 80, or 84 . He said if Bush runs on a continuation of Reagan he would lose because people will vote for what might be good change, and instead he needed to define his administration from his own views and not Reagans. Of course Drudge has spun that into Gingrich Bashing Reagan circa 1988 . Ridiculous.
Other than the fact he doesn't want to answer a hard question about his own behavior, I can't understand Speaker Gingrich's sanctimonious response to Mr. King's first question because once, family values mattered enough to him to lead the charge to impeach a president, tying up the country's business and money. Now we know that during that same time period he was in the midst of a 6 year extra-marital affair, leading me to believe he wasn't telling the truth about his belief in family values but only using them as an excuse to rid the country expensively of a president with whom he didn't agree. If family values mattered enough to him to impeach a president for what by any account was much less than a 6 year extra-marital affair with a staffer, why do they now not matter? And if he won't offer an answer, how I am and others to whom these values do matter, to believe his behavior has changed. Like it or not, private commitments and our ability to keep them transfer directly to public commitments.
If Republicans are so concerned with personal liberties, why do they want the government to dictate the terms of marriage, abortion, and substance use?
Mr. Gingritch, what basis do you have for making statements that you have more authority than the Supreme Court in choosing what laws/rulings you would follow/obey as President??
Why give money to over 150 countries around the world some who are enemies such as Chavez' country?
The professional political class-many line their pockets at the public trough and almost all of them talk favorably, when they are campaigning, about term limits. Once they are in office, we never hear another word about it. It seems as though their primary concern is to perpetuate their careers. How do you feel about term limits for congress?
When are these candidates going to move forward instead of talking about there tired records. The facts are that we are in a time which has not been seen before. What are t hey going to do if elected. Being a corporaate raider and /or participating in long gone administrations that partially helped to proliferate this mess does nothing to delineate their capacity to govern in this present environment.
i would like to know how the candidates would explain and curtail the excesses of congress in regards to their medical ins., retirement packages and other benefits such as vacation that normal americans do not have access to?
We give CHina manufactuing since their lack of concern for their labor and environment makes it cheaper for them to produce. We pay many times over since htey are demanding more gas as they gain industrial strength as a result of private sector market driven decision-making (unseen hand of Adam Smith). We then pay premium prices on everything because of higher gas prices. We cannot just drill and have oil pipes as terrorists targets all of the country. We need a better long term answer to this global reality. We must have a orchestrated approach to operating in the new global economic environment. What say the candidatse on how cutting taxes and regulations to immulate China are going to fix the United States onto the right path for our future?
Would any of the candidates support a flat tax?
I am a liberal democrat. There are more than just a few of us out there. WIll any of you make any attempt whatsoever to put aside your obvious hate and be my president too?
Would any of the candidates support a fair tax?
Lobbing is a big part of America politic activity. How the candidates will restrict or eliminate this damaging democratic industry.
As President of the United States, what will you do with the NDAA Martial law that Obama signed in January?
Would you be willing to reduce federal employess wages by 10% excluding military? Based on the current raise to non Federal employees. Also reduce Medical benefits to Federal employees
How would you make american's believe in this country the way they did under Ronald Reagan?
I have been very proud to have served my country to the point of retiring from the military after 22 years. I served in the State National Guard to make it 22 years. One of the greatest benefits that I had depended on during my service was the secrurity for healthcare for myself and spouse in my later years of life. It was so disgusting to me that the president was so willing to give nonworking citizens in the US free medical care and they did nothing for it but be born. This is a slap to me and all retired government employees that worked for their benefits. Why is this not a question to the canidates?
If you became President when Obama did, under the same circumstances, what would you have done different. Be specific. Would you let the companies fail? How much would have been added to the deficit?
I would like to know why Mr. Romney can never answer te questions...I would like to see him answer a question without turning it around to President Obama, my question is this "Why would you pass a right to work state law, I work in a right to work state, and in case the candidates dont know, we work for companies that can fire you for no reason at all and pay you just above minimum wage.
How much government exspansion will controlling to border require? Certainly you don't believe that a fence will achieve this do you? Isn't late to start talking about English as the legal language? Why did we make all of the accommodatinos for the latinos over all other immigrants? Are we going to be as diligent regarding immigration infractions among all nationalities? How will this be accomplished without further loss of the rights of American citizens? When it was to the benefit of Americans we de facto encouraged the immigration of people from South America. Black Americans were forced to come to this country. Black Americans are citizens, but Newt wants to have minority children them replace unionized janitors in schoold districts across America. What types of jobs and opportunities is this preparing them for when the schools in the areas in which a great deal of them live are being horribly neglected?
I've heard many of the candidates speak on returning rights to the states and speaking of the right of every American to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness...my question is, how do these ideals not conflict with support for a constitutional amendment banning same sex marriage? Are same sex couples not entitled under these ideals set forth in our constitution to the same opportunity to find happiness in a committed loving marriage and along with it, the sames privileges as heterosexual couples?
What public policy is being served by allowing members of the United States Supreme Court as well as members of Congress to trade stocks after receiving nonpublic information, thereby personally profitting from "sensitive" information received in their official capacity? Should not Congress be held to answer for insider trading violations just like the general investing public? Were you in favor of the STOCK Act being indefinitely tabled?
A couple of weeks ago, I believe that mitt Romney hinted he might be open to a vat tax. He said that he could philosophically understand the reasoning behind such a tax.
Is he in favor of such a tax?
What would they do to address the ongoing problem of cyber attacks on the US military, government and industry that originates in communist China?
in response to ilegal immigration, would it not be prudent to remove the economic incentive for immigration by creating better integrated economic (i.e. global) entities and options that would make our current corporate citizens less likely to act unpatrioticaly based upon profit motives. It is the corporate decision makers who decide in great part to abandon U.S. consumers (taking their jobs and locating them outside of the USA) under the guise of remaining globally competitive. Can Americans reasonably be expected to work and have living wages under the same wage scales being paid in many of the countries that our corporations go and get labor while asking the American troops to protect their economic interests, while avoiding paying taxes that the troops depend on for their compensation?.
Super PAC funds are also fungible. Ron Paul is speaking about morals in a forum that hsa allowed for foreign interests to fund candidates that t hey find favourable, but these candidates want to take a supposed moral and ethical stand when asked about SOPA, etc.. Is there a problem therein?
Question for Governor Romney – Would you have agreed to the bail out of Automobile companies and the Financial companies which President Obama did ? What would you do differently ?
We have freedom of religion in this country. Would you try to impose your religion on others (on issues such as gay marriage) if you are elected president?
why not talk about gas prises instead of jobs? there are plenty of jobs out there, the people of the us are lazy!!!!!! that is a proven fact. but there is no excuse for the gas prises
Newt really is trying to keep the Republicans targeted upon the removal of Obama, but like the rest of the candidates he is not offering individual solutions. The only freedoms we are hearing from is the rich being free to continue to diminish the stature of the averaage American. Romney has values that don't reflect any regard for the masses of Americans. He does not even appear to even have any regard for the poor who will always beg amoung us everywhere. He does not understand that he comes from priviledge and his versuion of hard work does not apply to people who could never walk through the doors he was allowed to enter. These guys all need a reality check.
Mr. King: I sent a separate email, but i'll send this. You did a markedly professional job moderating tonight's Republican debate from Charleston. I admire your tenacity and your restraint as you are admonished by Speaker Gingrich. The former speaker has made it a habit of admonishing the media at every turn, to usual loud and spontaneous applause. I admire that you keep your cool, but I would like a pointed CNN editorial on the comments made by Gingrich. You were giving him the right to answer, and getting it over with. He obviously didn't want it brought up at all. And I think his commentary spoke more about him than anything he said or denied. Thank you for your professionalism and your tenacity.
Mr. King-I just wanted to point out to you that over one half of the marriages in the United States fail. A great number of the people in the audience and watching on TV are aware of feelings that exist between the parties of divorce. I was very disappointed that you opened the presidential debate with a question that was at a National Enquirer level and so personal. Thanks for lettting me express my view-Bill Hunter
Why do you not talk about Ron Paul after the debate? It has been 50 minutes and you not mention Ron Paul once! Do you really not understand the power of media and how much you influence people? You should not ignore him during debate and especially after. You are not suppose to take sides and by not giving him any coverage you do exactly that.
Raddy
I thught Mitt Romney won by far. He is the one with all of the answers and can actually help the country
I wasn't around for Newt's history the first time and I am interested in his family life, I personally don't want his mistress as a first lady, not a good role model. Newt looks like a bully and a washington insider
John...You did an excellent job tonight moderating the Republican debate. This was the first of the debates to really get down to the nitty gritty. Your opening question to Newt was the right thing to do even though Newt didn't seem to like it. My hats are off to you and your staff at CNN for a fantastic introductory segment and for the professional set design and overall presentation of the debate. Instead of criticizing, the candidates should be thanking CNN for the best coverage ever. As a native of South Carolina, I am so pleased and grateful of the way you presented our state to the rest of the country.
Why was Ron Paul again marginalized by Mr. King in the debate tonight? Who is paying you to exclude him from equal participation? Why are you afraid to give Con. Ron Paul equal opportunity in this debate and in the media and in the press? When your camera man panned the candidates at the end of the debate they showed only three candidates from the left to right and excluded Ron again! It is pathetic to give unfavorable treatment to one of four candidates. The public deserves to hear from all of them on these important issues.
If John King wanted to get a straight answer from Newt, he should not have asked a straight question. It was a right question on open marriage to Newt but it was asked wrongly at wrong moment. John should have quoted a situation from Clinton era on how Newt reacted on such social issue and then validated Newt's stand to the current question. If CNN's idea is to move up Newt over Mitt, then it is the right move to instigate Republicans who react emotionally rather than logically on Presidential issue!
Mr. King, I hope you (and your producers and CNN) learned a lesson from Mr. G's redressing of the decision to open the Presidential debate with such a personal and sensatinalistic topic, although I fear none of you have.
We concur with Mr. G putting it to you all as he did. Are you now also a Nancy Grace drama-monger-type now?
I used to turn to CNN/HLN as my primary objective news source but as of the last 1.5 years it seems you are turning more sensationalistic and that I in turn, find myself turning to other sources for my news. Shame shame.
We expected more professionalism and focus on current, real issues pertinent to the future of our country that is represented by this debate and the electoral process; not this dirty laundry slobbery.
CNN...Please go back to your roots of being our objective news source, staying above the fray of sensationalistic journalism for ratings over substance and truth.
John King was absolutely right in asking Newt about the question of the alleged open marriage issue. It was an appropriate, timely, relevant issue. What Newt did was make it appear that media has this agenda against him and the other GOP candidates vis-a-vis a kid glove treatment for Obama. Nice try but he was way off. He should have responded and address directly the question to settle once and for all. If I were John King, I would have challenged Newt to address the issue and not the divert the focus of the discussion.
Newt reaction would have only been acceptable had the question been formulated and invented by John King on a whim. His harsh reaction would have been understandable if the question was a mere gossip. But everybody knows it was a legit news story. Whether King asked if in the first or last portion of the debate is immaterial. It is a valid issue and Newt's only option is to meet it head on, period.
Congrats CNN for exposing the kind of thinking Mr. Gingrich have with regard to moral issues.
Mr. King – You were right to ask Newt Gingrich that question about his marriage. Gingrich's angry response makes me think that he is guilty after all. He acted like a typical bully who uses "anger" to distract from real issue. The thought of him becoming or president frightens me – he strikes me as an individual who has made lying an art form.
John King, Thank you so much for asking Newt Gingrich the question about his adulterous relationship with his present wife (Clarista). He is such a hypocrite. When it was Bill Clinton then marital fidelity was very important in our political leaders. Now that it is Gingrich, the story is very different. It took guts for you (John King) to ask the question and just because the idiots in the audience were up set does not matter to most of the citizens in the U.S. The Republicans in South Carolina are very mean and angry like most Republicans. Keep up the heat on the Republicans, John. All this country needs is a salamander for President.
Richard Sherwin
i ask before and now i ask again why won't anyone talk about the gas prices. it is a big problem that needs to be fixed. if gas prices would come down then everything else would. we as the people need some of relief.
Would you accept a 100 Million Dollar donation from a single donor? What if that donor were China or Iran? How much is too much?
Thanks John!
To Rick, then Newt, then the business man – President Obama's latest tax plan is to reduce the corporate tax rate to 28% however; he is proposing a new tax on US corporations abroad. These corporations would then be taxed by two countries. How damaging would this be and specifically why? Assuming the bill passes how would a US corporation abroad adjust to maintain its profit margins?
Warren Buffet paid almost 7 Million dollars in taxes on 63 Million in earnings – for 2010. In dollars not percentage– how much is too much to ask from one individual?
Our National debt has surpassed our GDP, Gas is (depending on where you live) $3.60 to $5.00 a gallon, the president says he'll cut our defense budget and nuclear warheads with Iran going nuclear, Social Security and Medicare/Medicaid are unsustainable and need reformed ... So, there's plenty of BIG problems we face, let's not have STUPID questions. Toss one or two of these out there and let the candidates have at it.
How exactly did that $ 2 Billion Obama gave to Brazil's Petrobras for it's off-shore drilling help create one American job?
I have watched every debate held so far. I just want to know if just for once the questions would be answered without having something bad to say about the other debaters. Can any of you answer the questions without bashing or having something negative to say about the other one? How can we come together as a country when all we are doing is tearing each other down? Stick to what is important...jobs, economy, gas prices, the national debt and what it means to our children's future. That is what I am concerned about. Just answer the questions and leave each others personal life out of it. Thank you
For each candidate: if you were president today what would you do bout the high escalating gas prices we are now experiencing? Both sort tern and long tern?
Woah this blog is magnificent i like studying your posts. Keep up the great work! You recognize, lots of persons are hunting around for this info, you could aid them greatly.