Republicans are very happy with Mitt Romney's performance in the presidential debate last week. And the likely voters have rewarded him with a bump in the polls.
Democrats are disappointed that President Barack Obama did not go on the attack, and feel that he should have been more aggressive and taken Romney to task on many issues.
But the biggest loser in the debate was neither Romney nor Obama.
The Tea Party lost big time!
Instead of the Romney of the primaries, who served up plenty of strong hot tea — the Romney in the first presidential debate was serving lukewarm, watered-down tea.
We now know that Romney is going to keep much of Obamacare, ie. pre-existing conditions, and health coverage for everyone who needs it. We also know that Romney thinks that the banks and Wall Street need to be regulated.
Most importantly, Romney has proudly proclaimed that he knows how to work with both parties, and that as governor of Massachusetts; he compromised with the Democrats, in getting things done, ie. Romneycare.
So much for the Tea Party Republicans who have faithfully worked to block Obama on every issue possible, and who would not compromise on the tax or budget issues.
President Romney says he knows how to work with the Democrats and compromise with them, as he did in Massachusetts.
Grover Norquist may as well tear up all those no new tax pledges. Romney will need revenue from somewhere to make up for all the new tax deductions he is promising...right?
I am not sure which presidential campaign and debate you are watching. Throughout the primary we saw the Tea Party trying to prop up people other then Romney. It started with Bachmann, then Cain, then Perry, then Rick Santorum and now they are accepting Romney because (as Bob pointed out) he chose Ryan, but more importantly he is not Obama. As for his debate performance. I can some that up in the following quote: "My priority is jobs. And so what I do is I bring down the tax rates, lower deductions and exemptions — the same idea behind Bowles-Simpson, by the way. Get the rates down, lower deductions and exemptions to create more jobs, because there's nothing better for getting us to a balanced budget than having more people working, earning more money, paying — (chuckles) — more taxes. That's by far the most effective and efficient way to get this budget balanced." He wants to lower the tax rates and close loopholes to bring the tax code closer to a flat tax. All because he understand the trickle down effect Reagan implemented that drove up the economy and government revenues in the 80's. Romney came out much more conservative then most who side with the Tea Party had expected.
That is what the Tea Party - Ryan and Romney are saying, or at least Romney was saying or agreeing with that, until the debate. He kicked the Tea Party and that philosophy under the bus Think about it :-)
"the Tea Party will be just fine" LOL They are now irrelevant as a factor since Romney ditched them --- I will agree with all that Romney was definitely not the first choice of the Tea Party -- but at least he put on a show for a while and even selected Ryan as running mate --- but when the philosophy of the Tea Party stands in the way of his becoming president -- well he ain't letting them eat crackers in bed !
I agree with you that the Tea Party never wanted him --- and obviously they were right in that initial assessment as far as getting someone who would follow their Agenda.
Biggest Winner - U.S.A
Seriously, Jimmy Carter is more conservative than the Bozo in the White House now. If given a choice between the two, I would take Carter in a heartbeat!
What I am afraid of is that "when you don't know where you are going, any road will get you there" --- and I don't think Romney has put any destination in his GPS other than become president
Right. You aren't saying that, and neither is Romney. Once again, if you increase sales volumes enough in your business, you can reduce the rates you charge and still increase revenues. So it goes with taxes. Think about it. Try to focus.
Isn't Obama doing the same? Does that make Democrats losers as well?
The divide of opinion has caused far left vs far right tactics, a decent moderate could be just what we need. Romney has shown he CAN work across party lines, he has a decent track record. My biggest fear is that it may be too late.