Clear winner was CNN/YouTube's unconventional format featuring unexpected questions phrased artfully from politically savvy voters. Listened on WTKK radio (96.9 FM) as I ain't got cable. Try listening on radio to these debates - or, turn off the TV picture and listen - or turn off the TV sound and read facial reactions.
Mike Huckabee and John McCain emerged as radio's evening stars. While I disagree with their respective right wing politics, Huckabee impressed with his sincerity, candor and committment. He did a great job with a tough religious question on what Jesus would do about capital punishment. His response showed his internal struggle between his duties as governor with his personal values and religious training as a Baptist minister. Capped it off lightly, remarking that Jesus had never had to run for public office. Nicely done. McCain has returned as the candidate who says what he means and means what he says. Compare with Willard Mitt Romney's political weathervane. Liked McCain's response - and Huckabee's like-minded comment - that undocumented aliens are real people with real families and "isn't he a lot like you and me?" Still puzzled why conservatives so dislike the man as he has the most consistently conservative voting record of any candidate. Looks like the Straight Talk Express is back on track. While I'm registed "unenrolled" and likely to take a Democratic ballot, I'm really tempted to go Republican and vote for either Huckabee or McCain, despite my strong disagreement with their politics. Authenticity - predictability - what you hear (or see) is what you're gonna get.
