Bradley in DC
10-10-2007, 06:58 AM
http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/10/09/live-blogging-the-republican-debate/
Turning to the Experts | 5:56 p.m. More from Russell Roberts of George Mason University.
The Constitution has been invoked again, this time by Ron Paul for why a president shouldn’t go to war without Congressional approval. Interesting idea. The Constitution! I’ve seen it under glass here in D.C. at the National Archives and dream of the day when American presidents and our elected representatives actually believe that it’s something to honor rather than something to circumvent for the “public interest.” So we’re up to two mentions of the Constitution to limit the power of the President. Don’t know the record for a presidential debate. We must be close. . .
This is going to be awkward—nine Republicans being asked if they’re in favor of unions. Mr. Paul says they’re fine as long as they don’t get special privileges. Mr. Huckabee says they’re going to become more and more important because CEO’s are making so much money and the little guy needs to fight back so unions are going to come back strong. He probably doesn’t realize that union’s role in the private sector has been shrinking steadily for 50 years and is now below 10%. Most of those years have been years of an improved standard of living for the average American. Romney says there are good ones and bad ones. Another short limb gone out on. Mr. Giuliani joins him on the limb and agrees.
Supporting the Party | 5:54 p.m. Ron Paul spurns the idea of supporting the eventual Republican presidential nominee, “not unless they’re willing to end the war and bring our troops home.” He says his rivals have “taken our party down the tubes,” and cost it credibility because of excessive spending and violating civil liberties.
Rudy and Ron | 5 p.m. Mr. Giuliani jumped on Ron Paul, who had gotten a big applause when he asserted that of course a president should seek Congressional approval before launching an attack against Iran. He said there had never been a time when the president did not have time to consult with Congress. Mr. Giuliani pointed to 9/11.
Mr. Paul said the 9/11 attacks were committed by “19 thugs” who were not a country. Mr. Giuliani countered that there had been 23 plots by Islamic terrorists against the United States since 9/11.
Turning to the Experts | 4:26 p.m. Here is the first item from our group of economists. This comes from Russell Roberts, economics professor at George Mason University:
Ron Paul thinks we’re in a recession at a time when unemployment is under 5 percent and blames it on monetary policy. This resonates with people who are scared and confused. I’m neither, so I’m not sure what he’s talking about.
The Debate Begins | 4 p.m. Hi everyone. We’re settling in with colleagues at the office to watch today’s Republican debate beginning at 4 p.m. on CNBC.
We’re doing something a little different with this debate, which is being devoted to economic issues. We’ve asked three economists to live blog with us so that we can all get the benefit of their expertise, unfiltered and instantly.
Joining us in this space will be: Dean Baker, co-director of the Center for Economic and Policy Research; Russell Roberts, professor of economics at George Mason University who blogs at Cafe Hayek; and William A. Niskanen, chairman of the Cato Institute since 1985.
Turning to the Experts | 5:56 p.m. More from Russell Roberts of George Mason University.
The Constitution has been invoked again, this time by Ron Paul for why a president shouldn’t go to war without Congressional approval. Interesting idea. The Constitution! I’ve seen it under glass here in D.C. at the National Archives and dream of the day when American presidents and our elected representatives actually believe that it’s something to honor rather than something to circumvent for the “public interest.” So we’re up to two mentions of the Constitution to limit the power of the President. Don’t know the record for a presidential debate. We must be close. . .
This is going to be awkward—nine Republicans being asked if they’re in favor of unions. Mr. Paul says they’re fine as long as they don’t get special privileges. Mr. Huckabee says they’re going to become more and more important because CEO’s are making so much money and the little guy needs to fight back so unions are going to come back strong. He probably doesn’t realize that union’s role in the private sector has been shrinking steadily for 50 years and is now below 10%. Most of those years have been years of an improved standard of living for the average American. Romney says there are good ones and bad ones. Another short limb gone out on. Mr. Giuliani joins him on the limb and agrees.
Supporting the Party | 5:54 p.m. Ron Paul spurns the idea of supporting the eventual Republican presidential nominee, “not unless they’re willing to end the war and bring our troops home.” He says his rivals have “taken our party down the tubes,” and cost it credibility because of excessive spending and violating civil liberties.
Rudy and Ron | 5 p.m. Mr. Giuliani jumped on Ron Paul, who had gotten a big applause when he asserted that of course a president should seek Congressional approval before launching an attack against Iran. He said there had never been a time when the president did not have time to consult with Congress. Mr. Giuliani pointed to 9/11.
Mr. Paul said the 9/11 attacks were committed by “19 thugs” who were not a country. Mr. Giuliani countered that there had been 23 plots by Islamic terrorists against the United States since 9/11.
Turning to the Experts | 4:26 p.m. Here is the first item from our group of economists. This comes from Russell Roberts, economics professor at George Mason University:
Ron Paul thinks we’re in a recession at a time when unemployment is under 5 percent and blames it on monetary policy. This resonates with people who are scared and confused. I’m neither, so I’m not sure what he’s talking about.
The Debate Begins | 4 p.m. Hi everyone. We’re settling in with colleagues at the office to watch today’s Republican debate beginning at 4 p.m. on CNBC.
We’re doing something a little different with this debate, which is being devoted to economic issues. We’ve asked three economists to live blog with us so that we can all get the benefit of their expertise, unfiltered and instantly.
Joining us in this space will be: Dean Baker, co-director of the Center for Economic and Policy Research; Russell Roberts, professor of economics at George Mason University who blogs at Cafe Hayek; and William A. Niskanen, chairman of the Cato Institute since 1985.