grand old party

7:19: Giuliani doesn't believe that our foreign policy instigates Islamic terrorism.

7:30: Huckabee says, "I'm not running for George Bush's third term." I'll agree he's a likable guy, even though I think he's nutty on the issues. On Leno last week, he argued that most Americans would rather have a president who looks like someone they work with (himself), rather than one who looks like the guy who laid them off (Romney). Clever. It got a laugh.

8:08: Romney doesn't believe that illegal immigrants should be allowed to stay in the country. Where do the American-born children of illegal immigrants go?

8:12: McCain and Romney are getting into it. It's rather annoying. I haven't heard from Huckabee in a while.

8:16: Now we're parsing what amnesty really means.

8:19: Honestly, I still don't buy that Thompson really wants to be president. I'm surprised he's still in the race. I would have thought that the day after Iowa, he would have awoken and remarked, with that whistle-ly voice, "Well, shucks. Looks like I didn't win. Okay, no more of that!" and moved on.

8:22: Ron Paul is a funny guy. I don't think any of the other candidates take him seriously. McCain just shot him a look of complete confusion. I think Ron Paul is the Dennis Kucinich of the Republicans.

8:28: Ah, a question about Obama. Since the campaign's infancy, the candidates assumed Clinton would be the nominee, and most pundits assumed they hoped she would be. So, Charlie's question is: Why should America vote for a Republican over Obama? (The question the candidates are thinking actually is: Is it easier to beat a woman or an African-American?)

8:27: McCain is taking pot-shots at Romney again. Yes, Romney is a threat, but honestly? This strategy isn't effective. It sounds like little boys on the playground. McCain is so pleased with himself. I thought he was doing quite well in New Hampshire polls, but now he's acting like he's got nothing to lose.

8:31: Huckabee gives props to Obama and recognizes his threat.

8:35: Listen, I don't agree with him on the issues, but Romney just looks presidential. I'll admit it: I find him attractive. Shoot me. I was telling Josh and Paul last night that I also have this unfortunate crush on Tucker Carlson. Sheesh.

8:41: Republican debate is over. Charlie is talking all about unity and bringing all of the candidates onto the stage now. Hillary and Giuliani are talking and I'd love to hear what snarky remarks they're exchanging, both with smiles plastered on their faces. I like that Charlie did this. Obama and Romney are chatting, too. Hill is laughing. Edwards and Huckabee look like they are about to smooch. The audience is still clapping, though growing tired.

8:50: The pundits are saying that John McCain had a great night. I'm not sure we were watching the same debate.

No more live-blogging. Settling in for the Democratic debate -- the one to which I really must pay attention.