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GOP Debate: Gingrich Flirts With "Amnesty," Ron Paul Gets Real
By
Christopher Robbins
Published Nov 23, 2011
Modified Nov 23, 2011
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By
Christopher Robbins
Published Nov 23, 2011
Modified Nov 23, 2011
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Last night's GOP debate centered on foreign policy and national security, and a Politico headline sums up the mood pretty well: "Newt Shocks By Endorsing Mercy." Because "compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm" has become taboo within the Republican party with respect to illegal immigration, Newt Gingrich risked alienating primary voters by not acting like an unreasonable jingoist. "Let's be humane about enforcing the law," Gingrich said, telling the audience that he wouldn't automatically kick out immigrants who are "law abiding citizens."
Republicans worried that Newt is married to "amnesty" should relax: he'll be cheating on it in no time.
Ron Paul, who according to Ron Paul's polling firm is leading the pack in Iowa, sparred with Gingrich over the Patriot Act, calling it "unpatriotic" and an assault on American civil liberties. Newt, a Renaissance Man who spends like the Medicis, respectfully disagreed.
Paul also sparred with Romney over Defense cuts, and seemed to receive more speaking time than usual. Hey, it's working in the Empire State!
A well-heeled Ron Paul supporter? (Joe Quint / Gothamist)
Additionally: Herman Cain seemed to not really know where he was, Mitt Romney offered up some atypical red meat, Michele Bachmann either lied about attacks on Pakistani missiles or leaked classified documents and Rick Santorum said bigoty, wince-inducing things. Pretty standard!
But lest you believe that Newt Gingrich will ride this "Anyone But Romney" sentiment into the general election, take a look at this massive chart documenting the brief, torrid affairs the GOP primary electorate had with the other candidates. But Mitt knows that eventually they'll be back in his clammy, not-quite-muscular arms: hey, it worked on his wife!
Tagged
2012 election
bigots
election
GOP debates
insanity
newt gingrich
obama
republicans
ron paul
Christopher Robbins
Christopher Robbins is a New York City reporter covering transportation, affordable housing, local politics, and criminal justice. His work has also appeared in New York Magazine, The Village Voice and The New York Times. Chris is a graduate of Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, Virginia, and enjoys biking to Fort Tilden in the summertime.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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