Did McCain do himself him with his non knowledge of economics?

For such a "straight talker" I found his answer to RP question made him look like a total idiot. Not only was he wrong about Japan the people he kept name dropping are on the committee that RP asked him about. Yet he made it seem like those are his friends.

Your take?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1KxgH9l3n4

 

I thought McCain pretty much looked foolish the entire debate.

Of those that participated, Huckabee is by far the best speaker. He has that grab you presence on the stage.

Romney is pretty good also, but he comes off as a snake oil salesman to me. Like he is the devil standing on the stage. He is basically a better spoken GWB.

 

surprisingly it didnt hurt him. beat romney for those that think the economy is the #1 issue.

i love that the hardcore republicans dont like him, but this economy gaff is troubling.

 

Perfect assesment of Romney, that's what I was thinking the other night when I saw him talking about the state of the union address...I think he also looks like a pervert.

 

After tonight's debate, I can say with confidence, McCain is the worst speaker of the four and when he gets an uncomfortable question (anything about economics) he resorts to name dropping and almost stuttering.

Romney and Huckabee are tremendous speakers. Both get their points across clearly and smoothly in a way that I believe even though folks disagree with them they could sell you. A breath of fresh air after 7 years of Bush's almost impossible to listen to pressers. Even though I do not really like either one, at least I can understand what the hell they are trying to say.

The sensorship on Paul is very questionable. He was cut off a time or two by AC. The other candidates even like what he has to say, it's too bad they won't at least let him talk.

 

"Hardcore" republicans will support the person most capable of beating Hillery Clinton. Right now that appears to be McCain. They may like Romney better, but they are not going to walk off the end of the political pier with banners waving and trumpets blowing for the sake of ideological purity. When it comes down to brass tacks, republicans are extremely practical, and they would much prefer having someone in the White House with whom they agree 75% of the time rather than someone they agree with 25% of the time. I know. I am one of those "hardcore" republicans who likes Romney but is supporting McCain.

 

Agreed 100%

 

yes, i think they will still vote for mccain, but not like him. but i like that they dont like him. makes me more likely to vote for him.

my big problem with mccain is that his nomination likely takes bloomberg out of the picture. for me, there's no candidate better than a socially liberal, fiscally conservative one.

 

i think this a little too simple of an analysis. mccain is not as polished as huck and mitt (not by a long shot), but he is a bulldog. i was disappointed that mitt backed off. as the #s of candidates dwindle, its important for them to be prepared to make rebuttal after rebuttal. mitt stops at one.

also, mitt's points are too nuanced for debate. his points may be more accurate or valid but he will be more likely to "lose" the debate.