At New York Times , ” Romney Unleashes Attack With Gingrich Sole Target “: TAMPA, Fla. — Mitt Romney leveled a searing attack against Newt Gingrich’s character and raised pointed questions about his ability to lead during a debate here Monday evening, taking urgent steps to slow Mr. Gingrich’s rising momentum in the fight for the Republican presidential nomination. For the first time, Mr. Gingrich strode onto the stage as an indisputable equal to Mr. Romney after dislodging him from his confident perch as the front-runner in the race with his commanding victory on Saturday in South Carolina. Mr. Romney dug into his rival’s tenure as House speaker and the ensuing years, when he advised companies like the mortgage giant Freddie Mac, a period for which Mr. Romney branded him as “an influence peddler in Washington.” “You are looking for a person who can lead this country at a very critical time,” Mr. Romney said. “The speaker was given the opportunity to be the leader of our party in 1994, and after four years he resigned in disgrace.” Mr. Gingrich painted Mr. Romney’s attacks as desperate and riddled with inaccuracies. He embraced his confrontational style and defended himself forcefully, but his responses came without the bombast that has delighted crowds throughout the race. “They’re not sending somebody to Washington to manage the decay,” Mr. Gingrich said. “They’re sending somebody to Washington to change it, and that requires somebody who’s prepared to be controversial when necessary.” The new landscape of the Republican campaign came into sharp view, with Mr. Romney and Mr. Gingrich often seeming as though they had traded personalities for the evening. It was clear from the outset that the tables had turned, as Mr. Romney repeatedly tried to provoke Mr. Gingrich, who has built up a reputation as a formidable debater. “I’m not going to spend the evening trying to chase Governor Romney’s misinformation,” Mr. Gingrich said, telegraphing his plan to try to take the high road. “I think the American public deserves a discussion about how to beat Barack Obama.” Yet on the eve of President Obama’s State of the Union address, the debate was notable for the lack of time devoted to Mr. Obama. It was the first sign of the consequences of a drawn-out Republican nominating contest, with Mr. Obama taking a back seat to terse re-examinations of the candidates’ records. Continue reading . And see Washington Post , ” Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich clash sharply in Republican presidential debate .” And USA Today , ” Florida debate marks pivotal moment in the Republican race .” William Jacobson has comments, ” Republican Debate – Tampa, FL .”
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Romney Unleashes Attack on Gingrich at Tampa GOP Debate
At Los Angeles Times , ” Police brace for more L.A. arson fires on New Year’s Eve ,” and ” L.A. Fire Department asks public’s help to crack arson rampage .” And CNN has a report: ” 35 Southern California fires rock cities .” These are really horrendous, vicious attacks. The arsonists are torching cars as the “matchsticks” to set buildings ablaze. I’ll be watching this story into the evening. UPDATE : This could be the beginning of a new rash of arsons, ” Firefighters respond to carport fire in Hollywood .” And there’s a report at the New York Times , ” For Second Night, Vehicles Are Set Ablaze in Los Angeles Area .” 10:35pm : At LAT , ” Hundreds of police, firefighters battle renewed L.A. arson .”
Link:
Police, Firefighters Brace for Arson on New Year’s Eve
Herman Cain is sending mixed signals. Despite reports Tuesday that Cain told senior staff of his campaign that he was “reassessing” whether to stay in the presidential race, he sent an email to supporters that seemed to say otherwise. In the email sent Tuesday, he addressed the claim by Georgia woman Ginger White who says she had a 13-year extramarital affair with Cain. He called the allegations “fabricated.” He also said, “Let me assure you, I am not deterred. America’s future is too important. We will continue on this journey to make America great once again.” Here’s the full email via Time magazine: Dear Patriots and Supporters, As you probably heard yesterday, a troubled Atlanta business woman used national media outlets to promulgate a fabricated, unsubstantiated story about a 13 year affair with me. I am writing you today to assure you that this woman’s story is completely false. I do know Ms. White. I have helped her financially at times over the past few years, just as I have helped many friends and acquaintances throughout the years. I thought Ms. White was a friend in need of a supportive hand to better her life. Ms. White has made it apparent that she was abusing the friendship. But now I am asking for your friendship. I am also asking for your prayers and support. This is a trying time for my family, my campaign, and for me. It is also a trying time for our country as we are all distracted from the truly important issues facing our nation. This evening I have an important speaking engagement at Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, Michigan, where I will be outlining my foreign policy and national security plan. While recent events have taken a toll on me, the people in the audience this evening will not know it. I will deliver my message with vigor and enthusiasm. Let me assure you, I am not deterred. America’s future is too important. We will continue on this journey to make America great once again. Thank you and God bless. Sincerely, Herman Cain
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Cain: ‘I am not deterred’
There was a debate tonight. Yeah, I was surprised too and missed it, but I heard this was the highlight of the evening. Check it out, it’s pretty bad a$$. Thanks to Hot Air for the video. Smack down!! Basically this is coming down to a three person race. You’ve got Romney.
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Newt Schools Folks on Terrorist “Rule of Law”
As you and your little ones head out to scour the neighborhood for treats this evening, snap a photo or two and email them to mjessup@theblaze . I’ll put together a fun Blaze slideshow to show off the best Halloween costumes. Oh, and the best costume may or may not get a prize… When sending your pictures, be sure to include you name and state — May the best man, woman or child win!
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Send us your Halloween pics!
Some music for the evening: I might post another one later. I’m in the mood.
Link:
‘Reelin’ in the Years’
When residents gather in Mount Airy, North Carolina this evening, there will be a banner hanging on a tractor trailer at the back of the stage. This is the banner: The rally this evening has been months in the making. Shortly after Glenn Beck began talking about his plans for a new ’1791′ clothing line that will benefit his new Mercury One charity effort, folks in town know as the model for “Mayberry” began lobbying to bring the manufacturing jobs to Mount Airy. Beck has been clear that the ’1791′ project may not involve many jobs in initial stages…so it may not be a manufacturing windfall. But he has been looking for and celebrating vibrant entrepreneurial spirit in towns across the country. The mayor and others emailed Beck, making their pitch for Mount Airy.
Photo by Lange Studio
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‘Bring it Beck’: North Carolina Town Will Rally This Evening to Attract ‘1791’ Manufacturing Project
