A Fox News fumble

It wasn't as bad a call as the bosses at the Des Moines Register made, when at the newspaper's debate in December, immigration was barred as a topic. And the bosses at Fox News probably thought that, by saving a discussion of the contentious issue for the very end of the network's debate tonight in South Carolina, it might help keep viewers glued to their tubes.

The upshot was that, pressed for time, each of the Republican presidential contenders was asked to address aspects of the ongoing controversy over dealing with illegal immigration, but there was no give-and-take, no chance for one candidate to press or zing another over his position.

That was a particular break for John McCain, who used the time he had to stress his commitment to securing the borders ("I know how to do that," he said, in a nod to his military background) and didn't have to absorb direct shots over his support for "amnesty" for illegal immigrants.

-- Don Frederick 

Comments

[Marge]

Yeah, McCain is pretty pitiful on this major issue of illegal immigration. He is another "compassionate conservative" like Jorge Bush that wants all the aliens to stay and secure the border with a surveillance camera. In his 25 years in Congress he has proven that he does not want the borders secured. He could propose such legislation tomorrow as a US senator but he is spineless and only wants a "comprehensive" solution just like all of the Democrats. Its hard to understand how some people think he is good for our defense and national security when he have made no active attempt to secure our country for 25 years. Maybe he'll support the Huckabee sympathy plan and offer a Mexican consulate to open up on every corner...for $1 per year rent...now the Huckster...he is a real social liberal on this issue. He also doesn't like to enforce our laws. And then there is Guilliani who actually says he did the right thing by wanting all illegal alien children to go to school to get them off the streets so that they would not become victims of crime...Are you kidding...How about stopping the rewards and reducing the incentives for the illegals? Perhaps if they didn't have free schooling and other benefits, they would leave....So,,, the three solid losers on this major issue are McCain, Huckster and Guilliani.....they don't have a chance.

[V. Taylor]

Fox "News" is full of unprofessional, back-biting, and childishness. I was shocked and apalled at the tawdry treatment given to Congressman Paul at the S.C. debates, as well as the snub he received from them in N.H. Dr. Paul is so high-minded and classy; these people are classless punks. Embarrassing.

[Nothing]

I don't think ANY of the front runners of either party care about illegal immigration or securing the southern border.