Bill's Notes

Obviously, there were a lot of plant questions. Michelle Malkin has the roundup here. That didn't bother me so much. I expect no better from Democrats and CNN.

Quick thoughts:

1. Rudy Giuliani is impressive. I may support him after all. The reason is his answers were the least political and most straightforward and he stuck to his guns even if he knew it wasn't quite the "right" answer for the crowd. For example, on gun control, he pressed his argument (which was pretty reasonable, if you listen to what he said) when he could've just grandstanded. I don't know about Giuliani as a candidate, but I think he'd make an outstanding president. Even though he's a Yankee fan.

2. Mitt Romney is a typical politician. He's tall and good-looking, but that's about it. A face. That's all. Unfortunately, he might actually win the nomination.

3. Mike Huckabee continues to demonstrate that he's a fine individual and skilled politician. I liked his answers, even if I didn't disagree. I think he'd make a fine VP. He's not ready to be president. Giuliani-Huckabee 2008.

4. Fred Thompson ... no air time. Doesn't seem to care all that much. With that wife of his at home, who could blame him?

5. Ron Paul. Um ... obviously he's led an exemplary life. A track star, a doctor, a congressman. I respect that. I respect him. But he comes across, well, let's be kind. The man's lived a better life than I have, and I understand his libertarian sentiments. Let's leave it at that.

6. Duncan Hunter. Straight-up conservative, it seems. I liked him.

7. Tom Tancredo. Seemed to struggle, but other times had some good answers. Seemed to disappear during the debate, but that may not be his fault.

8. John McCain. Came across as nasty at times. Too many swipes at others seems desperate.

Did I miss anyone?

"'No excuses' is the new 'screw you.'" That's the funny line on The Unit last night. They have a few good ones per show. I didn't like the story line much. A crisis of conscience, sorta. Whatever. Never mind.

Note to JCV: Did they eat the vegemite? Send me an email.

National Review last issue says that the GOP may think it's doomed in the 2008 elections, but the situation is actually much worse than that.

We seem to winning in Iraq. Good. Keep your fingers crossed and pray. See what happens when we just all calm down and let people do their jobs?

Don't go to Sleepy's to get a mattress. I just did, and while I did OK for myself, they are a slippery company.

The U.S. Supreme Court will decide, perhaps, on whether the 2nd Amendment is an individual right to bear arms, or a group right reserved only for state militias. Pennsylvania is unlikely to try to confiscate guns, but the feds might. My answer, like most of my neighbors, would echo a famous response, "If you want my guns, no problem. They're loaded. Come get them."

Canada's Human Rights Commissions likes to fine people for posting offensive comments on the Internet, and for complaining about the fines. I'm thinking there's a lesson here about limiting guns and limiting free speech, but I don't have time to get all the facts.

Dolphins-Steelers game looked like it was played in a ditch. Funniest play: A punt in which the football sunk into the mud. It didn't bounce. It just stopped. Now that's muddy.

Regarding the New England Patriots. If they play the Cowboys in the Super Bowl, I'll be rooting for the team from Boston. But my hope is for a Colts-Packers Super Bowl.

I need a year off. In Africa. Or something like that ...