GOP Debate Moderators Put Candidates On Defense (VIDEO)

The seven remaining candidates didn't get off easy in the last Republican presidential primary debate before the Jan. 3 Iowa caucuses.

The Fox News moderators who led the debate questioned the candidates' electability, consistency and basic conservatism.

"Many Republicans seem conflicted about you," Bret Baier told Newt Gingrich. "Can you put to rest once and for all the persistent doubts that you are indeed the right candidate on this stage to go up and beat President Obama?"

Republican voters' conflicts and concerns with the candidates was a persistent theme throughout the debate -- from Mitt Romey's flip flopping on social issues to Rick Perry's debating skills.

Although the major GOP contenders may have come to Sioux City hoping to make their closing arguments, the moderators found ways to keep re-opening the old ones.

Comments

[DK in MS]

11:30 AM on 12/17/2011

The question, "Can you put to rest once and for all the persistent doubts that you are indeed the right candidate on this stage to go up and beat President Obama?" is not complete without the further question, "And would you like for me to give you a foot massage while you answer?"

Defensive? Hardly.

[aearthling59]

05:38 PM on 12/16/2011

Too bad we didn't see Obama and his cronies grilled last election, Clinton would have made it hands down.

[DK in MS]

11:31 AM on 12/17/2011

You didn't watch their debates, did you?

[Leftturn Signaler]

09:23 AM on 12/20/2011

The Right never sees and hears anything they don't want to see and hear.

[aearthling59]

05:37 PM on 12/16/2011

Last night was the reason many viewers watch FOX, the questions were good, the candidates were able to answer and defend themselves and got them to really give their points of view, kudos to Fox.

[PostCapitalist]

01:06 PM on 12/16/2011

Calling Murdoch's propaganda brigade "moderators" is an insult.

[demisfine]

11:43 AM on 12/16/2011

Is there no irony in a bunch of self-proclaimed Christian Conservatives promoting practices of starving and freezing the poor, of making children work while taking jobs from adults to give to the children?
Is this anything like what their god would do?

[aearthling59]

05:37 PM on 12/16/2011

Your meds are running low

[NOV42008]

11:24 AM on 12/16/2011

I wonder if Rick Perry got his questions in advance. He was already prepared with a TB answer.

[DK in MS]

11:32 AM on 12/17/2011

Get his questions in advance?

The candidates were required to submit the questions 3 weeks ago.

[biskitdaddy]

11:12 AM on 12/16/2011

Another GOP debate: nothing to see here, people; keep it moving......

[biskitdaddy]

11:06 AM on 12/16/2011

It's never about issues and facts with these people, only about beating Obama and putting a Republican in the White House.

[demisfine]

11:41 AM on 12/16/2011

It might be tougher this time, since Justice O'Connor isn't on the bench any longer.
We know she put W in in 2000 because she "wanted a republican in the WH".
Justice Roberts has done what he can to make the purchase of our democracy easier for mutational corporate "people", and Carl Rove is trying to block the popular vote, too.
Many cogs turning against our democracy.
Good the all the GOP candidates are deeply flawed.

[marcchagal]

10:56 AM on 12/16/2011

The GOP presidential field has turned the party into a world class freak show. They are part of a three -ring circus. They are failures personally, politically, ethically and professionally. The only halfway decent contenders are Ron Paul and Jon Huntsman and they're going nowhere fast.

Ha, ha. Republicans are a big bunch of losers.

[Stan DaMann]

10:43 AM on 12/16/2011

The questions were hard-hitting, but were about phony, unimportant issues that the candidates want to talk about.

The con game here involves not talking about the real issues.

[mootown]

10:16 AM on 12/16/2011

Battle of the egos--moderators and candidolts. Both have agendas.

[biskitdaddy]

11:12 AM on 12/16/2011

"candidolts" Ha, ha!

[Jim Letourneau]

10:08 AM on 12/16/2011

I have a statement rather then coment what the apparentley new Rep. sponsered web sites are doing if you dissagure, you do not get posted, you think the pen is mighterthen the sword. Jim L fair and balance

[Littlegrr]

10:05 AM on 12/16/2011

The most dangerous answer to American security is our favored policy of policing the world and starting wars needlessly. The dems and GOP and their warmongering owners are a contributing factor as to why the United States is bankrupt and faces a possible and probable currency collapse.

Ron Paul is the only one in either party taking a stand against continued economic collapse by overseas war spending. He wants our military in this country, not spending billions to police the world.

[ethiopia1a]

09:50 AM on 12/16/2011

Anyone can call themselves a Tea Party conservative. Actions speak louder than words.

[Geo Bruno]

09:46 AM on 12/16/2011

When will a moderator ask them if they really beleive the bible and if so, if they beleive rich folks will be getting into the kingdom of heaven

[Todd Abrams]

11:05 AM on 12/16/2011

I don't really think they care about getting into the Kingdom in heaven. They would rather run the kingdom called america. If they really believe what the bible says they would understand why Jesus asked the rich man to give away all his possessions and to follow him. Modern day christianity is about demonizing the poor, and helping the rich keep their possessions. As the repub's say its their fault their not rich or have a job, and down at OWS they need to take a bath!!!! Hipocrasy at its best. I know who I will vote for!

[chadizzy]

11:27 AM on 12/16/2011

Is that what the GOP said? I didnt hear that. I remember Newt saying that but one person doesnt rep. the GOP!