December Debate
Obama's press conference on gay marriage
Obama: I absolutely agree with my Joe Biden's statement. I support gay marriage.
---
Moderater: Welcome to the Des Moines, Iowa debate. We have listened to our viewers' suggestions; this will be the last debate of the 2011 year. To our Republican Presidential candidates here on this stage - good luck.
... first question to Governor Romney. Recent polls say you are responsible for throwing the first punch at Governor Perry, who has dropped out. Many voters have called it "disgraceful, embarrassing, and un presidential".
Romney: I've said it before and I'll say it again. I apologize for my past behavior and it won't happen again.
---
Moderator: President Obama and Vice President Biden have both come out in favor of gay marriage. What is your response?
Santorum: We need a president can protect the Christian values of America, including the idea that marriage is between one man and one woman - and nothing else. The President represents America and when President Obama said he supports gay marriage, he is not speaking for America - we don't support that type immoral behavior.
But the real reason is that this administration has failing our country. They are using the gays to distract from the economy and that is absolutely disgusting. If elected, I will change that - I will have the courage to stand up for America.
(CROWD APPLAUSES)
----
Moderator: Before we end this debate, one last question for Mr. Herman Cain. Recently, a couple of women have come out accusing you of sexual misconduct. Some people have suggested you are hypicritlcao to oppose gay marriage while facing charges of infidelity yourself. One ad from the Ron Paul campaign even accused you of "serial hypocrisy". Would you like to take some time to respond to that?
Cain: No, but I will.
(CHEERS/APPLUSES)
Cain: I think the destructive, vicious, and negative nature of the news media makes it hard to govern this country, harder to attract decent people to run for public office. It can even drive people to do things that wouldn't do otherwise. And I am appalled that you would end a presidential debate on a topic like that.
Moderator: Is that all you want to say, sir?
Cain: Let me finish. Everyone in here has had someone close to them go through painful things. To take my personal marriage with someone's spouse and make it an issue before the very first primary is is as close to despicable as anything I can imagine. Now, let's be crystal clear: those accusations are false!
(APPLAUSE)
----
Post-Debate Interview
GINGRICH: (in response to Cain) I couldn't have said it better myself.
Herman Cain at Rally: I have a plan for America and it's 999!
YAHOO NEWS: LAST DEBATE: WINNERS & LOSERS
Cain, Santorum on top, Romney insincere
Iowa Pre Christmas Polls (average)
Cain 21%
Paul 19%
Santorum 19%
Gingrich 12%
Romney 11%
Bachmann 6%
Huntsman 1%
Other 1%
Unsure 9%
Do you feel Romney's apology was sincere?
61% no
38% yes
FOX NEWS: It looks like there’s goanna be nice weather in this year's caucus. For January in Iowa at least.
*Santorum is peaking a bit earlier and stronger than OTL thanks to Biden's earlier support for gay marriage. Herman Cain's campaign still declines from the sexual misconduct scandal but remains steady due to better damage control in the debate and the media's focus on Romney rather than himself.