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Solid Fred Joins Heated Debate

Giuliani, Romney have sharp exchanges

By Peter Fearon, Newser Staff

Posted Oct 10, 2007 5:27 AM CDT

(Newser) – In the first debate of his nascent quest for the White House, Fred Thompson stuck to a traditional Republican agenda as the gloves of rivals Mitt Romney and Rudolph Giuliani came off in some of the sharpest clashes so far. The LA Times reports that Thompson, a former senator, appeared visibly nervous but grew in confidence as the debate went on.

Thompson "gave solid answers, though nothing to stir the Republican soul," said one analyst, and the clashes between frontrunners Giuliani and Romney dominated the debate. "You've got to control taxes," Giuliani said in one exchange. "But I did it. He didn't. I led; he lagged." Romney bristled, challenging Hizzoner to "check your facts."

Republican presidential hopefuls Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, former Sen. Fred Thompson, R-Tenn., former... (Associated Press)

Republican presidential hopeful former Sen. Fred Thompson, R-Tenn., speaks during the GOP Presidential candidates debate at Ford Community and Performing Arts Center Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2007, in Dearborn,... (Associated Press)

Republican presidential hopefuls former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani talk to each other after the GOP Presidential candidates debate at Ford Community and... (Associated Press)

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Solid Fred Joins Heated Debate

Giuliani, Romney have sharp exchanges

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Mitt Romney • Rudy Giuliani • Fred Thompson • Medicare • Social Security • Dearborn, Michigan • fiscal record

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McCain Wins Tight Race in SC

He edges Huckabee in nation's first Southern primary

Romney Wins Silver State Caucuses

Ron Paul takes second place in surprise finish

Romney Wins Michigan Primary

State's native son gets much-needed victory to salvage campaign

Romney Leads McCain in Michigan: Poll

Favored by voters who cite economy & jobs as top concerns

Republicans Square Off in SC

GOP hopefuls swap heated words on economy, Iran, immigration

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Solid Fred Joins Heated Debate

Giuliani, Romney have sharp exchanges

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

More on the debate

Mitt Romney • Rudy Giuliani • Fred Thompson • Medicare • Social Security • Dearborn, Michigan • fiscal record

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

McCain Wins Tight Race in SC

He edges Huckabee in nation's first Southern primary

Romney Wins Silver State Caucuses

Ron Paul takes second place in surprise finish

Romney Wins Michigan Primary

State's native son gets much-needed victory to salvage campaign

Romney Leads McCain in Michigan: Poll

Favored by voters who cite economy & jobs as top concerns

Republicans Square Off in SC

GOP hopefuls swap heated words on economy, Iran, immigration

About Us

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Newser By Users

Community

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What is Newser?