Republicans attack spending, each other

Jabs at Clinton
While maneuvering against one another, the Republicans found a minute or two to jab at Democrats.

Giuliani criticized Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, the Democratic presidential front-runner, for a proposal to provide tax cuts of up to $1,000 to help families open 401(k) retirement accounts.

“Hillary is filled with endless ways to spend. We’re going to have to control that,” he said.

Romney criticized Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm for raising taxes and drew laughter when he said he was afraid she “was going to put a tax on this debate.”

Eight of the candidates support the continuing U.S. military presence in Iraq, but Rep. Ron Paul of Texas drew applause when he loudly dissented. Paul posted a surprising $5 million in campaign donations for the three months ending Sept. 30.

By decision of the debate’s producers, the first question of the event went to Thompson, making his first appearance with rivals who have been campaigning for months. He stood between Romney and Giuliani.

He said the economy is strong, with no threat of a recession in the immediate future.

Romney likens debates to 'Law & Order'
Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee said not everyone was well off.

“I want to make sure people understand that for many people on this stage the economy’s doing terrifically well, but for a lot of Americans it’s not doing so well. The people who handle the bags and make the beds at our hotels and serve the food, many of them are having to work two jobs,” he said.

Fred Thompson, a late-comer to the presidential pool, made his debate debut Tuesday.

Romney said it was inexcusable that Michigan was in what he called a one-state recession, with high unemployment. He said the president must have an open door policy when it comes to the auto industry.

Thompson drew a good-humored jab at one point, when Romney likened the ongoing series of Republican debates to “Law & Order,” the television program that helped Thompson establish his acting credentials.

“It’s got a huge cast, the series goes on forever and Fred Thompson shows up at the end,” he said.

“And to think I was going to be the best actor on stage,” replied Thompson with a smile.

After fielding the first question, Thompson also drew the last. Asked whether he had waited too long to join the race, he said he had not, then joked he had watched the earlier debates. “It was getting a little boring without me,” he said.

Picking the president: The candidates Click to visit that candidate's MSNBC page or click the XML symbol for an RSS feed. John McCain                Barack Obama

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