I talked with Congressman Tancredo about his thoughts after the debate. Here's the video:
Before I took that video, I was with Tancredo in the spin room:
One thing certainly happened during this debate that most Americans are now realizing: Tancredo can talk with clarity and authority about issues not even related to immigration.
Congressman Tancredo shared with me some of his post debate thoughts. I'm working now on getting the footage up on YouTube.
Hah! Minutes ago I wrote a post about this.
I heard cheer and applause for Congressman Tancredo's response on how immigration IS an issue. Tancredo's in the game now.
*** post-debate transcript insertion ***
MR. VANDEHEI: Congressman Tancredo, David Kim (sp) from here in California wants to know, beside yourself, who do you think should be the Republican nominee for president of the United States, and why?
REP. TANCREDO: Well, of course, if I thought there should be another one, I wouldn't be here. I think that I serve the purpose. I think that we -- good men all here, don't get me wrong. But I am telling you this; that there are issues that I believe have not been addressed tonight, not in full, and I believe that they do separate us, and I certainly believe the issue of immigration and immigration reform and what's going to happen to this country unless we deal with this forthrightly.
No more platitudes. No more obfuscating with using words like, "Well, I am not for amnesty but I'm for letting them stay." That kind of stuff has got to be taken away from the political debate, as far as I'm concerned, so people can understand exactly who is where on this incredibly important issue.
Everyone watching the debate right now is thinking about whether or not the immigration issue will explode on stage. CBS News illuminates this:
Colorado Rep. Tom Tancredo's candidacy itself represents a very large elephant in the room for these candidates. A longtime crusader against illegal immigration, Tancredo shines a spotlight on an issue many of them would just as soon not highlight. His message of getting tough on the immigration issue represents the sentiments of a loud and not-so-small wing of the party that favors much tougher border control and expulsion of the estimated 12 million illegal and undocumented aliens already in the United States.
Nice job! We're back in the game. Congressman Tancredo just hit a home run.
*** post-debate transcript insertion ***
REP. TANCREDO: Yeah, well, they are not unique to the Republican Party. These are failures by individuals, and it's important to understand that. And they should, of course, be dealt with.
Let me also, please -- because I haven't had enough opportunity -- I shouldn't say enough, but certainly an opportunity to address some of these other issues, especially with regard to whether or not it has be a centrist who wins the presidency of the United States. Look, we're standing in a place dedicated to a man who we would not call a centrist who was able to win this state. He was also able to win the presidency twice. Why? Because he believed in principles, he articulated them, and he put them into effect. He had heart. We know it, we saw it. The American people saw it, and they respected that.
Of course, McCain would give a quick response... because Congressman Tancredo owns the immigration issue among the GOP base.
*** post-debate transcript insertion ***
MR. VANDERHEI: Thanks, Chris.
Senator McCain, Sarah (sp) from Arlington, Virginia, wants to know if you would comfortable with Tom Tancredo, a staunch opponent of illegal immigration, as head of the Immigration and Naturalization Service. (Laughter.)
MR./SEN./REP. : I know what Tom Tancredo -- (off mike). (Laughter.)
SEN. MCCAIN: In a word, no. (Laughter.)
The first Republican debate for the 2008 presidential race is about to start. You can watch it live on MSNBC.com
Congressman Tancredo was in the holding room for some last minute talking with me:
**remember the debate is on MSNBC at 8PM-9:30PM EST**
I'll be watching on the floor below the debate stage. Check it out:
Also, here are some pictures where the press hangs out -- the spin room:
Right now, I'm blogging from the holding room. Each candidate has a private conference room -- the holding room -- at the debate. There are plenty of chairs, a few desks, a television, some beverages, and office supplies. Here are some behind-the-scenes photos (the second picture is a hallway where the holding rooms are located):
I'm going to walk around a bit right now and try to get you information on exactly what's going on.
It has been a real busy morning, of course. And I'm about to head over to the Ronal Reagan Presidential Library right now. I'm going to bring you some inside shots and footage of exactly what's happening.
I just landed in L.A. As you can see, the weather is looking perfect.
I'm with Alan Moore, the deputy press secretary, and we're about to drive to the hotel.
Anyway, check out this piece of "Tancredo Trivia" on USA TODAY:
Question: What is your desert island necessity?
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Rep. Tom Tancredo of Colorado: "Boat."
Right now, I'm waiting for my flight to L.A. and just flipping through random headlines online.
We're all excited for this debate.
Starting from when Congressman Tancredo flies out this week, I'm going to live blog it and give you exclusive updates on exactly what's going down. It's going to be huge! This is the first debate, live and prime time.
MSNBC gives reasons for conflict and drama at the first Republican debate in Simi Valley, California. Look at the first reason listed:
Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan., former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee all support comprehensive immigration reform (although McCain seems to have shifted his stance somewhat by embracing the idea of sending illegal immigrants back to their home countries before they apply for citizenship). Others, most notably Rep. Tom Tancredo, R-Colo., oppose the idea.
I've received a lot of e-mails asking if Congressman Tancredo is in the May 3rd debate. Well, we are.
Chris Matthews is the moderator. Here's the MSNBC press release:
The debate will take place at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California, and will air live on MSNBC from 8:00 to 9:30 pm (ET) and stream live on MSNBC.com and politico.com and will include audience questions gathered on politico.com.
I'm excited.
This is the official campaign blog of Congressman Tancredo's run for the White House. We'll show you what is happening on the campaign almost everyday and encourage you to get involved. You'll see why Congressman Tancredo is running to secure the borders, protect American sovereignty, and preserve our culture.
