Republican 2012 hopefuls open debate in New Hampshire
 

Michele Bachmann: "I was the very first member of Congress to introduce the full scale repeal of Obamacare"

Seven Republican presidential hopefuls have attacked President Barack Obama's economic record in the first major debate of the 2012 campaign.

The candidates for the party's nomination also focused criticism on his 2010 overhaul of the healthcare system, pledging to repeal "Obamacare".

They refrained from attacking one another, preferring to hit at Mr Obama.

Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney is the front-runner in the field bidding to challenge Mr Obama.

The first Republican primary elections do not take place until February.

The president's handling of the economy and healthcare reform quickly drew criticism, while his policies in Afghanistan and Libya also drew fire during the debate at Saint Anselm College, in New Hampshire.

'Obamacare' anger

Early on Mr Romney said Mr Obama had "failed" America, while former House Speaker Newt Gingrich said a new president was needed to end what he termed "the Obama depression".

Minnesota Representative Michele Bachmann, a favourite of the anti-tax Tea Party movement, said she had filed regulatory paperwork to enter the race officially, and criticised Mr Obama's effort to establish a universal healthcare programme.

"His report card right now has a big failing grade," Ms Bachmann said. "President Obama is a one-term president."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-13751433

Note: 14 June 2011 Last updated at 04:24 GMT

I was less than impressed with the Seven Dwarfs last night.

It is still early, but the GOP better get a good plan if they hope to get the independents.

Kerry lost in 04 because his platform was mostly "I am not Bush".

The GOP won't win in 12 if their platform is mostly "I am not Obama"

The GOP needs to give me a good reason to vote FOR them, not just reasons not to vote for the democrat.

It is still early, and I hope they will work on a platform.

Seven Dwarfs,great :haha:

Yeah! :har:

Anyway, I like Pawlenty out of the entire bunch. We can say Buchmann is the best looking of the lot. :O:

:haha:

i say let them dribble. hopefully palin will run again so we once more realize the lunacy of some of the GOP's ideas

It was the obvious joke. :D

Exactly what I've been saying. And I bet you that they won't learn from Kerry's mistake.

Of course, but it was fun, :DL

Still too early for me.:dead: This early in the game, why are they doing debates hosted by CNN asking retarded questions. They all should have walked out on the first stupid question that dope asked.:dead:

The sooner the better, it can also apply this....:hmmm:

Yeah, it's the media's fault that the Republican candidates are so crappy. :doh:

Yes, the media is not the best way to information all times, :-?

Media what happend to those nightly horse rider messengers, and bell ringers, were they not a source for information! were they not? :yep:

no!!! :timeout:

don't say anything about olden times ever!!!!!! Then Sara palin will go off about the revolution, tea parties, and kings of England again.