Paul Begala

This president lined out specifics on energy, education, national security, manufacturing jobs.

I think all in all the Democrats looked better on this than the Republicans.

He claims today as of 8:24 p.m. Eastern that he supports exceptions to his ban on abortion in cases of rape and incest.

This president lined out specific goals on energy, education, national security, manufacturing jobs.

The most important thing either one of these men can do is tell us at least the framework. Tell us the path or blueprint. Where do you want to take us if we hire you for this job?

Mitt Romney actually loves people on welfare because he's created so many.

I suspect it is or they wouldn't be doing it, Anderson. It's a bit of a character test for three different parties.

I suspect it is or they wouldn't be doing it. I have to say it's a bit of a character test for three different parties.

It does not -- the Republican platform does not include any exceptions for women who are the victim of rape or incest.

That's pretty remarkable.

I think it could have a tremendous impact.

The Republican platform does not include any exceptions for women who are the victim of rape or incest.

You know, he's got to say something. And it is not for me whether to say he should stay in or get out. Although he should get out. It is not the liberal media doing it. This is the conservative Republican establishment.

That's why I think most Americans are going to find what Congressman Ryan and Congressman Akin were doing pretty offensive. I have to say, even Republicans changed that language before they passed the bill. So even among conservative…

I don't know. I mean, the Republican establishment is bringing all of the weight it can bear to drive him out of the race. One would hope it's because of these really offensive views and statements. But I have to say pragmatically, I think…

Romney has the evidence. We can't see it. He's choosing the most sensible explanation for a puzzling political thing. Why is Romney feeding this distraction, as Mary calls it? Why, because there's something in there he does not want us to…

He's choosing the most sensible explanation for a puzzling political thing. Why is Romney feeding this distraction, as Mary calls it? Why? Because there's something in there that he does not want us to see.

When politicians don't disclose their taxes, it's because they can't.

He's choosing the most sensible explanation for a puzzling political thing. Why is Romney feeding this distraction as Mary calls it? Why? Because there's something in there that he does not want us to see.

If we run a single positive ad, I'll be disappointed.

If we run a single positive ad, I will be disappointed.

This is politics. And this is the problem. None of this who have happened if Governor Romney had simply told the truth.

No, toughen up, Mitt. I mean, this is campaigns. This is politics. Politics isn't bean bag.

He's going to have a difficult time advancing the argument that Obama care should be repealed.

But it also energizes the Democratic base. And the question is who can get to those independents.