it's way too early for this. >>> good morning, i'm willie geist, and this is "way too early" the show

good morning, i'm willie geist and this is "way too early," the show hoping it can make a debt deal with that bookie who's been coming by the house quite a bit lately. we're good for the money. i'm glad you're up with us this morning. shoot me an e-mail at way too early and let us know why you're awake. 622639. we'll read the best responses latter in the show. the next 30 minutes will be your cram session for this monday, the first day of august. yes, its eye august. there's a lot going on today including the syrian government opening fire on its own people again in it a slaughter yesterday. how will the united states and the u.n. respond? plus hugo chavez sweats to the venezuelan oldies. all part of hisdy play to the world that he's on the road to recovery and that he can crush a tracksuit. that clip a bit later in the show. but first let's get to the news live at 5:30 a.m. with just one day to go now before the budget deadline, the house and senate are expected to vote today on a package to raise the nation's debt ceiling after all this talk. president obama announced from the white ho

senator, it is willie geist.e question i asked tom coburn a few minutes ago, which is that we had this moment of national crisis, if you will, this august 2nd deadline looming, the stakes were as high as they could possibly be, and yet we still didn't get something huge. we never got to that grand bargain that has been so talked about over the last several months. do you see a circumstance within the united states congress, within the government, where we could actually have a conversation about entitlements on one side and raising revenue on the other? are we capable of that conversation within our political system? >> it would appear, based upon the discussions in the last few weeks, at least right now that would be tough, willie. but i think the big picture here, everybody says what is the big picture? the big picture is this is going to get litigated over the next 15 months before the '12 election. i think this will be the focus of the debate in this country, the political debate and discourse, debt, spending

but stay tuned, "way too early" with willie geist starts right now. >>> the dow with yet another big drop triggering fears over european debt and a possible return to recession here in the united states. the question is, how real is the possibility of a slip back into recession? we're going to talk to andrew ross sorkin in a minute. >>> meanwhile, major news overseas as u.s. officials tell media that moammar gadhafi is ready to pack up his robes and shades and get out of dodge. the question is, what do libya and syria look like without their long-time leaders in power? >>> and the struggle for global supremacy plays out in ugly fashion during exhibition game in china, between georgetown university, and a chinese team. the goodwill game quickly turned into a haymaker-throwing, chair-chucking brawl. the question is what did vice president, joe biden, who is traveling in china have it say about his fellow d.c. ambassadors whupping up on the chinese. it's "way too early" for this.

"way too early with willie geist" starts right now. >> last night a fiery debate, the republican presidentialidates had their last chance to impress people of iowa before tomorrow's highly anticipated straw poll. the question is did anyone do well enough to emerge as the king or queen of the hawkeye state? >>> the dow jones index swings 400 points, this time in the right direction. the question is what does this stock market roller coaster mean for the economy as a whole? oh boy, it's that time of year again. a bunch of sweaty, muscle-bound testosterone men running around in tights. the question is, who likes watching this stuff? it's way too early for this.

stay tuned, "way too early" with willie geist starts right now. >>> hurricane irene tears through the bahamas heading for the eastern seaboard. a massive category three storm with winds whipping up to 130 miles per hour. the question is how much damage will this monster cause when it makes landfall. and residents all along the coast brace for the onslaught. commuters in new york and washington get ready for a weekend of pure gridlock. the question is am i going to get home? no, re

"way too early with willie geist" starts right now. >>> the white house spent the weekend attacking theoor's after the united states receives a stunning downgrade to its long held aaa credit rating friday. this morning we'll see what that move does to the already struggling markets. the question is, should we be more focused on fixing the root of our economic problems than on shooting the standard & poor's messenger. >>> meanwhile, a devastating weekend in afghanistan where a helicopter shot down 38 people dead. 30 american service members, 22 of those navy s.e.a.l.s. the question is how did it happen and what does it peen for the war? a live report from richard engel. >>> a bad night to be a yankee fan as

good morning, i'm willie geist and this is "way too early." the total team payroll is the same as what the yankees pay on chewing gum. shoot me an e-mail. i want to know what you're doing up this morning. or text awake to 622639. we'll read the best responses later. i know it's monday but that was weak. the cram session for your monday, august 8th. a lot going on including riots that spread through london. protesters responding to a fatal police shooting in the capital. >>> plus, a little gratuitous weatherman screwup. the glories of the green screen. gets them every time. what happened to this guy a lbi later. >>> 30 rock in new york city. markets and lawmakers around the world are reacting to standard & poor's unprecedented decision of stripping the u.s. of its aaa rating. citing what it called "political brinksmanship." the downgrade reflects our view and predictability of american policymaking and political institutions have weakened at a time of ongoing fiscal and economic challenges." it is sparking sharp criticism. what the obama admini

but stay tuned, "way too early with willie geist" starts right now. >>> with the help of nato air strikesels overrun the compound from which moammar gadhafi has run the country for decades. and they loot his personal stuff, fur coats included. even as the dictator sends out one more defiant radio message. the question is, how much longer can gadhafi play this game of hide and seek? >>> meanwhile a magnitude 5.8 earthquake shakes the nation's capital and sends shockwaves up and down the east coast. the question is just h

. >>> i'm lynn berry, and this is "first look" on msnbc, but stay tuned, "way too early with willie geiststarts right now. >>> with a major assist from nato forces, libya rebels turned tide in their six-month fight against the government and roll into tripoli chasing moammar gadhafi from power. the question now will be what kind of government and what kind of society will come in its place? >>> meanwhile, conflicting reports this morning about where exactly gadhafi's hiding on the first day after his 42-year rule. the question is will he fight to the death, or does he leave to find asylum somewhere outside the country.

stay tuned, "way too early with willie geist" starts right now. >>> his sweep through the midwest completeads to martha's vineyard while the republican frontrunners stay out on the rail attacking the president's record on creating jobs. the question is after president obama makes his planned job speech after labor day, what meaningful steps can he it take with a republican congress that's shown it doesn't want it dance with him. >>> mean while in syria, president assad tells the united nations his crackdown on protesters is finished, that on the same day another nine people are killed in the streets of that country. the question is what more account international community do with assad beyond all the verbal threats. >>> and former senatorial candidate and nonwitch christine owe donele was back on tv last night for a while any way. then she had to leave in the middle of the interview. the question is what made her walk out and why was she on it chlt tv in the first place? it's way too early for this. good morning, everyone. this is the show that has never

i'm willie geist. and this is "way too early," the show that was outraged over its unfair cover shot, on "ferret monthly" magazine. you're listening live on sirius/xm radio. you can do what there dr. marcus bachman is, and text the word awake, followed by your response. we'll read the best responses, as we always do, later in the show. the next 30 minutes will be your cram session for this wednesday, august 10th. a lot to tell you about today, including the first picks in the 2011 congressional supercommittee fantasy draft. we'll tell you who harry reid has chosen. >>> plus, what in the wild world of sports is going on here? seriously. how does that happen? honestly, i don't know. we'll find out together a bit later in the show. >>> first, let's get to the news, live at 5:30 a.m., here at 30 rock in new york city. >>> markets around the world are reacting after a tumultuous trading session on wall street yesterday. news causing the stocks to rise, fall and rise again. the s&p 500 jumps 53 points for a

stay tuned because "way too early" with willie geist starts right now. >>> president obama signs intoebt bill, and immediately vows to put the partisan fight over the past several months behind the country moving on to the matter of jobs. the question is what is the president's plan to get america back to work and get the economy growing again? >>> we were told a debt deal would calm the financial markets but the dow dropped 266 points yesterday extending its longest losing streak since that treacherous fall of 2008. the question is what is driving the markets down? >>> and in an amazing spectacle just this morning, former egyptian president, hosni mubarak wheeled into court on a gurney and kept inside a security cage as he faces charges of corruio

"way too early" with willie geist starts right now. >>> the dow's wild pendulum swings back into rede average drops 520 points with asia moving lower this morning as well. the markets concerned about the health of u.s. and european economies. the question is -- what can and should president barack obama and congress do now to stop this slide? >>> meanwhile the united states strikes back against the taliban fighters believed to have downed the american helicopter last weekend. that killed 30 u.s. service members. the question is, a lot of people have it right now -- what were 17 navy s.e.a.l.s doing on that mission to begin with? >>> and debate night in iowa for the republican presidential candidates, two days ahead of the straw poll in that state. th

i'm jonathan capehart in for willie geist. this is "way too early" the show that's never lost a debate unless you count the ones with my mom. hi, mom. i'm glad you peer up with us this morning watching on msnbc or listening live on sirius xm radio. shoot me an e-mail at waytooearly@msnbc.com or you can text the word "awake" followed by 622639. we'll read the best responses later in the show. the next 30 minutes will be your cram session for this friday, august 12th. a lot going on today including a career worst round of golf for tiger woods. we'll have a special guest helping me in sports because i'm going to need it. plus i will come to your house and cook you dinner. >> there were strange campaign promises in last night's debate. full recap later in the cooler. first let's get to the news live at 5:30 a.m. here at 30 rock in new york city. >>> with the ames straw poll just a day away, another republican is jumping into the 2012 presidential race. a spokesman for rick perry says the texas governor will officially announce he'

stay tuned because "way too early with willie geist" starts right now. >>> every stock in the nasdaq down. >> fell off a cliff, down 512 points. >> the market dropped 155 point just in that last hour of trading. >> nasdaq nose-dive, 5%, worst day. >> a disastrous day in stocks here in the u.s. the dow jones industrial average fell a stunning 513 points. could you have seen this coming? a day after the dow jones average fell more than 500 points, as you just heard, asian and european markets are sliding again today with german chancellor merkel and french president sarkozy calling an emergency meeting. the question is -- what happens when the u.s. markets open this mornin

. >>> good morning, i'm willie geist and this is way too early. the show that will make clear its intentions on saturday to terrific whiskey while watching the yankee game. i'm glad you're up with us this morning, watching on msnbc or listening live on sirius xm radio. shoot me an email or tweet me @williegeist1. we'll read the best responses later in the show. the next 30 minutes will be your cram session for this tuesday, august 9th. another very busy day today. we'll have a live update in just a moment on the overseas markets and what they mean for the day on wall street. >>> plus, stephen colbert reassuring the nation, starts to pack his survival kit after yesterday's selloff. the late-night reaction to the economic mess a bit later in the show. >>> but first, let's get to the news live at 5:30 a.m. in new york city. from asia to europe to here in the united states, standard and poor's historic downgrade of the nation's credit rating is having a ripple effect on the world's financial markets. although that's only a part of this story. the fron

"way too early" with willie geist" starts right now. >>> as fema director craig f fugate tours areasy hurricane katrina, the question is can washington put partisanship aside to help support the victims of this terrible disaster? >>> plus, new details about the president's new job creation plan for the u.s. the question is will his ideas be bold enough for the president's base? >>> and still no sign of

stay tuned because "way too early" with willy geist starts right now. aer risk thursday. >>> president obama turns 50 and he began the celebration last night at a fund-raiser in chicago where he attempted to convince the paying guests that he's got an answer for turning around the economy before november of 2012. the question is, how does the presidented answer over the next year the republican question is this the best we can do? >>> meanwhile, just as congress was patting itself on the back for a debt deal well done and heading to the beach, a new fight intensifies over a partial shutdown of the federal aviation administration. can congress pass a bill that will ensure the safety of american's airlines. >>> and passenger league baseball wants to know how about a report that alex rodriguez plays in sketchy

stay tuned, "way too early" with willie geist starts right now. >>> a day after the dow lost 630 pointslost 5.5% of its value. asian markets continue their fall, with france, germany and great britain sliding as well. the question is, what instruments do the world's governments have left to stop the bleeding? we'll get a live report from london and talk to andrew sorkin in a minute. >>> meanwhile, british prime minister david cameron rushed home from vacation to deal with the violent riots that continued last night in london. and have now spread to three other cities. the question is, what is behind the rage of the british youth. >>> and reports this morning say texas governor, rick perry, will make it clear on saturday that he's jumping into the 2012 presidential race. the question is,

. >>> good morning, i'm willie geist, and this is "way too early," the show that finished fourth in the 1995 iowa straw poll, ahead of allen keyes. i'm glad you're up with us this morning, or listening live on sirius xm radio. shoot me an email or tweet me @williegeist 1. or text the word awake to 622639. we'll read the best responses later in the show. >>> the next 30 minutes will be your cram session for this thursday, august 11th. a lot going on again today, including an update from london on the rioting that's spread across great britain. plus, a tense scene on the top of this very building yesterday. did you hear about this? the nypd coaxes a man off the ledge of 30 rock. we'll tell you what exactly happened here. but first, let's get to the news, live at 5:30 a.m. here's 30 rock in new york city. >>> investors fleeing u.s. stocks in droves for the second time this week. as concerns over the health of french banks. and fears of another global economic downturn led to steep losses on wall street. the dow tumbling over 519 points. that's more than 4.6%. that wiped out all the gains f

i'm willie geist and this is the show that would never let down its base of insomniacs, nursing mothers and straight up drunks. i'm glad you're up with us this morning watching on msnbc or listening live on sirius xm radio. sheet shoot me an e-mail and let me know why you're awake. or you can do what rex ryan does and text the word awake followed by your response to 622639. we'll read the best responses hater in the show. the next 30 minutes will be your cram session for this tuesday, august 2nd. a lot going on including the latest out of syria where the violent crackdowns by president assad are drawing a fresh round of sanctions. but what else can the united states do? plus jon stewart v the tea party and this is a doozy. we'll show you the clip from last night's daily shly show a later. but first the news. with just hours to go before tonight's midnight deadline, the senate is expected to vote at noon today on a deal to raise the nation's debt ceiling. that comes after the house vote last night where 95 democrats and 174 republicans voted in favor of the bill. the bill expected to pas

. >>> good morning, i'm willie geist and this is "way too early," the show that recently joined the exclusive

i'm willie geist this is "way too early," the show that will start doing the show from a gurney as it tries to wake up at this hour. glad you are up with us watching on msnb or listening live on sirius xm radio. e-mail me or tweet me and let me know what you're doing now or do what the whole of egypt does and text the word awake followed by your response to 622639. we'll read the best responses later in the show. the next 30 minutes will be your cram session for this wednesday, august 3rd. a lot to tell you about, including 4,000 faa employees out of a job after the senate failed to come up with emergency pay for them. >>> and back to the breaking news of the pre-debt fight world, there was an escaped peacock on the loose on the upper east side of manhattan yesterday. complete team coverage later in the show. first the news live at 5:30 a.m. at 30 rock in new york city. >>> after months of negotiation and political rhetoric, and just hours before the midnight deadline, congress passed legislation to raise the nation's $14.3 trillion debt ceiling. the senate voted to approve the deal 7

. >> well, i have an e-mail from willie geist our colleague, and he said he felt it in new york, and the walls in his apartment shook for five to seven seconds, and no damage, and nothing since, but i believe that willie is near the west side of manhattan, and he is e-mailing me saying that he felt the tremors there. the usgs map showed that the earthquake centered near charlottesville, virginia, they believe and capitol police are evacuating the u.s. capitol and we got the head's up from the senator coons that this is happening, and after the earthquake tremors were violently shaking the building and the ceiling and according to this report for 15 seconds while the tremor hit. 15 seconds in a quake is a lifetime especially in a part of the country that is not prepared for it, and certainly you are not expecting anything of this nature. i also got this in from jim miklaszewski who is saying that his wife and son are in northern montgomery county and said that the earthquake lasted about one minute at least that is what it felt like to them, and they could not stand on the floor which

. >>> good morning, i'm willie geist, and this is "way too early," the show that's glad at times like this it keeps its money in coffee cans in the back yard. glad you're watching on msnbc or listening live on sirius xm radio. shoot me an e-mail or tweet me and let me know what you're doing up right now. or do what el district woods does and text your response to 622639. we'll read the best responses later in the show. >>> the next 30 minutes will be your cram session for this friday, august 5. a busy, busy day. we've got reports now just crossing the wires that a nato attack in libya his killed one of moammar gadhafi's sons. >>> plus, the root cause of all the problems we're seeing in the euro zone -- the crew from "the jersey shore" is back. this time representing the united states in italy. low lights from the seen premiere a bit later. >>> first to the big news live at 5:30 a.m. here at 30 rock in new york city. a massive sell-off on wall street sending the dow plunged as investors raise new concerns over the strength and stability of the u.s. and european economies. the semi melt

way too early with willy geist starts right now. >>> hurricane irene, she has come and gone, but thestion is how big and how costly will cleaning up after her be? >>> and on the eave of the release of his new tell-all memoir we're learning more about dick cheney's thoughts on his years in the west wing. the question is which of cheney's colleagues think his memory might be fuzz where i? >>. >>> the mtv moour music awards, and topping the list of the spectacle that you had to see,

those will be the two issues i think they need to come to terms with. >> willie geist? that morning. you made news over on c-span when you talked about some of your frustrations with the president saying this is the first administration in your career that hasn't invited you to the white house. what is at the core of that frustration you have with the president? what would you like to see him do that he has not done in the first two and a half years? >> i'm glad you asked that. i was surprised at the media attention the economy created. let me ask you a question first, though. first of all, my grandfather put it this way, willie. there are some fights, tavis, that ain't worth fighting. even if you win, there are other fights that you have to fight, son, even if you lose. i think the american people want to see the president fight. too often in these debates, start with health care, go to wall veit, wall street, they get their clock cleaned by the republicans. let's be honest, this is "morning joe," we can be honest. everybody knows, the republicans know this president w

. >> "morning joe," willie geist of "way too early" and if you're hungry for a great italian meal. >> we'll put the shirt over your table. >> "morning joe." >> chuck todd, take it over. >>> take the baked spaghetti. >>> president obama quickly signs the debt bill in private. now is shifting to campaign mode. it starts with the birthday fund-raiser tonight. but can he manage to leave the battle scars behind? >>> and while washington bickered over the debt ceiling, the economy was taking a beating, big time. markets are sinking and we haven't even seen friday's job numbers. the lasting impact on wall street and main street ahead. >>> with a little over a week to go before the critical iowa straw poll, how nervous are some folks about tim pawlenty, reid, bachmann? he may be picking up steam. it's august 3rd, 2011. the day after. is it really over? washington is in a fog this morning. first reads this morning, in the last month, president obama delivered one prime time apress, five other televised statements, held a town hall, all of them tied to what, the debt ceiling debate. the preside

. >> i think it's a very fascinating choice, willie geist. >> put that down. >> willie. >> it makes itelatable for a lot of us that don't understand economics the way the experts do. >> all right. >> last night in wisconsin, it will results came in. bill press, there was -- this was a big referendum on scott walker. we have been hearing it for months. looks like people in wisconsin like scott walker. what do you think? >> there was a lot at stake here. it's more than scott walker. it was a test for progressives and labor unions to win. they had to win -- there were six republicans up for recall. democrats had to win three to take back control of the senate and be in position to roll back the scott walker legislation that took collective bargaining away from the employees. they got two out of six. they didn't make it. it's a big loss for democrats in wisconsin. i think what it does -- you know, scott walker is chasing. he's in control. he came out with a high road statement, work together with people from both parties. he's still in control. this slows down the momentum to the recall of

willy geist from way too recally is here. >> my barber growing up an ex-marine named art who didn't askyou wanted, just gave you a flat top and took your eight bucks and sent you on your way. you may want to start thinking about it. remember when a haircut was just about getting your haircut? at the growing number of upscale barbershops popping up in cities like new york, los angeles and new orleans hair is only the beginning. >> if all you care about is checking off your list any getting your hair shortened this is not the right place. >> craig martin is the owner of baltimore's quintessential gentleman, liquor, cigar, pool tables and les yes, video games make it feel less like a barbershop and more like the ultimate man cave. >> members can bring their own alcohol or beer. we provide wi-fi, computer, wireless printer, tvs, think, and xbox 360s. >> and the last time you went in for a trim i'll bet your barber wasn't selling cuff links and fine pens or designer ties or shoes. shoes? >> we sell a lot of shoes here? >> we actually, over the years increased our inventory based on what clie

thinks willie geist is sporting -- highly unbelievable. >> a man of great maturity, wise beyond his years. >> "morning joe." we'll see you back here tomorrow. >>> well, the ts haven't been crossed but a deal to keep the united states from a historic default appears to finally be in place. >> now, is this the deal i would have preferred? no. but this compromise does make a serious down payment on the deficit reduction we need. most importantly it will allow us to avoid default and end the crisis that washington imposed on the rest of america. >> this morning, the fine print, the hard sell, today on both sides of the aisle. some winners and losers and why it still may not be enough for the credit agencies. it is monday, august 1st, 2011. i'm chuck todd. we have a packed show, steny hoyer will tell us how they'll get the votes in the house. mike crapo, senator for gang of six guys, will tell us how a super committee will work this time. and stephanie cutter from the white house will explain why the left should quit its griping. but let's get right to my first read of the morning. after month

me about the president is clearly saying rick perry is the nominee, i'm getting up and watching willie geistting ready to hand out my reelect president obama. run rick. go rick. >> in 2007 a republican said the same thing about the obama-clinton contest. she was responsible, she was credible, she was measured. obama was an ideolog. i'm just saying -- >> situation in the white house and you have the incumbent running. it's not a fair analysis. >> i'm processing the comparison of barack obama to rick perry. i'm going to work on that one. >>> david faber joins us to discuss the market. harry shearer on the sixth anniversary of hurricane katrina. next, chuck todd is on the road with president obama. first, bill karins with a check on the forecast. >> good morning. a nice weather day today. thunderstorms in florida. what a great day in new england. temperatures mild. everywhere else is in the 80s. temperatures are mild. texas in the 100s. we would love to cool you off. it's not going to happen for a couple weeks. houston, the driest and warmest temperatures of the year. maybe we'll cool off sligh

. >> i'm betting on willie geist. >> with us now, mike allen, the chief white house correspondent forolitico. he's got a look at the play book. good morning. >> good morning. >> great green tie. looking good. chris christie said over and over again he's not running for president this time around. you are reporting he may be on a short list for vice president. what is the latest there? >> he's a fit that a nominee wants. the vice president does the attack dog. governor christie relishes that and they want somebody to appeal to conservative thinkers that can reach out to the party. chris christie would be good at that as well. there's been more buzz about new people getting in. there are at least three very strong candidates now. i think the buzz is going to decrease. now that brings up the talk and chris christie is at the top of the list. >> mark halperin, there was talk last month. he said can you imagine me as the number two guy? >> denial, denial, denial. he's not built to be a number two guy. depending on who the number who is, i think he would consider it. >> bob, want to throw a

willie geist has one that he'll put in front there. that will work. t.j.o two things at once. "the wall street journal" downgrade, ignites global panic. the financial times, stocks plummet on u.s. downgrade. and the daily news right here, willie, of course, puts it in neat tidy perspective. panic. what's going on. >> well, it was the downgrade obviously from friday spilling to monday. and then continued worries about europe. and more than that, too, was the fact that s&p continued to downgrade other companies. some of that was unexpected. insurance companies also making the ratings of warren buffet's berkshire hathaway negative and the selling continues to asia this morning. >> listen, asia, mike, getting absolutely pounded. how -- the president came on yesterday and -- >> why? >> because -- >> well, now, some people say it's a little much. >> why? why? he's the president of the united states. this is the -- this is a near catastrophic occurrence for many people. your 401(k)s, your iras, you ear losing your retirement funds and then you get to the big comp

>> they want willie geist. look looks like i'm going to be with him. a music store and started to play. >> did he really? >> yeah. [ male announcer ] members of the american postal workers union handle more than 165 billion letters and packages a year. that's about 34 million pounds of mail every day. ever wonder what this costs you as a taxpayer? millions? tens of millions? hundreds of millions? not a single cent. the united states postal service doesn't run on your tax dollars. it's funded solely by stamps and postage. brought to you by the men and women of the american postal workers union. ♪ can be even more powerful, with precise pain relieving cream. it blocks pain signals fast for relief precisely where you need it most. precise. only from the makers of tylenol. >>> oh, please tell me it's time. >> it is. for the news you can't use. i have good stuff for you from jon huntsman. >> good. >> he was on a trail yesterday strolling through manchester's downtown area shaking hands, doing what candidates do. he walked into a music store to meet some fol

this is a show, willie geist that will change the direction. >> i like the title. >> played the expectationsday, speaking of miserable, explain to americans what it is. >> it's no women's soccer, but we'll take it. kick-off classic of the premier league. in this case, manchester united against the a buddha by against tampa bay. these two are great rivals. it's normally a calm game. this is feisty. united, one of the big question marks of the season. they will replace the legendary goalkeeper. a pair of rubber neckers. he led. united -- seven minutes into the second half. >> 2-0 is a dangerous lead. >> it is. look at this. first goal. >> that was a great one. >> backward pass here. steal. >> a big season for that gentleman. changes down with benny hill. >> oh, my! joe. >> joe is great. he should have gone out and speared him about this point right here, you come out of the box, tackle him. better to have a penalty kick than this. >> spend a fortune on this team, the abu dhabis did, and they really deserve him. >> roger, your top four, american waits with bated breath. >> you can predict prett

all anybody here at java joe's is comparing about is comparing willie geist to wally pipp. mika, that's a joke for you. >> that's pretty good. >> there were two candidates head and shoulders above everybody else, mitt romney and michele bachmann. overall performance of the others in a pretty ragged two hours i don't think changed very much. mitt romney did a great job and got pretty lucky. you think a guy who is that big of a front-runner would have been the main target, but as you saw in the opening clips, it was really michele bachmann and tim pawlenty going back and forth. it's hard to judge who had the better of the exchanges between them. i think if pawlenty ends up having to leave the race with a weak performance, he at least can be comfortable he went out fighting. he was tough on bachmann, drove a strong message against her. the argument he's making on the stump behind her back she's not strong enough of a record of accomplishment. jon huntsman didn't stand out. his chance to make a first impression. he acted pretty much like he always acts. he was calm and cautious

. >> willie geist -- "politico". mr. mike allen. hello. >> we just heard steven colberg's take. another aide is leaving? >> there's less. a little tough to top colberg. yesterday tim cameron who was head of operations at gingrich's think tank said he was leaving to go into the private-sector, to go over to another republican firm. he's been out there having to defend that twitter feed that as was mentioned has been charged with being fleeted. the twitter feed may be okay. it's over a million people. the reason for that is that newt gingrich along with john mccain were two of the few republicans who originally were on the twitter list of recommended feeds. >> mike, we've been tough on newt at times. he deserved it. but this seems to be a nonstory only because newt gingrich -- you go on to any conservative site in the past five, six, seven years newt is all over the place. say what you will about other people. i think newt would be one of the few people that would need to build a following. newt has a huge following outside of washington, forget what the polls say. you know, if he