Elections

Horses and Bayonets Debate: Was It Scripted?

The phrase that is being talked about after the final presidential debate: horses and bayonets.

By Lucy Bennett
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October 22, 2012

46 Comments

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"We have fewer ships than we did in 1916. Well governor, we also have fewer horses and bayonets,” said President Barack Obama in response to Gov. Mitt Romney's assertion that “our Navy is smaller now than at any time since 1917.”

That "horses and bayonet" comment hit Twitter and took off. It didn’t hit the top trending items for a little while, possibly because of different spellings of the word "bayonet."

So, where did that remark come from?

If you check cavalrymenforromney.com, you will find a drawing of a tired looking cavalryman with a Romney campaign flag. The site links to an Obama campaign site. A check of the domain registry shows that the domain was created at 7:51 p.m. EST, which is before the debate started at 9 p.m.

What do you think? Share your opinion in the comments.

Thanks. We'll email you the next time we update this story.

Mike Shortall

11:38 pm on Monday, October 22, 2012

If that's what The President needed to do tonight, he's in a lot more trouble than even I thought!

Carl W

2:04 pm on Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Good statement & comparison, by Obama: . Take Naval surface fleet: slow-moving battleships removed, 'cause carriers found more effective. Combined w/ Naval air, & updated weaponry.
Also, perhaps since WWII, we've developed more effective firepower, per ship.
Under attack in Indian Ocean, would you want 4 battleships coming 1-300 miles away, @ 9 nauts, or several F-14s & F-16s with more accurate & destructive power, coming @ 900 nauts????

Morgan King

11:59 pm on Monday, October 22, 2012

Every election cycle there are hundreds of 'candidates studying up for the debate' articles where they detail the process of running through mock debates with their election strategists and practicing responses. Every candidate for every election debate for ages has worked with prepared rejoinders to major campaign issues. I mean, everybody knows that, right? Virtually nothing in the debate isn't a scripted line worked over a hundred times by speechwriters, repeated over-and-over at stump speeches. Who thinks these things aren't scripted by each candidate's teams? Clearly each candidate is coming in with prepared 'zingers' and memorable lines to help drive the narrative of the campaign coverage.

Wallst

1:09 am on Tuesday, October 23, 2012

The republicans didn't like that line very much because it hit home for them. Romney has 17 foreign policy advisers that use to work for GW Bush. We know how THAT spells trouble for Romney when it comes to foreign policy. The title "Failed Foreign Policy" belongs to Republicans.

Pam

11:20 am on Thursday, October 25, 2012

Really?? With all of Obama's cover ups of Benghazi, Obama will be lucky if he is not impeached! He should be, that's for sure. "Failed Foreign Policy" belongs to the Dumbocrats. If Obama's lips are moving, he's lying!! He could care less that 4 people died and he could have possibly kept that from happening & did absolutely NOTHING! He was just too busy making sure he was on time for the View, Hollywood Elites & nightly comedy shows. What a disgrace!!!

JK

5:43 am on Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Republicans didn't like that line because it is another example of how the President has no class. Romney said attacking him isn't a strategy and that is yet again what Obama does. When I heard Obama's latest stump speech when he said Romney has 'romnesia' I couldn't believe that I was hearing an actual President. He is a spoiled child. For the record, Marines still use bayonets.

Melanie

7:52 am on Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Romnesia? Did he really say that? Where/when? If so, that is so IMMATURE!!

Colter95

8:09 am on Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Apparently, Obama is having just plain amnesia in regards to Benghazi... Lies and stonewalling, hoping to get past the election... This kind of blatant dishonesty to the American people after four heros were murdered should not be rewarded with another term...

louis kootsares

7:58 am on Tuesday, October 23, 2012

romney=truth...ayatolla obahma=same old b.s. the choice is simple... vote the mormon,not the moron

slyfox

2:01 pm on Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Just curious - why do you always bring up religion?

MarkM

9:09 am on Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Actually, the cavalrymenforromney.com domain was created at 3:51 am CENTRAL EUROPEAN SUMMER TIME this morning, which is not 7:51 pm ET but 9:51 ET.

Check out the registration information at http://bit.ly/TPVnSZ:

--- #YAML:1.0
# GANDI Registrar whois database for .COM, .NET, .ORG., .INFO, .BIZ, .NAME
#
# Access and use restricted pursuant to French law on personal data.
# Copy of whole or part of the data without permission from GANDI
# is strictly forbidden.
# The sole owner of a domain is the entity described in the relevant
# 'domain:' record.
# Domain ownership disputes should be settled using ICANN's Uniform Dispute
# Resolution Policy: http://www.icann.org/udrp/udrp.htm
# For inquiries about 'by policy' protection, please check directly
# with the appropriate registry (Eurid, AFNIC, Red.es)
#
# [french translation snipped]
#
# 2012-10-23 04:21:45 CEST

domain: cavalrymenforromney.com
reg_created: 2012-10-23 01:51:11
expires: 2013-10-23 01:51:11
created: 2012-10-23 03:51:12
changed: 2012-10-23 04:09:59

Maire

2:11 pm on Tuesday, October 23, 2012

I had to check - 20:06:52 Tuesday October 23, 2012 in CET converts to
14:06:52 Tuesday October 23, 2012 in America/New_York
Daylight Saving Time is in effect on this date/time in CET
Daylight Saving Time is in effect on this date/time in America/New_York

CEST was not an option on the converter, but even if it was an hour off, it was still quite a bit earlier than the debate. Makes it all the more disappointing that a comment like that was scripted!!

Lucy Bennett

11:43 am on Wednesday, October 24, 2012

As you quoted from the registry:

# 2012-10-23 04:21:45 CEST

domain: cavalrymenforromney.com
reg_created: 2012-10-23 01:51:11
expires: 2013-10-23 01:51:11
created: 2012-10-23 03:51:12
changed: 2012-10-23 04:09:59

The earliest time is the creation: 2012-10-23 01:51:11

1:51am CEST 10/23
converts to
7:51pm EST 10/22
(The debate started at 9pm 10/22)

Morgan King

12:18 pm on Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Why would anybody possibly care about this? I don't understand why it's being framed here as some sort of 'scandal.' Candidates preparing their lines for a debate with their campaign team and maximizing their meme potential through a prepared joke website is a completely obvious strategy. If you think this is an issue, your mind will be blown at the realization that romnesia.com, another Obama site, was created back in January.

Jonathan

9:32 am on Tuesday, October 23, 2012

This is a glaring example of why military prople have a hard time getting behind Obama. Does the commander in chief know that aircraft carriers and submarines are amongst the 287 deployable naval ships Romney was referencing?! If you are going to say something in a condescending tone, make sure you know what you are talking about.

Robert

9:38 am on Tuesday, October 23, 2012

92 killed at American embassies under Reagan.

33 killed at American embassies under Bush.

4 killed at American embassies under Obama.

Rich Cranium

9:51 am on Tuesday, October 23, 2012

The bayonet and horses line was childish, also I would like to have the part about the bayonets fact checked. As far as I know bayonets are still issued.

Marc L.

10:49 am on Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Which explains the word "FEWER" and not none. I'd offer that you watch an episode of Sesame Street to learn the difference but Romney wants to cut funding to PBS.

Carl W

2:11 pm on Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Not NEARLY as much as in older times, AT ALL. We've come up with better defense mechanisms since the American Revolution. THAT'S the point the Pres9ident was making ! ((I liked it)!!

Carl W

2:11 pm on Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Not NEARLY as much as in older times, AT ALL. We've come up with better defense mechanisms since the American Revolution. THAT'S the point the President was making ! ((I liked it)!!

Earnest

10:29 am on Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Fact: Lower levels of active ships under George W. Bush than any of the three years under President Obama.

Romney is promoting a ridiculous idea to those who are ignorant to buy the idea of more is better when it comes to the military strength. The strength of the United States Military is the leading military of the world. What Romney chooses to ignore in his comments, clearly designed to insight fear among those who do not do their homework.

Romney purposefully ignores is the fact that our warcraft has the to-of -the-line technology and has the most highly trained military personnel. His ignoring these two facts are an insult to not only the American people, but even more so and insult to our military service men and women, as he fails to recognize the importance of their roles.

Marc L.

10:51 am on Tuesday, October 23, 2012

But...but...Romney SAID so, so it MUST be true.

The people most likely to believe everything Romney says are the same ones who think Obama went by the name Barry Soetoro. I've never seen a bigger bunch of buffoons in my life as these birthers who grasp as straws 4 years after Obama was elected for any conspiracy theory BS they can create.

Amend Wun

10:35 am on Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Romney supporters are grasping at straws with this one. The president was refuting Romney's that our navy had fewer ships than it did in 1917, and was stating that we didn't need more ships just like we didn't need more horses and bayonets; which were also in larger number in 1917. It's also hypocritical of those supporting Romney to simultaneously support Romney when he's aggressive, yet deride the President when he does the same. Why doesn't Romney get heat for being weak just like Obama did in the first debate? When Romney does that, it's presidential. When Obama does it, it's seen as being weak and unprepared. When Romney is aggressive it's him being string. When the president does it, it's childish and rude.

Marc L.

10:53 am on Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Exactly. It's a sliding scale.

The same can be said when Romney "talked over" any of the moderators. When Obama did it the Democrats felt it was justified and when Romney did it he was being a bully. The supporters from both sides are guilty of this.

.

10:42 am on Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Obama haters....sorry but it was YOUR guy Romney who accused Obama of cutting the military and then opened himself up by siting 1917 as a frame of reference for our Navy. You can't have it both ways. If Romney wants to attack the President, he should be ready to deal with a counter agrument. Obama can't help his lines were more clever than Romney's.

November 6th can't come soon enough....what will you loons talk about after the election?

PS - Unlike most of you Keyboard Commandos, I am a veteran.

Good day...

Cliffy44

7:09 pm on Sunday, October 28, 2012

Richard H. said at 10:42 am on Tuesday, October 23, 2012
"Unlike most of you Keyboard Commandos, I am a veteran."

Rich - May I inquire as to who's side you were on?

Jeff Lugar

11:08 am on Tuesday, October 23, 2012

It's all zingers. The Onion even said so beforehand:
http://www.theonion.com/articles/romneylabs-concocts-doomsday-zinger-capable-of-swi,30016/

ed r.

1:59 pm on Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Supporters of either candidate are mentally ill if you really believe that they don't both prepare 'zingers' in anticipation of their debates.

The Birth Certificate is a Fake

2:01 pm on Tuesday, October 23, 2012

the kenyan army still uses horses....for food

Anthony Wayne

3:32 pm on Tuesday, October 23, 2012

My favorite part of voting this November will be seeing wether the UN observers will be armed or not. Thank goodness we now have the patriot act and a clear majority of brain dead voters to support that. No need to worry about the cost of representation when you are deemed a "threat" and not worthy to vote. The Feds can now lock you up and throw away the key. They need not charge you, or provide council. I suspect as time passes, these "observers" will be issued uniforms, like Hitlers "brownshirts", making identification easier as those who are there to "assist you in casting your ballot".
Only a few pesky details left now to ensure a calm and orderly transition of power. No need to worry, Uncle Sam has everything under control.

Sharpie

4:19 pm on Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Yea, Anthony, heard that part. Well, maybe some of us will suddenly see the light when the UN inspectors are watching over proceedings. Can't for the life of me figure out what in the world they clinging to? What are we holding onto here, folks? Meanwhile, don't forget to tune into the other debates tonight w King Larry moderating 9:00 PM. At least, you'll be in uplifting company, and learn some other viewpoints - always a good thing.

http://freeandequal.org/

Anthony Wayne

5:18 pm on Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Sharpie, The goal is global. Nato and the UN are the new congress, along with a secret exectuive order, to terrorize and engage in war. Just call ben and have him print a few more billion worthless dollars so "the majority" won't have to pay for it. Let the kids and grandkids pay. The rule book is out the window, anything goes.

Sharpie

5:29 pm on Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Yea, Anthony, I know. However, it ain't over until it's over. Don't underestimate. TG, we have spirits, some mighty, and each other as long as they can wake up like N.O.W., today even. Wake up time is today. The you-know-what is at the door. Yea, well, we'll see. Believe. Trust.

Sharpie

6:05 pm on Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Anthony, of course now I can't find it, but saw a short video earlier stating that the governor in a state can prevent the UN snoops from entering the state on election day. Will keep trying to find it? Anybody know the PA governor? UN snoops - good Lord.

Anthony Wayne

6:28 pm on Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Ask Jack, He knows everything. He's in the majority you know. They are always right.

Sharpie

6:37 pm on Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Well, Americans better get on the same page. People who think civil liberties don't matter so long as we have pretend money that is disappearing overnight along w jobs are in for a surprise.

Anthony Wayne

6:52 pm on Tuesday, October 23, 2012

I think Jack said "romney will fix it". So there you go. Dont waste your vote on a third party. He must be right. He's in the majority you know.

Sharpie

7:06 pm on Tuesday, October 23, 2012

If you're not voting for civil liberties, you aren't paying attention to what truly matters. Let some people go. Don't let one person discourage you. A lot of people are paying attention; they're just not commenting on this venue. But, they're paying attention. Tell as many new people as you can, and just keep moving on to the next person to tell. The third party debate is this evening 9:00 PM, and next one on Tues., Oct. 30th in DC, 9:00 PM.

http://freeandequal.org/

Anthony Wayne

7:22 pm on Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Jack told me a third party vote is a wasted vote, so I better not do that. Besides, he said romney will fix it with a land line poll. Perhaps the UN observers on election day will be charming enough to vote for me. I could stay home and just be entertaining to the kids.

Sharpie

7:39 pm on Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Anthony, put your energy into knocking on doors. You sound friendly. Get out there. Or find a spot on a busy corner w a big sign and friendly wave. Overnight some literature about your candidate, and talk him up wherever you can think of. Everyone will like you and your man. Give yourself a mission. You have 14 days. Change your world.

Keith Best

7:45 am on Wednesday, October 24, 2012

What makes people think a FIRST-TERM senator who spent most of that FIRST-TERM running for another office, knows anything about overseeing the world's largest economy?

The last 4 years have shown Obama has been in over his head for 4 years. If you want a stronger economy with lower unemployment with more jobs, VOTE ROMNEY/ RYAN.

Wendy

1:36 pm on Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Of course the first-term Gov. who lied to get into office....flipped flopped a house of pancakes while he was in office and was asked not to run again...is SSOO MUCH BETTER...lololol.

The people will decide to move forward and VOTE OBAMA...VOTE OBAMA...