Romney, Giuliani Spar on Taxes, Spending

Republican presidential hopeful former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney jokes about good casting including former Sen. Fred Thompson, R-Tenn. of the debate during the GOP Presidential candidates debate at Ford Community and Performing Arts Center Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2007, in Dearborn, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio) (Carlos Osorio - AP)

By decision of the debate's producers, the first question of the event went to Thompson, making his first appearance with rivals who have been campaigning for months. He stood between Romney and Giuliani.

He said the economy is strong, with no threat of a recession in the immediate future.

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee said not everyone was well off.

"I want to make sure people understand that for many people on this stage the economy's doing terrifically well, but for a lot of Americans it's not doing so well. The people who handle the bags and make the beds at our hotels and serve the food, many of them are having to work two jobs," he said.

Romney said it was inexcusable that Michigan was in what he called a one-state recession, with high unemployment. He said the president must have an open door policy when it comes to the auto industry.

Thompson drew a good-humored jab at one point, when Romney likened the ongoing series of Republican debates to "Law & Order," the television program that helped Thompson establish his acting credentials.

"It's got a huge cast, the series goes on forever and Fred Thompson shows up at the end," he said.

"And to think I was going to be the best actor on stage," replied Thompson with a smile.

After fielding the first question, Thompson also drew the last. Asked whether he had waited too long to join the race, he said he had not, then joked he had watched the earlier debates. "It was getting a little boring without me," he said.