7 things to watch at the CNN Republican debate

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I agree the Iraq war was in relative terms, a success but if things that are scary are said about

Reagan or
Goldwater or

Trump,

That record is pertinent and in fact, that did come up in last night’s debate in the first hour.

To use such words as electing Trump might be “insane” or however that was stated brings up to mind things said on Reagan and Goldwater.

On the topic of Reagan, since this was at the Reagan library, nationalreview.com/article/223437/reagans-darkest-hour-paul-kengor-patricia-clark-doerner , even the Gipper signed a bill he came to regret per abortion.

Again, what I said was an afterthought to a post and I thought it merited a mention, since I did not quote the post in question, yes, someone might think I made a random remark, so apologies for that if it was confusing.
 
The Trump debate? Forty-four percent of CNN’s questions focus on 'The Donald’
Trump dominated the time again, but not so much as last debate. According to NPR (Hey, our tax dollars do work sometimes) the tallies were:
Trump: 18:47
Bush: 15:48
Fiorina: 13:30
Carson: 12:56
Christie: 12:36
Rubio: 11:21
Cruz: 10:45
Paul: 10:28
Kasich: 9:44
Huckabee: 9:20
Walker: 8:29
foxnews.com/opinion/2015/09/17/trump-debate-forty-four-percent-cnn-debate-questions-focus-on-donald.html?intcmp=hpbt1
**
Fiorina, after narrowly making stage, seizes spotlight at GOP debate**
Carly Fiorina may have narrowly qualified for the main stage at Wednesday night’s Republican presidential debate – but the former Hewlett Packard boss made the most of it, once again grabbing the spotlight with an impassioned appeal to defund Planned Parenthood and tough retorts against front-runner Donald Trump.
Fiorina by many accounts had the standout performance of the night. And in a year when outsider candidates are king – or queen – the businesswoman who has never held public office indicated Thursday she hopes to use the new visibility to further raise her profile with voters.
“This was a huge opportunity for me to continue to introduce myself to the American people,” she told Fox News. “I was very pleased with last night.”
Whether Fiorina’s performance at the CNN debate translates to higher poll numbers remains to be seen. But her breakout performance at last month’s undercard debate on the Fox News stage seemed to help her climb – just enough to qualify, after she pressured CNN to change its rules, for the main stage at Wednesday’s event.
Carly Fiorina may have narrowly qualified for the main stage at Wednesday night’s Republican presidential debate – but the former Hewlett Packard boss made the most of it, once again grabbing the spotlight with an impassioned appeal to defund Planned Parenthood and tough retorts against front-runner Donald Trump.
Fiorina by many accounts had the standout performance of the night. And in a year when outsider candidates are king – or queen – the businesswoman who has never held public office indicated Thursday she hopes to use the new visibility to further raise her profile with voters.
“This was a huge opportunity for me to continue to introduce myself to the American people,” she told Fox News. “I was very pleased with last night.”
Whether Fiorina’s performance at the CNN debate translates to higher poll numbers remains to be seen. But her breakout performance at last month’s undercard debate on the Fox News stage seemed to help her climb – just enough to qualify, after she pressured CNN to change its rules, for the main stage at Wednesday’s event.
Actually, she was probably was the most Presidential of them all; I’d like her to convince all that she would be a good President should that be what she would excel at.
 
Quite impressive debate in the early show.

Jindal: Blasted the GOP leadership for doing nothing on the Iran Nuke deal despite being elected to majorities in Congress and the Senate. Called himself a “doer”.

Santorum: On the heels of the other three candidates criticizing Donald Trump, he redirected the criticism to Hillary Clinton’s candidacy, invoking Reagan’s 11th commandment (and saying Trump has a right to a place at the GOP table though he himself has differences with him on policy).

Jindal: Why doesn’t the left just make a list of all the jobs Christians may no longer have. Bakers. Court clerks. etc.

Santorum: Castigated the 2012 GOP convention for having small business owner after small business owner come to the microphones … but no workers from their companies.

Pataki: Touted himself as a Republican who’d won in a very liberal state. Counseled going along with the courts in some of the social decisions they’ve made … in opposition to Santorum who favored Congress and the Senate making specific laws that reassert what was lost per narrow court decisions. Agreed with the ruling against Kentucky court clerk Kim Davis (versus Santorum and Jindal who praised her).

Graham: came out strong for increasing the military. Took issue with Trump as a genuine Republican … and John Kasich’s plan to close more domestic military bases.

Santorum and Jindal I thought were very dynamic and may have benefitted from the small field to get their messages out.

I’m wondering whether there will be a whole different raft of questions than what the four
early birds were asked.
I thought there was a vague expression of agony on Santorum’s part when he started the debate. I think it pained him honestly to be one of the “second stringers” but that expression seemed to quickly leave him once the debate started.

When one has to select one unique individual to vote for, even in polling, it is a bit difficult since, some of these candidates are actually similar to each other.

Who knows, maybe if he hits all of these counties in Iowa, he can still have a good performance there.
 
Jeb Bush bailed himself and brother George out of their holes with his line last night that brother George “kept us safe”;

However. (and I can’t find it anywhere for some reason) imho a line which helped put GW into his hole of unpopularity was:

"I’ve got a surplus and I’m going to spend it."

As God is my witness, I saw and heard GWB say that;
But the closest I can come to finding anything about it is the following:
“Along with funding our priorities and paying down debt, my plan returns about one of every four dollars of the surplus to the American taxpayers, who created the surplus in the first place,” Mr. Bush said.
Democrats urged caution.
Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack, delivering his party’s radio response, said his party hopes that as the tax debate continues, attention is paid to basic fairness.
“President Bush’s plan insures that the wealthiest Americans receive a healthy portion of benefits of his plan,” Vilsack said. "His idea is based on the premise that if they pay more they should receive more.
“A fairer way of approaching tax cuts is not to ask who pays more, but who needs the relief more?”
President Bush said Saturday that the most important number in the budget he sends to Congress next week is the $5.6 trillion surplus it projects over the next 10 years.
That huge projected surplus provides the underpinning of all the administration’s tax-cut and spending plans, Mr. Bush said in his recorded weekly radio address.
“A surplus in tax revenue, after all, means that taxpayers have been overcharged,” the president said. “And usually when you’ve been overcharged, you expect to get something back.” The surplus figure “counts more than any other” in the budget, he said

rex
 
No signs going out in yard yet!

I really think Cruz demonstrated his knowledge of protecting the Constitution and a firm grasp on world affairs; border security, positive pro-life, undoing the path of destruction via the Iran nuclear gift. Strong and classy.

Rubio is very solid speaking on whatever subject thrown at him. Demonstrated his abilities with clear plans of action. Like him a lot.

Christie is another candidate with the qualities necessary. His personality is genuine and he
identifies with the American voter. He could carry the ball

Have dropped a few names off my list and more to go. Rand Paul, Jeb Bush, Carly Fiorina, Bobby Jindal, and Carson. All good possibles, I do not think they are strong enough.

Trump? Really different - and is going to have to demonstrate that he has in depth knowledge and a strategy that captures confidence. Is he a one-man show or capable of working with numerous people that could frustrate his best of intentions no matter how he uses his business man skills. We have a POTUS that tries to dictate using deceitful double-talk - we do not need to fall for another one. Trump will have to PROVE his qualities before election - not after, should he be elected.

When I was little there were large gatherings of family at our Grandparent’s house. Grandpa would play a game with us kids called “I’m a dummy from the country”. We would be lined up on the couch or stairs and one of us would be first to get up in front and chant “I’m a dummy from the country” - response from the rest was “What can you do?” - The dummy would say “I can do anything” - the rest would say “show us, prove it”. Then the one chosen would act out something they were doing. The first to guess correctly within taking three guesses was next. Elimination till the last one was the winner. THIS IS THE WAY I PLAN TO FIGURE THIS OUT! 👍🍿
 
Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on your perspective) I missed the debate (shopping for a fall purse - got a great one). I did manage to catch the round up analysis shows. (I thought the debate would be on when I got home but I think they did it early for the East Coast viewers.)

Mostly sounds positive - I watched many clips over and over. I do really like Rubio and Christie - they are strong, knowledgeable candidates with wide appeal. That is what the GOP needs to be competitive in a run for the White House.

I was delighted to see the clips of Carly doing so well. She is very articulate and from what I saw did have the best answers. She doesn’t have any experience though and that worries me. I find her the most of appealing of the “outsiders” - Carson, Trump, Fiorina - no doubt, but an outsider she remains. I will definitely get behind her though if she pulls this out somehow, no problem. Over time I think the Trump thing will get stale and we are already seeing that start to happen - unless he develops his message a little more. He is completely out of his depth in substantive discussions - Carly kicks his butt. It amuses me that he has such a following compared to her - not too fun to think about. I think Carson might fade too - this just isn’t his thing - too contemplative and principled. Can you believe it? What does that say about politics. But the President unfortunately has to know how to be pretty nasty and pushy - but he has to have principles and brains too. I can’t wait to see what happens in the polls. It is all still early yet. I am still undecided.
 
This is reassuring. Donald Trump as the top man in the world is the most insane thing there is. Surely you wouldn’t America??/QUOTE]

Why not, look who was made prez these last 7 years, cannot do any worse!
 
Here is my cut:

Winners of the debate
Fiorina (big win for her)
Christi (he really shined)
Rubio (another good night for Rubio)

Losers
Rand Paul
Ben Carson (he just looked out of place on stage)
Scott Walker (I don’t think his performance will get his campaign out of the doldrums)
Ted Cruz (Didn’t say alot, what he did say came across as angry)
Mike Huckabee (also came across to me as angry. I don’t know if he helped his campaign any last night)

Showed up
Trump
Bush
John Kasich
 
Here is my cut:

Winners of the debate
Fiorina (big win for her)
Christi (he really shined)
Rubio (another good night for Rubio)

Losers
Rand Paul
Ben Carson (he just looked out of place on stage)
Scott Walker (I don’t think his performance will get his campaign out of the doldrums)
Ted Cruz (Didn’t say alot, what he did say came across as angry)
Mike Huckabee (also came across to me as angry. I don’t know if he helped his campaign any last night)

Showed up
Trump
Bush
John Kasich
I am kind of glad to see Kasich fade (I heard but didn’t see that he went on and on in defense of the Iran deal - that may play to the CNN/Sanders crowd but was pretty dumb at a GOP debate.). I just don’t like that guy that much for some reason. I thought Bush had some good comebacks actually - I loved it when Trump says to him - “More energy tonight - I like it” It was like a Laurel and Hardy moment to me - I really laughed. Bush did show spirit and won the exchanges I saw (except for the thing about his wife). He went up in my estimation but I still don’t want him to be the nominee - I would vote for him though. I think Carly may be the next “cool” candidate to support - but so what. I don’t think she can go the long haul, neither can Trump or Carson. And I actually kind of liked Rand Paul (whom I don’t agree with on policy) going after Trump for the junior high level of his campaign - should he be in charge of our nuclear arsenal - good question. Then Trump says Paul looks funny - wow, how original. Rand Paul is actually kind of cute; he doesn’t look weird. Nonsense, more Trump nonsense - and I agree with Jindal - Trump does actuallly look like he has a squirrel on his head. To think I actually felt sorry for him the first couple of weeks after the gaffe about all Mexican immigrants being violent criminals and getting fired by NBC - NBC would run the ugliest, goofiest pictures of Trump they could find, right, nasty stuff - now I am glad they did it. He is one to talk in the aesthetic department. :rolleyes: Rubio and Christie were great. Especially Rubio.
 
Actually, she was probably was the most Presidential of them all; I’d like her to convince all that she would be a good President should that be what she would excel at.
I agree.Most of the seasoned male politicians outside of Rubio and maybe Christie were overshadowed by the only woman .
 
In the Kiddie Krew debate, the only thing I remember is how Graham kept telling us about his military service and trips to Iraq. Otherwise, I can’t remember the face of any of them.

No surprise that Tapper was going to go after The Donald from the opening moments. Far too much time on Trump and only very aggressive interruptions allowed anyone else to step up. And Tapper kept trying to stop them.

I don’t know - or care - who the other two questioners were and they appeared totally useless.

My reactions:

Trump did not hurt himself.
Bush did not really help himself.
Fiorina stood tall.
Christie showed the chutzpah he’s famous for.
Paul showed he’s still an outright Peacenick.
I like that Huckabee stood by his faith.
Doc Carson had some great points but needs to show more fire.

Summary - none of them captured my full support
All are a thousand time better than what the Democrats present
I don’t think any of them changed anyone’s mind.

🤷
 
Why do you think this?
I don’t know, the word is now, that maybe she had problems at her former job at Lucent as well. If she had problems at Lucent, then HP should have never hired her.
During her time at Lucent, the company added 22,000 jobs, grew revenues from US$19 billion to US$38 billion, net income went from a small loss to US$4.8 billion profit[44] and the company’s market share increased in every region for every product.[37][44] In the October 12, 1998 edition of Fortune magazine named Fiorina “The Most Powerful Woman in American Business”.[34]
Leaving Lucent in 1999 to join HP as CEO, Fiorina took with her US$65 million in performance-linked pay.[44]
Hewlett-Packard (HP)
But who knows, it is like Christie said, these people need to care about the American public right now. Who does that the most?
 
Why do you think this?
For my part I worry about the exact same thing I would worry about with Trump or Carson - no substantive experience in office. I dislike Trump but I suspect he is a very intelligent man underneath the buffoonery that for whatever reason is his campaign. Same with Carson - clearly he is very smart and principled. I agree that Carly has BOTH backbone and brains - and is classy in debate - she makes her points well without stooping to vulgarity the way Trump does. No question she outshone him by quite a bit. She is just not experienced enough - compare her to Rubio or Christie. I would definitely vote for her though - don’t worry about that. (in a general election)

I have a sneaking suspicion - and I almost hate to say this out loud - that she might encounter some good old fashioned sexism too - a woman can’t do the job. I hope I am wrong, but I sensed a little of that coming from Sean Hannity last night and I expect it is out there - naive not to think that. I say this as a nonsupporter of her too.
 
CaptFun responds in RED
Here is my cut:

Winners of the debate
Fiorina (big win for her) < Beginning with her CNN promotion, her not being placed on the end but toward the middle … enduring a Trump assault (he also attacked Paul, Walker, Christie and Bush) … but defended herself and the GOP from the War on Women stuff with astute counter-attacks. Defined women as not victims … but a majority. Defined Planned Parenthood as disgusting and attacked Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama’s allegiance to that group.

Christi (he really shined) < Best I’ve seen him. He (re-)established his pro-life cred somewhat. If I forget his 11th hour Valentine to Obama that helped keep the most pro-abortion President in our history in power. He surprised me with his support of GW Bush … which others then echoed (Jeb was to be expected).

Rubio (another good night for Rubio) -< “Pro-American” with the zeal of a “convert” - i.e., second generation American with refugee folks. Young, idealistic, speaks with firm conviction and authority and has his facts straight. He benefits most from what would be “a new face for the Republican Party” culture, I think. Hispanic like Cruz, but a little more subtle, probably speaks Spanish better than Jeb, younger than young looking Santorum, and would be SUCH a contrast to Hillary Clinton.

Losers
Rand Paul < Paul finished on a high to me. I actually liked his final summary of his foreign policy take. But he should have opened with that. The way he’d done it makes it look like the U.S. would continue to be (almost as we are under Obama).Trump attacked him right out of the box as not deserving to be there (too many candidates … but he NAMED Paul).
Ben Carson (he just looked out of place on stage) <AS he did last time …but somehow that worked for him. He went UP in the polls. Thought his best moment was praising his 13 year old mother (for … um … having him versus …). I thought that was a great message to give to young people. The CNN nonsense of concocting an Autism debate about innoculations made both he and Trump look weak IMO.

Scott Walker (I don’t think his performance will get his campaign out of the doldrums) < Walker is rather low key. I thought he parried Trump’s attack on his Wisconsin record well … and gave a good resume of his accomplishments (mostly beating the organized Democratic and Union machines that kept picking fights with him). Pzazz-wise I agree with your take. But he could very well recover to do well in Iowa … especially if some of the “similar to him” candidates drop out.

Ted Cruz (Didn’t say alot, what he did say came across as angry) < I’ve seen Cruz a lot more fiery. In fact, I thought he was maybe trying to soften his image a bit this time around.

Mike Huckabee (also came across to me as angry. I don’t know if he helped his campaign any last night) < As little time as he was given … the moderator still interrupted him. His best moment was drawing the distinctions between how much latitude and accommodation was given to people like the Ft. Hood shooter and detainees at GITMO per their Muslim faith … and how little is given to Christians of Conscience like florists and bakers and the Kentucky clerk. Jindal covered this area with a sharper soundbite in the early debate.

Showed up
Trump < It was the Donald Trump Show with special guest stars

Bush < Made points I thought by insisting he was his own man (a different Bush), while defending his Dad and Brother’s best points. “He kept us safe …” and images of W post-911 probably help him. By show’s end he was fist pumping with “The Donald” over something … I forget what … :hmmm:

John Kasich < He improved exponentially from doing an unsolicited commercial " his … ***‘guess what …?’ ***" for gay marriage and his support for it (or his friend) last time. This time he recounted his own accomplishments in Washington and in Ohio. So … OK … :sad_yes: …improved to the “showed up” level.
Next candidate(s) OUT? It’s hard to tell perhaps. I wouldn’t have picked Rick Perry to be gone so soon. Probably Jim Gilmore … who didn’t make this cut of 15 at all. Then possibly Pataki (even though he’s a former NY Governor!), or Graham (even though his state is the third primary … and he’d be the favorite son!).

Santorum and Jindal looked like they might move up. But do they have the financing to go forward?

Even though Carson is polling well … I don’t see him as a possible candidate. He is very valuable as visible diversity for the GOP … and his mere presence says “some very smart accomplished black people are GOP leaders”. Networks televising debates love seeing that diversity for their own demographics (ad money potential in ratings).
 
For my part I worry about the exact same thing I would worry about with Trump or Carson - no substantive experience in office. I dislike Trump but I suspect he is a very intelligent man underneath the buffoonery that for whatever reason is his campaign. Same with Carson - clearly he is very smart and principled. I agree that Carly has BOTH backbone and brains - and is classy in debate - she makes her points well without stooping to vulgarity the way Trump does. No question she outshone him by quite a bit. She is just not experienced enough - compare her to Rubio or Christie. I would definitely vote for her though - don’t worry about that. (in a general election)
So how does Rubio’s experience pass Fiorina’s? What bills has Rubio passed? What about his high rate of absenteeism in congress?
 
Why do you think this?
Any woman has an uphill battle convincing people she would make a good president. She has to walk a fine line of being feminine (but also a strong leader); managerial (but not coming across as bossy); and likable. Carly has a hard time with likable. So does Hillary by the way. Unfortunately a lot of people vote because they like a candidate. That is why the pollsters track favorables and unfavorables.
 
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