Last night brought us round 2 of the GOP primary debates. While this is not really a local issue, and with Rhode Island being a ridiculously blue state almost doesn't matter here, it is important nationally, which makes it important to us.
I watched both debates myself, so from 630 to 11 pretty much straight I listened to 15 candidates discuss some of the nation's and GOP's most pressing issues, ranging from Iran to Planned Parenthood to each other's backgrounds and qualifications for the office of the President of the USA.
The early debate featured 4 of the "lesser candidates" or those polling below 1% nationally. In this debate, ex NY governor George Pataki, current LA governor Bobby Jindahl, ex Pennsylvania senator Rick Santorum and current South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham all squared off. Lindsey Graham used the 90 minutes to set himself apart from the far right wing, choosing reason over partisanship over and over again, at one point saying he was done with telling people what they want to hear. He clearly was swinging for the fences in this debate, and I think he knocked it out of the park. He was realistic, while sticking to his conservative principles.
Of the other three, Santorum did well, but there are just too many people competing for that evangelical vote, and while Santorum may be spot on when it comes to the economy, I think a lot of his social positions push a large percentage of voters away from him. Pataki at times seemed like he'd be a better fit in a Democratic debate, countering Republican rhetoric with reason and rational thought over and over, although it mostly landed on deaf ears given his audience. I think this debate might have been the last appearance for Bobby Jindahl, who just didn't make a splash yesterday. He's had a hard time separating himself from the pack, and I think his best chance to do so is to withdraw from it.
The later debate-which began at 8pm on CNN and lasted until 11pm-featured the top ELEVEN candidates. This means the likes of Senator Rand Paul, ex Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee, NJ governor Chris Christie, Senator Marco Rubio, and Senator Ted Cruz made the main stage with the 6 I consider more "real" candidates; ex CEO Carly Fiorina, ex Florida governor Jeb Bush, Ohio governor Jon Kasich, retired pediatric neurosurgeon Ben Carson, and Wisconsin governor Scott Walker. Oh, and of course Donald Trump, who most that know me, know I don't consider a real candidate at all, just an attraction to bring attention to the other candidates who are real options. However, about 30% of the republican party currently wants his three ring circus to be part of the process, so he is.
I think this debate may have been the turning point downward for him though. I think he finally found out what "too far" is in the GOP when he went after Bush 2, and inferred we were not safer because of him. The crowd and all the candidates in the field seemed to immediately reel on him when he started down that path. And then the NY democrat in him quieted down, and he as a whole quieted down, and the debate took a turn towards substantive issues.
When that happened, Carly Fiorina showed that there IS an "outsider" in this field with the knowledge and judgement to lead this country and deal with foreign affairs. She was very specific as to what she would do, and how she would do it on all issues, ranging from Iran to ISIS to Egypt, which fleets and forces needed bolstering, etc. I GUARANTEE she does more than watch television to be informed on the issues.
Of the other candidates, Jeb Bush finally showed some backbone, standing up to Trump several times, demanding an apology for his wife (which he didn't get of course, since Trump is an overgrown toddler) and not allowing Donald to dominate the stage in any way during their exchanges. Marco Rubio really sounded strong on foreign policy. I don't think he'll win the presidency, but he could be a guy that the next president looks towards as Secretary of State. He's very articulate and intelligent, and knows what he's talking about when it comes to foreign affairs. Christie had a few moments, and might make a push for Attorney General, but he's not going to be President either. Same with Carson, except for the Attorney General part. He's clearly very intelligent and articulate, but he's just not ready for office.
One way or another, I think that by the next debate several of these candidates have to drop out, so we can focus more on substantive issues, and learn more about the real candidates. If the next debate featured only Scott Walker, John Kasich, Carly Fiorina, Jeb Bush, and Marco Rubio for three hours, it'd be A LOT better.
No comments:
Post a Comment