Discuss the debate- winners, losers?

BlueBirdMB

Here's my pseudo analysis.

My top:

Rubio came out on top.  With that editorial coming out earlier in the day, I was worried he'd have a rough night, but he came out swinging.  He was clear, concise, passionate, and presidential.  He's going to close the gap between himself and Carson and Trump

Christie.  Jeez where did he come from?  He's found his debate groove certainly.  This was the Christie I had seen in person.  Direct, brash, sympathetic, and a fighter.  I'm not sure he can rise from the ashes, but he'll get a boost from this. 

Cruz did well too.  He's not very interesting to me and I think he's got his right wing vote solidified already and I'm not sure he did anything to appeal to anybody outside of the far right wing.

Fiorina.  I love her.  She always seems so smart, quick, substantive, but I'm not sure she did anything to truly help her poll numbers tonight.  We'll see.

My bottom.

Bush.  He just seems shocked that he's doing so badly.  He always seems so stressed every time he has to speak.  It makes me nervous to watch him

Kasich is dead in the water.  If I had to hear him talk about his budget or Ohio one more time, I was going to scream.

Huckabee is also dead in the water.

Paul.  I always like his answers, but I don't believe he's a leader.  I think he's far more effective in legislation where he belongs.  He does his job well and I hope he continues to do that job well for many years to come.

Carson is so blahhh in debates.  He seems to really struggle coming up with substantial answers.  I can't figure out why he's doing so well in the polls other than his likability factor.  He's damn likable, but I don't want to vote for someone who's just likable.  I think right now he's getting the people who fell tired of Trump's rudeness, and they flipped to the other "outsider" who was "nicer".

Trump.  He didn't have a good or bad night I guess.  He didn't say anything new.  The other candidates had decided it would no longer be The Trump Show, and he couldn't regain any traction without it being his show.

Can we talk about the moderators?  They were badly prepared, didn't have their sources at hand, and had no rules for rebuttals, which the candidates quickly realized, so it became a free for all.  I heard them discussing the debate upcoming and they were literally snarling.  They were rude, arrogant, and I'm glad the candidates wouldn't stand for it.  This was a long time coming.  Republicans often get liberal moderators  who fail to realize that the debates are to educate Republican voters who already believe in Republican principles.  

vlagrl29

I was watching the world series so I'm out of this one.  Is trump still #1 - this is still baffling to me.

nkjacobsma

I got the time mixed up and don't have cable. So, I missed it. But I've been trying to decipher what happened, and I'm kind of dissapointed. They didn't really talk about anything and I feel that a lot more GOP candidates should be weaned out by now. Why are candidates like Paul and Huckabee still even in the running? The fact that so many are still in the game (and the fact that Trump and Carson are still in the game) is just going to lower the chances of the GOP winning the Presidential election.

And I love Rubio-he had some good moments last night, but still didn't really say anything because none of the candidates said anything.

BlueBirdMB

vlagrl29 said:

I was watching the world series so I'm out of this one.  Is trump still #1 - this is still baffling to me.

He's on a slow spiral downhill, thank god.  It's a long ways to the primaries.  Cain was still in the lead this time 4 years ago.

I disagree about the fact that they didn't talk about anything.  It took them a while, because the questions were ridiculous, but they eventually got into their own discussions on taxes, social security, and medicare, all of which I thought were very detailed.  People had real plans and good ideas.  They also had a great discussion on the role of government. 

short+sassy

vlagrl29 said:

I was watching the world series so I'm out of this one.  Is trump still #1 - this is still baffling to me.

I haven't been following really closely but, last I read, Carson overtook him in the polls.

Random side question:  Has their ever been a President (in the last 100 years or so) who had zero political experience before becoming President?

BlueBirdMB

short+sassy said:

vlagrl29 said:

I was watching the world series so I'm out of this one.  Is trump still #1 - this is still baffling to me.

I haven't been following really closely but, last I read, Carson overtook him in the polls.

Random side question:  Has their ever been a President (in the last 100 years or so) who had zero political experience before becoming President?

I believe Eisenhower?  I mean, he was a general, which certainly is governmental leadership experience, but I don't think he held elected office before becoming president.  He also isn't known for being a great president, although he did build all of our major highway systems.

BlueBirdMB

And yes, Carson has taken over Trump in several Iowa and national polls

Buying1stHome

My thoughts: 1. The field needs to be smaller. We need 5-6 candidates up there. If a debate is 2-3 hours and we have 10 candidates, it's just too many people to give each person a fair shot at a whole discussion of their plans. Case in point, I wanted to hear more about the candidates' tax plans. But due to time and the number of people up there (and the moderators interrupting), there was hardly any discussion. 2. I am angry. I understand that not everyone votes for GOP people. But, part of the political process is giving candidates a fair open shot at communication. Due to the moderators' bias this did not occur. I hope now that all people can see just how poorly the left media handles conservative debates and news. It was so bad in fact that the RNC suspended its relationship with all NBC networks. 3. Being a moderator is like being a referee. The moderators job is NOT to debate or argue with the candidates but rather to facilitate an orderly discussion between the candidates themselves. What an embarrassment those CNBC moderators were/are to their network, their industry (even CNN called them 'inept."), and what thorns in the political process. A moderator should be able to say, "I don't agree with you and I won't vote for your party, but I will honor your right to free exchange of ideas." 4. Paul, Huckabee, Bush, and Kasich for sure need to go away. 5. I did not like Rubio, actually. I think he is too junior. Yes, age shouldn't matter, but I am suspicious of people who go after offices who are so young and then seem to use them as stepping stones to the next biggest position. My town's mayor was elected at age 29. He's been in 2 years and is now running for our State's House. Sloooowwww down, buddy! I liked Cruz and Christie. Trump was not obnoxious this time. But, I don't trust his character. I like Fiorina, but sadly due to the nature in which women are viewed in Muslim nations, I do not know how affective Carly would be in discussions or the company of Muslim men. She would shine! But the men would not respect her, which would be an overall detriment. That's sad, but it's the nature of this global society and the worldview of Islam. I too cannot decide why Carson is doing so well. I "get" him, but I wish he had more fire in his belly. I think people are so sick of D.C. that Carson is that breath of fresh air, but now that I see people like Christie and Cruz - with awesome experience, such strong hard workers in politics, I'm hesitant about Carson.

BlueBirdMB

Buying1stHome said:

My thoughts: 1. The field needs to be smaller. We need 5-6 candidates up there. If a debate is 2-3 hours and we have 10 candidates, it's just too many people to give each person a fair shot at a whole discussion of their plans. Case in point, I wanted to hear more about the candidates' tax plans. But due to time and the number of people up there (and the moderators interrupting), there was hardly any discussion. 2. I am angry. I understand that not everyone votes for GOP people. But, part of the political process is giving candidates a fair open shot at communication. Due to the moderators' bias this did not occur. I hope now that all people can see just how poorly the left media handles conservative debates and news. It was so bad in fact that the RNC suspended its relationship with all NBC networks. 3. Being a moderator is like being a referee. The moderators job is NOT to debate or argue with the candidates but rather to facilitate an orderly discussion between the candidates themselves. What an embarrassment those CNBC moderators were/are to their network, their industry (even CNN called them 'inept."), and what thorns in the political process. A moderator should be able to say, "I don't agree with you and I won't vote for your party, but I will honor your right to free exchange of ideas." 4. Paul, Huckabee, Bush, and Kasich for sure need to go away. 5. I did not like Rubio, actually. I think he is too junior. Yes, age shouldn't matter, but I am suspicious of people who go after offices who are so young and then seem to use them as stepping stones to the next biggest position. My town's mayor was elected at age 29. He's been in 2 years and is now running for our State's House. Sloooowwww down, buddy! I liked Cruz and Christie. Trump was not obnoxious this time. But, I don't trust his character. I like Fiorina, but sadly due to the nature in which women are viewed in Muslim nations, I do not know how affective Carly would be in discussions or the company of Muslim men. She would shine! But the men would not respect her, which would be an overall detriment. That's sad, but it's the nature of this global society and the worldview of Islam. I too cannot decide why Carson is doing so well. I "get" him, but I wish he had more fire in his belly. I think people are so sick of D.C. that Carson is that breath of fresh air, but now that I see people like Christie and Cruz - with awesome experience, such strong hard workers in politics, I'm hesitant about Carson.

You do realize Rubio is the exact same age as Cruz, correct?  He just looks young.  We've had several presidents younger than Rubio.  I think age is irrelevant regardless.

vlagrl29

BlueBirdMB said:

Buying1stHome said:

My thoughts: 1. The field needs to be smaller. We need 5-6 candidates up there. If a debate is 2-3 hours and we have 10 candidates, it's just too many people to give each person a fair shot at a whole discussion of their plans. Case in point, I wanted to hear more about the candidates' tax plans. But due to time and the number of people up there (and the moderators interrupting), there was hardly any discussion. 2. I am angry. I understand that not everyone votes for GOP people. But, part of the political process is giving candidates a fair open shot at communication. Due to the moderators' bias this did not occur. I hope now that all people can see just how poorly the left media handles conservative debates and news. It was so bad in fact that the RNC suspended its relationship with all NBC networks. 3. Being a moderator is like being a referee. The moderators job is NOT to debate or argue with the candidates but rather to facilitate an orderly discussion between the candidates themselves. What an embarrassment those CNBC moderators were/are to their network, their industry (even CNN called them 'inept."), and what thorns in the political process. A moderator should be able to say, "I don't agree with you and I won't vote for your party, but I will honor your right to free exchange of ideas." 4. Paul, Huckabee, Bush, and Kasich for sure need to go away. 5. I did not like Rubio, actually. I think he is too junior. Yes, age shouldn't matter, but I am suspicious of people who go after offices who are so young and then seem to use them as stepping stones to the next biggest position. My town's mayor was elected at age 29. He's been in 2 years and is now running for our State's House. Sloooowwww down, buddy! I liked Cruz and Christie. Trump was not obnoxious this time. But, I don't trust his character. I like Fiorina, but sadly due to the nature in which women are viewed in Muslim nations, I do not know how affective Carly would be in discussions or the company of Muslim men. She would shine! But the men would not respect her, which would be an overall detriment. That's sad, but it's the nature of this global society and the worldview of Islam. I too cannot decide why Carson is doing so well. I "get" him, but I wish he had more fire in his belly. I think people are so sick of D.C. that Carson is that breath of fresh air, but now that I see people like Christie and Cruz - with awesome experience, such strong hard workers in politics, I'm hesitant about Carson.

You do realize Rubio is the exact same age as Cruz, correct?  He just looks young.  We've had several presidents younger than Rubio.  I think age is irrelevant regardless.

no way!  How old is he?  personally age doesn't bother me.

BlueBirdMB

vlagrl29 they are both 44 years old.  You have to be 35 years old to run for president.

vlagrl29

BlueBirdMB said:

vlagrl29 they are both 44 years old.  You have to be 35 years old to run for president.

well damn Rubio does look for for his age

BlueBirdMB

vlagrl29 said:

BlueBirdMB said:

vlagrl29 they are both 44 years old.  You have to be 35 years old to run for president.

well damn Rubio does look for for his age

He's got a baby face!

MommyLiberty5013

BlueBirdMB said:

Buying1stHome said:

My thoughts: 1. The field needs to be smaller. We need 5-6 candidates up there. If a debate is 2-3 hours and we have 10 candidates, it's just too many people to give each person a fair shot at a whole discussion of their plans. Case in point, I wanted to hear more about the candidates' tax plans. But due to time and the number of people up there (and the moderators interrupting), there was hardly any discussion. 2. I am angry. I understand that not everyone votes for GOP people. But, part of the political process is giving candidates a fair open shot at communication. Due to the moderators' bias this did not occur. I hope now that all people can see just how poorly the left media handles conservative debates and news. It was so bad in fact that the RNC suspended its relationship with all NBC networks. 3. Being a moderator is like being a referee. The moderators job is NOT to debate or argue with the candidates but rather to facilitate an orderly discussion between the candidates themselves. What an embarrassment those CNBC moderators were/are to their network, their industry (even CNN called them 'inept."), and what thorns in the political process. A moderator should be able to say, "I don't agree with you and I won't vote for your party, but I will honor your right to free exchange of ideas." 4. Paul, Huckabee, Bush, and Kasich for sure need to go away. 5. I did not like Rubio, actually. I think he is too junior. Yes, age shouldn't matter, but I am suspicious of people who go after offices who are so young and then seem to use them as stepping stones to the next biggest position. My town's mayor was elected at age 29. He's been in 2 years and is now running for our State's House. Sloooowwww down, buddy! I liked Cruz and Christie. Trump was not obnoxious this time. But, I don't trust his character. I like Fiorina, but sadly due to the nature in which women are viewed in Muslim nations, I do not know how affective Carly would be in discussions or the company of Muslim men. She would shine! But the men would not respect her, which would be an overall detriment. That's sad, but it's the nature of this global society and the worldview of Islam. I too cannot decide why Carson is doing so well. I "get" him, but I wish he had more fire in his belly. I think people are so sick of D.C. that Carson is that breath of fresh air, but now that I see people like Christie and Cruz - with awesome experience, such strong hard workers in politics, I'm hesitant about Carson.

You do realize Rubio is the exact same age as Cruz, correct?  He just looks young.  We've had several presidents younger than Rubio.  I think age is irrelevant regardless.

I didn't know they were the same age. I stand corrected. Thanks. Well then, I guess I just don't like Rubio, but I do like Cruz. I think Cruz has a lot of "fighting experience" in his current and past roles in elected office.

short+sassy

BlueBirdMB said:

short+sassy said:

vlagrl29 said:

I was watching the world series so I'm out of this one.  Is trump still #1 - this is still baffling to me.

I haven't been following really closely but, last I read, Carson overtook him in the polls.

Random side question:  Has their ever been a President (in the last 100 years or so) who had zero political experience before becoming President?

I believe Eisenhower?  I mean, he was a general, which certainly is governmental leadership experience, but I don't think he held elected office before becoming president.  He also isn't known for being a great president, although he did build all of our major highway systems.

Thanks!  I looked it up and you are right on the money.  The only political office Eisenhower ever held was the Presidency.

BlueBirdMB

short+sassy said:

BlueBirdMB said:

short+sassy said:

vlagrl29 said:

I was watching the world series so I'm out of this one.  Is trump still #1 - this is still baffling to me.

I haven't been following really closely but, last I read, Carson overtook him in the polls.

Random side question:  Has their ever been a President (in the last 100 years or so) who had zero political experience before becoming President?

I believe Eisenhower?  I mean, he was a general, which certainly is governmental leadership experience, but I don't think he held elected office before becoming president.  He also isn't known for being a great president, although he did build all of our major highway systems.

Thanks!  I looked it up and you are right on the money.  The only political office Eisenhower ever held was the Presidency.

Thinking about Eisenhower has solidified my decision to not vote for a non-politician!

nkjacobsma

Of the 4 candidates I would least likely to see (being a moderate conservative):

Carson > Hilary > Trump > Bernie

Bernie scares the living daylights out of me. A tax system like Denmark would just not work in the United States. Also, I've read that in the countries Bernie wants to model our tax systems after, cars are taxed so much, that people are no longer buying cars. So, the government is now taxing bicycles so much, that people are starting not to be able to afford those either.

BlueBirdMB

nkjacobsma said:

Of the 4 candidates I would least likely to see (being a moderate conservative):

Carson > Hilary > Trump > Bernie

Bernie scares the living daylights out of me. A tax system like Denmark would just not work in the United States. Also, I've read that in the countries Bernie wants to model our tax systems after, cars are taxed so much, that people are no longer buying cars. So, the government is now taxing bicycles so much, that people are starting not to be able to afford those either.

Exactly!!!  To all of this!