This was an ABC hosted debate and I have to say it started out very awkward. Carson couldn’t hear his name being called so he stood there on camera waiting. You could see the production people trying to usher him out but he just stood there while the other candidates passed him up as they walked out. It worked itself out of course but it was awkward. I’ll also note that the moderators were terrible in general. They tried on 4 separate occasions to get the candidate on record to say they would start a war with North Korea, round up illegals and tax the rich and oh who likes torture? All four attempts failed but to me it was obvious what they were trying to do.
But anyway….
Trump: Calm, I’m the guy but still word salad as a whole: Trump is getting to be a better debater. However, he showed he really cannot take any sort of criticism at all. Trump was booed on several occasions and he turned around and called the whole audience a bunch of lobbyist. Really? Trump failed to quiet down Bush as they went at it over eminent domain. Which Trump loves by the way. He loves it when the government takes your property and uses it for public use, at a fair price mind you. Yeah right, fair price. So in a Trump administration if he wants something he’s going to take it. Trump’s definition of conservatism is to conserve was puzzling to me?? So he’s not rally a conservative he just plays one on TV. Trump lost big time to Cruz in Iowa and if he doesn’t get his act together he’s going to lose more. He just can’t hold rallies and expect to win the nomination. He needs a ground game and fast. Trump Still may do very well as this race goes on but he’s shown he can be beat and he can be rattled. If he wins on Tuesday and wins in South Carolina this could be all his.
Bush: Confidante, reserved and less awkward: Bush has a great night last night. He took it to Trump in the most effective way he has done compared to all the other debates. He prodded Trump to go off and then just shut up and he let Trump dig himself into a whole. I think Bush showed very well to the voters but more importantly the donors who were getting ready to jump ship for Rubio. But since Rubio tanked last night that may change (more on that later). If Bush did this well earlier on he may be in the top 2 or 3 candidates now. However, this may be too little too late for Bush. At this point it’s all about voters and donors and I don’t think Bush has enough of either to make it past Super Tuesday.
Carson: At this point Carson has about a month and a half left in his campaign and he’s starting to look like he knows it. He was barely called on in the last 2 debates and when he was called on he really didn’t add to the conversation. I still think which ever republican wins as the next president they should make Carson director of HHS.
Cruz: Strong, steady, measured, played it safe: Cruz is coming off a yuge win in IOWA and yesterday he tried to act like the front runner. Cruz was concise in his answers and didn’t attack any other candidate last night. He gave detailed answered on immigration and foreign policy. The moderators didn’t like that so there was not a lot of follow ups or trying to get other candidates to attack Cruz’s positions. I don’t think Cruz will win New Hampshire but a strong top 3 would put him good position going forward.
Rubio: Yea! He slowed down: Rubio completely failed last night. Christie buried him and all Rubio could do was repeat himself over and over, which made him look completely unprepared and weak. Rubio tried to deflect his record by talking about Obama’s and Christie nailed him on it over and over. Rubio showed real weakness and inexperience for the first time in this entire contest and I’m sure it gave a lot of donors pause let along voters. If Rubio is going to be the establishment candidate he has to do a lot better in fending off attacks as this race heats up. Because if this was the first debate you watched and you saw how Rubio handled himself last night then you may be thinking of supporting another candidate. This is a teachable moment and I hope Rubio learns well from it.
Mr. Krabs: Mr. Reasonable, Mr. Moderate, HANDS: Hey I’m a nice guy so vote for me. Hey I’m a moderate so vote for me. Hey NO, sorry I will not vote for you. Another guy who has about a month or two left in his campaign.
Christie: Firm, relaxed, comfortable: Christie totally succeeded in taking down Rubio last night. All Christie had to say was “See, there he goes again repeating himself without answering the question” Rubio responded by walking directly into the punch each and every time. I don’t think Christie gained any votes last night but he did show that Rubio is beatable. Hillary would use the same line of attack at Rubio’s lack of experience and Rubio would lose. Christie may be the in it a little longer than Mr. Krabs but I don’t see him lasting past Super Tuesday.
It is still is a Trump, Cruz and Rubio race.
Big Winner: Bush
Winner: Cruz, Christie, Trump
Loser: Mr. Crabs, Carson
Big Loser: Rubio
Illinois Primary is March 15th
Until the next time…..
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