Americans have flocked to Trump not because they like him personally- I suspect in this age of White House promoted economic jealousy and class warfare, a sizable portion of the country does not- but they like to see a potential president with swagger and guts, especially as the eight year apology tour that has been the Obama Administration draws near its final lap.
Advertisement
He also refused to apologize for making what some saw as insulting comments about women, saying, “The big problem this country has is being politically correct”. With an unpredictable style and unformed policy positions, Trump is a perplexing foe for his GOP rivals. The Washington Post reported Thursday that, before deciding to run, Trump called former President Bill Clinton, the husband of Democratic frontrunner, Hillary Clinton.
Tonight’s first presidential debate featured the seven GOP presidential candidates who didn’t make the cut for the 9 p.m. prime-time debate. Those are: racial issues, Mexico, the economy, LGBT issues and immigration. But the goal should be clear: Our people are our greatest asset.
“Immigration without assimilation is an invasion”, Jindal said. Fiorina said. “I didn’t”.
When Paul criticized Christie for hugging President Barack Obama several years ago, Christie went for the jugular: “Senator Paul, you know, the hugs I remember are the hugs that I gave to the families who lost their people on September 11th”.
Paul, a staunch opponent of the surveillance programs, said he wanted to collect more records from terrorists, not law-abiding Americans. The Federal Election Commission, however, has no records of Trump contributing to Paul.
Also on stage Thursday was Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, whose victories over unions in his home state created his national profile. It took only 11 minutes before candidates came out swinging against Trump.
Sen. Ted Cruz, surgeon and tea party favorite Ben Carson, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, and Ohio Gov. John Kasich rounded out the debate lineup. When that’s the pro-choice candidate’s answer, you can pretty much guess how the rest felt. I need your help and your support.
Lesser-known contenders including former Texas Gov. Rick Perry and Fiorina slammed Trump, blasting the billionaire businessman’s conservative credentials and friendly relationship with Hillary and Bill Clinton. After him are candidates who have some plausible claim to the Republican nomination either by virtue of their resume or their political leadership.
But for Carly Fiorina, the debate may have served as a springboard to catapult her into the front half of the field. “What are the principles by which he would govern?” she asked.
All of the media, TV trucks, conversation – it feels more like a political convention or general-election debate than your first primary-season debate.
Advertisement
Who has made it into the main debate – and who is only in the pre-debate? But if it matters at all, Fiorina should see a bounce in national polls. It said four debates are planned for early presidential primary states in advance of the Iowa caucuses, which begin February 1.
