Sounds like Republicans wants another world war to raise up the stakes.The debate sounded like arrogant people who wants to show that America can be a Nazi Germany in starting a war for their own personal benefits. Those who listened to every candidate except Rand Paul looked like nuts. It is a shame that republicans have nothing to offer but bluster in the debate. But I will blame the CNN moderators on asking questions just on the security and defense issues, instead of concentrating on the pressing national issues that requires more attention.
5
It’s difficult to argue with the logic that what this country needs are carpet bombing of civilian populations, mass deportations (busting up more families in America than slavery ever did), and shooting down Russian jets for flying in unilaterally designated no-fly zones.
Promising “chickens in every pot” just won’t cut it when there are already way too many in GOP flocks.
Promising “chickens in every pot” just won’t cut it when there are already way too many in GOP flocks.
6
I tried to watch this last debate. Rand Paul started out with some meaningful ideas to current problems in the US, then Chris Christie, Marco Rubio, etc went into the usual barrage against Hillary and the Democrats as their initial statements. That turned me off immediately. I am so sick of listening to a bunch of supposed wise men mouthing off against the Democrats without offering anything helpful in improving the challenges that we face in this country. Especially, Chris Christie...what a waste of words, meaningless ideas and just plain puffery. He's a total disaster, in my opinion. It was a bit like listening to Rush Limbaugh. The debate held my attention for five minutes and then I changed the dial. At least Donald Trump offers comic relief from eight years of a sniveling, whining, insidious, and just plain dumb Republican Party leadership.
4
So the focus of the debate was about ISIS and terrorism and immigration. But no mention about the greatest threat to all of us, Climate Change. ...Sorry, I need to put on my republican hat....what climate change ?
6
I don't see anyone in this "debate" who has any interest in the country or it's people.
This was "American Idol President", a parade if narcissists.
This is all about money and power. If any one of these wins, America loses. The rich will get more tax breaks and the future of Social Security and Medicare will be in grave danger.
It's sad that so many people take these people seriously.
This was "American Idol President", a parade if narcissists.
This is all about money and power. If any one of these wins, America loses. The rich will get more tax breaks and the future of Social Security and Medicare will be in grave danger.
It's sad that so many people take these people seriously.
9
Like a bunch of kids in a schoolyard. Oughta have 'em take off their shirts and go at to see who is the toughest. I would pay to get that ticket.
6
The Republican message:
Be afraid. Very afraid.
I look for experienced, adult leadership from our next President, Hillary Rodham Clinton.
Be afraid. Very afraid.
I look for experienced, adult leadership from our next President, Hillary Rodham Clinton.
10
Listening to the debates, I feel comforted in knowing that a champion waits in the wings who will end the threat of terrorist incidents, and with the building of walls along the borders (and perhaps the coasts as well) end the influx of Mexicans, Central Americans, and similar sorts. Muslims will no longer be allowed into the country but those who live here will gladly be of help in uncovering terrorist cells in their midst, and we will inform those jihadists on the no-fly list that they can still purchase weapons but that they will not be allowed to use them except for sport. China and Russia will be humbled and no longer pose economic or military threats Iran will be told that their nuclear program is no longer acceptable to us, no ifs, ands, or buts.
Despite the fact that Sen. Rubio says we should be scared and worried, Mr. Trump says we are almost doomed, and Gov. Christie says we are in World War III, the future looks bright and I now sleep like a baby, comforted in the thought that absolute security can be just around the corner.
Despite the fact that Sen. Rubio says we should be scared and worried, Mr. Trump says we are almost doomed, and Gov. Christie says we are in World War III, the future looks bright and I now sleep like a baby, comforted in the thought that absolute security can be just around the corner.
5
They just want to bicker their way into power then the press will cry "white privilege". These people do absolutely NOTHING. They can not solve our problems because they are in front of the camera all the time. Celebrities don't care about people, they gave weapons to the Muslims so they can shoot the Russians or the Syrians keep our weapons to fight us later. They don't want a ground war because their afraid Us troops will sue them. Contact the Fcc and pull this garbage off the AIR FOR GOOD!!!!
3
It is astonishing to me that any of these clowns can garner the support of more than a fringe group of nutters. I think ISIS would welcome an administration that would lash out and get drawn further into the quagmire.
8
The issue I heard much about, yet was not listed, was war and increasing our defense spending. Sounds like lots of costs to me. Last time we increased costs for those purposes, the previous administration cut taxes. I assume cutting taxes in that particular party remains high on their agenda. So does cutting government debt.
All I want to have clarified is how the republican establishment plans to accomplish an all out war, shrink the budget, increase defense costs, increase troops to fight unending religious wars in the middle east, care for injured troops etc. without raising taxes and increasing more debt and loss of life once again? Are they impeding our intelligence with their propaganda- just as they groomed our attitudes in the past without any hesitation? This psychological climate is heating while the overall tendency is that we will all eventually burn under their leadership. Where are the peacemakers in their stead? We hunger for a rational alternative.
All I want to have clarified is how the republican establishment plans to accomplish an all out war, shrink the budget, increase defense costs, increase troops to fight unending religious wars in the middle east, care for injured troops etc. without raising taxes and increasing more debt and loss of life once again? Are they impeding our intelligence with their propaganda- just as they groomed our attitudes in the past without any hesitation? This psychological climate is heating while the overall tendency is that we will all eventually burn under their leadership. Where are the peacemakers in their stead? We hunger for a rational alternative.
7
All talked tough on terrorism. But none offered any new thoughts on how to combat ISIS.
Here's one they, and everyone else, might consider:
There are about four million Syrian refugees living outside Syria. A million or so would be men able to fight in an armed force. If a coalition is formed to create a ground force, it could recruit from among the million refugees. If say three percent volunteer, that’s 30,000 troops.
Those now unemployed, or living in squalid conditions (as many in Jordan and Turkey) would have jobs; if successful all could reoccupy their own land. If they are able to form the bulk of troops, then with countries like England, France, (the U.S.?), contributing 10,000 or so troops each, and Sunni tribesmen, Kurds, etc. adding more, a huge ground force could be realized.
The leaders of the coalition would be responsible for the recruitment and training of the refugees. Recruits would need to be those most willing to fight Isis, not Assad. If the area is retaken, a safe, and no-fly-zone could be established for the refugees now reoccupying their land until Assad is dealt with one way or another.
Here's one they, and everyone else, might consider:
There are about four million Syrian refugees living outside Syria. A million or so would be men able to fight in an armed force. If a coalition is formed to create a ground force, it could recruit from among the million refugees. If say three percent volunteer, that’s 30,000 troops.
Those now unemployed, or living in squalid conditions (as many in Jordan and Turkey) would have jobs; if successful all could reoccupy their own land. If they are able to form the bulk of troops, then with countries like England, France, (the U.S.?), contributing 10,000 or so troops each, and Sunni tribesmen, Kurds, etc. adding more, a huge ground force could be realized.
The leaders of the coalition would be responsible for the recruitment and training of the refugees. Recruits would need to be those most willing to fight Isis, not Assad. If the area is retaken, a safe, and no-fly-zone could be established for the refugees now reoccupying their land until Assad is dealt with one way or another.
2
Looks like the Dems are out in force bashing the debate, as usual. At least there is a public discussion, where differing ideas are debated in real time, preventing tele-prompting, staged managed answers. This allows for unconventional, overstated, meek or mean spirited answers among others. Yes, it is ugly at times, but it also gives me the ability to judge the persons ideas, communications & reasoning abilities and reactions. Its too bad the coronation on the other side is all lipstick and coattails.
4
Chimanimani
well said!
well said!
You don't explain how the Democratic debates fail to similarly air the candidates' ideas. From where I sit, the two main differences are: 1. the Democrats are running the usual number of candidates as opposed to the Republican's unwieldy slate, and 2. the Democrats actually have ideas, as opposed to the bile, insults, chest-thumping, and downright lies spewing from the Republicans' mouths.
12
Thank God for Canada. It looks so much more sensible than the GOPs-in-Vegas Show. And it makes it very hard to see the CNN Anti-Debate live that I watched sweet old Carol Lombard and Robert Montgomery films instead. No teeth gnashing, I fell asleep with a smile. Don't go GOP, America, stay calm. Get Netflix or something similar. Sleep, sleep, sleep.. then awaken and vote against that pathetic Party of UnPeace, unPropserity,, and unProgress.
7
Trump's fatal weakness is his failure to understand that alienating all existing institutions and interest groups makes success impossible.
5
Funny how liberals can ignore the simple fact that we are indeed at war with a fairly large army, one that is well funded, who wish to kill us. Not just Conservatives, but Liberals, Independents, Christians, Agnostics and Atheists!
When are you going to realize this? The only way to deal with Terrorists who wish to kill you is to kill them first! You think we can win them over by doing what exactly??? Ignoring them to death??
When are you going to realize this? The only way to deal with Terrorists who wish to kill you is to kill them first! You think we can win them over by doing what exactly??? Ignoring them to death??
2
Rubio is so scared of Trump I will bet he shakes in his boots when the Donald come around him. So is Cruz and Carson. Fiorina did not have the sense to see that the one time her poll numbers were higher than today is when she effectively took on Trump in the debates. In other words Trump won by default and had nothing to lose by standing there and saying nothing. The stooges are playing into his hands.
1
Rubio looked like a High School debater. He doesn't belong on the stage; however, he has told us he is bored with the Senate and it is the White House or nothing. Too bad he doesn't do the job he was elected to do for the people of Florida.
5
I thought Christie provided one of the night's best moments when he asked the audience if their eyes were glazing over listening to all these Senators whose jobs are just to debate issues, not to actually do anything. They have votes on whether or not to bring something up for a vote. They cast votes that are purely symbolic and insert phony poison-pill amendments into bills just to malign their opponents. The Senate has become a theoretical exercise like a grownup version of Boy's State.
6
Many in the media who wet their pants when Trump suggested blocking Muslims must not realize that Mr. Trump is one of the best negotiators of our time. Compare this with Mr. Obama who has zero negotiating skills or any skill of any kind. The takeaway from Mr. Trumps words about banning Muslims will boil down to better vetting of Muslims entering the country and possibly some restrictions from certain countries.
2
Minor accomplishments of President Obama: The ACA, an Iran nuclear deal, a landmark deal on global warming, steady recovery from the worse economic disaster since the Great Depression. And what of substance has Mr. Trump negotiated? Being born to a wealthy father from whom he could inherit wealth?
8
All the Republican Candidates are SOFT on Terrorism, especially after Paris and San Bernadino, when they refused or outright did not put in any consideration to common sense Gun Laws to remove loop holes, allowing Gun Ownership or Purchases by Proxy and/or strengthen provisions that would bar anyone with any form of Mental Health issue or on a Federal Terror Watchlist in purchasing a Gun, as well a ban on Semi-Automated Rifles, which has been at almost every mass shooting scene, used or not.
What did these Republican Candidates do when Gunmen committed multiple homicides ? - Absolutely Nothing, except offer rhetoric about establishing NO-FLY Zones in a foreign land more than 5600 miles, ban the movement of anyone of the Muslim Faith, and support a former Disney Movie Star in the lame excuse about how Criminals and Terrorist will circumvent legal gun purchase and that new Gun Laws do nothing , when it is already apparent that a majority of Mass Murderers do not have an outstanding criminal record and have purchased their guns legally without any real challenge to their mental health or purchase by proxy.
If none of these Presidential Candidates can not offer a substantial policy or strategy to stop the alarmingly monthly Mass Shootings that happens only in the US - these Monthly Domestic Terrorist Attacks to US Civilians - http://timelines.latimes.com/deadliest-shooting-rampages/ - then none of these Republican Presidential Candidates can claim to be strong against Terror.
What did these Republican Candidates do when Gunmen committed multiple homicides ? - Absolutely Nothing, except offer rhetoric about establishing NO-FLY Zones in a foreign land more than 5600 miles, ban the movement of anyone of the Muslim Faith, and support a former Disney Movie Star in the lame excuse about how Criminals and Terrorist will circumvent legal gun purchase and that new Gun Laws do nothing , when it is already apparent that a majority of Mass Murderers do not have an outstanding criminal record and have purchased their guns legally without any real challenge to their mental health or purchase by proxy.
If none of these Presidential Candidates can not offer a substantial policy or strategy to stop the alarmingly monthly Mass Shootings that happens only in the US - these Monthly Domestic Terrorist Attacks to US Civilians - http://timelines.latimes.com/deadliest-shooting-rampages/ - then none of these Republican Presidential Candidates can claim to be strong against Terror.
3
Carson had a "low-key presence?" Only those steeped in governance overwhelmed by the military can say that. Carson said clearly that if the military leaders said we should have boots on the ground, he would put boots on the ground. He thereby ceded foreign policy decisions to the Pentagon. Apparently this is too small a point for Americans to notice.
3
The real winners were Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. A number of the republicans were endorsing his policies. Also, with all the hate raging on the stage last night and that they have no problem with killing thousands of civilians in their carpet bombing idiocy the prez comes across as even a stronger and compassionate leader. The GOP could only wish that they had a candidate that could match even 10% of Obama's strengths and intelligence.
6
Larry 43
What policies of that inept Obama were being endorsed?
What policies of that inept Obama were being endorsed?
Accompanied by a "Map of Insults"...
How about a little in-depth reporting on these characters' positions on issues and real analysis of the implications?
The media is failing our democracy in consistently failing to do either of the above, and opting for sound-bite analysis and 'clever' graphics!
How about a little in-depth reporting on these characters' positions on issues and real analysis of the implications?
The media is failing our democracy in consistently failing to do either of the above, and opting for sound-bite analysis and 'clever' graphics!
6
Quoted from Rudyard Kipling:
This is the sorrowful story
Told when the twilight fails
And the monkeys walk together
Holding their neighbours' tails.
This is the sorrowful story
Told when the twilight fails
And the monkeys walk together
Holding their neighbours' tails.
8
If one wants to be something one must act the part. Trumph arrived for the debate in an armored limo surrounded by bodyguards just like the President. Like the President he meets with royalty. After the debate he is seen with a king, Wayne Newton, the King of Las Vegas.
Someone should point out to Ms. Failarina that her position on gun control is exactly the same as George W. Bush heading into the year 2000 election, but that a few bad events have happened in America since that election. Maybe she thinks we should just turn to W to find out the ways in which we are failing to enforce existing laws, and how all those existing laws are sufficient to stop sales of assault weapons, at gun shows, or sales to known and suspected terrorists, since she doesn't seem to have those details.
Was that red dress she was wearing a tribute to the blood of the innocent Americans killed by the terrorism at Planned Parenthood which she help to inspire?
Was that red dress she was wearing a tribute to the blood of the innocent Americans killed by the terrorism at Planned Parenthood which she help to inspire?
3
Now I know what it was like to live in the Weimar Republic.
3
Why didn't Blitzer tell the audience to be quiet? They were ridiculously disruptive. What I got out of the debate is that if Cruz or Rubio is anywhere on the ticket, I am moving to a swing state to volunteer for the Democratic candidate. I have a sleeping bag let over from the '70s.
3
Apparently everyone seems to have missed the elephants in the room last night. The two biggest stories since the last debate were the attack on Planned Parenthood where the attacker used Fiorina's lies as an excuse for hie mahem. And, the epic climate summit where the entire world finally recognized the need to do something. That was just last week BTW.
3
The tone, tenor and substance of the debate was abysmal. None of the participants are statesmen competent nor capable of governing the most powerful nation on earth. In particular, I was appalled at their complete disregard for the mass murders occurring in the United States perpetrated by Americans against Americans, "in house terrorism" that has been taking place constantly and often and is on the rise. This issue did not even come up at all!
Secondly, the largest and most deadly attack against Americans took place under George Bush (9/11) a Republican president.
The lies, manipulations, disregard for truth and integrity they displayed is an insult to the American people and a shameful spectacle for all to see worldwide. It saddens me to see these farcical encounters. Not one of these candidates has served in the armed forces yet all are willing to send more Americans abroad to meet their death. Shameful!!!
Secondly, the largest and most deadly attack against Americans took place under George Bush (9/11) a Republican president.
The lies, manipulations, disregard for truth and integrity they displayed is an insult to the American people and a shameful spectacle for all to see worldwide. It saddens me to see these farcical encounters. Not one of these candidates has served in the armed forces yet all are willing to send more Americans abroad to meet their death. Shameful!!!
7
calling this a debate is like calling a soccer riot an overly enthusiastic celebration
2
Apparently everyone seems to have missed the elephants in the room last night. The two biggest stories since the last debate were the attack on Planned Parenthood where the attacker used Fiorina's lies as an excuse for hie mayhem. And, the epic climate summit where the entire world finally recognized the need to do something. That was just last week BTW. Why not spend a minute or a few lines of ink about the real problems facing America, like campaign finance reform and a falling middle class?
5
First of all, they all wore the same clothes, red ties and all. Thanks for the laugh.
But what is not funny is who they are and why any one of them, aside from Bush, thinks they have a right to or chance for the presidency. They are a frightening bunch and watching their behavior led by Trump to Carnival Barker (who said that?) takes the wind out of you. The nerve, and the total lack of dignity. The Republican fight for a leader is like watching Lord of the Flies.
I put Bush aside because he would have been the best of the bunch, had the Republicans not been raided by Trump. Bush has a legitimate track record one can examine, he has governing experience, and he isn’t his brother or father. He might even have been the only one who would have been electable; against Hillary, he is the appropriate veteran politician and that would have in its own way leveled the field. Yeah sure they are both legacy candidates, but after Obama, where do you go? Americans aren’t ready for any brave new world, and none of these Republicans are leaders.
But what is not funny is who they are and why any one of them, aside from Bush, thinks they have a right to or chance for the presidency. They are a frightening bunch and watching their behavior led by Trump to Carnival Barker (who said that?) takes the wind out of you. The nerve, and the total lack of dignity. The Republican fight for a leader is like watching Lord of the Flies.
I put Bush aside because he would have been the best of the bunch, had the Republicans not been raided by Trump. Bush has a legitimate track record one can examine, he has governing experience, and he isn’t his brother or father. He might even have been the only one who would have been electable; against Hillary, he is the appropriate veteran politician and that would have in its own way leveled the field. Yeah sure they are both legacy candidates, but after Obama, where do you go? Americans aren’t ready for any brave new world, and none of these Republicans are leaders.
5
The GOP candidates appear to know nothing about unconventional warfare (or are pretending to know nothing). It isn't quite like the gunfight at the OK Corral or an Errol Flynn movie.
3
I watched the first ten minutes of the debate and then switched to the PBS Newshour with two women who really know how to interview guests and indepth coverage of what is happening in the world today by competent reporters from troubled spots in our country and around the world. Any of the Republican candidates would stop what pittance PBS receives as well as defund Planned Parenthood. Until the real debates begin when both parties have chosen their candidates I will not be watching. In fact I can't think of a stronger party ticket than Hillary with Bernie as VP and will support them with all my meager resources.
6
If any of the frontrunners is nominated, the Republicans don't have a chance next year. And that is a good thing!
It's sort of fun to watch how a political party self-destructs.
It's sort of fun to watch how a political party self-destructs.
5
I have never heard the word, "kill!", used so many times in the space of two hours--by educated individuals.
Their vehemence mirrors either the fear they feel (doubtful), or the far more cynical stance of knowing they can capture American votes by scaring the public, then giving their plan to save Americans from terrorists--"Kill them!"
But the level of a desire to kill, in unmitigated fashion, was astounding. No one even bothered to use other creative verbs, like, "destroy", "annihilate", "eliminate", "negate"--they were all about the "kill".
They failed to note how people in the US really die. 24 people in the US have been killed by jihadists in the last decade.
In the same period, there have been 280,024 gun deaths from extremist Christians, extremist racists, unhappy, angry individuals, the police, criminals.
Instead of focusing on the real danger of guns in the US, they insisted that increasing the size of the already mighty military was the answer.
No one mentioned the cost to each American if military funding is increased. Their bloodlust will lower benefits and eliminate necessary programs for the most needy in our population, sideline healthcare, education and the environment.
To be clear, I am not against fighting ISIS. They are a growing threat. But hotheads should not be at the helm when planning cunning strategies, which are most definitely needed to fight this atypical enemy.
And killing should always be the last choice, not the first.
Their vehemence mirrors either the fear they feel (doubtful), or the far more cynical stance of knowing they can capture American votes by scaring the public, then giving their plan to save Americans from terrorists--"Kill them!"
But the level of a desire to kill, in unmitigated fashion, was astounding. No one even bothered to use other creative verbs, like, "destroy", "annihilate", "eliminate", "negate"--they were all about the "kill".
They failed to note how people in the US really die. 24 people in the US have been killed by jihadists in the last decade.
In the same period, there have been 280,024 gun deaths from extremist Christians, extremist racists, unhappy, angry individuals, the police, criminals.
Instead of focusing on the real danger of guns in the US, they insisted that increasing the size of the already mighty military was the answer.
No one mentioned the cost to each American if military funding is increased. Their bloodlust will lower benefits and eliminate necessary programs for the most needy in our population, sideline healthcare, education and the environment.
To be clear, I am not against fighting ISIS. They are a growing threat. But hotheads should not be at the helm when planning cunning strategies, which are most definitely needed to fight this atypical enemy.
And killing should always be the last choice, not the first.
9
The Republican candidates are a joke. A very very sad joke. But in a roundabout way I'm grateful because I think their very ridiculousness guarantees a Democratic President. Not that I'm thrilled with the Democrats. I'm not. But they are infinitely superior to what I'm seeing from these clowns (and that's an insult to hard-working circus performers everywhere).
5
I didn't watch this garbage, but these "candidates" remind me of some extreme bloodthirsty radicals from third world countries.
4
This debate proves that we are a nation of simpletons if we are to buy this Republican nonsense. They live in a time when we still ruled the roost. These times are, rightfully, gone. This propensity of this party to automatically resort to bombing other countries without considering the consequences is mind boggling. But we must realize that this "performance" was designed to appeal to the rabid right wing militants that make up the party. Once someone is nominated by the GOP, be prepared for a sharp and sudden lurch to the middle.
17
The easiest, most dismissive and politically expedient tactic of "progressives" is to lump everything under the single category of "racist xenophobia"...even though there is a difference between LEGAL vs. ILLEGAL immigration, and the two broader issues of IMMIGRATION and NATIONAL SECURITY. Muddying the waters in this familiar manner conveniently shuts down the possibility of any rational discussion, and it leaves the peanut gallery laughing and jeering at how "racist and xenophobic" those Neanderthal, right wing Republicans are!
But underneath it all even the "progressives" know that there is clearly a difference between LEGAL and ILLEGAL immigration, national security, etc. But what they're really saying to the other side is, "We know what you REALLY mean!", which brings to light Freud's psychodynamic theory of "projection".
The REAL bigots are those who see us not as individuals, but as stereotypes who they expect to think and behave in a certain way.
But underneath it all even the "progressives" know that there is clearly a difference between LEGAL and ILLEGAL immigration, national security, etc. But what they're really saying to the other side is, "We know what you REALLY mean!", which brings to light Freud's psychodynamic theory of "projection".
The REAL bigots are those who see us not as individuals, but as stereotypes who they expect to think and behave in a certain way.
2
Seems to me that all candidates are extremists who will never bring peace to Americans and the World.
Islamophoby is spare goat and a good subject to avoid other American and World problems.
The more Islamophobia is spread, the more motive to terrorism comes. The West and israel should stop their Islamophoby policy in order not to be attacked.
Islamophoby is spare goat and a good subject to avoid other American and World problems.
The more Islamophobia is spread, the more motive to terrorism comes. The West and israel should stop their Islamophoby policy in order not to be attacked.
3
Trump's "We will never be great again" of course means "vastly superior to all other countries and peoples." Where has he been? It sure sounds like his head has been in the sand. Even the roads in Israel are better than those in the US.
Indeed does he know ANYTHING about what Harrington called "The Other America?" https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Other_America
Out of sight and out of mind for billionaires--but proving America was only ever great for the 1%. For the rest it was merely OK or worse--much worse for a great many.
Cruz and Rubio should think twice about America's keeping out the riff raff.
And the Bush Bro claiming to be a leader with a plan--just reminds us what "plan" means in his family--namely a way to plunder the treasury.
Indeed does he know ANYTHING about what Harrington called "The Other America?" https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Other_America
Out of sight and out of mind for billionaires--but proving America was only ever great for the 1%. For the rest it was merely OK or worse--much worse for a great many.
Cruz and Rubio should think twice about America's keeping out the riff raff.
And the Bush Bro claiming to be a leader with a plan--just reminds us what "plan" means in his family--namely a way to plunder the treasury.
4
It appears from this article (I didn't watch the show) that they attacked one another over the same sort of thing that they complained about in past "debates." These are the ones who wanted to have conservative moderators so they wouldn't be fending off "gotcha" questions that made them look foolish.
It seems they made each other look foolish all by themselves.
It seems they made each other look foolish all by themselves.
2
Did anyone else notice that President Obama and Hillary Clinton were blamed repeatedly for EVERYTHING. Their names must have been mentioned hundreds of times. Gosh, the GOP must be terrified of Hillary. (There is a part of me that wishes Carly Fiorina would win the Republican nomination, just for the sheer pleasure of watching Hillary Clinton mop the floor with her.)
4
"Did anyone else notice that President Obama and Hillary Clinton were blamed repeatedly for EVERYTHING. "
If the shoe fits....
If the shoe fits....
3
Jeri P
My Daddy taught me that if it looks like a duck, walks like a duck and sounds like a duck, then it is probably a duck!!
My Daddy taught me that if it looks like a duck, walks like a duck and sounds like a duck, then it is probably a duck!!
1
I was truly impressed with Rubio. He was on point all night with lightening-quick reflex. Rubio knows how to attack without the ugliness that usually associated with Trump or Cruz. Unlike many candidates who are limping to the finish line, e.g. Clinton, Bush, Trump, etc., Rubio has little baggage. And a real plus for Rubio is that he is Hispanic. Barring major scandal, Rubio should be the next president.
1
Rubio is trailing Ben Carson.
Let me repeat that for you. Rubio is trailing Ben Carson.
Let me repeat that for you. Rubio is trailing Ben Carson.
I think Trump's biggest threat is Bush. Trump knows he is facing somebody who keenly understands his weakness, which is a tendency of speaking with little forethought. Of all the Republican candidates, Bush seems the most methodical and patient. He's staying low, coursing a winding road at a steady pace despite his current low ranking. When Trump finally shoves his foot too far into his mouth to take out, Republican voters will then favor Bush. I think that's his plan and I think it will work. Trump is just too freshman, too green to last through next spring.
It might have been helpful if the writer had provided the actual context for Paul's remark to Christie about WWIII and the bridge closing, which was Christie's insistence that he would shoot down a Russian plane in a no-fly zone. I'm not a fan of Rand Paul, but he was correct in this instance: if Christie meant what he said, he's an irresponsible twit.
4
I'm very happy that so many Democrats tuned in and watched the entire debate and also took the time to comment on it here on the very next day.
I think it clearly illustrates the enthusiasm we all have for the GOP and the disdain we collectively share for Hillary.
On behalf of all conservatives, we thank you.
I think it clearly illustrates the enthusiasm we all have for the GOP and the disdain we collectively share for Hillary.
On behalf of all conservatives, we thank you.
1
By Dems watching the GOP debate, you mean Obama supporters obsessing over our candidates.
2
I certainly encourage all of my fellow Democrats to tune in and actively listen to the Republican debates. It reinforcrs why we became Democrats in the first place! P.S. can someone tell Mr. Christe that he cannot engage with King Hussain of Jordan, given he died several years ago. You can't make this stuff up (:
1
The only reason why so many people (not just Dems) watched the Republican Debate is because of Three Reasons - 1) Donald Trump - he is a Real Showman and nothing else, 2) Everybody loves "The Circus" - especially The Clowns in the front row of the Republican Presidential Hunt, and 3) to see how the GOP do what the Dems did (and still doing, as you can tell by the lack of Democrat Debates) in giving both a NY Senate seat and Secretary of State job to somebody who has done absolutely NOTHING to merit or earn the position SHE was absolutely not qualified for - either in residence or ability - in giving Hillary Clinton the White House. And before anyone starts spouting that "I'm anti-feminist", I want to add that Hillary's replacement in the Senate - Kirsten Gillibrand - has done a far better job of being Senator than Hillary, and if she was little bit more ambitious, Gillibrand would have made a far better and preferable Presidential Candidate than Hillary Clinton.
The debate was frightening in its freedom from morality.
9
How so Jeffrey? Morality on whose standards? If yours, please describe for me what was frightening. Thank you.
1
Carson was asked whether he would have the stomach to kill innocent children, in war. I believe Hewitt was the questioner. This was by far the strangest question, and is a measure of how wretched our moral assumptions have become.
It was unspoken of course that the kids would be Muslim, and in the Mideast. And we are asking why they hate us?
It was unspoken of course that the kids would be Muslim, and in the Mideast. And we are asking why they hate us?
6
In every war innocents (including children) die. This is a definition of war. This does not make all warfare immoral: there are just and unjust wars, and the international law has clear criteria for distinguishing between the two. I have absolutely no respect for Ben Carson because of his bizarre beliefs but his willingness to confront the moral burden of being Commander in Chief is nothing to sneer at.
1
I agree. Carson at least expressed the willingness. I just wish he would have addressed the issue of the expected but unfortunate killing of innocents.
1
I am astounded that no one is calling out Ben Carson for saying "you got it, you got it" in response to Hewitt's question "So you are okay with the deaths of thousands of innocent children and civilians" (in a bombing campaign). It's in the transcripts and I have not taken it out of context. The media is covering the boos that Hewitt got for asking the question, not the fact that Carson, a candidate for the highest office in this land, said it.
19
These are not serious people, neither the debaters nor the moderators. Saudi Arabia announced a 34 state Islamic group to fight terrorism yesterday and it was never mentioned in either debate last night. Never even referenced! The moderators, who are supposed to be providing intelligent, up-to-date questions missed it. The candidates missed it. Furthermore, the moderators can't seem to control the crowds. The raucous crowds turn these "debates" into WWE events every time.
24
And I love it. Sure beats the nursing home "debate" held by the Democrats, where the main objective seemed to be to find out who could compliment each other the most.
1
Sorry, it was mentioned. But to your point that these are not serious people, I agree.
RT:
Clearly, you have just summed up in a nutshell what has become a complete joke when describing the American political system and its media, it is just entertainment, nothing more. Accurate, complete information is irrelevant to the process. It is just further proof that Americans are the most entertained and under-informed people on the planet, yet, they will make important decisions in the ballot box based on this kind of nonsense.
It would seem that John Stewart had it right after all.
Clearly, you have just summed up in a nutshell what has become a complete joke when describing the American political system and its media, it is just entertainment, nothing more. Accurate, complete information is irrelevant to the process. It is just further proof that Americans are the most entertained and under-informed people on the planet, yet, they will make important decisions in the ballot box based on this kind of nonsense.
It would seem that John Stewart had it right after all.
The United States - from courage to cowardice.
1933: ``... first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is...fear itself — nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.''
2015: ``The more fear, the more votes. This is great. Boo, everybody!''
1933: ``... first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is...fear itself — nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.''
2015: ``The more fear, the more votes. This is great. Boo, everybody!''
1
If these presidential debates have accomplished anything at all, it’s the fact that something seriously needs to be done about the time spent campaigning. They are far too long. Enough is enough. We need legislation enacted that would limit the amount of time spent campaigning. In this day and age of social media and mass communications, six months would be more than enough time to accomplish the task of running for the office of president. The obscene amounts of money, spent on these campaigns, could be spent on far more important issues. The country needs this done, for sanities sake.
7
Odd that the two whose family have benefited most from immigration preferences are trying the hardest to be anti-immigrant.
7
My thoughts exactly!! But it is a typical, "I got mine..." situation.
2
Did the Times people watch a different debate than I did? Trump was right when he criticized CNN for making the debate about him. The Times, especially in its early stories, is not far behind.
Rand Paul was the only candidate who said anything of substance and, thus, the only candidate to take a risk. He threw down a marker on foreign policy, and neither the other candidates, the questioners, nor the Times people have acknowledged that. Times coverage seemed too much like CNN "coverage", variations on a "he said-she said" tabloid cover.
Christie also made substantive points that were not followed up on, the difference between executive and legislative experience. There's a reason Americans tend to elect governors to the Presidency rather than Congressmen.
Too much coverage is being given to every comment made in the debate (by Trump, Rubio, and Cruz.) There is no reason every claim by a candidate needs to be reported as soon as it is uttered. In fact, most of what they say does not need to be reported at all. The fact that Carly Fiorina will say tomorrow at a county fair in Iowa that Pinocchio was written by Paul Krugman is not worth reporting.
Fact-checking, patterns, perspective, analysis, editing, vetting, triage: this is what the Times should be engaged in, not trying to compete with the internet's instantaneous production of every burp, hiccup, and belch that emanates from the candidates' mouths or from their science fiction publicity campaigns.
Rand Paul was the only candidate who said anything of substance and, thus, the only candidate to take a risk. He threw down a marker on foreign policy, and neither the other candidates, the questioners, nor the Times people have acknowledged that. Times coverage seemed too much like CNN "coverage", variations on a "he said-she said" tabloid cover.
Christie also made substantive points that were not followed up on, the difference between executive and legislative experience. There's a reason Americans tend to elect governors to the Presidency rather than Congressmen.
Too much coverage is being given to every comment made in the debate (by Trump, Rubio, and Cruz.) There is no reason every claim by a candidate needs to be reported as soon as it is uttered. In fact, most of what they say does not need to be reported at all. The fact that Carly Fiorina will say tomorrow at a county fair in Iowa that Pinocchio was written by Paul Krugman is not worth reporting.
Fact-checking, patterns, perspective, analysis, editing, vetting, triage: this is what the Times should be engaged in, not trying to compete with the internet's instantaneous production of every burp, hiccup, and belch that emanates from the candidates' mouths or from their science fiction publicity campaigns.
2
I absolutely love the bleating from the liberals in this comment section. There is nothing more important on the agenda than Terrorism and our security, jobs and the economy and government spending and our taxes.
The past 8 years of ineptness, reactions and deceit have created the scenario for the perfect political storm of 2016, whereby Hillary will suffer a resounding loss and this country will then begin to recover on the aforementioned fronts, which Obama's administration has caused such terrible damage.
The past 8 years of ineptness, reactions and deceit have created the scenario for the perfect political storm of 2016, whereby Hillary will suffer a resounding loss and this country will then begin to recover on the aforementioned fronts, which Obama's administration has caused such terrible damage.
4
The past 8 years? That would take you back into the Bush Administration. Ineptness? You might be on to something.
In case you missed it, Republican bosses are worried about Trump because they fear he'll destroy the Republican party, not because they're afraid he'll win. President Obama would be re-elected if he ran again, and Hillary Clinton consistently ranks far ahead of Trump in every poll.
2
I love the selective memory here. Chaz1954 must be about 7 years old, since he seems to think the 8 years before Obama never existed.
Talk about your ineptness, reactions and deceit...
Talk about your ineptness, reactions and deceit...
1
So it appears that one of the party planks going into the GOP convention is going to be an increase in domestic intelligence gathering. Which begs the question, will that include intelligence gathering on anti-abortionists, white supremacists and anti-government groups?
Or will it mean simply 'the muslims'.
This is the 'patriotic party', the first ones to wipe their behinds with the bill of rights.
Or will it mean simply 'the muslims'.
This is the 'patriotic party', the first ones to wipe their behinds with the bill of rights.
4
Bush took a couple of good shots at Trump. But he could have set him on his heels, if not actually delivering a knock out blow. The Donald trumpeted one of the fabrications that he has been spouting the last few days...that the family of the 9/11 hijackers were flown out of the country either right before or right after 9/11.
It would have been great for Bush to call out that lie and then detail off of Trump's lies, and conclude a Trump presidency based upon lies would be dangerous.
I suppose Bush and the other guys may want those lies to stick around, as long as they aren't held responsible.
It would have been great for Bush to call out that lie and then detail off of Trump's lies, and conclude a Trump presidency based upon lies would be dangerous.
I suppose Bush and the other guys may want those lies to stick around, as long as they aren't held responsible.
1
I'm guessing "Hope" will not be the slogan for the GOP next fall?
4
Last night’s debate is an example of why our country is broken. This was Republicans debating Republicans. Could you imagine what goes on in Washington DC when Republicans debate Democrats?
It’s just arguments on top of arguments resulting in nothing. No solutions, no fixes complicated by special interest groups.
It defines term limits and why career politicians must go and get a real job.
It’s just arguments on top of arguments resulting in nothing. No solutions, no fixes complicated by special interest groups.
It defines term limits and why career politicians must go and get a real job.
8
What I heard from the debate was: War now ; War tomorrow ; War all the time.
Even Fiorina said that she would "punch Putin in the nose" , figuratively I think, but maybe in reality too as she is 6 inches taller than Putin and may be the best "man" (highest testosterone level) on the GOP clown bus.
This was not a debate. It was a flock of clown crows all trying to out "caw" each other. Can intelligent/enlightened people vote for any of these candidates ?? Apparently ~48% of American voters will. Thus denying themselves a universal health care system that the rest of the developed world has had for decades. eg. Canada`s 40 yrs of single payer universal health care.
Feel & vote for the Bern.
Even Fiorina said that she would "punch Putin in the nose" , figuratively I think, but maybe in reality too as she is 6 inches taller than Putin and may be the best "man" (highest testosterone level) on the GOP clown bus.
This was not a debate. It was a flock of clown crows all trying to out "caw" each other. Can intelligent/enlightened people vote for any of these candidates ?? Apparently ~48% of American voters will. Thus denying themselves a universal health care system that the rest of the developed world has had for decades. eg. Canada`s 40 yrs of single payer universal health care.
Feel & vote for the Bern.
7
It was Christie who said it's time to punch Russia in the nose, and if all you heard was "war all the time", you weren't listening very well.
1
I think it was Graham who waned to punch Putin in the nose.
This GOP is very dangerous and violent. Look at their supports.
1
i began watching the debate but couldn't continue for very long.
the republican party generally, and these candidates, specifically, are attempting to magnify a sense of fear and hatred, through broad misrepresentations to the public. like the talk show hosts who sponsor them, they exist in a dark echo chamber. i wouldn't vote for any of them for any public office. and i'm an independent, having been raised in a republican household.
the republican party generally, and these candidates, specifically, are attempting to magnify a sense of fear and hatred, through broad misrepresentations to the public. like the talk show hosts who sponsor them, they exist in a dark echo chamber. i wouldn't vote for any of them for any public office. and i'm an independent, having been raised in a republican household.
31
I'm a Republican who voted for Obama first time around. Obama's presidency has been a failure and Hillary is too 1990s and tainted with Bill's income generating scams. There are definite signs the country has turned sharply to the right and will register their disgust with the progressive agenda by turning out to vote. Even paranoids have enemies and there is a lot to fear, thanks in part to our feckless President - the leader of the most powerful nation on earth can't just drop out.
3
Failure... what shape was our country in when Bush left office?
1
A recent ABC/Washington Post poll reveals that 53% of Americans oppose an assault rifle ban. The liberal press can mock the Republican candidates all they wish but the view from our large coastal cities is different than from the rest of the country. That poll and the recent Gallup poll indicating that 58% of Americans favor the NRA - not to mention the congressional by-elections - indicates to me that the country has swung to the right and Hillary is in deep trouble.
1
I'm not a member of the press corps, can I mock the Republicans too?
What makes the press liberal and where is the conservative press?
The country hasn't swung anymore to the right than in the past, it's just they (you) are louder and more threatening. In Fact many minorities who probably would vote Republican have been so offended, the Democrats have their support.
The country hasn't swung anymore to the right than in the past, it's just they (you) are louder and more threatening. In Fact many minorities who probably would vote Republican have been so offended, the Democrats have their support.
2
It was profoundly dispiriting to watch these candidates last night. They seem to have nothing to offer but shallow thinking and overweening ambition. Is this the best America can produce in the way of national leadership talent?
4
With the exception of Rand Paul, the other candidates intend to run on fear. The more they talked about Isis they more they sounded like George W 2.0. The only things missing were the well worn phrases of GOP hysteria, "Mushroom Cloud" and "WMD."
Hillary Clinton is not going to have a hard time handling any GOP candidate. Every time Isis comes up, Ms. Clinton has to simply point out that Bush created Isis. In the logic of the GOP Ms. Clinton is responsible for the attacks in Benghazi, San Bernardino, and obviously the rise of Isis, even though she wasn't president; however, George W was not responsible for the 911 attacks or the birth of Isis?
Where is the GOP outrage for the deaths of 3,000 brave Americans who died on 911 or the 5,000 soldiers who died for the lies about Iraq? Hillary is going to demolish any GOP candidate.
Hillary Clinton is not going to have a hard time handling any GOP candidate. Every time Isis comes up, Ms. Clinton has to simply point out that Bush created Isis. In the logic of the GOP Ms. Clinton is responsible for the attacks in Benghazi, San Bernardino, and obviously the rise of Isis, even though she wasn't president; however, George W was not responsible for the 911 attacks or the birth of Isis?
Where is the GOP outrage for the deaths of 3,000 brave Americans who died on 911 or the 5,000 soldiers who died for the lies about Iraq? Hillary is going to demolish any GOP candidate.
6
Was this horrifying spectacle the 'Venetian' primary? CNN is actively pushing for another military intervention and riding a wave of fear they keep at full crest 24/7. Shame on this network and its main mouthpiece Blitzer.
There was not a mention of gun violence last night, which has killed over 100,000 Americans since 9/11. Not a peep was uttered about climate change, not even as a token for the candidates to shoot down. Why use even a minute of air space that doesn't facilitate another neocon war?
Blitzer and his production team kept it all ISIS all the time, perhaps for ratings, but I suspect for more insidious reasons. Sheldon Adelson owns the Venetian and is a Giga-donor both to Israel Hawks and to the Republican Party. He funds AIPAC (Blitzer's former employer) and the IAC, and keeps Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz on a leash. He and several super-Hawks want American boots on the ground in Syria, war with Iran, and permanent occupation of Iraq and the Levant.
All they need is a good little puppet in the White House. The think tanks are ready, the infrastructure in DC is in place, just get the right "Commander in Chief" to issue the orders.
If Adelson and his ilk can so easily set our political agenda, how much of CNN's agenda do they influence? I believe, all of it.
There was not a mention of gun violence last night, which has killed over 100,000 Americans since 9/11. Not a peep was uttered about climate change, not even as a token for the candidates to shoot down. Why use even a minute of air space that doesn't facilitate another neocon war?
Blitzer and his production team kept it all ISIS all the time, perhaps for ratings, but I suspect for more insidious reasons. Sheldon Adelson owns the Venetian and is a Giga-donor both to Israel Hawks and to the Republican Party. He funds AIPAC (Blitzer's former employer) and the IAC, and keeps Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz on a leash. He and several super-Hawks want American boots on the ground in Syria, war with Iran, and permanent occupation of Iraq and the Levant.
All they need is a good little puppet in the White House. The think tanks are ready, the infrastructure in DC is in place, just get the right "Commander in Chief" to issue the orders.
If Adelson and his ilk can so easily set our political agenda, how much of CNN's agenda do they influence? I believe, all of it.
5
I noticed that, for the duration of both of last night's Republican debates, no matter the question or candidate, the surprisingly simple, formulaic song remained the same:
- - - -
Introduction: America's broken and threatened! Please panic!
Refrain: The unbelievably bad President is just so unbelievably bad, I can't even say his name! (Did I score points?)
Verse: Immigrants and the President are so bad! (Did I ditto)
Refrain (sneer)
Verse: ISIS and the President are so very bad! (Ditto again)
Refrain (sniff)
Verse: Pick-an-issue is awfully bad cuzza Obama! (And again)
Refrain (shake head)
Verse: That candidate is bad! So's that one! (One more time.)
Refrain (purse lips)
Verse: I did not, times infinity! (Gimme points or you're bad.)
Refrain (glare)
Conclusion: God bless America! (God just gave me points.)
- - - -
Has this been going on since August?
- - - -
Introduction: America's broken and threatened! Please panic!
Refrain: The unbelievably bad President is just so unbelievably bad, I can't even say his name! (Did I score points?)
Verse: Immigrants and the President are so bad! (Did I ditto)
Refrain (sneer)
Verse: ISIS and the President are so very bad! (Ditto again)
Refrain (sniff)
Verse: Pick-an-issue is awfully bad cuzza Obama! (And again)
Refrain (shake head)
Verse: That candidate is bad! So's that one! (One more time.)
Refrain (purse lips)
Verse: I did not, times infinity! (Gimme points or you're bad.)
Refrain (glare)
Conclusion: God bless America! (God just gave me points.)
- - - -
Has this been going on since August?
These are truly remarkable candidates: each one wants the US to lead our Middle Eastern Allies in fighting ISIS, and each one pours forth venom toward "Muslims." They are not the far right: they have fallen off the ledge.
7
Is the next President of our USA on the horizon, as yet.
As stated before, is Sen. Cruz eligible to be President? Born in Canada?
As stated before, is Sen. Cruz eligible to be President? Born in Canada?
3
Be afraid. Be very afraid if these candidates are the best the Republicans can offer. Looks to me as if Hillary by default might occupy the White House.
5
The party of Fear continues to provide entertainment value at least.
I d like to hear McCarthy Cruz's plan to forcibly deport the millions of illegals.
I d like to hear McCarthy Cruz's plan to forcibly deport the millions of illegals.
5
CNN and Wolf pretty much controlled the debate with exclusive focus on "terrorism". "Terrorism" dominated every question. The candidates took the bait. They are not strong, they got easily manipulated by their own media.
Even Trump appears to be turning into a putty, slowly letting others dominate or direct his priorities and his reactions. "Mr. Independent", my foot!
Carson was calm and sensible until he actually appeared to be saying, "Bombing children is good for the children".
Fiorina wanted small government, and one that was not in collusion with big business. But she wants big technology companies to participate in more security programs: possibly internet snooping, domestic spying and intelligence without accountability or transparency. Big Wedding for Big Gov. And Big Business under her Rule?
Chris Christie wants WW III. One used to want leaders who did not speak irresponsibly...but it appears speaking irresponsibly has become the norm. How is he keeping us safe with his irresponsible and provocative talk? Loose lips sink ships. Scary.
Kaisch is smart and reasonable. But you know in your heart he is always going to be the janitor within the GOP no matter how smart he is.
Jeb looks lost with lots of snark, not spark. Not a good look for Pres.
Marc is cute and likable...but where's the beef or broccoli (if you are veg)?
Cruz has sly intelligence. So you never know what's really up his sleeves. That makes him very scary.
Isn't Rand a RINO?
Sums up!
Even Trump appears to be turning into a putty, slowly letting others dominate or direct his priorities and his reactions. "Mr. Independent", my foot!
Carson was calm and sensible until he actually appeared to be saying, "Bombing children is good for the children".
Fiorina wanted small government, and one that was not in collusion with big business. But she wants big technology companies to participate in more security programs: possibly internet snooping, domestic spying and intelligence without accountability or transparency. Big Wedding for Big Gov. And Big Business under her Rule?
Chris Christie wants WW III. One used to want leaders who did not speak irresponsibly...but it appears speaking irresponsibly has become the norm. How is he keeping us safe with his irresponsible and provocative talk? Loose lips sink ships. Scary.
Kaisch is smart and reasonable. But you know in your heart he is always going to be the janitor within the GOP no matter how smart he is.
Jeb looks lost with lots of snark, not spark. Not a good look for Pres.
Marc is cute and likable...but where's the beef or broccoli (if you are veg)?
Cruz has sly intelligence. So you never know what's really up his sleeves. That makes him very scary.
Isn't Rand a RINO?
Sums up!
3
A prediction (I keep making to family and friends):
The G.O.P. cannot afford to allow Trump to represent them for the presidency. The best possible hope is Jeb Bush, whose calmness and lack of dependable intelligence (i.e., he'll gladly take orders when in the White House) is the rare conceivable G.O.P. runner for president. Why? Well, he combs his hair. He does not scream. He wears a suit that looks not purchased second-hand. He knots his tie by himself. When he loses to Hillary, if not to Bernie, he will have saved the Republicans from looking like vicious defeated idiots to the American right-wingers and to every other nation of literate English-language readers.
The G.O.P. cannot afford to allow Trump to represent them for the presidency. The best possible hope is Jeb Bush, whose calmness and lack of dependable intelligence (i.e., he'll gladly take orders when in the White House) is the rare conceivable G.O.P. runner for president. Why? Well, he combs his hair. He does not scream. He wears a suit that looks not purchased second-hand. He knots his tie by himself. When he loses to Hillary, if not to Bernie, he will have saved the Republicans from looking like vicious defeated idiots to the American right-wingers and to every other nation of literate English-language readers.
2
Speaking of Kasich.
This is the party of Michelle Bachman, the party that presented the phenominally unqualified Sarah Palin as vice-president, the party that now supports self-aggrandizing buffoons like Cruz and Trump, and until recently the wack job Dr. Carson.
A reasonably sane man like Kasich has no chance in such a party.
This is the party of Michelle Bachman, the party that presented the phenominally unqualified Sarah Palin as vice-president, the party that now supports self-aggrandizing buffoons like Cruz and Trump, and until recently the wack job Dr. Carson.
A reasonably sane man like Kasich has no chance in such a party.
12
Reasonably sane? He wants tens of thousands of Americans on the ground in Syria and he wants to punch Russia on the nose!
2
I think Saul and Carrie have a better plan to deal with ISIS than any of these candidates.
6
So after last night, it sounds official: World War III has begun. Or as Trump would probably like to call it: The Greatest Most Fantastic War Ever!!!!!!!!!
4
Utterly frightening. The GOP has won the race to the bottom. You couldn't assemble a more off-putting, socially inept, utterly charmless, terrifyingly ignorant gang of freakish misfits if you tried. Good God, each one is more repugnant than the last. Jeb seems to be the only one with even the tiniest shred of actual humanity. The rest of them could easily be diagnosed as sociopaths if not psychopaths, and/or malignant narcissists. And Rick Santorum. If this man isn't clinically insane I'll eat my hat.
3
When one party is so very embattled within themselves Can they ever accomplish anything Positive for this Country? If Last night was an example--then I doubt It! Once again we were watching children in their daddy's business suit battle and posture for position while stating nothing, not one thing of Sustenance! IF they are the future of this country then this entire country is doomed.
They are doing everything to give the white house to the democrats. Bush plants shills to cheer when he says something and viewers are expected to buy in. Leveraging fear to influence votes will back fire. People are sick of the political rhetoric that is supposed to pass as knowledge and the alternative is Trump.
I believe the power brokers will undermine the nomination process and ruin the election for the republicans.
I believe the power brokers will undermine the nomination process and ruin the election for the republicans.
1
So why didn't the CNN moderators ask the canidates if they supported denying machine gun purchases to those on the terrorist watch no-fly lis?. Or perhaps they think these people should be able to board planes as well own lethal weapons?
1
Over 90 gun deaths per day in the US...but now, because of one horrible tragedy in which 14 people were killed, ISIS is now our #1 priority.
Yet, when 26 children and adults were gunned down, nothing.
Unbelievable.
Yet, when 26 children and adults were gunned down, nothing.
Unbelievable.
5
Personally, if I had been Trump when Bush said, "You can't insult your way to the presidency," I would have replied, "You can buy your way to the presidency." Now **that's** a come back (oh, and true, by the way).
1
Trump won the debate because the ghost of W. hung over the proceedings and almost took real life shape in the form of JEB's pronunciations on foreign policy. After JEB spoke, one had the feeling that there was a danger of continuing down the path of 8 years of W followed by 8 years of undoing W under Obama.
Trump addressed "the age of W" most effectively when he asked if we wanted what we had now or what we might have had in the form of airports, schools, roads, bridges if we had spent $5 trillion on infrastructure instead.
He pointed out that people laughed at him when he first suggested taking ISIS's oil yet today people ask how to do something about taking away ISIS's ability to use oil to fund their violent jihad.
I thought JEB was downright scary like a Kafka bureaucrat mouthing pearls of bureaucratic Neo-Con propaganda that would have us chained forever to a strategy of "war is peace". Too many republicans have been taken in by that propaganda. How weird is it that the last republican to run on a peace platform was Nixon. It's like "peace" is a bad word.
Trump addressed "the age of W" most effectively when he asked if we wanted what we had now or what we might have had in the form of airports, schools, roads, bridges if we had spent $5 trillion on infrastructure instead.
He pointed out that people laughed at him when he first suggested taking ISIS's oil yet today people ask how to do something about taking away ISIS's ability to use oil to fund their violent jihad.
I thought JEB was downright scary like a Kafka bureaucrat mouthing pearls of bureaucratic Neo-Con propaganda that would have us chained forever to a strategy of "war is peace". Too many republicans have been taken in by that propaganda. How weird is it that the last republican to run on a peace platform was Nixon. It's like "peace" is a bad word.
9
I actually got a lot out of this debate, having expected nothing. As the great Billy Crystal said, "Wherever I go I always expect the worst, and it's amazing how good things can be." CNN did a thorough job with focused questions. Wolf Blitzer held the tiller and there were revealing results.
You could see the differences emerge in types of candidates. Both Cruz and Rubio were thinking in terms of *policy*, which elevated their statures above the others. Few Republicans will understand that, but each was building an argument as opposed to spouting nonsensical phrases. Before this debate, I would have said that I liked neither of them, but now I have respect for both because of their approaches to articulating a process. Their approach wasn't perfect, of course.
But it's amazing that Rubio well holds his own, and can surpass in some cases, the reasoning of cum laude Ivy League graduate Ted Cruz. Last night, the flaws in Cruz's reasoning began to surface. Cruz says crazy things on the trail, but one wonders if that approach would leak into his reasoning. Last night, the hasty emotive comments that are designed for the poorly educated Christian base seemed to be an essential but subtle part of his more carelessly constructed argument;
Christie had a strong night, successfully and consistently arguing that he can confront terrorism.
All of the others must go away. Bush showed that he was there only because of his name, and the others have no rationale.
You could see the differences emerge in types of candidates. Both Cruz and Rubio were thinking in terms of *policy*, which elevated their statures above the others. Few Republicans will understand that, but each was building an argument as opposed to spouting nonsensical phrases. Before this debate, I would have said that I liked neither of them, but now I have respect for both because of their approaches to articulating a process. Their approach wasn't perfect, of course.
But it's amazing that Rubio well holds his own, and can surpass in some cases, the reasoning of cum laude Ivy League graduate Ted Cruz. Last night, the flaws in Cruz's reasoning began to surface. Cruz says crazy things on the trail, but one wonders if that approach would leak into his reasoning. Last night, the hasty emotive comments that are designed for the poorly educated Christian base seemed to be an essential but subtle part of his more carelessly constructed argument;
Christie had a strong night, successfully and consistently arguing that he can confront terrorism.
All of the others must go away. Bush showed that he was there only because of his name, and the others have no rationale.
All the debate rhetoric targeted the FOX addict, angry white people.
Didn't anybody tell the candidates that the debate was on CNN?
Didn't anybody tell the candidates that the debate was on CNN?
4
they were granted disp[ensation just this once
The Republicans are conducting a race to the bottom to appeal to the most rabid right-wing, ignorant voters. Who can be the meanest. Who can trash immigrants, gays and women more thoroughly. Who can insult the President more. Who can deny science more strenuously. It is a sickening spectacle. The idea of any of these demagogues and empty suits leading our nation is a horrific proposition.
16
It all sort of reminded me of the Wizard of Oz......
"If I only had a brain." (Fiorino, Cruz, Rubio, Christie)
"If I only had a heart." (Trump, Paul)
"If I only had courage." (Bush, Kasich)
On the other hand, maybe they were all flying monkeys.......
"If I only had a brain." (Fiorino, Cruz, Rubio, Christie)
"If I only had a heart." (Trump, Paul)
"If I only had courage." (Bush, Kasich)
On the other hand, maybe they were all flying monkeys.......
24
Clever!
2
Watching the debate last night was an other-world experience! All the bombast about war and killing....Of course ISIS is evil, but I'm much more frightened about any one of these GOP hopefuls actually occupying the White House!!
18
Interesting how this article discusses all the male Republican candidates, but never once mentions Carly Fiorina. Her comments on the gaps between technology, legislation, and law enforcement, if not exactly new insights, were a good deal more interesting than may of the insults traded among the others. And who's the piece written by? Surprise–two guys!
2
Doesn't matter, Fiorina is about as presidential as Trump.
They are all quaking in their boots over ISIS. I shudder to think if they were up against Hitler. They'd be wetting their pants.
7
Reading this piece I'm reminded of the lines from that ancient hit of the Zombies, "Please don't bother trying to find her. She's not there." In an article that meticulously says something about everyone in last night's debate, there is no mention of Ms. Fiorina, "about the way she looked, the way she acts and the color of her hair."
Worry not. I've got you covered. This was her big point: The government is inept. ISIS, in contrast, is high tech. Take meta-data. Sure, she said, the government uses it. That's not the problem.
The problem, she went on to say, scarcely able to contain contain her utter contempt for the idiots, is that the government uses "the wrong algorithm." And, yet, people wonder why we can't find the terrorists lurking in our very neighborhoods. Go figure.
Ms. Fiorina knows this. After all, as she never ceases to remind us, she's not like the others: she's from the "technology world."
So, now that you know, let us ponder, in the spirit of our ancestral Zombies, the question: "Why should I care?"
Worry not. I've got you covered. This was her big point: The government is inept. ISIS, in contrast, is high tech. Take meta-data. Sure, she said, the government uses it. That's not the problem.
The problem, she went on to say, scarcely able to contain contain her utter contempt for the idiots, is that the government uses "the wrong algorithm." And, yet, people wonder why we can't find the terrorists lurking in our very neighborhoods. Go figure.
Ms. Fiorina knows this. After all, as she never ceases to remind us, she's not like the others: she's from the "technology world."
So, now that you know, let us ponder, in the spirit of our ancestral Zombies, the question: "Why should I care?"
27
not on point, but I have that "ancient" song on my music mix
1
To be fair, I don't think the article mentioned 'every' candidate from last night other than Fiorina.
Fiorina might have a point in that we seem hesitant to use technology in the ways young people do - to its fullest capacity, who knows or cares where that lead. ISIS players don’t have the same qualms about legality that we do. But if Fiornia thinks she has some Lisabet Salander-inspired algorithm, I am not buying it. Most of all, she is a non-entity to me, a woman chosen for her sex, which is as offensive as not having one on the stage at all. Republicans use her because they don’t have a Hillary...and there’s a song for you...”I’m ‘illary the first I am...’illary the first I am I am...” Sorry, couldn’t resist.
Not one mention of Carly in this article? We all knew she was just a window dressing for the republican war on women.
6
What? You blame the Republicans for what a liberal writer wrote in an extremely liberal newspaper?
1
Give it up. The only place extreme liberals can be found these days is in the fevered nightmares of the far-out right wing.
1
YIKES!!! It's starting to look like a Trump/Cruz ticket. Besides putting the cartoonists out of business (a photographer will suffice), it is mind-boggling scary. You can't tell me that that performance didn't make all of us less safe. BTW...Christie should be held on treason charges for the way he disrespected our President! Shame on him.
Ps. Who would have thought that Rand Paul would be their voice of reason
Ps. Who would have thought that Rand Paul would be their voice of reason
12
All jumped up and down screaming how they'll defeat ISIS, secure borders, fix immigration, slap Putin around, etc etc... Not one said an iota how and out of what all this would be paid for. Only Rand Paul tried to moderate the false zeal of his colleagues by pointing out unavoidable budget and foreign policy pitfalls. Shame on the CNN moderators they did not probe a single candidate where the money would come from. Just empty ad general posturing, nothing else.
9
The only 2 who made sense on security/foreign policy were Trump and Rand Paul. The rest were competing with each other on who will start the greater number of wars. They are such fools to think that's what the public wants.
8
According to Jeb! “Leadership is not about attacking people and disparaging people. Leadership is about creating a serious strategy.” That's exactly what the GOP has been doing for the past 8 years.
2
Trump got by with more whoppers again last night (no follow ups by Wolf and/or other interviewers and no accurate fact checking on this yet today in your paper:
1. Family of Bin Laden left this country not before the attacks of 9/11 so they could, as Trump said, watch their boyfriends attack the Trade Center, but the day after when no planes were flying (that was what shocked people). And none of them had boyfriends among the suicide bombers at least not that anyone ever said. Boyfriends?
2. The mother of the couple who attacked in CA recently tripped over bombs and knew about the attacks ahead of time, according to Trump. Only if Trump has access to FBI files for their nine hour questioning of this woman, and only if they found this out, could he be truthfully asserting this.
3. Thousands of Muslims cheering in NJ on 9/11 according to Trump. I saw this footage probably on ABC evening news (which I watched at the time). It wasn't thousands of course, but there was film of it shown around this time unless for some reason someone got rid of it.
It seems like the debate hosts were so intent on just getting their questions out there and not ruffling Trump's feathers, they just let him get by with anything he wanted to say. Even though he was reasserting false statements last night made earlier, he should have been confronted rather than letting him continue.
1. Family of Bin Laden left this country not before the attacks of 9/11 so they could, as Trump said, watch their boyfriends attack the Trade Center, but the day after when no planes were flying (that was what shocked people). And none of them had boyfriends among the suicide bombers at least not that anyone ever said. Boyfriends?
2. The mother of the couple who attacked in CA recently tripped over bombs and knew about the attacks ahead of time, according to Trump. Only if Trump has access to FBI files for their nine hour questioning of this woman, and only if they found this out, could he be truthfully asserting this.
3. Thousands of Muslims cheering in NJ on 9/11 according to Trump. I saw this footage probably on ABC evening news (which I watched at the time). It wasn't thousands of course, but there was film of it shown around this time unless for some reason someone got rid of it.
It seems like the debate hosts were so intent on just getting their questions out there and not ruffling Trump's feathers, they just let him get by with anything he wanted to say. Even though he was reasserting false statements last night made earlier, he should have been confronted rather than letting him continue.
4
Mr. Trump has got most of the media shaking in their boots with fear that he will say something mean about them.
He may not have any real plans or understanding of foreign or domestic policy but he knows how to play the media game.
He may not have any real plans or understanding of foreign or domestic policy but he knows how to play the media game.
1
Listening to the lot trying to sell fear and offering mostly empty phrases, one must wonder if they live on a different planet. Repetitive dogma: Obama is responsible for all evil in this World and if Hillary did not exist, they would have to invent here.
2
The debate was equal parts disturbing and absurd. For example, virtually every one of the participants raged about our depleted military, citing the need to increase spending, update older weapons systems in the nuclear "triad," and on and on. More nuclear subs!! Update our aging fleet of B52s!! Yet the fact is that we currently spend approximately $600 billion per year, more than half of our entire discretionary budget, on the military...a sum virtually 10 times the money spent by Russia and 4 times what China spends, and equivalent to the combined expenses of a dozen of the countries that, after the United States, spend the most money on their militaries (a figure that includes China and Russia). Further, the money we spend undoubtedly fails to include costs associated with the CIA, NSA and similar agencies. Americans need to wake up, recognize the enormous waste in the military, and press Congress not to spend more money on the military.
Further, the demands of virtually all Republican candidates to expand border patrol agents is equally misguided and wasteful. Apparently more than 18,000 border patrol agents are stationed along our southern border as we speak. Every new hire includes not only salaries, but costs associated with medical coverage and pensions, an expensive proposition to be sure. Enough already.
The entire thrust of the Republican debaters was excessively jingoistic, and truly the antithesis of what our nation needs at this time.
Further, the demands of virtually all Republican candidates to expand border patrol agents is equally misguided and wasteful. Apparently more than 18,000 border patrol agents are stationed along our southern border as we speak. Every new hire includes not only salaries, but costs associated with medical coverage and pensions, an expensive proposition to be sure. Enough already.
The entire thrust of the Republican debaters was excessively jingoistic, and truly the antithesis of what our nation needs at this time.
79
Agreed! The insane amount of money our government spends on the military should be a front-page story in the Times every day of the year. There really is nothing more pertinent to the well-being of our country.
1
The Republicans have a lot more talent and depth than the Democrats whose hopes are pinned entirely on Hillary, who is already a has-been with no new ideas but the same old lies and excuses. The Democratic debates are boring and unsurprising--just the thing for the dead airtime on the Saturday nights when they are scheduled or for a funeral. The Republican debates are rollicking and unpredictable. There's at least a sign of life there unlike the morgue otherwise known as the Democratic Party.
4
Depth? Did you say depth??? Insofar I could hear, not one offered an iota how all their "fixes" would be paid for. Only Rand Paul tried to point out how stupid such posturing sounds, in light of fiscal reality.
10
Indeed Ed
Any one of the candidates would be better than what the liberals have to offer.
Any one of the candidates would be better than what the liberals have to offer.
1
Well then, I would recommend you start building your bomb shelter.
1
First, in regards to the Democratic nominee, is that it? One debate?
Did Hillary and the media decide she is it, and we never hear from Bernie again? And you wonder why the little people are mad?
Second, there was an interesting twitter rant that CNN did not discuss.
Trump touched on a hot button with his twitter back to a Saudi Prince.
Yes, it was worded poorly, but his comment was for Saudi Arabia to stay out of American politics.
Are we ever going to focus on the missing 19 pages of the 9/11 report.
Bush (oil money) wouldn't release it , nor will Obama.
Those who have seen it say that Saudi Arabia was implicated in the 9/11 attack.. they funded and supported it.
Is the media ( you know, the watch dogs supposedly) ever going to focus on the small fact that Saudi Arabia is funding the most extreme form of Islam,
Wahhabism ( basically kill the infidel).
Or that Saudi Arabia is now funding the mosque building across Europe that will be teaching Wahhabism.
The Media should be bringing this to the surface, not Trump.
We all know that 15 out of the 19 hijackers were from Saudi Arabia, but there is much more to the story.
Now is the time for a leader to rid ourselves of the toxic relationships in the Middle East ( except Jordan).
Did Hillary and the media decide she is it, and we never hear from Bernie again? And you wonder why the little people are mad?
Second, there was an interesting twitter rant that CNN did not discuss.
Trump touched on a hot button with his twitter back to a Saudi Prince.
Yes, it was worded poorly, but his comment was for Saudi Arabia to stay out of American politics.
Are we ever going to focus on the missing 19 pages of the 9/11 report.
Bush (oil money) wouldn't release it , nor will Obama.
Those who have seen it say that Saudi Arabia was implicated in the 9/11 attack.. they funded and supported it.
Is the media ( you know, the watch dogs supposedly) ever going to focus on the small fact that Saudi Arabia is funding the most extreme form of Islam,
Wahhabism ( basically kill the infidel).
Or that Saudi Arabia is now funding the mosque building across Europe that will be teaching Wahhabism.
The Media should be bringing this to the surface, not Trump.
We all know that 15 out of the 19 hijackers were from Saudi Arabia, but there is much more to the story.
Now is the time for a leader to rid ourselves of the toxic relationships in the Middle East ( except Jordan).
7
We've had two Democratic debates and the next is on Saturday. Sorry you've missed them.
I wish someone would show up in a brown suit so I could make fun of them.
Not one of them "sounded Presidential."
It appears they don't even know what that means.
The press reporting on their antics does not say much about what that would look like.
Reagan at least knew how an actor had to behave to sound like a President. Not one of these guys can meet that standard, and Reagan is far from my hero.
It appears they don't even know what that means.
The press reporting on their antics does not say much about what that would look like.
Reagan at least knew how an actor had to behave to sound like a President. Not one of these guys can meet that standard, and Reagan is far from my hero.
5
I never thought much of Reagan as President, but I did think he was a reasonable actor if there were no big words. One problem he DID have was expressing anger to an audience: he couldn't.......
As I understand it, Cruz is a Canadian-born, naturalized American citizen, not a natural-born American. Isn't that a legality to be concerned about?
4
His mother was an American citizen, so he is a citizen, even though he was born in Canada.
So I assume that means that the "birthers" were indeed making a fuss over nothing (no surprise), since, even if President Obama was born in Kenya (which I don't for a minute believe), his mother WAS an American citizen. Funny how the birthers didn't know this.
That only matters when the candidate is a different color.
3
My takeaway from this debate (not to mention all the other debates, and any and all news reporting on these candidates' campaigns) is that it will be a national tragedy (ne, a world tragedy) if any one of these candidates gets elected.
Please -- let's not let that happen.
Please -- let's not let that happen.
12
Sometimes you have to turn the lights on to see how many cockroaches you've got. That glorification of war fest last night and audience appreciation was disheartening to say the least. Hopefully it's still not too late to change directions by electing Societal builders like Bernie Sanders.
6
"Jeb Is the Republicans' Only Chance Against Hillary"
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/richard-brodsky/jeb-is-the-republicans-on_...
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/richard-brodsky/jeb-is-the-republicans-on_...
One of the saner comments was actually by Trump who repeatedly said he was against overthrowing dictators and spending trillions on wars we cannot afford. He also said he would negotiate with Putin unlike Christie who was ready to go to war with Russia. Maybe even Trump was astounded by the Neocons ready for a broader war who were on stage.
The fear mongering was so juvenile. How does a decision by some school official in Los Angeles to close the schools based on a phony bomb threat mean we are under attack by ISIS due to Obama's incompetence? And the biggest threat to our national security was not even mentioned- mass shooters with arsenals of assault weaponry.
Reminded me of the Kennedy -Nixon debates about whether we had the nuclear and missile capability to win over the Soviet Union. Time to duck and cover according to the GOP candidates.
The fear mongering was so juvenile. How does a decision by some school official in Los Angeles to close the schools based on a phony bomb threat mean we are under attack by ISIS due to Obama's incompetence? And the biggest threat to our national security was not even mentioned- mass shooters with arsenals of assault weaponry.
Reminded me of the Kennedy -Nixon debates about whether we had the nuclear and missile capability to win over the Soviet Union. Time to duck and cover according to the GOP candidates.
15
Thank you!
2
Any more debates definitely need to be held in cafeterias rather than casinos - or at least in the buffet line at the casino -- food fights really do need food present to make them meaningful.
And if there are anymore, tell CNN they can save a podium by simply hanging a portrait of Carson in place of him standing behind one. A silent picture of him would make more sense than anything he otherwise says. He's good with bombing kids because he's looked into the eyes of young patients, telling them pain is for their own good. He's the scariest one up there because he literally sounds crazy, not just pretending to like the others.
And if there are anymore, tell CNN they can save a podium by simply hanging a portrait of Carson in place of him standing behind one. A silent picture of him would make more sense than anything he otherwise says. He's good with bombing kids because he's looked into the eyes of young patients, telling them pain is for their own good. He's the scariest one up there because he literally sounds crazy, not just pretending to like the others.
5
As an example of Ted Cruz's skills a debater, consider his response to a question from moderator Dana Bash (doesn't matter which question): "The premise of your question is inaccurate." Boom. Question deflected, moderator belittled, Cruz proceeds on script.
1
Since you don't detail the actual question (it does matter because words mean things) I have to assume Cruz was right and it was just another "gotcha" question with a faulty premise, something liberal reporters and commentators excel at.
1
What we are witnessing is, in the words of Mark Shields, "civil war in the political (Republican) leper colony" What we are seeing and hearing is a bunch of impotent, incompetent wannabes who are looking for a job that every one of them is totally unqualified to hold.
The unconscionable length of this "nomination process" and the obscene amount of money that could be spent doing something useful does demonstrate that the republicans are right about one thing: Corruption of the political class.
The unconscionable length of this "nomination process" and the obscene amount of money that could be spent doing something useful does demonstrate that the republicans are right about one thing: Corruption of the political class.
7
The fear-mongering in this debate was astounding. It's no surprise a good chunk of the American public is cowering under their beds with the apocalyptic words from these candidates while right-wing news organizations like Fox News gin up panic 24/7.
ISIS is not an existential threat to this country, more people are killed in random acts of violence and good old American mass shootings every year than by terrorists, but to hear the Republicans speak, you would think ISIS is massing at the border ready to spread the caliphate in Kansas.
I understand they want to somehow tie Hillary Clinton to ISIS, but at some point do they ever stop to wonder at the cost of the fear they are needlessly causing among the public?
ISIS is not an existential threat to this country, more people are killed in random acts of violence and good old American mass shootings every year than by terrorists, but to hear the Republicans speak, you would think ISIS is massing at the border ready to spread the caliphate in Kansas.
I understand they want to somehow tie Hillary Clinton to ISIS, but at some point do they ever stop to wonder at the cost of the fear they are needlessly causing among the public?
103
There is a threat of a dirty bomb. The profiteers who are running this war will very easily sell ISIS the the bomb for a few bucks.
I abhor these reprehensible bottom feeders and they're not the answer, but we do have a threat from ISIS.
I abhor these reprehensible bottom feeders and they're not the answer, but we do have a threat from ISIS.
Say what you will about the debate, but it's far more lively, entertaining, and substantive than the Democrats' debates have been. All the energy is with the Republicans this election cycle.
The Democrats are all but moribund, mired in the quicksand of political correctness. They can't even answer a question about whether all lives matter or just black lives matter, or call Islamic terrorism what it is, without stuttering, stammering, and becoming utterly tongue tied. Hillary has the demeanor of an angry librarian scolding junior high kids, and Sanders sounds like a bumbling old professor. Pathetic.
And the New York Times needs to find someone with some voice-over training to narrate the videos that accompany their articles.
The Democrats are all but moribund, mired in the quicksand of political correctness. They can't even answer a question about whether all lives matter or just black lives matter, or call Islamic terrorism what it is, without stuttering, stammering, and becoming utterly tongue tied. Hillary has the demeanor of an angry librarian scolding junior high kids, and Sanders sounds like a bumbling old professor. Pathetic.
And the New York Times needs to find someone with some voice-over training to narrate the videos that accompany their articles.
2
So you would rather see a dog and pony show instead of hearing about realistic plans and strategies to solving a variety of problems we are faced with?
Carson sounds like a baby. Whines a lot.
Trump is a mean-spirited nasty, LOUD man who has to resort to name calling and insults.
Cruz is Canadian.
Bush is another Bush. What shape was our country in when W left office?
Christy is a bully.
Rubio has no plans; like the rest of them.
Carson sounds like a baby. Whines a lot.
Trump is a mean-spirited nasty, LOUD man who has to resort to name calling and insults.
Cruz is Canadian.
Bush is another Bush. What shape was our country in when W left office?
Christy is a bully.
Rubio has no plans; like the rest of them.
4
The Democrats have no need to make fools of themselves in a so-called "debate", an event which these TV shows do not resemble. Hillary is already the chosen one.
I very much enjoyed my evening. I did not watch the circus.
7
No, Jeb! won't get his advice and information from the Saturday or Sunday shows. Jeb! wlll get his advice and information from his current closest advisors - Paul Wolfowitz and the rest of the slavering neo-con crowd.
Enough of Bush III.
Enough of Bush III.
6
Interesting to hear so much mention of the San Bernadino terrorists and no solutions that would have actually stopped them. From what Ted Cruz said, I'd have thought San Bernadino never happened because of all the terrific legislation he's proposed.
Meanwhile, I'm more concerned about some radical Christian walking into my doctor's office and shooting up the place. Republicans all remember San Bernadino and 9/11 but seem to forget Colorado Springs, Umpqua Community College and Newtown, CT. And none of these Republican candidates are willling to mention that Americans have more to fear from gun-carrying fellow Americans than all the Islamic terrorists on the planet. Talk about political correctness---they don't dare bring up gun control, that would be politically incorrect. They can't even restrict terrorists on the watchlist from legally buying guns.
Meanwhile, I'm more concerned about some radical Christian walking into my doctor's office and shooting up the place. Republicans all remember San Bernadino and 9/11 but seem to forget Colorado Springs, Umpqua Community College and Newtown, CT. And none of these Republican candidates are willling to mention that Americans have more to fear from gun-carrying fellow Americans than all the Islamic terrorists on the planet. Talk about political correctness---they don't dare bring up gun control, that would be politically incorrect. They can't even restrict terrorists on the watchlist from legally buying guns.
13
The Las Vegas fantasy Venetian hotel in all its fakery was the pefect setting for the distorted reality presented by this painfully pathetic lineup of presidential wannabes.
Is it really possible we've come to this? The debate, broadcast globally, was an embarrassing display of arrogance, ignorance, and falso bravado.
Is it really possible we've come to this? The debate, broadcast globally, was an embarrassing display of arrogance, ignorance, and falso bravado.
6
america can sink lower, zm
just wait a week or two
just wait a week or two
1
Tell me how a food fight with CNN as ring announcer and the press as judges determines who should be allowed to run for president. Another mashup of troubled eighth graders in detention is what I see. Perhaps all these people including the moderators should revisit Debate 101 at their local middle school. This is a bad joke gone to far.
4
Trump had the best line of the night when he said "The $3 - 5 trillion we wasted on these wars could have been better spent here." That is why Trump has 41 percent in the polls, he dared tell the truth. While all those around him except (Paul and Kasich) acted like DoD is bare bones and has to be rebuilt. Honorable mention goes Carly Fiorina wearing a crucifix when she can't tell the truth about anything.
63
He dared tell the "truth"? As if that makes up for his incessant, well-documented lying?
While Mr. Trump made some comments about the obvious, he's really good at that part, he did not have a clue what the "Nuclear Triad" is, but he assures us that "we're going to have a great, great country, greater than ever before." I think Mr. Trump's inability to speak to such key specifics greatly undermines his candidacy.
Sir, with all due respect, Trump is no peace-loving candidate and your assessment of his political views, in my opinion, are misinterpreted. Don't let him pull the wool over your eyes, for he says what he pleases, so to contradict his opponents and to stand out above the crowd, he'll say anything, anywhere and at any time. He would be the first one to lead us into tragic conflicts all over given his brash, arrogant and unapologetic attitude.
I thought the debate was interesting Trump came off as pretty moderator or even left of Clinton most of the time, though some of his positions or at least the way he says them are kind of out there. With hsi we could have build a lot of roads, educated people, etc. if we hadn't went to war in Iraq remark. This may be why there seemed to be a conserted effort to attack him early, the Republican elite don't want a moderate, or maybe it was all for show and they have decided Trump is better than Clinton.
CNN like the NYT pretty much declared Clinton the democratic nominee, which the Republican candidates seemed fine with because they know she is weak in a general election. I wish the NYT and other media would wake up and give Bernie some coverage, otherwise I think it's going to be president Trump, because people seem tired of picking between two elite endorsed shills in the general election.
CNN like the NYT pretty much declared Clinton the democratic nominee, which the Republican candidates seemed fine with because they know she is weak in a general election. I wish the NYT and other media would wake up and give Bernie some coverage, otherwise I think it's going to be president Trump, because people seem tired of picking between two elite endorsed shills in the general election.
1
Did no one else notice that Christie began the debate by saying women take the kids to school and dads go to work? All of these candidates are out-of-touch with everyday life in contemporary America. The majority are also out-of-touch with the reality on the ground in Syria. Cruz thinks he can "carpet bomb" ISIS and not have collateral damage. Trump wants to leave the solution to Russia. Christie thinks taking people to court is analagous to winning a war. Only JEB! and Kasich know the least damned thing about how to build a coalition and lead, but one of them seems to have Tourette's and the other one is the world's least inspiring candidate. Sad days.
4
Considering the death toll from shootings by irrational people as opposed to those by Islamic terrorists, everybody should be monitoring and reporting the activities of anyone behaving strangely.
1
What an unpleasant group of people! They combine the worst traits of recent Republican presidents: Nixon's paranoia and vindictiveness, Reagan's addiction to false narratives, Bush I's aloofness, and Bush II's bad boy/spoiled brat routine. I couldn't imagine actually knowing any of these men (and one woman). Somehow, they don't seem like real flesh-and-blood people to me. And even more so - and this may be a politically incorrect thing to say, but what the heck, we are in a politically incorrect season - I couldn't imagine knowing any of their wives. A woman who supports that kind of ugliness is not a woman I want anything to do with.
But more and more, I feel that I am living in a foreign land. What happened to the country I grew up in? Who are these mean, angry, fearful people who run around with guns strapped to their bodies in the grocery store and would select a person like Trump or Cruz for president? Have we lost our minds? (The answer, I am afraid, is yes.)
But more and more, I feel that I am living in a foreign land. What happened to the country I grew up in? Who are these mean, angry, fearful people who run around with guns strapped to their bodies in the grocery store and would select a person like Trump or Cruz for president? Have we lost our minds? (The answer, I am afraid, is yes.)
6
So where was the most contentious issue of the day in this debate, the GUN ownership issue? Where did these candidates stand? Not asked, not answered? Just another indication of CNN's Hollywood approach to the evening's entertainment. Let's avoid REAL controversy, and control content.
What is fascinating about these debates and the candidates involved is not--to state the obvious--their absurdity. No, it's the complete lack of vision and ability to state a strategy on any topic. Name-calling has replaced spirited debate; hysterical fear mongering has replaced visions of American diplomacy abroad; and perhaps the worst crime of all is the blatant ignorance of simple facts and data masquerading then as punditry. The American voter deserves more and the world at large expects greatness. Both parties are still waiting...
1
March 4, 1933, FDR inaugural speech, "the only thing we have to fear, is fear itself".
All the Republican candidates need to review that speech.
Those participating in last night's debate were all fear mongers.
All the Republican candidates need to review that speech.
Those participating in last night's debate were all fear mongers.
3
Same old red meat to the extreme base; boring. Not one of them can win a general election. No Hispanic or minority appeal, no economic message-- fear, bash President Obama, bash Hilary Clinton. Inside group fights. Totally boring. Whatever happened to a sense of dignity and appeal to the better side of Americans? An embarrassment.
3
Watching the Republican political debate is like watching a train wreck in slow motion. This whole entire party is going off a cliff. The election is about a year away from now so we've got the next 11 months to be inundated with this election ego preening and teleprompting boondoggle. The tv and radio ads are atrocious. Who can out muscle or bomb ISIS and keep you family safe. Competitive fear mongering. Good grief.
As if there is nothing else to cover or going on in this ever changing world, the media's focus and attention on this spectacle is unending and nauseating.
And why the heck is Jeb still here keeping a podium warm?
This is the best America has to offer up for the highest office in our nation?
As if there is nothing else to cover or going on in this ever changing world, the media's focus and attention on this spectacle is unending and nauseating.
And why the heck is Jeb still here keeping a podium warm?
This is the best America has to offer up for the highest office in our nation?
1
Last night, I heard strong consensus on the stage to elect Kim Jong Un as the next Republican presidential candidate. As examples - killing the family of your enemy, cutting off the internet, spying on your own people, talking tough to your enemies - Kim Jong Un has a consistent track record of enacting the policies Republican primary voters value most.
10
Sorry, but Kim Jong is too left wing for this bunch.
Intersting that I don't see Fiorina mentioned one time in this article. Was she even there? Did she say anything?
I watched the debate and could have sworn she was there, a loner, reminding us repeatedly of how she was the only self proclaimed leader who knew how to lead.
But she did lead in one way. She was the clear leader in displaying her obsession with trying to look tougher,meaner, and more inflexible than Hillary to the point she exposed her weakness as a leader; She is a brooding and bitter loner more than a leader of people.
Mayby that is what went wrong at HP the point where the Board removed her. The fact that the NYT ignored her is not surprising, she did little to deserve otherwise.
I watched the debate and could have sworn she was there, a loner, reminding us repeatedly of how she was the only self proclaimed leader who knew how to lead.
But she did lead in one way. She was the clear leader in displaying her obsession with trying to look tougher,meaner, and more inflexible than Hillary to the point she exposed her weakness as a leader; She is a brooding and bitter loner more than a leader of people.
Mayby that is what went wrong at HP the point where the Board removed her. The fact that the NYT ignored her is not surprising, she did little to deserve otherwise.
1
With 'toughness on terrorism' so prominent in they debate, why did no candidate or moderator ask Mr. Trump just how he would 'go after' the parents and six-month old child of the man involved in the San Bernadino terrorist attack.
Only a few days before he had said that he would 'go after the families of terrorists'. Well, here was his chance to tell us just what he would do to those parents and that child.
Why did no one ask him?
And with real people before us, what do we think of his 'idea'?
Only a few days before he had said that he would 'go after the families of terrorists'. Well, here was his chance to tell us just what he would do to those parents and that child.
Why did no one ask him?
And with real people before us, what do we think of his 'idea'?
1
He was asked about that.
It was disturbing to see how much of the debate revolved around that old bugaboo 'national security'. Are Americans really that afraid? What about the economy? The eroding middle class? The vanishing blue collar jobs? The massive national debt? The political stalemate in Washington? It is a little unsettling to see the most powerful country on earth in a state of panic as a result of a single attack. The bottom line is no matter what you do you CANNOT prevent all of these attacks. It is simply impossible to monitor every person in the USA. The same way you can't prevent other mass shootings from taking place (interestingly this subject never came up - is that not a risk to one's personal safety as well?). America beating the war drums is not going to defeat ISIS. That is exactly what ISIS wants. A smarter strategy of long term attrition involving a coalition of Arab nations, Europe, the USA and Russia is the way to go, combined with efforts to cut off their money flow. In other words, exactly what is happening now. Beyond that, the USA needs to focus on fixing its own problems first. I hope the American people stay focused and don't let all this war talk sway their judgement come election time. Going to war again in the Mid-East will only make things worse.
3
This debate was specifically dedicated to national security. Other debates focus on other topics.
2
did anyone else catch when the word, "terrorism" was being reevaluated (as it should be) cruz had to spew fear and criminalizing the islam state for an extended amount of time as a means of justifying why terrorism means what it does today in the us?
in my opinion, when we evaluate "terrorism," we shouldn't be questioning immigrant status, protecting our borders, isis and giving rise of power to such... but rather, we should be evaluating the lack of education, abusive police force, racism, and gun control here in the us... these are ALL true forms of terrorism.
the san bernandino shooters were american citizens, let's look past the fact that they are islamic. come on people! give me abreak.
in my opinion, when we evaluate "terrorism," we shouldn't be questioning immigrant status, protecting our borders, isis and giving rise of power to such... but rather, we should be evaluating the lack of education, abusive police force, racism, and gun control here in the us... these are ALL true forms of terrorism.
the san bernandino shooters were american citizens, let's look past the fact that they are islamic. come on people! give me abreak.
as before...all prime candidates for The Biggest Loser reality show
3
Too bad George W. could not run for some national office --- there were very few laughs available.............
And where is your coverage of Carly Florina? I'm not for any of these candidates but I am for fair reporting. Shame on you, New York Times.
Ditto on your lopsided, biased coverage of the Democratic candidates.
Ditto on your lopsided, biased coverage of the Democratic candidates.
I just have to laugh and shake my heads at some of the comments here. Such as: " What a sorry group of candidates," or, " Is this really the best the republicans can do ," or similar nonsense. On that stage last night, you had one of the most famous and richest men in the country, a highly respected neurosurgeon, Governors of two of the largest states in the country, 3 Senators, the former head of Hewlett Packard one of the biggest companies in the World, and the former Governor of Florida, whose brother and father just happened to be presidents of the United States of America. You are free to disagree with their politics but let's be fair! It's a pretty formidable field of candidates.
6
There is a big difference between ticket punching and qualified.
That head of Hewlett Packard was fired for failing.
That Florida governor was involved in the theft of the 2000 election, and still does not know what is wrong with his brother's administration to the point of using the same advisers.
It is a sorry group.
That head of Hewlett Packard was fired for failing.
That Florida governor was involved in the theft of the 2000 election, and still does not know what is wrong with his brother's administration to the point of using the same advisers.
It is a sorry group.
4
Formidable until they opened their mouths.
3
Famous rich guy: 4X bankrupt
Governors ( 3)that will never ever be elected to anything in their home states again
The "head" of HP was summarily fired and really can't get another job or get elected to pretty much anything
3 Senators...from a historically dysfunctional Congress who can't jkeep from sliding all over whatever agenda is popular with the rabid base
Oh and being the brother of the guy that even his (their) Dad thought was misled into a ruinous and pointless war that will haunt us into the next century
...... is not excactly a ringing endorsement
So formidable, not so much
Governors ( 3)that will never ever be elected to anything in their home states again
The "head" of HP was summarily fired and really can't get another job or get elected to pretty much anything
3 Senators...from a historically dysfunctional Congress who can't jkeep from sliding all over whatever agenda is popular with the rabid base
Oh and being the brother of the guy that even his (their) Dad thought was misled into a ruinous and pointless war that will haunt us into the next century
...... is not excactly a ringing endorsement
So formidable, not so much
6
Has anyone told these folks that President Obama isn't running this time?
Lindsay "Vapors" Graham stated that ISIL was Obama's fault and not Bush's was the biggest gopper whopper of the night.
There was no ISIS when Saddam was in charge. The current leader of ISIS was a prisoner at Camp Buca in Iraq. Many top leaders in ISIS are former fired military senior leaders from the disbanded Iraqi army.
ISIS is a direct result of the Bushcheney invasion of Iraq and killing Saddam.
Lindsay "Vapors" Graham stated that ISIL was Obama's fault and not Bush's was the biggest gopper whopper of the night.
There was no ISIS when Saddam was in charge. The current leader of ISIS was a prisoner at Camp Buca in Iraq. Many top leaders in ISIS are former fired military senior leaders from the disbanded Iraqi army.
ISIS is a direct result of the Bushcheney invasion of Iraq and killing Saddam.
9
Best moment was when Carson said "they all love me" then turned to Donald and ended, "now I sound like you." Good bit of banter amidst hum drum well-rehearsed 'attacks' on each other.
3
Clearly the Republican wordsmiths like Frank "death tax" Luntz have dictated that henceforth all Republicans shall abandon the word "disagree" when speaking of President Obama and instead substitute the phrase "do not trust". Do not say "I disagree with President Obama's decision to _________" Instead say "I do not trust President Obama to _______ [do what I want]". Repeat "distrust" over and over and over to plant the word in the public's mind and Hillary Clinton will be toast.
On GOP 2016 5th Debate: I am so sick of POTUS wannabes calling President Obama "feckless" and "weak." President Obama not a leader? Let's count up the ways: Just this week accomplished historic climate agreement bringing China and India and 195 nations along in one of the most complex negotiations ever, that pretty much could save the planet. Saved the economy from collapse. Made health care accessible to 11 million previously uninsured, accomplishing a goal that had evaded presidents for 100 years. Negotiated Iran nuclear deal, bringing nations together. Cut unemployment rate by more than half, managing a record streak for jobs creation by the private sector. Created jobs program for veterans. Raised graduation rates, made college more affordable. Brought down the national debt brought nations in sanctions against Russia over Crimea and Ukraine, causing Russia's economy to swoon. Made the US energy independent (does he get any credit for gas prices falling to $2, as he was blamed when they rose to nearly $5?). And, oh yes, has brought together a true international coalition, including Arab states and competing interests in the fight against the Islamic State. The only ones who call him "weak" are the Republicans who have undermined him even writing to the Ayatollahs to try to torpedo the Iran nuclear agreement.
13
Mr. Cruz enjoys bashing immigrants such that both inside the debate and outside the debate he throws out preposterous figures that Clinton deported 12 million immigrants and Bush (Presumably George W) deported 10 million. Yet America's illegal immigrant population averages around 11 million. So apparently with Cruz Math we had a total of 33 million illegal immigrants before Clinton's/Bush's deportations? Clinton deported less than 600,000 and George W less than two million. In comparison, President Obama's deportation rates are higher and the illegal population grew at lower rates and total numbers than the previous administration.
Not to be outdone on the race to the bottom, Senator Rubio seeks to gut Obamacare. However, Obamacare now gives many taxpaying Americans the same rights to healthcare as newly arrived Cuban immigrants. When the Cuban immigrant fathers of Rubio and Cruz arrived into America, they immediately received: food, housing, job training and healthcare.
The ever self-righteous Cruz and Rubio berate Obama's Executive Orders on immigration, yet every President from Eisenhower to Nixon issued the same orders benefitting their fathers and all Cuban immigrants.
Not to be outdone on the race to the bottom, Senator Rubio seeks to gut Obamacare. However, Obamacare now gives many taxpaying Americans the same rights to healthcare as newly arrived Cuban immigrants. When the Cuban immigrant fathers of Rubio and Cruz arrived into America, they immediately received: food, housing, job training and healthcare.
The ever self-righteous Cruz and Rubio berate Obama's Executive Orders on immigration, yet every President from Eisenhower to Nixon issued the same orders benefitting their fathers and all Cuban immigrants.
3
Political debates are a kind of art form. The best way to look at it is similar to Kabuki theater, with facial expressions and all. You can't expect them to be careful, hours-long explanations of policy details (and if they were, you would stop watching, unless you are someone who watches hours and hours of C-SPAN). Each of the candidates have been giving stump speeches all around the country, many have spoken in Congress for decades, and they retooled those talking points for the debate format. Even the analysts who were invited to speak before the debates said things like, 'Oh I just think "the American people" are excited to hear from Ted Cruz.' (spoken by Cruz's campaign affiliate), while other analysts were similarly surprised to discover that they thought "the American people" were looking forward to their respective candidate. So when you look at it from that perspective, you can't really get offended. It's like a potter throwing pots; it's what they do. Trump is being Trump, doing his thing. Rand is being Rand, Christie is being Christie (pst! he's a prosecutor...)
Who.....could be the most reasonable candidate...and the most responsible
candidate....and that is the only question to answer.
In my view....Jeb Bush....
The rest ...is as usual....."Showtime on CNN"
candidate....and that is the only question to answer.
In my view....Jeb Bush....
The rest ...is as usual....."Showtime on CNN"
1
Christie Christie called President Obama a "feckless weakling". Let's see... we have dropped 29,000 bombs on Isil over the last 18 months (90% of the payload). We have droned our way around the world. Is he weak until he commits more ground troops into the Middle East? So strong men order young people to fight? That's the depth of his foreign policy analysis? Did Christie serve his country?
Two thoughts: First, SEND YOUR KIDS, Chris. Send them NOW. In fact why don't YOU trip over to Raqqa with an AR and tear it up. Put it on Pay per View. And Second, have another doughnut Big Boy. Look at yourself in the mirror. You may see a weakling standing there. You couldn't get elected for dog catcher in New Jersey.
Two thoughts: First, SEND YOUR KIDS, Chris. Send them NOW. In fact why don't YOU trip over to Raqqa with an AR and tear it up. Put it on Pay per View. And Second, have another doughnut Big Boy. Look at yourself in the mirror. You may see a weakling standing there. You couldn't get elected for dog catcher in New Jersey.
13
Good One Dude! Make some posters on what you shared and have it paraded around his speeches. That man is pure "arrogant air" in a balloon that is deflating with whistling air smelling like flatulence.
1
Not one of these big tough guys ever served in the military. You've got Heel Spur Trump, Dr. I-Was-Offered-A-Scholarship-To-West Point Carson, too-fat Christy, et.al. But they are all happy as punch to send YOUR children and grandchildren to fight and die (or come back as an amputee).
4
This is what happens when one party selects a cast of morons, misanthropes and amateurs to compete for its nomination. At the end of the day, there can be no winners, because we're going to get a moron, misanthrope or amateur as its nominee. And on the other side of the aisle, we have an extremely intelligent cipher as the likely nominee. Someone who stands for nothing, and dispenses lies as though she's bought them by the gross at Sam's Club.
When is a democracy no longer a democracy? When voters are presented by the 2 parties with pure rubbish as "choices" for the most important job in America. We are effectively disenfranchised, long before we ever get to cast a vote. This will not end well.
When is a democracy no longer a democracy? When voters are presented by the 2 parties with pure rubbish as "choices" for the most important job in America. We are effectively disenfranchised, long before we ever get to cast a vote. This will not end well.
3
If I were to rate the debaters on their glibness I would rate Trump Last.If I were to rate Trump on what he is , I would rate him first. He is not beholden to the Lobbyists, Media, The Religious Right, or to the Republican Establishment.He is his own person beholden to no one but the American People.He speaks his mind & you know what your getting.Do I agree with him on everything he blurts out, of course not, but he is as crazy as a fox, he says what resonates with the common folks.Will he send back all those that came here illegally, no, but they will pay for breaking the law, which they should.Does he hate & would he persecute American Muslims, absolutely not.
What he would do if he was President is repair our infrastructure, & in the process create Millions of jobs .He will Destroy those that are looking to hurt Americans, any way he can.For the first time in my life I can go into the voting booth feeling confident that I know who I'm voting for, an American who's only interest is what's good for America .
What he would do if he was President is repair our infrastructure, & in the process create Millions of jobs .He will Destroy those that are looking to hurt Americans, any way he can.For the first time in my life I can go into the voting booth feeling confident that I know who I'm voting for, an American who's only interest is what's good for America .
4
Trump and Cruz hopefully will finish in the one and two positions in the GOP clown car. If so, we Dems look forward to 2016 with relish. Hillary can only hope and keep her fingers crossed for such good fortune to come her way.
DD
Manhattan
DD
Manhattan
4
Maybe half of the debate was substantive.
The rest was adolescent and mostly un-presidential. Trump rolling his eyes or otherwise making mocking faces when he didn't like something someone said. Others (principally Cruz, Paul, resorting to petty attacks). In his pointed exchanges with Rubio I found Cruz to be the one who's "truths" I couldn't trust. And Kasich, Christie, Bush, and Fiorina trying to convince us they were the adults in the room.
I'm glad it's the last debate of the year. I can use a break. And maybe a bunch of these people who haven't a chance will disappear before the next debate.
The rest was adolescent and mostly un-presidential. Trump rolling his eyes or otherwise making mocking faces when he didn't like something someone said. Others (principally Cruz, Paul, resorting to petty attacks). In his pointed exchanges with Rubio I found Cruz to be the one who's "truths" I couldn't trust. And Kasich, Christie, Bush, and Fiorina trying to convince us they were the adults in the room.
I'm glad it's the last debate of the year. I can use a break. And maybe a bunch of these people who haven't a chance will disappear before the next debate.
3
For a change of pace, there is a Democratic debate scheduled for this Saturday. For some reason, neither the mainstream media nor the Democratic party elites don't want people to know about it.
2
Suddenly Trump pledges to support the nominee whoever it may be and has withdrawn the idea of a third party run. I also notice how amiable he and Cruz are. I think they have secretly pledged to throw their delegate support behind whichever of them has the most votes after the first round if there's no winner at that point. If Trump wins, I think Cruz will be his VP. The establishment will have no choice but to grin and bear it.
23
I've been thinking the same thing. It appears Cruz's people have been talking Trumps people.
I still hold out hope that surely some dirt on Trump exists somewhere that is so odious it will knock him out of the race.
I still hold out hope that surely some dirt on Trump exists somewhere that is so odious it will knock him out of the race.
Ted Cruz trying to out hyperbole Trump said: “We will carpet-bomb (the Middle East) into oblivion,” .... ‘I don't know if sand can glow in the dark, but we're going to find out!'
When US Army General Curtis LeMay took over the XX and XXIst bombing squadrons in 1944--three years before the USAF became its own branch--LeMay announced that he would carpet-bomb Japan...by completely destroying villages and small cities he would certainly bring Japan to its knees...at what cost? The two nuclear bombs rained death on these two large cities...but the MOST damage was to these villages. Many families were completely wiped out. Families who were just farmers.
http://ww2db.com/battle_spec.php?battle_id=217
My home of Honolulu was declared a sister city to Hiroshima in 1959. a replica of the torii gate at Hiyajima, a World Heritage Site, a symbol of everlasting friendship. The 26-foot-high structure now stands at the intersection of King and Beretania streets, in Moiliili. I walked past the sculpture and bell every day and it ALWAYS brought tears to my eyes.
One-third of these Japanese citizens came to Hawai’i for treatment. Beretania St--where Obama’s white grandparents lived (His GF fought in WWII as did my dad). Obama’s school Punahou lies one block from this replica of the torii gate at Hiyajima.
LeMay: "If you kill enough of them, they stop fighting. ...If I had lost the war, I would have been tried as a war criminal. We should have bombed VN back to the Stone Age.”
When US Army General Curtis LeMay took over the XX and XXIst bombing squadrons in 1944--three years before the USAF became its own branch--LeMay announced that he would carpet-bomb Japan...by completely destroying villages and small cities he would certainly bring Japan to its knees...at what cost? The two nuclear bombs rained death on these two large cities...but the MOST damage was to these villages. Many families were completely wiped out. Families who were just farmers.
http://ww2db.com/battle_spec.php?battle_id=217
My home of Honolulu was declared a sister city to Hiroshima in 1959. a replica of the torii gate at Hiyajima, a World Heritage Site, a symbol of everlasting friendship. The 26-foot-high structure now stands at the intersection of King and Beretania streets, in Moiliili. I walked past the sculpture and bell every day and it ALWAYS brought tears to my eyes.
One-third of these Japanese citizens came to Hawai’i for treatment. Beretania St--where Obama’s white grandparents lived (His GF fought in WWII as did my dad). Obama’s school Punahou lies one block from this replica of the torii gate at Hiyajima.
LeMay: "If you kill enough of them, they stop fighting. ...If I had lost the war, I would have been tried as a war criminal. We should have bombed VN back to the Stone Age.”
1
Reading about the latest "debate" one would think that voters are supposed to forget that it was a Republican in the White House when the Twin Towers were knocked down by terrorists. Seriously, Trump is going to stop terrorism by having US Customs ask people trying to enter the country if they are Muslims. Gee, why didn't Obama think of that?
1
I am not even a fan of Carly Fiorina, but I will say I found it totally bizarre that she is not once mentioned in this summary of the debate. If I am not mistaken, everyone else is ... including Governor Kaisch who, in my opinion, is much easier to forget and overlook than Fiornia.
26
Indeed. Even Carson got a mention...
I read the article three times because I was certain I'd missed Fiorina's section. While I am glad Carly is doing so poorly, I am offended she was omitted. Who proofs these pieces? This seems like a major mistake.
1
It is Holiday Season and I am filled with glee and glad tidings as I attempt to watch the so-called Republican debate. The best part of this one was watching Marco Rubio get shredded by how much he knows and by how little he knows - I am not convinced about which is the greater burden. For him - and for the public. As a long-time resident of Florida, I have been convinced that he has no business nor qualifications to be Senator, let alone President. I hope the voters see the embarrassment we would all suffer if Rubio were to be elected to our top office.
13
So in summation: War. More war. Limit women's rights. More war. Tax cuts. Cut social spending, but not defense. More war. Immigration bad, except for low wage workers for big business. Big business good, Obama bad, Hillary baddest! More war! More war!
If this debate did not inspire all Democrats to register for the election and TURN OUT THE VOTE ON ELECTION DAY...then honestly, this is the leadership that America will get. And it will be a calamity for us and for the entire world.
If this debate did not inspire all Democrats to register for the election and TURN OUT THE VOTE ON ELECTION DAY...then honestly, this is the leadership that America will get. And it will be a calamity for us and for the entire world.
26
Back down on the farm, we see this all the time. The bossy lead cow with the big pointy horns finally gets corralled and her horns cut off. When she returns to the herd, she doesn't just slip to second or third place, she's pushed right out, fighting for scraps and getting head butted by the same weaklings who used to follow her around and lick her face.
Donald Trump's followers need him to be a winner. If there is any hint that might not be the case anymore, watch how fast his face lickers abandon him. Nobody loves a loser. The Trumpists least of all.
Donald Trump's followers need him to be a winner. If there is any hint that might not be the case anymore, watch how fast his face lickers abandon him. Nobody loves a loser. The Trumpists least of all.
8
Clearly, when it seems now that Trump is running out of things and people to insult, his candidacy becomes problematic. Now when the other candidates are attacking him, he just shakes his head and makes faces.
I've said this before, and I'll say it again: these debates show us that stupidity knows no nadir.
11
It's incredible that the majority of these candidates call for an increase in military spending despite the fact that we already significantly outspend every other nation in the world. Do they beleive our armed forces are that inefficient?
12
Hard line Democrats would ridicule Jesus Christ if they thought he was a Republican. I do agree with Carson that it is what you do not what you say. Both Carson and Trump have real ocom-complishments, unlike Hillary and Bush. Obama has lied to the American people repeatably. He treats us like we cannot think (94 million out of the workforce but unemployment is only 5%, yeah right, , You can keep your doctor ect..) Hillary can lie right to the faces of those who just lost loved ones in Benghazi. It's no wonder people want someone who is not a lifetime politician in the white house. It's too bad that people have let Obama and the Democrats divide the country so much. We're all on the same side, Black, White, men woman, but so many people take the bait and fight with each other. The Alinsky technique is working, but it hurts the country and so many are to blind to see it.
2
Jeez, Dems as liars? No global warming, carpet bombing, health care death panels, job-killing health care programs, runaway inflation, debased dollar, Moslem non-citizen Obama, Benghazi, etc. Who is responsible for these lies?
3
I thought Carly's answers were the most amusing. Every security issue could be readily handled because of her experience getting fired at HP. After 9/11 the NSA had her turn around a truck of critical electronic equipment and steer it under guard to NSA headquarters. I didn't realize the U.S. government had a shortage of crappy printers. Maybe they ran out of ink after printing ten pages?
9
In the 3rd paragraph where you reference recent terror attacks, you should have included the attack at the healthcare clinic in Colorado. No one should feel afraid to seek needed care and these ongoing attacks are terror, pure and simple. Please do not neglect to include these terror attacks, those victims need to be remembered as well.
15
Don't know if this is an accurate article about the debate, but it strikes me as a bunch of underdeveloped intelligence and character—talking about extremely complex problems as a matter of getting "tougher" and bombing them harder, bragging in vague and empty terms, sniping at each other, etc.
It's sad that this is what too many in our country thinks of as leadership. Do they SERIOUSLY think that bombing harder will defeat ISIS—without taking and holding territory, without an alternative power to fill the vacuum, without thinking about Sunni vs. Shia problems, without thinking a bit about how "carpet bombing" might add to ISIS recruitment—without thinking at all, apparently. They just want to hit back harder.
Didn't they learn anything in kindergarten?
It's sad that this is what too many in our country thinks of as leadership. Do they SERIOUSLY think that bombing harder will defeat ISIS—without taking and holding territory, without an alternative power to fill the vacuum, without thinking about Sunni vs. Shia problems, without thinking a bit about how "carpet bombing" might add to ISIS recruitment—without thinking at all, apparently. They just want to hit back harder.
Didn't they learn anything in kindergarten?
18
Jeb Bush was petulant. He might as well have screamed, "Sour grapes!"
Sheesh.
Sheesh.
4
I am just sick and tired of these clowns. Pathetic show.
5
And yet you pay attention.
1
Phone call metadata is SUCH A SMALL PART of all the data that the NSA is collecting on all Americans. Everyone needs to watch the documentary Citizen4. This issue is being lost in the debates for both parties. Who's gonna protect my privacy, the socialist or the libertarian?!
Imagine if during these debates a few "select" candidates would have the floor to themselves during the first hour. No one else is allowed to participate during that time. Without doubt they would set the tone for the debate, especially if their viewpoints were similar and predictable. Their points and positions would gain outsize attention, putting anyone else with a competing viewpoint at a severe disadvantage. The debate as a whole would become less interesting, less diverse, and generally, unfair.
That is exactly what is happening here in the commenters section. The "verified commenter" phenomenon has reached a point where it is almost impossible for others to get a word in without shouting from the back of the line. We would not consider this fair in a real life debate, it shouldn't be this way in an online debate/commenter forum as well.
That is exactly what is happening here in the commenters section. The "verified commenter" phenomenon has reached a point where it is almost impossible for others to get a word in without shouting from the back of the line. We would not consider this fair in a real life debate, it shouldn't be this way in an online debate/commenter forum as well.
3
Agree.
2
“Leadership is not about attacking people and disparaging people. Leadership is about creating a serious strategy.”
I really thought leadership was about bringing people together.
I really thought leadership was about bringing people together.
5
I found it ludicrous that Rand Paul was even on the stage with his numbers. CNN clearly agreed based on "entertainment value." It is time to winnow down the field so serious candidates can have more air time. Not sure when the next debate is to be held, but I suggest no more than 5 candidates in the prime time debate and 5--at most--in the earlier one.
I agree 100%. And, his people yelling and booing others was distasteful!
These stupid televised dog and pony shows are a national embarrassment. The primary system is the worst thing that we've ever done to our election process. If Lincoln were running today, the low wattage celebrity commentators would allude to his appearance, and Trump would be tell us that he's too ugly to be president. If Washington were running today, Trump would talk about his bad teeth and the battles he lost during the Revolutionary War.
These TV shows reveal how shoddy our electoral system is. They are at about the intelligence level of "The Bachelor." We should be ashamed. Boycott the debates and bring back the smoke-filled rooms.
These TV shows reveal how shoddy our electoral system is. They are at about the intelligence level of "The Bachelor." We should be ashamed. Boycott the debates and bring back the smoke-filled rooms.
7
Did Carly Fiorina surprise anyone else? I hadn't given her a second thought but she was in it to win it last night: a feisty opening, a "real" answer to a Silicon Vallley question - even a Thatcher quote. Or maybe it was just all the boyish aping that made her look good?
Does it look good to you that she essentially endorsed the military as deciders of our foreign policy? That's what we call a banana republic.
As most gathered watching this debate, it seemed the top two professional politicians were basically trying to sell their reasoning behind their stance with past bills and the outcomes of such. Voters are only interested in where we are now and what is taking place now. Any bills proposed in the past and or presently have obviously had no preventative impact on recent events in the eyes of voters. Nor, do they care about the business as usual that was portrayed in the debate between these two candidates.
1
Even if it made little sense, Reagan' s quotations from 1630 Winthrop's "City upon a Hill" were charming...if somewhat hollywoodian.
But what was once Abe Lincoln's party has just turned into a frightening circus...
But what was once Abe Lincoln's party has just turned into a frightening circus...
9
Close your eyes and think about anyone of these guys as president. Scary
14
These republican debates are pathetic. Hugh Hewitt as a questioner? He seemed more in the role of cheerleader. Why not get Limbaugh, too? And what is the point of the pre-debate debate? George Pataki - seriously? All of this is disheartening. An informed listener is not presented with credible candidates intelligently confronting the issues affecting this nation and the world. And the irony of holding the debate in Las Vegas in a faux Venetian hotel. How much more can one take and retain one's sanity.
17
Once again, the New York Times leads with coverage on Trump and the rest of the Republican nay sayers and fear spreaders, making sure not to spend a drop of ink on the excellent candidate, Bernie Sanders.
Shame on you, New York Times, for showing your biases every single day. What happened to any sense of objectivity in your pages?
Shame on you, New York Times, for showing your biases every single day. What happened to any sense of objectivity in your pages?
7
“Leadership is not about attacking people and disparaging people. Leadership is about creating a serious strategy.” - Jeb Bush
That's funny, I have yet to see anything resembling "serious" or "strategy" put forth by ANY Republican candidate.
That's funny, I have yet to see anything resembling "serious" or "strategy" put forth by ANY Republican candidate.
3
Did anybody else notice that when everybody else was blaming President Obama for weakening the military, Christie reminded them that republicans were responsible for sequestration? Only thing the man has ever said that I can agree with. Made it through 2 hours of the debate then I had to quit before my head exploded. Yes,the candidates are really adept at making us afraid,but unlike others I'm afraid for the future of my country if any one of them becomes president.
6
Sequestration was put in as an alternative if promised budget cuts were not made. They were not, so you get sequestration. Strange that people do not seem to remember that.
I quit watching after Fiorina started wondering why the government couldn't be like parents monitoring their kids' social media use (we aren't teens, Ms Fiorina and there is that pesky bit about unreasonable search & seizure to work around), Carson & Cruz explained their views on killing kids in pursuit of stopping terrorism (It's like brain surgery, explained the kindly Dr. Carson. The kids don't like it but, ultimately, it's good for them), and most of the candidates embraced "boots on the ground" as our only hope based on their extensive military service (Oh, wait...); boots which, naturally, would be on the feet of your children, not theirs. I didn't sleep well.
142
Suzanne - I know what you mean - I did not sleep well either! All that talk of war and killing scared the sleep right out of me!
The lNovember Dem debate drew 8.5 million. I am guessing the gop debate last night was pretty close to 20 million based on pre-debate predictions.
Which means.... what?
Is it just me - or is Donald Trump flip-flopping about this third party thing?
1
It's just you. He said clearly he isn't.
Q -- Why do people take an instant dislike to Ted Cruz?
A -- It saves so much time.
A -- It saves so much time.
20
And the winners are: nobody
And the losers are: everybody
And the losers are: everybody
8
Amazing debate. Congratulations. I was truly enlightened and started the morning with a discussion of the implications of Pax Americana as my Hungarian raised houseguest and I walked the dogs.
He tried to convince me that the world needed a strong powerful Bully or all Hell would break loose. He might be correct because Trump and Cruz seemed to tower over the rest of the field with the exception maybe of Ben Carson who seems more than capable of still learning at an incredible pace.
Rubio seems the girl you most wanted to take to the prom but after 5 minutes of conversation you discover all she is interested in is what is on sale at the Mall.
There hasn't been a Republican candidate for President with any intellectual acumen since Nixon. The Republican establishment must be quaking in their boots with Trump and Cruz as the front runners and Carson putting in a fine performance. I am looking for a strong push for Rubio whose most desirable attribute is ignorance that runs far deeper than just his skin.
He tried to convince me that the world needed a strong powerful Bully or all Hell would break loose. He might be correct because Trump and Cruz seemed to tower over the rest of the field with the exception maybe of Ben Carson who seems more than capable of still learning at an incredible pace.
Rubio seems the girl you most wanted to take to the prom but after 5 minutes of conversation you discover all she is interested in is what is on sale at the Mall.
There hasn't been a Republican candidate for President with any intellectual acumen since Nixon. The Republican establishment must be quaking in their boots with Trump and Cruz as the front runners and Carson putting in a fine performance. I am looking for a strong push for Rubio whose most desirable attribute is ignorance that runs far deeper than just his skin.
1
The Trump family is from Germany. What if Germans had been banned from entering the US?
3
Trump is making a great point. There are 780 MILLION starving people in this world. They would all love to be American refugees. Why can't we choose among them?
Why must the President choose Syrians and people that might shoot/bomb us? This is what Trump refers to as our our "stupid" leadership.
Why must the President choose Syrians and people that might shoot/bomb us? This is what Trump refers to as our our "stupid" leadership.
4
Trump and Cruz are on the same tag-team fighting the Establishment, and I believe they are crushing it, because they have the one issue that the Establishment cannot get out of the way of. That issue is Immigration! Trump is polling at 40% nationally due to one issue - immigration. As long as Trump maintains his orthodoxy on Immigration and keeps banging that drum he should do very well.
Regardless of how one feels about Trump (I think he is unacceptable) he nailed it when he said that Jeb's campaign has been a total disaster.
Regardless of how one feels about Trump (I think he is unacceptable) he nailed it when he said that Jeb's campaign has been a total disaster.
2
Throughout the debate, I kept hearing of candidates talk about "shiate terrorism". Who was the last Shia terrorist? I am sorry but the candidates have no understanding of the situation in the Middle East.
7
When I think about which of the Republican candidates I could conceivably vote for, I've typically settled on Kasich. But last night he said that "frankly, it's time we punch the Russians in the nose." I guess he was trying to keep up with Christie (shoot down the Russian plane) and the others with the tough talk. Now Paul has actually moved into 1st place in my personal least reprehensible sweepstakes. (To Christie: "Well, I think if you're in favor of World War III, you have your candidate.")
50
do not worry they will make the selection easy for you. Once the GOP powers-to-be take their pick. Enjoy the Chess game
The Clone Wars continue, matching outfits and all.
4
What a sad spectacle. What an embarrassment. If this is the best that Republicans can offer to the world stage, the whole world must be shaking its head.
12
The nerve of some of these guys talking about immigration, Rubio and Cruz both had families that came from Cuba that has a special dispensation when it comes to immigration. Donald Trumps wives didn't have this much trouble when they got their US visas. Special treatment for their families is fine, but don't let the rest of us try to live by their rules.
The only surprise of the evening is the commitment Donald Trump made to be a Republican, will this be a promise he keeps, we will know in six months.
The only surprise of the evening is the commitment Donald Trump made to be a Republican, will this be a promise he keeps, we will know in six months.
7
Much has been said over the last several months by these candidates that will likely end up in ISIL recruitment videos, but perhaps the most appalling was CNN's right wing "journalist's" question to Dr. Carson about whether he was prepared to kill children--which he repeated several times.
Banning Muslims and refugees, only accepting Christians, killing families, carpet bombing areas with significant civilian populations--none of these candidates have a grip on the reality of what is actually happening in Syria and how their ill-informed fear mongering and pandering is exacerbating the threat to all Americans.
Banning Muslims and refugees, only accepting Christians, killing families, carpet bombing areas with significant civilian populations--none of these candidates have a grip on the reality of what is actually happening in Syria and how their ill-informed fear mongering and pandering is exacerbating the threat to all Americans.
13
I cringe every time I hear or read "not conservative enough". Hey candidates, how about you must demonstrate you will act for the people, not any party ideology. My second thought is that at one time we saw the best and brightest seek the highest elected office in the country. Now, not so much. Sad.
4
The debate should have concentrated on providing employment opportunities by revamping the crumbling infrastructure etc, providing equal wages for equal qualification and equal talent and also equal promotions. The debate should have aimed to provide more facilities for working mothers including paid maternity leave, paid sick leave for all employees, increasing minimum wages and making it uniformly throughout the country. The debate should have focussed on drastically reducing the student loans, solving California's water problems etc.
The debate should have concentrated upon ensuring the electorate the need to take precaution but not to panic in the even of any terrorist attack. Here the story is completely different, a war hysteria is created by one and all including too much of media blitz.
Where will this lead to, of course only in one direction i.e increasing the military budget by many fold and also enabling the gun lobby to sell more guns for individual protection.
All of this is nothing but hijacking the main issues by mischievously diverting the attention of gullible people.
The debate should have concentrated upon ensuring the electorate the need to take precaution but not to panic in the even of any terrorist attack. Here the story is completely different, a war hysteria is created by one and all including too much of media blitz.
Where will this lead to, of course only in one direction i.e increasing the military budget by many fold and also enabling the gun lobby to sell more guns for individual protection.
All of this is nothing but hijacking the main issues by mischievously diverting the attention of gullible people.
9
Is it just me, or is Ted Cruz channelling Mr.Haney from Green Acres?
6
They'll all say whatever it takes to rile up their right wing base. They differ only in degrees of mendacity, stupidity and demagoguery.
9
But they did manage to attribute a high school bomb hoax during finals week to the president.
5
Personally, I was ashamed to be an American citizen last night. What must other world leaders, and their citizens, think of us? Is the best we can offer just a bunch of war mongering thugs who are afraid of anyone not like them? (Except for Rand Paul.)
13
america is th best joke going
3
Perhaps it is because articles of this type tend to draw criticism from readers who simply hate Republicans, but I think these debates are helping frame the issues and bring useful discussion to the fore. Too bad that those who made the spate of negative comments did not spend more time discussing why their views are better. That might contribute to a very necessary national dialog. Deprecating everything does not.
2
Watching the Republican presidential Candidates' debate last night I saw how close these candidates are to the reality show of Lisa Ling of CNN on Sunday night where she took us to a Satanic Temple where hundred+ members of a cult were chanting and praying to a huge replica of Satan .
I say this because having so much respect for Christ , the entire Debate could've meant Satanic to me if not for the fact that everybody on both the stages were Devout Christians.
And they all cite the name of Jesus at any opportunity they get.
But in reality the words that kept on coming from their mouths would've been censored by Jesus himself because although they spoke against Jihad or the Muslim 'Holy War', what these candidates want, is to expand the 'Crusade' which Jesus would've despised if anybody started it in his lifetime .
Just like Prophet Mohammed would've denounced 'Jihad' if he was aware of .
Actually , no God allows hatred what these Republican Candidates are spewing on the Muslims in particular by repeatedly uttering the word 'Islamic Jihadists' and challenging President Obama and Hillary Clinton to say the same.
For that matter , I don't see any difference between these candidates and the I.S.I.S. fighters because both of them want to use their own Religion as weapons of 'mass destruction'.
A President Trump and his followers might carry our their fantasy by wiping out all the Muslims just like Hitler wanted to do to the Jews.
Thank God he died...tkb.
I say this because having so much respect for Christ , the entire Debate could've meant Satanic to me if not for the fact that everybody on both the stages were Devout Christians.
And they all cite the name of Jesus at any opportunity they get.
But in reality the words that kept on coming from their mouths would've been censored by Jesus himself because although they spoke against Jihad or the Muslim 'Holy War', what these candidates want, is to expand the 'Crusade' which Jesus would've despised if anybody started it in his lifetime .
Just like Prophet Mohammed would've denounced 'Jihad' if he was aware of .
Actually , no God allows hatred what these Republican Candidates are spewing on the Muslims in particular by repeatedly uttering the word 'Islamic Jihadists' and challenging President Obama and Hillary Clinton to say the same.
For that matter , I don't see any difference between these candidates and the I.S.I.S. fighters because both of them want to use their own Religion as weapons of 'mass destruction'.
A President Trump and his followers might carry our their fantasy by wiping out all the Muslims just like Hitler wanted to do to the Jews.
Thank God he died...tkb.
10
And the president of the Christian Liberty University urges his students to buy guns in order to be ready to fight Muslims. Not a peep about "Thou shalt not kill."
I do meet Christians whom I respect and like, but none of them is represented by the leaders and politicians who claim the Christian mantle.
I do meet Christians whom I respect and like, but none of them is represented by the leaders and politicians who claim the Christian mantle.
10
Trump got thumped - the Democrats' favorite GOP candidate laid low by Jeb - of all folks. This matters because the light now shines most brightly on Rubio and Cruz; or Rubio vs. Cruz. Cruz is another Democrat favorite; sure, he's smart, articulate, excellent debater and all that; but he's a cold fish - no warming up to Mr. Cruz.
Rubio, however, is a darling who exudes warmth and smarts. He, above all, is the one candidate who most concerns the Democrats. A perfect GOP candidate with a fresh face and as much congressional experience as Obama had; his contrast with the craggy HRC in a televised debate would be stunning. Rubio's smooth smile vs. Hillary's (doing my best not to sound sexist) let's say - well worn features. Every mother's lovable son vs. the angry lady who just cut you off.
It's past time for the GOP to dump the also-rans and get it on with just Rubio, Cruz, Trump and maybe Kasich or Graham. And then have Rubio triumph. Nightmare time for the Democrats.
Rubio, however, is a darling who exudes warmth and smarts. He, above all, is the one candidate who most concerns the Democrats. A perfect GOP candidate with a fresh face and as much congressional experience as Obama had; his contrast with the craggy HRC in a televised debate would be stunning. Rubio's smooth smile vs. Hillary's (doing my best not to sound sexist) let's say - well worn features. Every mother's lovable son vs. the angry lady who just cut you off.
It's past time for the GOP to dump the also-rans and get it on with just Rubio, Cruz, Trump and maybe Kasich or Graham. And then have Rubio triumph. Nightmare time for the Democrats.
7
You mean nightmare time for America. Rubio is smarmy, sleazy, and corrupt. Who besides billionaire Norman Braman is the power and money behind his campaign. He may be smart, but without his backers has no resources to pursue his goals, so what ever ideas he may advocate will go only as far as his supporters will allow. Which means cuts to social security, medicare, and in general laying waste to programs for the middle and lower classes while the corporate welfare and tax breaks for the top 1% continue. He is a wolf in sheep's clothing.
10
If that's your best way to not sound sexist, you've still got a little work to do. And the funny thing is, it was entirely gratuitous.
5
Your best wasn't good enough.
1
Marco Rubio has memorized his lines well. Unfortunately for him, his lines sound memorized.
8
Excuse me!! but wasn't there a woman in this debate?????
1
After watching this pathetic show for 15 minutes (couldn't stand it any longer),
it was crystal clear that there were no "winners" or losers, just plain losers.
Now we all know which party will not occupy the White House....for years to come.
it was crystal clear that there were no "winners" or losers, just plain losers.
Now we all know which party will not occupy the White House....for years to come.
13
Isn't the Republican Party in a sorry state of affairs when its Presidential candidates cannot seem to focus on the issues; but, rather, they can only target the other candidates? How strange!
They all pat themselves on the back, describing their own past accomplishments; however, those are mostly a combination of cherry picking the good from the bad--and outright lying.
But tell me, how specifically would you, as you have suggested: grow the economy by a rate it hasn't seen in 50 years; that the seven Biblical plagues that are devastating ther planet are nothing to worry about; Kumbaya in the Middle East; and you would put both Russia's Putin and China's Xi in their respective places.
And pleas remember Mr/Ms/Sen/Gov (fill-in) that I am the Interviewer, and you are there Interviewee.
http://thetruthoncommonsense.com
They all pat themselves on the back, describing their own past accomplishments; however, those are mostly a combination of cherry picking the good from the bad--and outright lying.
But tell me, how specifically would you, as you have suggested: grow the economy by a rate it hasn't seen in 50 years; that the seven Biblical plagues that are devastating ther planet are nothing to worry about; Kumbaya in the Middle East; and you would put both Russia's Putin and China's Xi in their respective places.
And pleas remember Mr/Ms/Sen/Gov (fill-in) that I am the Interviewer, and you are there Interviewee.
http://thetruthoncommonsense.com
4
I don't think you can describe Mr. Bush as being withering. He may have spoken up, but he looked so uncomfortable doing it, and then so relieved after it, I half expect he thought he should have been sworn in right then and there.
Also, why no mention of his religious litmus test - allowing in only Christian Syrian refugees?
And, re: Cruz, since when is carpet-bombing with the threat of nuclear weapons "seeking a middle ground between the party's interventionists and libertarians on defense issues"?
Also, why no mention of his religious litmus test - allowing in only Christian Syrian refugees?
And, re: Cruz, since when is carpet-bombing with the threat of nuclear weapons "seeking a middle ground between the party's interventionists and libertarians on defense issues"?
12
I am scared , very scared that one of these candidates may be our next President
I was looking for proposals from the candidates to protect us against domestic terrorism ,nothing.
I was hoping for proposals to defeat ISIS in Syria and Iraq, apart from the oft floated notion of a no fly zone , there were no different ideas from the Presidents current strategy.
The debate was full of fury signifying nothing
I was looking for proposals from the candidates to protect us against domestic terrorism ,nothing.
I was hoping for proposals to defeat ISIS in Syria and Iraq, apart from the oft floated notion of a no fly zone , there were no different ideas from the Presidents current strategy.
The debate was full of fury signifying nothing
12
To my knowledge, there has never been a more ignorant group of presidential candidates in the history of the US than these GOP/Tea Party nincompoops.
They are all espousing tea party rhetoric and have moved the GOP so far right they are now flirting with fascism.
Kasich seems to be the only exception but his policies are also very right wing but at least he's not insane.
Jeb! is in denial about his brother's legacy and cannot get it through his head, we will never vote another Bush into the WH ever again.
They are all espousing tea party rhetoric and have moved the GOP so far right they are now flirting with fascism.
Kasich seems to be the only exception but his policies are also very right wing but at least he's not insane.
Jeb! is in denial about his brother's legacy and cannot get it through his head, we will never vote another Bush into the WH ever again.
23
I'd like to thank this spate of candidates. My son will turn 18 next year and having watched them he, and I expect many in his generation, will never vote republican. They've killed the republican brand for a generation.
26
gosh, dad, are all republ;icans that crazy
yes they are, jimmy, yes they are
yes they are, jimmy, yes they are
3
Can the Times get even the simplest facts straight? The lead line of Trump rivals being united against barring Muslims is patently untrue as Governor Christie was even more adamant than Trump regarding the ban!
3
Exactly!
The anti-Trump bias in this newspaper is nauseating.
The anti-Trump bias in this newspaper is nauseating.
1
Amazing that Rubio would be shown for a green, empty-suit upstart out of his depth by no less of one himself than Cruz.
10
Chris Christie and Carly Fiorina for the Republican ticket; forceful, intelligent and articulate, they would be unbeatable.
5
They would also be unconscienable.(sp?)
1
Dammit, I read this with a mouth full of coffee, now adorning the walls of my office.
8
Please, I live in New Jersey.
1
Look at these clowns! One is more pathetic than the next. More war-mongering bluster. More lies. This country is in a lot of trouble if one of these cowardly war-mongering bigots gets elected.
24
Statements in the article like "But his counterattack seemed to backfire, drawing a rebuke from the audience" is misleading. Candidates had their highly partisan cheering and jeering sections. To call it an audience suggests it was a neutral sample of voters reacting spontaneously. It was not.
4
What is the point of a live audience? It sounded like a mob in search of a lynching.
9
Jeb Bush calls Trump a "chaos candidate"?. Jeb, Trump is polling at 41 percent and you are polling at 3 percent. You need to pull out of the race. Anything you say now is simply an act of desperation.
1
Not a problem. Just think of the 41% as chaos adherents.
5
Very disappointed in the the New York Times today. This leading article covering last night's GOP Debate, described in the paper on page 22 as an OVERVIEW (?), does not mention Carly Fiorina even once -- or if so, please help me find it! Not only is she the only female candidate on the GOP slate but she made some very important points about technology's role in power, politics and the battle against terrorism.
I did not watch a minute. That one of the two major political parties can deliver up such craziness and cruelty -- it's frightening. This is a historic low point. Joseph McCarthy would not stand out on that debate stage. As a group, they have neither decency nor shame. (NOTE: I give Jeb! and Kasich credit for being less crazy, but that is hardly an endorsement for either.) Dog save us.
11
Just when you think there might be chinks in Trump's (republican) armor of crazy, Christie picks up the baton and says he would shoot down Russian jets.
12
It was generally acknowledged that Sarah Palin was a dingbat, yet we have these Republican Presidential candidates, each wackier than the next, who try to out-Palin Palin and yet are treated as though they have something thoughtful to say about running the government.
Are there no moderate Republicans any more? Have "the best lost all conviction, while the worst are full of passionate intensity"?
What is wrong with the Republican Party that they all sound like minor demagogues? And heaven forbid they say anything positive about Obama - you would think from the way they talk that someone as incompetent as they are was elected President.
Are there no moderate Republicans any more? Have "the best lost all conviction, while the worst are full of passionate intensity"?
What is wrong with the Republican Party that they all sound like minor demagogues? And heaven forbid they say anything positive about Obama - you would think from the way they talk that someone as incompetent as they are was elected President.
17
They attack each other for reaching across the aisle, working with others who have differing points of view and for doing the actual work they've been elected to do...Its pathetic...
12
Our nation has many issues needing resolution and watching the Republican debate focused on none of these issues. I seek a candidate who is thoughtful, humble and working with all. Is this best candidates from Republican Party have?
9
I thought surely that when Rand Paul said of Christie, after one of his tirades (virtually foaming at the mouth was Christie) "If you want World War III, you've got your candidate," that would be quoted in this story. But somehow it didn't make it.
115
There was so much that went beyond it. This debate convinced me that not one of them has any business running for any elected office, much less the highest one in the nation.
1
It appears to many that a good number of Americans are tied of business as usually on capital hill and big party candidates. Some feel we are at war, that the government is broken and a good number of citizens are disenfranchised.
2
. Some feel we are at war, that the government is broken and a good number of citizens are disenfranchised.
thats bc you are at war, th govt is broken, and many are disenfranchised
thats bc you are at war, th govt is broken, and many are disenfranchised
1
Too bad none of the people on that stage thinks there's anything wrong with disenfranchisement. Felony conviction? No papers? Wrong census block? No vote for you!
Don't believe for a minute that Republicans are going to reinfranchise anyone. It's still trickle down. As far as making you safe, they will do the opposite with bellicose policies in the Mideast that kill Muslims in large numbers, just like they did before. How safe did that get you?
Trump/Cruz - the stuff that nightmares are made of.
39
the stuff canadian passports are made of!
6
njlea,
I am a Bernie Booster but Trump and Cruz are simply very bad dreams. It is Rubio who is my worst nightmare in a world whose greatest threat is ignorance, Rubio is holding a hand with thirteen spades.
I am a Bernie Booster but Trump and Cruz are simply very bad dreams. It is Rubio who is my worst nightmare in a world whose greatest threat is ignorance, Rubio is holding a hand with thirteen spades.
1
Least night was another glimpse of the kiddies in the sandbox: shouting, posturing, screaming, throwing sand at one another, everything but tears. Purple-faced and affronted, all of them yelling to make a point. When this whale washes up on the beach, the smell will be awful.
65
Make America Great Again. Get rid of Donald Trump - and Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio, Jeb Bush and every other republican/libertarian/tea party BIG democracy-destroying money masters candidates in the next elections.
66
They don't call them "Me-publicans" for nothing.
again ?
when was it great th first time
perhaps i was napping
when was it great th first time
perhaps i was napping
Ben Carson continues to get very little attention, even in this article. I suppose this relates to his calmness and composure that doesn't bode well for ratings and selling newspapers, but seems to me just the type of demeanor one would want as commander-in-chief. He continues to be portrayed as unfit as commander-in-chief, though he has made more of what I would consider "life and death" decisions in immediately acute situations than any candidate on the stage last night.
3
From the Lincoln-Douglas debates to this carnival of non-sense inside of 150 years.
The media is doing this country a great disservice. 30 second answers. Trump this and Trump that. Gotcha questions. Baiting these candidates into throwing poison pies at one another.
If a thoughtful introverted genius like Thomas Jefferson were forced to run for president in this environment he would be struggling in the undercard debate, his brilliance buried underneath a dog pile of lightening round food fighting.
The media is doing this country a great disservice. 30 second answers. Trump this and Trump that. Gotcha questions. Baiting these candidates into throwing poison pies at one another.
If a thoughtful introverted genius like Thomas Jefferson were forced to run for president in this environment he would be struggling in the undercard debate, his brilliance buried underneath a dog pile of lightening round food fighting.
34
watch the Kennedy Nixon debate on youtube, from the days politicians didn't assume voters were morons. their depth of understanding of history and world affairs and mastery of detail is absolutely staggering compared the dog shows of the current republican debates.
2
in this one comment - Roosevelt, Lincoln - Douglas and these clowns. Aagh!
2
Cruz edges Rubio, Christie in third place as debaters. Rand Paul is totally shunned by the media, but the other debaters can't top him -- he is ignored.
Donald Trump is on the skid -- old rhetoric, less energy.
Donald Trump is on the skid -- old rhetoric, less energy.
4
I'm curious to know why Carly Fiorina, the only woman in the debate, is the only candidate not mentioned in your article?
10
She got close to zero questions or opportunity to join the fun - not that I missed her much. I hate to say it but her facial grimacing is not helping. She always looks like she's about to say something supremely snarky.
3
They should have left out the other 8 as well.
4
Good question. Maybe it was because she said nothing that reflected anything but her own claim to be an all knowing loner more than a leader of the GOP or focused on anything other than attacking the only other woman in the race even though Hillary was not on the stage.
4
not that i particularly care how he fares in the race, but think i realize what is holding jeb bush back...his glasses. he is the only candidate on the main card who is wearing them and it makes him look too studious. just wonder if he would have done better from the beginning with contacts or laser surgery. i think it is too late now
4
I didn't watch the debate; I only read about it here. Was there no discussion of policy? It seems more of the same vicious attacks that re-confirm that they are simply vicious people.
Some people may not like what Democrats have to say, but at least they talk policy - serious, and sometimes detailed policy - as opposed to these vile bullies.
Some people may not like what Democrats have to say, but at least they talk policy - serious, and sometimes detailed policy - as opposed to these vile bullies.
29
The direction of the conversation is dictated by the moderators to a large extent.
1
we don't need no stinking policy - just bravado.
4
Too much testosterone and not enough imagination and problemsolving...in general...
Jeb Bush quotes yesterday and today....
"We were right to go into Iraq and take out Saddam we just did not have a plan to secure the country and that is Obama's fault"....
"I reject the notion that the Republican party is the party of fear...we are the party of optimism"....
'nuf said Jeb...please retire now.
Jeb Bush quotes yesterday and today....
"We were right to go into Iraq and take out Saddam we just did not have a plan to secure the country and that is Obama's fault"....
"I reject the notion that the Republican party is the party of fear...we are the party of optimism"....
'nuf said Jeb...please retire now.
67
I commend the Times for finding even a speck of something good in this debacle. Not a single winner in my eye, let alone a decent Republican candidate (though, within the mess, thank goodness for Jeb Bush, of all people!).
3
Questioning Trump and expecting an honest answer would seem to me a lesson in futility. His entire politic has been one deceit after another, and with no remorse when caught. So far in this ridiculous run up to the Presidency I have never heard him offer a substantive solution to the multiple serious problems facing our country. He has become a national disgrace.
6
No mention of Fiorina?! Even if you don't consider her a serious candidate, she should at least be listed as a "debate" participant. If notice is based on the weight of possibility, Trump shouldn't be discussed either.
These "debates" formats are ridiculous. Two minutes to answer deeply complicated issue questions? Built for ignoramouses like Trump to be reported by abridged news media like USA Today. Current political coverage doesn't promote informed electorate; it stifles it.
These "debates" formats are ridiculous. Two minutes to answer deeply complicated issue questions? Built for ignoramouses like Trump to be reported by abridged news media like USA Today. Current political coverage doesn't promote informed electorate; it stifles it.
12
Gave up after hour one! Terrorism is an important issue, but there are many others including the, in general, attitude that refugees are nothing but scum and are to be thrown out like garbage.
Jeb finally came through with the only positions that bear close relation to reality. Chris Christie needs to find out that the present King of Jordan is not named Hussein! Cruz is slicker than a used car salesman and more untrustworthy. Rubio, in time, could be an excellent candidate,but is clearly out of his depth.
The rest should pack up and go home. Fiorina, Carson, Kasich and Paul are wasting everyone's time including their own. Still take Hillary in the General Election by a landslide!
Jeb finally came through with the only positions that bear close relation to reality. Chris Christie needs to find out that the present King of Jordan is not named Hussein! Cruz is slicker than a used car salesman and more untrustworthy. Rubio, in time, could be an excellent candidate,but is clearly out of his depth.
The rest should pack up and go home. Fiorina, Carson, Kasich and Paul are wasting everyone's time including their own. Still take Hillary in the General Election by a landslide!
17
The truth is Sanders beats them all. Sanders has enthusiastic voters. Clinton has resigned ones. Vote for Clinton and get a Republican in the White House.
2
Marie,
I agree with you.
And, by the way, JW Mathews, how dare you slander used car salesmen by comparing them in any way to Cruz!
I agree with you.
And, by the way, JW Mathews, how dare you slander used car salesmen by comparing them in any way to Cruz!
1
You have my apologies for using a terribly out of date cliche. Used car salesmen are subject to strict rules etc.
Not that I love her, but you failed to mention anything about Carly Fiorina; she actually had a nice bit during the debate where she sounded like a parent chiding her children (I think it was Cruz and Rubio) for bickering and pointing out that they were an example of the dysfunction in Washington. I agree with other comments about how tiresome it is that the only coverage we see in the media (NYTimes included) is about Trump...and Cruz...and Rubio, etc. In other words, nothing about substance and everything about drama. Feels like a Kardashian-style election. I'd like to hear more about Kasich, Christie, and some of the "lower tier" candidates and where they *really* stand on the issues and which corporate/private donors they are going to be accountable to if elected.
5
Saturday night we see Hillary,Bernie,and O'Malley debate.Did anyone know there was a Dem debate scheduled?Is the Times trying to hide that fact?As for last night's debate,Jeb just doesn't have it despite what traditional Repub power brokers say/want.
11
This article has little resemblance to what actually happened in the debate. Was it written a day before as it certainly seems like it?
Sorry, but a majority outside the Democrat bubble believe that immigration from Muslim countries NEEDS to be halted until the government can prove that its vetting system is effective and will prevent another terrorist like that woman with her long history on anti-American/Pro-Isis posts from getting in and killing.
Sorry, but a majority outside the Democrat bubble believe that immigration from Muslim countries NEEDS to be halted until the government can prove that its vetting system is effective and will prevent another terrorist like that woman with her long history on anti-American/Pro-Isis posts from getting in and killing.
10
It was a good debate. No one was attributing San Bernardino to climate change.
14
The question would be..why would they? Why would anyone?
VBG!
HA!
1
All I can say is; This is one hell of a way to select a person for the leader of the most militarily powerful country on earth. I wonder how many people actually watch this display of grown people acting more like high school kids bickering and mud slinging from start to finish.
And then there are all these ridiculous pole numbers. Does anyone really care what the pollsters say and does it really matter, ten moths before the election?
From what I can determine, we learn very little from these debates because they are all geared to the most fanatical voters.
There must be a better way.
And then there are all these ridiculous pole numbers. Does anyone really care what the pollsters say and does it really matter, ten moths before the election?
From what I can determine, we learn very little from these debates because they are all geared to the most fanatical voters.
There must be a better way.
29
None of the people on the podium deserve to be President, and the public as a whole should be nothing less than horrified that American presidential politics has come to what can only be described as a charade.
Richard Neustadt famously said the power of the Presidency is the power to persuade. None of the candidates on the stage made any effort to persuade people why they should vote for them, or even that they have a grip on the reality of serving as President.
When much of the reporting on the debates is about who insulted whom, and who can talk tougher on a variety of issues in which they have zero experience. I can only hope that the rest of the world is as horrified as we should be - at least they can laugh from a safe distance.
Richard Neustadt famously said the power of the Presidency is the power to persuade. None of the candidates on the stage made any effort to persuade people why they should vote for them, or even that they have a grip on the reality of serving as President.
When much of the reporting on the debates is about who insulted whom, and who can talk tougher on a variety of issues in which they have zero experience. I can only hope that the rest of the world is as horrified as we should be - at least they can laugh from a safe distance.
29
These debates are pointless, in my opinion. All these people do is tell the audience who to blame for their problems and what to be scared of without a single shred of humanity going into what comes out of their mouths. I have tuned out the Republican message as a result. I have no interest in learning about their policy positions and strategy and I have no intention of voting for any of their candidates in the future. They lost my vote for good.
35
The NYTimes shows its biased cards as usually in this article. I can see the editorial board sitting around, saying - "let's sow discord as much as possible in the Republican process, and keep promoting the candidates who are feckless and at less than 5% in the polls - priority one - do not let them unite behind someone- the longer they bicker and fight, and we promote that, the better for the Hillary." Meanwhile crickets from the NYTimes when it comes to the Democratic candidates. Hillary has been crowned. Good luck with trying to fix this election, NYTimes, the power of the biased press is quickly evaporating.
8
"the longer they bicker and fight, and we promote that, the better for the Hillary."
Help not needed from the NYT. They are doing a pretty good job on their own.
Help not needed from the NYT. They are doing a pretty good job on their own.
5
So there's a "Republican process" that's completely controlled by the NYTimes? I'm getting more for my subscription dollars than I knew!
4
The Republican Party is surely in a sorry state when its various Presidential candidates cannot focus on the issues; but, instead can only target each other.
Each and every one of them patted themselves on the back, speaking of their illustrious past accomplishments. But of course, a good bit of that was cherry picking the good from the bad. Or just outright lying.
So aside from everyone's laundry list that they will have the sun come up tomorrow, immediate love and kisses in the Middle East, and Putin and Xi would be put in their places, tell me: how specifically how would YOU accomplish those things. Grow the economy faster than it has grown in 50 years, tell today's poor who now have health care why Obamacare is bad, or why do we have the Biblical seven plagues these days. Tell me.
And, please remember who the Interviewer is, and the Interviewee.
http://thetruthoncommonsense.com
Each and every one of them patted themselves on the back, speaking of their illustrious past accomplishments. But of course, a good bit of that was cherry picking the good from the bad. Or just outright lying.
So aside from everyone's laundry list that they will have the sun come up tomorrow, immediate love and kisses in the Middle East, and Putin and Xi would be put in their places, tell me: how specifically how would YOU accomplish those things. Grow the economy faster than it has grown in 50 years, tell today's poor who now have health care why Obamacare is bad, or why do we have the Biblical seven plagues these days. Tell me.
And, please remember who the Interviewer is, and the Interviewee.
http://thetruthoncommonsense.com
10
i listened to three responses from three different candidates. none answered the question asked, but all three immediately blamed president obama, or mrs. clinton for something unrelated to the questions asked.
that's all i need to no about these candidates. no answers, no ideas, no presidency for them.
that's all i need to no about these candidates. no answers, no ideas, no presidency for them.
154
sorry folks i meant "know".
3
Native American , Actually thought your first " no" was a clever play on words as The Party Of No doesn't "no no better"!
1
Chris Christie the Entrapper uses his "prosecutor" (entrapment) credentials to run for President. The world knows better, and so should US voters.
https://theintercept.com/2015/06/25/fort-dix-five-terror-plot-the-real-s...
https://theintercept.com/2015/06/25/fort-dix-five-terror-plot-the-real-s...
13
Not to mention, NJ is in rough shape after his "Leadership "
4
We have the largest and most expensive military in the history of the world, we're at war with an army estimated at 30,000 and whose weapons consist of a second-hand plumber's truck with a cannon mounted on the back, and Jeb Bush claims we need to increase military spending?
126
The takeaway from this debate is that Republicans agree about one important thing: Hillary Clinton must be defeated. Regardless of who gets the nomination, turnout by Republican voters will be high to oppose her. She has significant negatives inside her own party, already. She is despised as corrupt and dishonest by the left and hated by the right.
After 8 years of Obama, both Republicans and Democrats want change. That's why Bernie Sanders has a better chance of winning than Clinton. If she is the nominee, angry Republicans will go to the polls to stop her and Democrats will stay home because it's hard to get excited about putting another fake Democrat in the White House.
After 8 years of Obama, both Republicans and Democrats want change. That's why Bernie Sanders has a better chance of winning than Clinton. If she is the nominee, angry Republicans will go to the polls to stop her and Democrats will stay home because it's hard to get excited about putting another fake Democrat in the White House.
12
Actually the biggest takeaway is the the GOPTP refuses to acknowlege what a horrific mess endless war started by the Bushes has caused.
9
Wishing something doesn't make it true. Polls
Show Hillary leading Sanders, and defeating any Republican she would face. President Obama's favorability ratings are in the forties. Much higher than GW Bush at this point in his presidency.
Show Hillary leading Sanders, and defeating any Republican she would face. President Obama's favorability ratings are in the forties. Much higher than GW Bush at this point in his presidency.
3
To Joe from New York:
I'm not so certain why anyone, much less Democrats, wants change after 8 years of steady leadership from Mr. Obama. For that matter, after 8 years of Mr. Clinton's prosperous leadership look what happened when the country elected to change from the very sensible Al Gore and made a disastrous decision.
How many Democrats "despise" Ms. Clinton? Not me!
Joe from New York
I'm not so certain why anyone, much less Democrats, wants change after 8 years of steady leadership from Mr. Obama. For that matter, after 8 years of Mr. Clinton's prosperous leadership look what happened when the country elected to change from the very sensible Al Gore and made a disastrous decision.
How many Democrats "despise" Ms. Clinton? Not me!
Joe from New York
5
What brings on such shock and dismay is that this is the best the Republicans can produce to run for the presidency of the U.S. An insult to the country and a clear decision to highlight a divide by pandering to fear with positions that are not tenable and to ignore all other questions of climate, income equality, education, health, etc. Like picking a festering sore. The media has a responsibility, too, by not repeating every soundbite but questioning what we know are untenable proposals, even if the supporters continue to agree, the rest of the voters deserve to hear the facts.
90
If you really want facts, look up Bernie Sanders. You will not find the facts or Bernie Sanders in coverage by the New York Times or most other mainstream media.
1
You are absolutely correct.
Many voters have spoken; these bottom feeders are elected by the Republican base, they didn't just land from outer space outer space - well, maybe Trump did.
Have never in my life heard people booing from the audience at a candidate. That speaks volumes just in itself.
71
never in my life did I watch candidates booing each other either!
I would bet the rent they were GOP elite plants, put there purposely to try to stop Trump.
1
Really? First debate? I heard it a lot during the 2012 GOP/TP debates. Perry was booed on the Dreamers question. So was Ron Paul when he talked about his libertarian, non interventionist foreign policy.
1
I stopped watching when Christie blamed President Obama for the closure of LA schools. This from the guy who is governor of New Jersey, home of Camden, with its Fallujah like murder rate. Why waste time watching a hypocrisy contest?
146
Christie blamed President Obama for the closure of the LA schools......
.....but don't look at him about the GW Bridge scandal.
Total hypocrites.
.....but don't look at him about the GW Bridge scandal.
Total hypocrites.
13
Bush came off as an entitled whiner. He believes that the Bush dynasty is best for America. If elected, who comes next? His son? Thank God neither is in the cards.
9
If I were coaching The Donald on how to better perform in debates, I would encourage him to avoid elaborating on confusing concepts such as geopolitics, the internet and military tactics. Instead, he is much better off sticking to the unintelligible fodder that feeds his poll swelling base. Speak broadly of building walls, asking where trillions of dollars have gone and invoking fear of "them."
Your time in the spotlight will hopefully provide younger Americans an example of what the antithesis of a strong political candidate looks like. I'm tired of hearing your rhetoric and flame stoking jargon. Go home and plan out your next condominium complex - leave the politicking and policy making to people with a backbone, and respect for their fellow man.
Your time in the spotlight will hopefully provide younger Americans an example of what the antithesis of a strong political candidate looks like. I'm tired of hearing your rhetoric and flame stoking jargon. Go home and plan out your next condominium complex - leave the politicking and policy making to people with a backbone, and respect for their fellow man.
7
The only candidate who showed some knowledge of foreign affairs, and restraint, was Bush. The thought of the rest of them with their fingers near a nuclear button is scary.
2
Amend that: Rand Paul sounded sensible.
10
Considering that Gov. Jeb Bush rigged the Florida election to install his brother into the White House, and also abducted a brain-dead woman from her family because he didn't believe Terri Schiavo was actually brain-dead, I'd prefer that Jeb's fingers be where we can see them at all times. .
6
Sometimes I think reviewers of these debates are watching something entirely different than I am -- even these republican ones, in which I have no horse in the race.
For example, poor Jeb BUSH! was anything but withering in his so-called attacks on Donald Trump. If anything he came off as withered after trying to make his assault and was finally told to be quiet and wait his turn by the moderator. As I recall, BUSH! tried the same line out again later, hoping he'd have better luck. He didn't.
It will be very interesting to see if it lifted his sorry poll numbers even one percent, as the description here suggests it should.
The one person who came through consistently for me in yesterday's debates was Rand Paul, who spoke real sense about the cost of invading and occupying the Middle East. If his social policies weren't so draconian, I might be tempted to vote for him if Hillary Clinton is the nominee, simply because he would be (and yes, along with Donald Trump) far less hawkish than the rest of that crowd, suggesting bombing Russian airplanes out of the air. Sad to see he gets so little coverage for his good sense.
For example, poor Jeb BUSH! was anything but withering in his so-called attacks on Donald Trump. If anything he came off as withered after trying to make his assault and was finally told to be quiet and wait his turn by the moderator. As I recall, BUSH! tried the same line out again later, hoping he'd have better luck. He didn't.
It will be very interesting to see if it lifted his sorry poll numbers even one percent, as the description here suggests it should.
The one person who came through consistently for me in yesterday's debates was Rand Paul, who spoke real sense about the cost of invading and occupying the Middle East. If his social policies weren't so draconian, I might be tempted to vote for him if Hillary Clinton is the nominee, simply because he would be (and yes, along with Donald Trump) far less hawkish than the rest of that crowd, suggesting bombing Russian airplanes out of the air. Sad to see he gets so little coverage for his good sense.
39
I love you the "Jeb!".
No punctuation has ever more aptly captured the essence of everything that is wrong with a candidate than that "!".
That exclamation comes across like the markings of a mama sending her cub off to kindergarten with a new lunchbox hoping no one will notice Junior wears a diaper.That exclamation point is the antithesis of Jeb Bush.
If you have to add an exclamation point to a name, chances are it's for a reason. In this case, that reason is self evident: The candidate lacks considerable oomph.
There are many, many reasons to NOT vote for Jeb Bush, starting with his father and ending with his brother. Even so, that exclamation point alone tells me this is a candidate who allows himself to be manipulated (would you add an exclamation point to your own name? Didn't think so.)
It shows me a candidate that doesn't know his brand. Nothing about the man, and for that matter his name, screams exclamation point. Perhaps if his name was Flash or Zappa, he could have pulled it off, but he still would have had to account for being the Al Gore of the GOP.
He should have gone for a "staid banker" brand. He should have leveraged papa and brother's experiences as foundational and formational in his knowledge of the job. Instead, he will now always be the boffo with the exclamation point.
So when you think back to the 2016 primary, forget Donald Trump. Remember instead how an exclamation point changed the course of history. Or maybe not.
No punctuation has ever more aptly captured the essence of everything that is wrong with a candidate than that "!".
That exclamation comes across like the markings of a mama sending her cub off to kindergarten with a new lunchbox hoping no one will notice Junior wears a diaper.That exclamation point is the antithesis of Jeb Bush.
If you have to add an exclamation point to a name, chances are it's for a reason. In this case, that reason is self evident: The candidate lacks considerable oomph.
There are many, many reasons to NOT vote for Jeb Bush, starting with his father and ending with his brother. Even so, that exclamation point alone tells me this is a candidate who allows himself to be manipulated (would you add an exclamation point to your own name? Didn't think so.)
It shows me a candidate that doesn't know his brand. Nothing about the man, and for that matter his name, screams exclamation point. Perhaps if his name was Flash or Zappa, he could have pulled it off, but he still would have had to account for being the Al Gore of the GOP.
He should have gone for a "staid banker" brand. He should have leveraged papa and brother's experiences as foundational and formational in his knowledge of the job. Instead, he will now always be the boffo with the exclamation point.
So when you think back to the 2016 primary, forget Donald Trump. Remember instead how an exclamation point changed the course of history. Or maybe not.
3
Jeb looked so uncomfortable making his "withering" remarks that his facial and body language denied any pain he may have caused Trump.
None of these candidates has a clue of what it means to sit in the Oval Office every morning and listen to all of their best brains and experts tell the them, that none of the solutions they offered last night will work, and in fact, will make matters worse. It so easy from Las Vegas to say they will create safe zones, they will bomb this, that they will shut down the internet to ISIS, as if none of these solutions were ever entertained. We are in this Middle East mess because a former Bush didn't listen to the best minds and went ahead with his own version of the Cruz/Rubio/Trump shock and awe, and here we are debating boots on the ground again. They need to pay attention to history, particularly the history of Republican ventures into the Middle East and how that worked for our country.
124
Does anyone get anything of value from these debates? Every question seems to be answered with the same word salad mixing tough posturing and jingoistic patriotism. There's no insight into actual knowledge or preparedness. No one would have noticed if Trump's response about ISIS had been swapped with his response about nuclear weapons.
In all seriousness, I think the voting public would be better served by having the top three candidates compete on a presidential round of "Jeopardy!" Let's see what they really know on topics like National Security, the U.S. Constitution, Foreign Nations, and Climate Change. No time for bluster or attacks. Just three seconds to give a factual answer that is either right or wrong. The competition would be entertaining and it would shed a little light on which candidates have even a basic grasp on the issues confronting our nation.
In all seriousness, I think the voting public would be better served by having the top three candidates compete on a presidential round of "Jeopardy!" Let's see what they really know on topics like National Security, the U.S. Constitution, Foreign Nations, and Climate Change. No time for bluster or attacks. Just three seconds to give a factual answer that is either right or wrong. The competition would be entertaining and it would shed a little light on which candidates have even a basic grasp on the issues confronting our nation.
131
Excellent idea. The GOP candidates would never agree to do it of course but if the TV networks offered ONLY the "Jeopardy" format and the guys at the bottom of the polls agreed to do it thus getting the Free TV coverage it might be possible to shame (call them chicken) into joining. Especially if the Dems ad already agreed to do it.
It would soon winnow out the candidates.
It would soon winnow out the candidates.
2
I watched and listened to the entire debate. I didn't recall any questions on the Paris Climate Change agreement, guns made available to terrorists or discussed other mass shootings. CNN ditched any journalistic integrity towards the public trust and pander to the GOP.
The biggest losers were the voters.
The biggest losers were the voters.
215
There were two accurate statements made in last night's debate: Rand Paul said that we couldn't afford how much we spend on the military, and Trump said we ought to have spent the trillions we did spend on foreign military adventures at home, on infrastructure and (he should have added) education, training, and sustainable energy development. He recognized our roads, bridges, airports, etc. were in terrible shape.
Every single, solitary thing said by every candidate (other than the two statements above) was untruthful, wildly exaggerated, or directed at (and emerging from) the cringing sense of fear and anxiety that has been manufactured out of whole cloth by the Republican party (with some valuable help from the media and blue dog Democrats). Watching the debate, I felt like I was in an alternate. bizzaro universe where all truth and reality were turned inside out.
Every single, solitary thing said by every candidate (other than the two statements above) was untruthful, wildly exaggerated, or directed at (and emerging from) the cringing sense of fear and anxiety that has been manufactured out of whole cloth by the Republican party (with some valuable help from the media and blue dog Democrats). Watching the debate, I felt like I was in an alternate. bizzaro universe where all truth and reality were turned inside out.
69
I am not a Rand Paul but must say that, in the midst of a debate about carnage, carpet bombing, "boots on the ground", "toughness", and the like, the one moment of enlightenment was his: "
"These are the fundamental questions of our time, these foreign policy questions, whether or not regime change is a good idea or a bad idea. I don't think because I think the regime change was a bad idea it means that Hussein was necessarily a good idea. There is often variations of evil on both sides of the war. What we have to decide is whether or not regime change is a good idea. It's what the neoconservatives have wanted. It's what the vast majority of those on the stage want. They still want regime change. They want it in Syria. They wanted it in Iraq. They want it in Libya. It has not worked. Out of regime change you get chaos. From the chaos you have seen repeatedly the rise of radical Islam. So we get this profession of, oh, my goodness, they want to do something about terrorism and yet they're the problem because they allow terrorism to arise out of that chaos."
"These are the fundamental questions of our time, these foreign policy questions, whether or not regime change is a good idea or a bad idea. I don't think because I think the regime change was a bad idea it means that Hussein was necessarily a good idea. There is often variations of evil on both sides of the war. What we have to decide is whether or not regime change is a good idea. It's what the neoconservatives have wanted. It's what the vast majority of those on the stage want. They still want regime change. They want it in Syria. They wanted it in Iraq. They want it in Libya. It has not worked. Out of regime change you get chaos. From the chaos you have seen repeatedly the rise of radical Islam. So we get this profession of, oh, my goodness, they want to do something about terrorism and yet they're the problem because they allow terrorism to arise out of that chaos."
162
Indeed...
Our machismo continues to drive this belief that we are policemen to the world.
Paul is right....we ignore history at our own risk, the mideast has always has been a cauldron of sectarianism with sunnis and shias killing each other....yes, what is the definition of insanity?
We continue to believe that we must bomb, kill, and make war to accomplish our foreign policy objectives. There must be another way.
Our machismo continues to drive this belief that we are policemen to the world.
Paul is right....we ignore history at our own risk, the mideast has always has been a cauldron of sectarianism with sunnis and shias killing each other....yes, what is the definition of insanity?
We continue to believe that we must bomb, kill, and make war to accomplish our foreign policy objectives. There must be another way.
1
Ted Cruz attacks on Marco Rubio's conservative credentials is like Donald Duck telling Mickey Mouse he is not a real boy. Neither is "conservative"; they are evangelical nut jobs masquerading as politicians. When I think conservative I think Mitt Romney, John McCain, the first Bush and Ronald Regan. These guys are the cartoon characters of conservatism--outsized caricatures masquerading as the real thing.
....and could Donald Trump be an even bigger baby?
My analogy above, by the way, came about my observation last night that Donald Trump and Donald Duck have an awful lot in common: they both spew nonsense and they both get offended at the drop of the hat.
Hanging head in shame that I ever voted Republican. Even if it was decades ago, still hanging head in shame.
....and could Donald Trump be an even bigger baby?
My analogy above, by the way, came about my observation last night that Donald Trump and Donald Duck have an awful lot in common: they both spew nonsense and they both get offended at the drop of the hat.
Hanging head in shame that I ever voted Republican. Even if it was decades ago, still hanging head in shame.
139
Don't be ashamed that you voted Republican, at least you learned from your big mistake.
3
The debate was a truly horrific spectacle for anyone with common sense and our allies around the world. Is this really the best leadership our country can produce?
100
The world is watching and we as a country are idiots for letting these guys make us look so bad. After years of watching them accuse Obama of everything they are doing currently, I will never vote Republican until you get some real human beings in that party.
Know what that means Republicans? You all have a chance to advance into government. Get your best of the best. I'm talking NO POLITICIANS. Find your true leaders and make sure they work on real issues that matter to you.
For instance - Ranchers and Farmers have real issues with the BLM. But I never hear Republican candidates offer any support in this regard. Real Republicans are hurting from job loss and death. Republicans are made to believe they have no one to reach out to and have to carry their own burdens on their own. It's part of the package deal the candidates crafted for you.
Guess what Republicans. It leaves you feeling hopeless and they did that too you. They put that fear in you and that hopelessness. Then they swoop in to make it feel all better by promising to make life harder for everyone else. Try some humanity instead of putting your faith in the exact same people who fed you your despair in the first place.
Know what that means Republicans? You all have a chance to advance into government. Get your best of the best. I'm talking NO POLITICIANS. Find your true leaders and make sure they work on real issues that matter to you.
For instance - Ranchers and Farmers have real issues with the BLM. But I never hear Republican candidates offer any support in this regard. Real Republicans are hurting from job loss and death. Republicans are made to believe they have no one to reach out to and have to carry their own burdens on their own. It's part of the package deal the candidates crafted for you.
Guess what Republicans. It leaves you feeling hopeless and they did that too you. They put that fear in you and that hopelessness. Then they swoop in to make it feel all better by promising to make life harder for everyone else. Try some humanity instead of putting your faith in the exact same people who fed you your despair in the first place.
No JeffB. The best candidates for the leadership of our country are the Democratic candidates. Of course you have to look very, very hard to find another candidate beside Mrs. Clinton as the NY Times has not heard of Senator Bernie Sanders and it shows in the lack of coverage.
3
Question: I missed a few comments from the debate and remain dazed. Did they argue about WHO we're fighting and WHO is responsible and WHO we need to remove in the Middle East? I thought I heard some say we need to get rid of Assad while others said protect Assad. Do they not know or agree on what is actually going on over there?
5
CNN pandering and reaching for ratings made this the most inconsequential debate last night. Gun control is not a personal safety issue for Americans? Climate change is not a personal issue for Americans? Is it just about putting walls around the country and throwing people out?
The Republican party representatives were blustering so much, they sounded like children arguing about whose Dad was bigger or stronger. They're going to shoot down Russian planes, they are going to obliterate mideast cities, and of course, they are going to have to "look into that, we have to do much more" whatever that is. Was it that they really even wanted Saddam and Qaddafi back?
America presented it's weakest lineup in a century to the world yesterday. It's not pretty.
The Republican party representatives were blustering so much, they sounded like children arguing about whose Dad was bigger or stronger. They're going to shoot down Russian planes, they are going to obliterate mideast cities, and of course, they are going to have to "look into that, we have to do much more" whatever that is. Was it that they really even wanted Saddam and Qaddafi back?
America presented it's weakest lineup in a century to the world yesterday. It's not pretty.
197
CNN "journalists" should be hanging their heads in shame at the showbiz hype surrounding this farce of a debate, the glitzy graphics, the set, etc.
Why not simply give each candidate one hour, a whiteboard and set of markers, point a camera at him and let him/her explain directly to the American public what they'll do to improve the economy, foreign and domestic relations, etc. ?
Why not simply give each candidate one hour, a whiteboard and set of markers, point a camera at him and let him/her explain directly to the American public what they'll do to improve the economy, foreign and domestic relations, etc. ?
1
Regarding the question of going after a terrorist's family, Mr Trump stated that after the 9/11 attack, the attacker's wives, sisters etc. were deported back to Saudia Arabia. None of the attackers were married or had family in the U.S. Another Trump "flim- flam" that will go unnoticed.
7
I still can't fathom why anyone would waste their time watching this bad reality TV show called a "debate" when the fact is that these events are not remotely debates. If anyone is interested in what they said, it's less time consuming to read the recap the next day and there is the benefit of not having to look at them and watch the showboating, sneering and general classless and cluelessness of this group.
23
I watched it and hope others do to because is it instrumental in seeing just how dangerous and devoid of any real solutions the republicans candidates are.
3
Someone else suggested the "debate format" be changed into Jeopardy. Each candidate would get to answer yes or no or a 3 word answer if they hit the buzzer first. This format would determine the winner & most knowledgeable candidate and be fun to hear the wrong answer & the "bleep buzzer" for a mistake. It would winnow out the candidates fast. If the Dems agreed to do it perhaps the no-nothing clown bus would be shamed into it.
1
And then there is the stunning debates going on with Democrats...NOT.
Dead silence. Not one debate at all. A snooze fest with Hillary demanding we crown her because she smoozes with all the rich people or those who already have power.
Meanwhile, our media giants howl at Trump who at least is running an actual campaign.
Dead silence. Not one debate at all. A snooze fest with Hillary demanding we crown her because she smoozes with all the rich people or those who already have power.
Meanwhile, our media giants howl at Trump who at least is running an actual campaign.
8
Democrats debated
10
Maybe you should take your head out of the sand. The 4th Democratic debate will be coming up in a few days. You should watch it. You'll actually might learn something about real policy solutions and perhaps some class on the stage.
27
They have had two already. One is scheduled for this Saturday so you can try to catch up.
12
The 'debate' in a nutshell (emphasize 'nut') was a lot of huffing & puffing over who would bomb more people to death. A goal that no doubt has it fans, HRC among them judging from her record (not her recent rhetoric tailored to echo Bernie).
But if more mass slaughter doesn't appeal (after all the wars we've already lost since our Vietnam debacle), let's try the sole voice of honest reason … Go Bernie.
But if more mass slaughter doesn't appeal (after all the wars we've already lost since our Vietnam debacle), let's try the sole voice of honest reason … Go Bernie.
20
Was there another right wing side show? Did I miss anything? No? I didn't think so. Ho hum.
2
With the unelectable baggage and untrustworthiness,Mrs Clinton will still be elected President because "the nation of firsts" will trump (sorry) real problems ,ideas etc . Her only threat is from Marco Rubio,(our first Latino). Next up in 2020 or beyond, our first openly LBGT president.Unless we suffer from our first African American presidents choices, on IRAN, ( Theyve violated but haven't signed the agreement) or homeland security (Snowden effect)
Good debate. (I'm a Democrat.)
The worst: Carly, with a big cross; Rand, with a claque in the audience; Kasich, with a twitch; Jeb, with no energy; Cruz, so sneery and scary.
The best: Trump, of course; Christie; a human being; Carson, with his big hands constantly on display; Rubio, not stupid.
The worst: Carly, with a big cross; Rand, with a claque in the audience; Kasich, with a twitch; Jeb, with no energy; Cruz, so sneery and scary.
The best: Trump, of course; Christie; a human being; Carson, with his big hands constantly on display; Rubio, not stupid.
3
while i'm no fan of carly fiorina, she's not mentioned once in this debate analysis. she's not captured in the photos. it's as if she wasn't even there. that's not reporting. that's a glaring omission.
3
Fiorina had the most neo-Fascist moment, demanding the return of the warriors to fight ISIS. Petraeus received a large fine and a suspended sentence for indiscretions. McChrystal was fired for mouthing off to a journalist about the civilian leadership--IMHO, he should have been cashiered and given a dishonorable discharge. But Obama couldn't do that because much of the officer corps had come up in the Bush years and were all gung ho right-wingers.
I presume Fiorina knows enough to understand that she advocated a military government for the USA.
I presume Fiorina knows enough to understand that she advocated a military government for the USA.
9
What a pathetic lot. They are so busy playing to the lowest common denominator that they have destroyed the values of the party. I no longer
want to be associated with a party that has to pander to the Tea party.
want to be associated with a party that has to pander to the Tea party.
9
Trump won again.
6
I'm not a fan, but Carly Fiorina was there too wasn't she? Any reason the one female candidate was completely left out of this article?
4
If you don't know why she was left out, then you haven't been paying attention.
16
Trump's comments about the futility of recent US military interventions in the Middle East were excellent. I have not heard a Democrat, with the possible exception of Sanders, speak so eloquently on this point. Also, I liked the way he called out the role of big money not just skewing, but also totally overthrowing the normal operations of democracy. If Trump became president, it would certainly shake the NYT out of its liberal complacency, and that would be a good thing.
9
I think any candidate under 10% should drop out. Don't need undercard debates waste of time. Takes away from front runner candidates. My dream team would be Trump Pres., Cruz VP, Carson Sec. of State. Rubio is still a political insider Gang of 8 mentality and his voting record or lack there of concerns me.
Carson as Secretary of State? Are you kidding? The man can't locate the US on a map much less understand that people from other countries are not Americans.
16
There really isn't that much difference between the so-called front runners and the losers at the kiddie table. They just yell louder.
8
All I saw during the debate was a lot of children screaming for attention and fussing when they weren't getting it.
43
My takeaway from the GOP Debate: a police state is a happy state.
27
Who won the debate?
ISIS, I think.
The Fear Vampires onstage feasted mightily last night. It was one of the more sickening spectacles of my lifetime.
The good news on the pages of the NYT this morning is the possible discovery of a new, sub-atomic particle that might imply the existence of alternate dimensions in the space-time continuum.
If this madness keeps up, I'm looking into slipping into one of those in the near future. I think the present one is breaking up.
ISIS, I think.
The Fear Vampires onstage feasted mightily last night. It was one of the more sickening spectacles of my lifetime.
The good news on the pages of the NYT this morning is the possible discovery of a new, sub-atomic particle that might imply the existence of alternate dimensions in the space-time continuum.
If this madness keeps up, I'm looking into slipping into one of those in the near future. I think the present one is breaking up.
335
I agree entirely. FDR was right: "the only thing we have to fear is...fear itself — nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance."
The terrorists win when we trumpet our fear of their actions. Ironically, the GOP candidates won't acknowledge the fear that so many of us have of being shot by a domestic terrorist armed to the teeth with military-style weapons, which is statistically much more likely than being killed by an Islamic terrorist.
The terrorists win when we trumpet our fear of their actions. Ironically, the GOP candidates won't acknowledge the fear that so many of us have of being shot by a domestic terrorist armed to the teeth with military-style weapons, which is statistically much more likely than being killed by an Islamic terrorist.
5
The debate proves all politicians are liars.
Yeah, I think you're right. Even Marfa won't be safe!
1
I was greatly disturbed by several candidates' treating Isis and Iran as allies when in fact they are rivals. These candidates seem to want it both ways with their electorate, which includes a significant segment that shares Netanyahu's single minded obsession with Iran and the broader group that is terrified of Isis. Iran functionally leads the Shiites. Isis attracts the (understandably) disaffected cohort of the divided Sunnis, and Shiites and Sunnis are in collision throughout the Arab world. Whether we like it or not, if combatting Isis is indeed our priority, it may require cooperation with Iran at several levels. It is not just disingenuous to capitalize on Americans' lack of a nuanced understanding of this situation, which calls for deft diplomatic and military maneuvering, it is irresponsible.
78
This article seems to be pushing Rubio and Bush. Beware.
5
It was difficult, as usual, to listen to. But just when you begin to think Bush may be the most reasonable of the lot, he informs us that Obama has created this most perilous state of world affairs vis a vis the Middle East. This of course lets you know Jeb suffers from a deep delusion enabling him to ignore the truth and consequences of his brother's catastrophic invasion of Iraq. The only thing worse, other than the psychopathy of Cruz, was Christie's plan for America to shoot down Russian jets over Libya.
387
They are an "American Tragedy."
2
A catastrophic invasion of Iraq that the darling of the Times, Hillary Clinton, supported.
Well, Jeb did assert that his brother kept us safe and incongruously reminded us of that photo op on the Pile. Cognitive dissonance, anyone?
3
"Safety and fear have not loomed so powerfully over a debate, or an electorate, since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. But if the threat of terrorism has become the defining issue in the race, Republicans are sharply divided on the toughest and smartest strategies to prevent more attacks."
How can terrorism define the debate when easily half of the problem is ignored completely? Not a peep about Colorado. We must discuss religious extremism...as uncomfortable as that may be for many.
How can terrorism define the debate when easily half of the problem is ignored completely? Not a peep about Colorado. We must discuss religious extremism...as uncomfortable as that may be for many.
47
The GOP panders to religious extremists, so it would be very very awkward for them.
6
I turned off the debate when Carly Fiorina once again gave her rise to stardom from oppression rhetoric. Maybe she should be one who "suspends".
12
The Flag of Fear was at full mast last night as Republicans overwhelmingly promised to explode the nation's defense budget, rebuild the entire military and chase ISIS all over creation on a credit card and more tax cuts.
With the exception of the John Kasich and Rand Paul, all the candidates were ready for World War III...and more tax cuts to pay for it.
We haven't yet paid for GWB's excellent Iraq and Afghan adventures since they were charged to the Neo-Con AMEX, and the Republican entourage is ready for another drunken military spending spree that will not be paid for.
Mr. Kasich said you have to be strong economically to be strong militarily; he is chillingly correct and the rest of the candidates were happy to ignore that advice.
Of course ISIS needs to be defeated...but let's remember that the GWB Iraq War catastrophe is what actually created them.
ISIS will be defeated by attacking Saudi Arabian homegrown and internationally exported Wahhabism/Salafism and by waging a battle fought as much on the internet as it is on the ground and also by implementing common sense gun controls in America instead of making America a giant shooting gallery in deference to 2nd Amendment 'free-dumb'.
Governor Chris Christie was happy to wrap himself in the flag of September 11 in order to continue his shameless run for the Presidency of the United States of Fear.
World War III on another unpaid Republican credit card is not great recipe.
It is the recipe of the fallen Roman Empire.
With the exception of the John Kasich and Rand Paul, all the candidates were ready for World War III...and more tax cuts to pay for it.
We haven't yet paid for GWB's excellent Iraq and Afghan adventures since they were charged to the Neo-Con AMEX, and the Republican entourage is ready for another drunken military spending spree that will not be paid for.
Mr. Kasich said you have to be strong economically to be strong militarily; he is chillingly correct and the rest of the candidates were happy to ignore that advice.
Of course ISIS needs to be defeated...but let's remember that the GWB Iraq War catastrophe is what actually created them.
ISIS will be defeated by attacking Saudi Arabian homegrown and internationally exported Wahhabism/Salafism and by waging a battle fought as much on the internet as it is on the ground and also by implementing common sense gun controls in America instead of making America a giant shooting gallery in deference to 2nd Amendment 'free-dumb'.
Governor Chris Christie was happy to wrap himself in the flag of September 11 in order to continue his shameless run for the Presidency of the United States of Fear.
World War III on another unpaid Republican credit card is not great recipe.
It is the recipe of the fallen Roman Empire.
391
It's scary to think that a significant portion of the American public can't see that the policies of the current crop of GOP clowns are basically recycled from the eight long years of GW Bush. Do they not remember how that turned out?
13
If I could give this post 10 "Recommend" I would.
8
Defeat ISIS by stopping Turkey from buying ISIS oil. Turkey funds ISIS.
So much coverage for all of these charlatans.
No coverage for Bernie Sanders. Shame on the New York Times.
No coverage for Bernie Sanders. Shame on the New York Times.
269
Did you miss the word "Republican" in the headline?
5
Bernie's limited message has run its course. He will find it difficult to win super delegates, except Warren.
It was a Republican debate. Bernie is a Democrat.
4
Once again, the GOP shows their distorted world view on the debate stage. Yes, stopping terrorism and thwarting ISIS are important issues, but they don't exist in a vacuum. They must be viewed in terms of a greater world view. While Trump parses whether his policies are isolationism or security, he never bothers to realize that they are both morally indefensible and impossible to enact.
The GOP shows their misunderstanding of technology when they claim that parts of the internet could be closed by our geniuses in Silicon Valley, and that would thwart ISIS. That's as stupid as saying that we can close all our tax loopholes. Just as the uber-wealthy would just hire more accountants and buy more congressmen to create new loopholes, ISIS will find ways to penetrate whatever internet protections have been put in place. If we can't stop 14 year olds from hacking web sites, we're not going to prevent ISIS from finding ways to use the net to communicate.
As for carpet bombing, that's more of the lunacy that got us into this mess. ISIS is the result of Republican military/industrial policies. The rise of ISIS is directly related to our energy policies of the last century, the CIA's intervention in the mid-East since the early 1950's, our unquestioned support of the Saudis, and Bush/Cheney's rash decision to engage in two wars with a baseless optimism that they would be quick and painless.
There is no easy way out of this, but the GOP's approach just wrong.
The GOP shows their misunderstanding of technology when they claim that parts of the internet could be closed by our geniuses in Silicon Valley, and that would thwart ISIS. That's as stupid as saying that we can close all our tax loopholes. Just as the uber-wealthy would just hire more accountants and buy more congressmen to create new loopholes, ISIS will find ways to penetrate whatever internet protections have been put in place. If we can't stop 14 year olds from hacking web sites, we're not going to prevent ISIS from finding ways to use the net to communicate.
As for carpet bombing, that's more of the lunacy that got us into this mess. ISIS is the result of Republican military/industrial policies. The rise of ISIS is directly related to our energy policies of the last century, the CIA's intervention in the mid-East since the early 1950's, our unquestioned support of the Saudis, and Bush/Cheney's rash decision to engage in two wars with a baseless optimism that they would be quick and painless.
There is no easy way out of this, but the GOP's approach just wrong.
244
Speaking of easy ways out, why do you think of them as a Grand Old Party? Tell what's G about this OP of yours.
Never be too lazy to type out the word "Republican."
Never be too lazy to type out the word "Republican."
1
HDNY Brilliant analysis of the history of the geopolitical, military/ industrial & ill advised interventions in Asia. the Middle East & Africa! It's long past time for rational/ calmer heads to prevail- not to be found among the current crop of GOP White House 'wannabes' ... or the GOP base.
6
One of the reason for the lack of clarity in this and other campaigns is the fact that reporters, especially TV reporters and commentators don't do their job. Actually, they do do their job but only as they envision it, as a means to focus on controversy and clever lines. Notice how much space and importance they give to a zingy repartee, as if it were a major policy statement. Also the fact that they never challenge dubious statements and statistics because, I suspect, they are not familiar with them. Take, for example, Trump's remark on Cruz which is being presented, as in this article, that Trump called him a maniac. I know that some will see this as splitting hairs, but what Trump said is the following: “You look at the way he’s dealt with the Senate, where he goes in there like a – you know, frankly like a little bit of a maniac,” First of all, Trump says that he acted like a maniac, not that he was a maniac. Moreover, he softens it further by saying that it was "a bit like of a maniac". Finally, acting like a maniac on a single event doesn't characterize one as a maniac. It's one thing for opponents to jump on any false step of the adversary, but political writers and commentators should have a more objective view of matters. By the way, this is not a defense of Trump. I consider him eminently unqualified to be president.
81
The CNN headline today illustrates your point perfectly: BIG CAPS SAYING "LOSERS AND WINNERS".
1
For sake of argument, let's assume this is true.
So if they're distorting things, what happened to common sense on the part of the listener? Doesn't he/she have a responsibility to tab into their inner thoughtfulness instead of their visceral caveman? Didn't Mom and Dad teach them the difference between truth and lies? God help us, but are their children passing on the joy of ignorance and it's attending message that it's not merely ok to be so, but YOUR RIGHT!
The only folks happy with a nation of knaves are the wealthy who can then sell us anything they want for any price because they "less government" and "lower taxes" will eviscerate government oversight of their schemes and toss the less fortunate into a canoe and cry "individual responsibility" and wipe their hands as they disappear across the horizon of democracy.
WAKE UP, America! Care about your fellow man. Yes, work hard...but that admonition includes a whole lot others who like what they heard on TV last night. Work hard to keep us all free, all religions respected, all civil rights in place and enforced...
Or this blessed Nation under God will get what God decides it deserves...
So if they're distorting things, what happened to common sense on the part of the listener? Doesn't he/she have a responsibility to tab into their inner thoughtfulness instead of their visceral caveman? Didn't Mom and Dad teach them the difference between truth and lies? God help us, but are their children passing on the joy of ignorance and it's attending message that it's not merely ok to be so, but YOUR RIGHT!
The only folks happy with a nation of knaves are the wealthy who can then sell us anything they want for any price because they "less government" and "lower taxes" will eviscerate government oversight of their schemes and toss the less fortunate into a canoe and cry "individual responsibility" and wipe their hands as they disappear across the horizon of democracy.
WAKE UP, America! Care about your fellow man. Yes, work hard...but that admonition includes a whole lot others who like what they heard on TV last night. Work hard to keep us all free, all religions respected, all civil rights in place and enforced...
Or this blessed Nation under God will get what God decides it deserves...
1
Frank -- if all there is, is "zingy repartee" (most of it about as clever as what fifth-graders yell at each other on the playground -- that's the age where they start trying it out) ... then that's all a reporter assigned to the debate can cover.
The fact that there's nothing of substance here is the takeaway message.
If any of these candidates wanted to put forth a real set of policy proposals they could do so -- Bernie & Hillary have, generations of politicians have.
Bill Clinton did, but Bill also cleverly ran on "I feel your pain." The Republicans (with some exception for JEB and Kasich) are all running on "I know your hatreds and anger."
It's not going to work out well for the party, or our country.
The fact that there's nothing of substance here is the takeaway message.
If any of these candidates wanted to put forth a real set of policy proposals they could do so -- Bernie & Hillary have, generations of politicians have.
Bill Clinton did, but Bill also cleverly ran on "I feel your pain." The Republicans (with some exception for JEB and Kasich) are all running on "I know your hatreds and anger."
It's not going to work out well for the party, or our country.
1
Clearly, given where the polls stood before the debate, the night's big winner wasn't Cruz, Rubio or Trump, but Bush. If Jeb! had been this feisty from the beginning, I believe he'd be leading and not Trump. What's more, his lead would be far safer because he has the institutional support that Trump lacks.
The polls this week will be interesting.
The polls this week will be interesting.
7
Alas, Richard, I think you'll still be beating that drum long after the teams have left the field and the crews are cleaning up the stands.
20
"his (Bush's)lead would be far safer because he has the institutional support that Trump lacks."
In Bush's case, "institutional support" means the donor class and former Cabinet and staff members of the first two Bush presidencies who are chomping at the bit to feed at the public trough yet again, all in the name of cutting the size of government. Yes, leave it to a bunch of perennial government employees led by another sonofaBush to cut the size of government.
In Bush's case, "institutional support" means the donor class and former Cabinet and staff members of the first two Bush presidencies who are chomping at the bit to feed at the public trough yet again, all in the name of cutting the size of government. Yes, leave it to a bunch of perennial government employees led by another sonofaBush to cut the size of government.
36
Richard, rarely do I agree with you, but on this one ... yes.
The problem is that winning in this pit of slime still leaves everyone slimed.
The bigger problem is for our country is that the spectacle of of this "debate" and it's endless policy-and-dignity-free name-calling and appeals to the basest motives of an electorate cheapens what it means to be an American, for everybody.
The problem is that winning in this pit of slime still leaves everyone slimed.
The bigger problem is for our country is that the spectacle of of this "debate" and it's endless policy-and-dignity-free name-calling and appeals to the basest motives of an electorate cheapens what it means to be an American, for everybody.
7
A sorrier crew I've rarely seen. Of all the exchanges though, the Rubio-Cruz sparring on immigration and data collection were the most serious issues of the evening. The Donald's neophyte understanding of how the Internet works was almost funny: He seems to think we can shut down whatever channels ISIS is using to recruit advocates (has he ever heard of the deep web?) while simultaneously spying on their communications--as if Silicon Valley experts were magicians as if they would ever volunteer their de-encryption know how for the cause.
Everybody had high points--even Bush, Christie and yes, Fiorina--who can appear so convincing when she's lying through her teeth. But for low-energy Jeb! to claim the mantle of "leadership" is ludicrous--his professorial pace and reliance on family old ties for donors doesn't suggest a strong leader.
But I'm finding these debates tedious, as much as I find tedious the coverage of every Trump rally he gives. Why aren't the other candidates demanding equal time from the media? It seems like the only time we see Fiorina, Kasich, Paul and Christie is at the debates or in the occasional ad.
In fact, I don't know why so many are still running as low as they are in the polls. I think it's time to winnow the field to see if the emerging smaller group can actually be forced to offer more policy meat than one liners.
Everybody had high points--even Bush, Christie and yes, Fiorina--who can appear so convincing when she's lying through her teeth. But for low-energy Jeb! to claim the mantle of "leadership" is ludicrous--his professorial pace and reliance on family old ties for donors doesn't suggest a strong leader.
But I'm finding these debates tedious, as much as I find tedious the coverage of every Trump rally he gives. Why aren't the other candidates demanding equal time from the media? It seems like the only time we see Fiorina, Kasich, Paul and Christie is at the debates or in the occasional ad.
In fact, I don't know why so many are still running as low as they are in the polls. I think it's time to winnow the field to see if the emerging smaller group can actually be forced to offer more policy meat than one liners.
148
It really is up to primary voters to winnow the field. It seems like they are not doing their job because we are still too early in the process. Oh, for a six week - total - election season!
6
"as if Silicon Valley experts were magicians as if they would ever volunteer their de-encryption know how"
Volunteer? This is Donald Trump we're talking about. He'll make an "amazing deal" to either buy their dignity with a "yuge" amount of money, or break their dignity by beating and tossing them over the Great Wall of Mexico with a "yuge" bouncer as boisterous and blowhard as, well, Trump.
Fortunately, there are no tech experts in Silicon Valley, only thieving marketers.
Volunteer? This is Donald Trump we're talking about. He'll make an "amazing deal" to either buy their dignity with a "yuge" amount of money, or break their dignity by beating and tossing them over the Great Wall of Mexico with a "yuge" bouncer as boisterous and blowhard as, well, Trump.
Fortunately, there are no tech experts in Silicon Valley, only thieving marketers.
5
... so tedious I fell asleep on the couch and missed the booing.
While are they still running? They love the limelight. They also have no place to take their careers.
For Rubio and Cruz, a long career of dedicated public service in the United States Senate is an anathema. No corporation would have Carly or put her on a Board (she's too toxic).
For the Governors, they face term limits and after "leading" (if you call it that) and wouldn't turn, for example, to a yawning and pedestrian life of legislation. So Christie is spending 80% of his last 2 years in office campaigning for the Presidency and not doing his job back home in NJ (at least there is less traffic on the bridges).
For Carson? After neurosurgery, he probably thought of Ringling Brothers but found this circus so much more exciting and fun. And hey, it's on TV everyday, 24/7.
While are they still running? They love the limelight. They also have no place to take their careers.
For Rubio and Cruz, a long career of dedicated public service in the United States Senate is an anathema. No corporation would have Carly or put her on a Board (she's too toxic).
For the Governors, they face term limits and after "leading" (if you call it that) and wouldn't turn, for example, to a yawning and pedestrian life of legislation. So Christie is spending 80% of his last 2 years in office campaigning for the Presidency and not doing his job back home in NJ (at least there is less traffic on the bridges).
For Carson? After neurosurgery, he probably thought of Ringling Brothers but found this circus so much more exciting and fun. And hey, it's on TV everyday, 24/7.
5