The prime-time GOP debate of 08/06/15 demonstrated which candidates perform well in such a debate and which don’t. That is the primary take-away from the debate.
Sure, there was plenty of content that will please moderate Republicans and moderate Independents.
(After all, the word moderate isn’t a synonym for anti-Republican.)
However, was that content enough to convince Republicans to vote to make a particular candidate the GOP nominee? Perhaps not.
Dr. Carson stood out with his calmness and his willingness to answer the questions asked of him, instead of going off in a tangent. That’s because he really isn’t a politician. However, he really didn’t convince this writer that he should be POTUS. This writer can see him as a member of Congress or the Secretary of Health and Human Services or Surgeon General.
Gov. Kasich was crowded out despite his answers that, in this writer’s opinion, were sound for a GOP candidate. That’s too bad because he has a good record to run on.
Sen. Rubio performed well enough, but he was overshadowed by the more controversial candidates.
Gov. Bush and Gov. Walker looked tired to this writer. The former may still be able to make a case for nominating him, but the latter has an uphill battle to do so.
Sen. Paul demonstrated why he is a big-tent Republican, which is a plus in a general election, but he was verbally bloodied by Gov. Christie.
Gov. Christie brought out the difference between those candidates who have actually had to govern and those who haven’t. He did so in his exchange with Sen. Paul about national security.
Sen. Cruz had a good night because he was already a polished debater. However, to this writer, his countenance is reminiscent of someone with a bad case of hemorrhoids.
Sen. Huckabee appears to be a one-trick candidate who is acts as if he is running for president of the Southern Baptist Convention. Yes, he performed well in the debate, but he didn’t distinguish himself on a topic other than abortion.
Mr. Trump proved to be his own worst enemy.
As for why these people are running for POTUS …
Dr. Carson didn’t cite anything in his background that makes him suitable to be POTUS.
Mr. Trump cited his background as a businessman.
The three current members of the U.S. Senate cited their backgrounds as U.S. Senators.
Governors Bush, Christie, Kasich and Walker cited their backgrounds as governors.
Gov. Kasich also citing his background as a member of Congress.
If this writer recalls correctly, Gov. Huckabee didn’t mention his record as a governor.
A lingering question in the mind of this writer is this:
Will the GOP nominate a candidate who will appeal to a broad number of Republicans and Independents (perhaps even a few Democrats)?
Is such a candidate among the ten who participated in the prime-time debate, or is such a candidate one of the participants in the earlier GOP debate?
Inquiring minds want to know.
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Featured Image is a screen shot of the Fox News website, created by post’s author.
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