The debate was boring to begin with, and nauseating throughout. That said, it was two hours of my life, I’ll never get back.
Pence speaking about morals and then raising his hand and says, “he’d vote for Trump.” Really? The guy who wanted you hanged? He was either lying the entire time, or doesn’t know the difference between a lie and the truth. Perhaps, he attended the George Costsnza school of morality: “a lie is not a lie, if you believe it to be true.”
The man doesn’t even understand the Ten Commandments, never mind, understanding the Constitution and the oath he took. However, when he states that he had the most experience to be President, yet raised his hand for Trump; wouldn’t Trump have more experience than he does? Rhetorical question, no need to answer.
DeSatan, when asked whether he was proud of signing the 6 week abortion ban states, “I won re-election in my state by the largest margin ever, and I will defend the right of life, always.” Hello! He was re-elected before he signed the bill, and signed it in the dead of night; 12:00am, no press.
So how proud could he be???? Not to mention his lies about education and crime in Florida, or removing to democratically elected District Attorneys, illegally, and not for cause; just political points. The man has no shame.
Vivek, need not apply. His answers on global warming and others were nonsensical. But he disqualified himself by claiming Trump is innocent, and also stating that Trump was the best president this country ever had. If Trump’s innocent and the the best president ever, then why do we need Vivek? Like with Pence, they both make the case for Trump.
Christie was a disappointment. He allowed Vivek to interrupt him and he really didn’t land any shots. He’s done!
Haley, was impressive, and she didn’t flip-flop as usual. Either way, she’s toast. You get no points for sanity or clarity in this “tin-foil” hat primary.
And honestly, the rest of the gang were so memorable, that I don’t even remember who they are, or what they said.
Yup, another shit show, and the winner of the debate is......wait for it........Trump!
All these candidates tripping over each other as the most "pro-life." How many them support banning assault weapons or even universal background checks?
Chris - I think your summary is exactly right - spot on!. Thank you.
And the group chat was terrific - only thing which kept me watching - would have turned off the debate after 5 minutes otherwise. The chat alone is worth more than the cost of a subscription! Thanks, again!
I am surprised how you were able to develop such an accurate and concise summary while actively participating in the chat at the same time - very impressive...
Excellent points, Chris. Especially concerning the live audience.
It drives me crazy to have to listen to cheers, boos, and the occasional bozo yelling out something unintelligible.
With an on-stage debate forum, the candidates wouldn't be able to pander to their fans, nor launch supposed zingers, which would simply fall flat.
An audience encourages grandstanding.
Now that I think of it...Debates are useless. Instead, long-form interviews would be more useful in understanding a person's thoughts beyond soundbites.
Pretty spot-on analysis, Chris and thank you again for the live chat. That was a lot of fun.
Chris Christie has to be considered a loser. Without Trump there, he lost his foil and I thought he stumbled a lot. He kept repeating "suppressing the Constitution" which sounded wordy to me. Why not call out Trump for being a coward and not debating? Why not mention the last three elections they lost?
And the UFO question was ridic, but why not turn it into a Newt Gingrich moment- use it to bash the media for asking stupid questions and then go after Trump again.
The other issue is that no one cares what he has to say about anything else and it shows. He's become a one-issue candidate and even on that, Vivek kinda got him.
Agree. I thought Christie started strong but finished pretty weak. I think he would have been far better served if Trump was on stage because you know the former president wouldn't be able to resist going back and forth with him.
Thank you for the chat! It surely made the night bearable. Haley was the winner of those on stage, if including all candidates Trump was the ultimate winner. Nobody had a break out moment that will propel them close to Trump. It’s Trumps nomination to lose, currently no sign of that happening.
Spot on. I disagree slightly about DeSantis because he was willing to put it out there that he favors simply killing illegal immigrants. The Trump crowd loves that. Haley was clearly the best, but her problem is that she is no longer a Republican.
I thought Vivek proved himself to be the last person anyone would want to vote for on that stage:
Immature (what was he doing with his hand during one of DeSantis's answers? Miming seeing which way the wind was blowing, indicating DeSantis was wishy washy and indecisive? Whatever it was, it was RUDE).
Inexperienced.
Unsophisticated with his answers. So simplistic they shouted he didn't see the whole picture or how cause and effect plays into decisions.
Childish.
I think his arrogance masks a great insecurity: he needs, thrists, to be the center of attention.
He is, in essence and behavior, a mini Trump.
I disagree with a 7 pm start time. Maybe 8. The East coasters could watch a taped version as easily as West coasters.
And I'm not sold that identification with party should be the deciding factor. I'm Democrat, but wanted to see it as much as some Republicans.
Finally, here's the solution to live audiences: have them sign a pledge to follow rules and expected behavior. When they don't, have a large enough security force patrolling the arena to eject them.
I understand that urge to eliminate the audience, but I don't like tge idea if robbing normal, authentic, serious grown ups (or children of the same) of the live experience.
I would have loved to be at any serious political debate at that level and would have behaved, as my parents taught me.
Not all Republicans act like they're at a cage fight. I likrbed by e to think there were many in the audience who were disgusted and disturbed by some of the "participation (disruption)".
As for guns --- metal detectors at the doors, just like courts.
You are echoing my sentiments after the debate. I expected more from DeSantis but he just appears intense, kind of a crazy look on his face. In my mind Nikki Haley was far and above the winner of the night. I will be surprised to see Vivek, Chris, or Burgum on the stage next time. Pence is a maybe, but it's time to weed out the field ... maybe I'm rushing things. Amen on getting rid of the audience. And even the hosts were stepping over each other. I like Asa, but I think his thumbs down on Trump came too soon. He's done. But what do I know? LOL
Chris, your chat was the best thing about the debate! It was like sitting in a room of "sane" people who do get it on how important the next election really is. Just the chat was worth a year's subscription (but don't stop the daily columns <grin>)
Can't argue with that, either, which is a big reason why I think that the Mango Menace is staying away from the debates. He knows that Christie would rip him to shreds and that even though it won't help Christie secure the nomination (there is zero chance of that ever happening in today's Republican Party), it could destroy Trump's bid to become POTUS47.
Ramaswamey definitely got his name out there for Republican voters. Thought Chris Christie’s ChatGPT line against him was really good. For the most part Ramaswamey looked like he was having fun in the debate basically just trolling many of the candidates
The debate was boring to begin with, and nauseating throughout. That said, it was two hours of my life, I’ll never get back.
Pence speaking about morals and then raising his hand and says, “he’d vote for Trump.” Really? The guy who wanted you hanged? He was either lying the entire time, or doesn’t know the difference between a lie and the truth. Perhaps, he attended the George Costsnza school of morality: “a lie is not a lie, if you believe it to be true.”
The man doesn’t even understand the Ten Commandments, never mind, understanding the Constitution and the oath he took. However, when he states that he had the most experience to be President, yet raised his hand for Trump; wouldn’t Trump have more experience than he does? Rhetorical question, no need to answer.
DeSatan, when asked whether he was proud of signing the 6 week abortion ban states, “I won re-election in my state by the largest margin ever, and I will defend the right of life, always.” Hello! He was re-elected before he signed the bill, and signed it in the dead of night; 12:00am, no press.
So how proud could he be???? Not to mention his lies about education and crime in Florida, or removing to democratically elected District Attorneys, illegally, and not for cause; just political points. The man has no shame.
Vivek, need not apply. His answers on global warming and others were nonsensical. But he disqualified himself by claiming Trump is innocent, and also stating that Trump was the best president this country ever had. If Trump’s innocent and the the best president ever, then why do we need Vivek? Like with Pence, they both make the case for Trump.
Christie was a disappointment. He allowed Vivek to interrupt him and he really didn’t land any shots. He’s done!
Haley, was impressive, and she didn’t flip-flop as usual. Either way, she’s toast. You get no points for sanity or clarity in this “tin-foil” hat primary.
And honestly, the rest of the gang were so memorable, that I don’t even remember who they are, or what they said.
Yup, another shit show, and the winner of the debate is......wait for it........Trump!
The biggest loser: America!
All these candidates tripping over each other as the most "pro-life." How many them support banning assault weapons or even universal background checks?
Once a baby is out of the womb, pro-lifers don't give a damn, except to offer thoughts and prayers before going back to cleaning their many weapons.
So many babies being killed by guns, you ignorant sot.
Pence may have had the most speaking time, but that's only because he spoke at a much slower pace. I would bet that Vivek got in the most words.
Ha! That may well be true!
lol !! love this !!!
Chris - I think your summary is exactly right - spot on!. Thank you.
And the group chat was terrific - only thing which kept me watching - would have turned off the debate after 5 minutes otherwise. The chat alone is worth more than the cost of a subscription! Thanks, again!
Awesome, Mike. So glad you enjoyed it. I think I will keep doing those live chats for subscribers during the forthcoming debates.
I am surprised how you were able to develop such an accurate and concise summary while actively participating in the chat at the same time - very impressive...
I completely agree Mike, the only reason I watched the whole debate was the chat comments. Thank you Chris and fellow comment contributors.
Excellent points, Chris. Especially concerning the live audience.
It drives me crazy to have to listen to cheers, boos, and the occasional bozo yelling out something unintelligible.
With an on-stage debate forum, the candidates wouldn't be able to pander to their fans, nor launch supposed zingers, which would simply fall flat.
An audience encourages grandstanding.
Now that I think of it...Debates are useless. Instead, long-form interviews would be more useful in understanding a person's thoughts beyond soundbites.
Pretty spot-on analysis, Chris and thank you again for the live chat. That was a lot of fun.
Chris Christie has to be considered a loser. Without Trump there, he lost his foil and I thought he stumbled a lot. He kept repeating "suppressing the Constitution" which sounded wordy to me. Why not call out Trump for being a coward and not debating? Why not mention the last three elections they lost?
And the UFO question was ridic, but why not turn it into a Newt Gingrich moment- use it to bash the media for asking stupid questions and then go after Trump again.
The other issue is that no one cares what he has to say about anything else and it shows. He's become a one-issue candidate and even on that, Vivek kinda got him.
Agree. I thought Christie started strong but finished pretty weak. I think he would have been far better served if Trump was on stage because you know the former president wouldn't be able to resist going back and forth with him.
Christie was excellent in his defense of Mike Pence. A superlative moment.
Thank you for the chat! It surely made the night bearable. Haley was the winner of those on stage, if including all candidates Trump was the ultimate winner. Nobody had a break out moment that will propel them close to Trump. It’s Trumps nomination to lose, currently no sign of that happening.
Elaine that is exactly right.
Spot on. I disagree slightly about DeSantis because he was willing to put it out there that he favors simply killing illegal immigrants. The Trump crowd loves that. Haley was clearly the best, but her problem is that she is no longer a Republican.
I thought Vivek proved himself to be the last person anyone would want to vote for on that stage:
Immature (what was he doing with his hand during one of DeSantis's answers? Miming seeing which way the wind was blowing, indicating DeSantis was wishy washy and indecisive? Whatever it was, it was RUDE).
Inexperienced.
Unsophisticated with his answers. So simplistic they shouted he didn't see the whole picture or how cause and effect plays into decisions.
Childish.
I think his arrogance masks a great insecurity: he needs, thrists, to be the center of attention.
He is, in essence and behavior, a mini Trump.
I disagree with a 7 pm start time. Maybe 8. The East coasters could watch a taped version as easily as West coasters.
And I'm not sold that identification with party should be the deciding factor. I'm Democrat, but wanted to see it as much as some Republicans.
Finally, here's the solution to live audiences: have them sign a pledge to follow rules and expected behavior. When they don't, have a large enough security force patrolling the arena to eject them.
Marc, I like the 8 pm compromise. I am good with that!
Marc,
How much creedence would you put in a pledge signed by a MAGAt?
Plus, think about the nut jobs with handguns that security might gave to deal with.
Better that there be no audience.
I understand that urge to eliminate the audience, but I don't like tge idea if robbing normal, authentic, serious grown ups (or children of the same) of the live experience.
I would have loved to be at any serious political debate at that level and would have behaved, as my parents taught me.
Not all Republicans act like they're at a cage fight. I likrbed by e to think there were many in the audience who were disgusted and disturbed by some of the "participation (disruption)".
As for guns --- metal detectors at the doors, just like courts.
You are echoing my sentiments after the debate. I expected more from DeSantis but he just appears intense, kind of a crazy look on his face. In my mind Nikki Haley was far and above the winner of the night. I will be surprised to see Vivek, Chris, or Burgum on the stage next time. Pence is a maybe, but it's time to weed out the field ... maybe I'm rushing things. Amen on getting rid of the audience. And even the hosts were stepping over each other. I like Asa, but I think his thumbs down on Trump came too soon. He's done. But what do I know? LOL
Chris, your chat was the best thing about the debate! It was like sitting in a room of "sane" people who do get it on how important the next election really is. Just the chat was worth a year's subscription (but don't stop the daily columns <grin>)
Guffaw. Your distaste for Desantis aside, 538 polls say he won. Wild how far off you're analysis was.
Hmm. Don't necessarily disagree with your assessments, but what did you make of Chris Christie's performance?
I was sort of "meh" on him. I thought he had moments but struggled a little bit without Trump on stage to play the foil.
Can't argue with that, either, which is a big reason why I think that the Mango Menace is staying away from the debates. He knows that Christie would rip him to shreds and that even though it won't help Christie secure the nomination (there is zero chance of that ever happening in today's Republican Party), it could destroy Trump's bid to become POTUS47.
Sort of a given that the candidate most compared to DT would not do well on CC's scale. I mean, 100% a given.
Ramaswamey definitely got his name out there for Republican voters. Thought Chris Christie’s ChatGPT line against him was really good. For the most part Ramaswamey looked like he was having fun in the debate basically just trolling many of the candidates
Of course!