Fox Business’ GOP debate was a huge success, primarily because the moderators did not foul it up by disrespecting the candidates and letting things get out of control. The moderators allowed for the candidates to give substantive answers to several pressing issues effecting the country.
Kudos to Neil Cavuto, Maria Bartiromo, and the Wall Street Journal’s Gerard BakerThe winners of the debate were Senators Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio, and Donald Trump. Senator Rand Paul did very well, especially when he called out Rubio for his $1 trillion “welfare” check he propose in his tax plan.
Basically, Rubio’s plan allows poor people to get a full refundable tax credit, even if many of them do not pay taxes.
Do you think the 2nd Amendment will be destroyed by the Biden Administration?(2)
The losers were Jeb Bush, who didn’t hurt himself, but just doesn’t seem to have what it takes to win over viewers, and John Kasich, who came across as a condescending and whining petulant child.
Dr. Ben Carson also didn’t hurt himself , but he didn’t really help himself either. While everyone loved Carson rip on the media, America saw that the good doctor lacked substance on issues, as he clearly struggled to answer some of the questions posed to him.
Carly Fiorina also did well, especially when she took all the boys to task about how to effectively deal with Russian aggression around the world.I, like many others, was curious to see if Donald Trump would be able to offer more than just sound-bytes when it came to talking about the issues. We were not disappointed. Trump took command of the questions by answering with substance, and even took the higher road by not attacking any of this opponents.
Well, he didn’t really attack anyone, but he did manage to get in a lick or two against John Kasich, who really deserved to feel Trump’s wrath.
What was surprising to most about Trump’s performance was that he actually played nice, agreeing with Rubio and Cruz when it came to national defense spending.
Back to the exchange between Rubio and Paul, which was probably the best back and forth between the candidates of the night.
Here is how it went down per POLITICO:
“I am proud that I have a pro-family tax code,” Rubio said.
On defense issues, Rubio said, “I know that Rand is a committed isolationist.”
Paul’s response: “Marco, Marco, how is it conservative to add a trillion-dollar expenditure to the federal government? … You cannot be a conservative if you’re going to keep promoting new programs that you’re not going to pay for.”
“I want a strong national defense, but I don’t want us to be bankrupt,” Paul said.“You think defending this nation is expensive,” Ted Cruz chimed in. “Try not defending it.”
Cruz, who will likely see the most upward movement in the polls after his stellar debate performance, rightly pointed out how expensive it would be if the U.S. did not spend the money Paul is against spending on national defense.
His epic smack down against amnesty for illegal immigration and those on the debate stage who support it was priceless, and the best moment of the night.
Trump reiterated his hawkish position on legal immigration reform, stating that under his administration, “the wall will be built.”“If Republicans join Democrats as the party of amnesty, we will lose…Every sovereign nation secures its borders, and it is not compassionate to say we’re not going to enforce the laws and we’re going to drive down the wages for millions of hard-working men and women. That is abandoning the working men and women.”-IBN
Prediction:
Donald Trump stays on top, possibly gaining a few points. Ben Carson dips a bit, and both Cruz and Rubio continue their surge in the polls.
Like I said, Cruz should rise the most in the polls.