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"Teflon Don" Holds Court - GOP Debates Begin

Tyler Durden's picture




 

(Click picture to watch live. Note that Fox requires a cable subscription log-in)

Now that Carly Fiorina has thoroughly dominated the "B-team" GOP roster, all eyes will now turn to the prime time event where Donald Trump, the surprise frontrunner whose vitriolic campaign rhetoric has inexplicably translated into ever stronger poll numbers, will make his debate debut and attempt to dismiss critics who question how long the flamboyant billionaire’s popularity can last once the proverbial rubber meets the road. 

And while some are expecting plenty of fireworks on Thursday evening, Trump himself is looking to play down the hype. "Maybe my whole life is a debate in a way, but the fact is I’m not a debater, and they are," Trump told ABC News.

And if you can’t make sense of that, here’s something less convoluted: "I don't think I'm going to be throwing punches."

So it looks like we can scratch "fist fight" off the list of possible debate outcomes, but there’s still plenty of fun to be had, and for those wondering what to expect from each candidate, here’s a simple preview from NBC:

  • Donald Trump: With all eyes on him, he's smartly downplayed expectations and has emphasized that he intends to play nice. But he also has to deliver the same toughness and channel the same anger fueling his rise in the GOP polls.
  • Jeb Bush: As we wrote yesterday, maybe no one has more on the line than Bush does. He's had a rough last week -- especially as Hillary Clinton has used him as a punching bag. And here's the thing: He's the most well-known unknown person (due to his last name) on that debate stage.
  • Scott Walker: He has the buzz and the record, but does he look the part? That will be his biggest challenge of the night.
  • Marco Rubio: Ditto. And he can't afford to disappear at the debate -- as he has disappeared from the 2016 scene these past few weeks.
  • Mike Huckabee: If you want to place an early bet on the best performer of the night, Huckabee would be a smart call. He is the only one of the 10 who has actually participated in a presidential debate before. And he was routinely the best performer in the 2007-2008 debates.
  • Ted Cruz: Can he handle the 60-second time limits and come across a bite more likeable than his perception, especially in DC?
  • Ben Carson: His low-key demeanor could be a weakness. Can he display some fire and passion that don't come across in his interviews?
  • Chris Christie: He's used to being the center of attention, but can he handle being on the outside looking in? How does he assert himself?
  • John Kasich: Ditto.
  • Rand Paul: Make no mistake: The Jesse Benton indictment has rocked the Ron/Rand Paul World, and the campaign needs a major pick-me-up from this debate.

And here's a Bingo card which should serve as a nice primer on the issues:

Finally, here's a bit of color from Bloomberg's Joshua Green on Trump's transformation from belicose billionaire to Republican frontrunner: 

When Donald Trump takes center stage at Thursday’s Fox News debate in Cleveland, it will be a critical moment for the Republican Party. Until recently, Americans mentally categorized Trump as a celebrity entertainer and interpreted his madcap antics and controversial pronouncements accordingly. But on Thursday, voters will experience Trump in a much different context: as the standard-bearer of the Republican Party, who not only leads the presidential field by a wide margin but, as a new Bloomberg Politics poll shows, has a powerful appeal to every segment of the Republican electorate.

 

Not every Republican worries about a "Trump effect" harming the GOP’s electoral fortunes. "Trump is a flash in the pan," says Republican strategist John Feehery. "He’s not a serious candidate, no matter what the polls say. He will self-implode."

 

Others are hopeful that Trump will "grow into the role" and comport himself in a manner more befitting a presidential frontrunner. "The question is," says Norquist, "is he capable of turning on a dime when the camera shines on him and saying, 'Here are my standard, boring traditional Republican views' with maybe a couple of colorful additions?"

 

But Trump’s broad popularity and enduring strength among Republicans lend credence to a different interpretation: that his candidacy has become the preferred vehicle for Republican voters to express maximal outrage at their own party’s leaders for failing to carry out the agenda they keep promising. It’s one that many conservatives ardently desire: to deport undocumented immigrants, kill Obamacare, overturn Roe v. Wade, and return the GOP to a position of primacy in American politics.

 

"If you look at the whole Republican Party, from libertarians to evangelicals to the Tea Party," says Steele, "you have a group of people who’ve been lied to for 35 years. Republican [presidential candidates] have said, 'Elect us and we’ll do these things.' Well, they haven’t. And that frustration is manifesting itself in Trump."

 

Bonus: BBC's "Fun Guide" to the debate

Donald Trump

Who is he? Billionaire, reality television star, golf and real estate mogul, rider of golden escalators. The Donald is the one man who really needs no introduction. He exists whether you acknowledge him or not. He's at the top of the polls in the Republican Party, and the establishment's attempts to strike him down have only made him more powerful than you can possibly imagine.

Expected strategy: Trump will be Trump. If he's attacked by one of the other candidates, expect him to hit back. Donald says he doesn't start fights, he finishes them. Maybe he'll say something crazy, and everyone will laugh. Maybe he'll stay serious, and everyone will be impressed with his gravitas. Either way, he comes out ahead.

Win a point if: He promises to "make America great again". He believes he's the man to do it, and he's got the hat to show it.

Win a million points if: He wears the hat on stage.

Lose a point if: He says "you're fired". That Apprentice catchphrase is so 2004.

Jeb Bush

Who is he? Former governor of Florida, son of one president and brother to another, the man with 99 problems but having enough campaign money isn't one. Bush started the year expected by many to emerge as the clear frontrunner, but that hasn't happened. Jeb! - as his logo exclaims - is just one of several upper-tier candidates getting lapped in the polls by Trump.

Expected strategy: Bush will likely try to be the grown-up in the room. If other candidates get mired in a slug-fest with Trump, he can try to stay above the fray and pitch himself as the mature, presidential alternative. It was a plan that worked (eventually) for Mitt Romney in 2012.

Win a point if: He vows to boost US growth from 2% to 4% as president. Call it the "seven-minute abs" campaign promise. Who wants two when you can have four?

Win a million points if: He says he agrees with his brother on anything. "George W Jeb" is getting hammered on his familial ties to the 43rd president, and proving he's "his own man" has been one of his most daunting tasks.

Lose a point if: He mentions his campaign "swag store", as he did in New Hampshire Monday night. There are a lot of words that can sound presidential. "Swag" isn't one of them.

Scott Walker

Who is he? Governor of Wisconsin, Kohl's discount store shopper, bane of public employee unions everywhere. Walker made a big splash in an Iowa presidential forum back in January, and he's become a popular pick as a candidate who can appeal to both conservative activists and the Republican establishment.

Expected strategy: This will be a big test for Walker as a top-tier candidate. He's been criticised in the past for lacking presidential timbre, so his goal will be to look and act like a serious, informed politician, while avoiding any major gaffes.

Win a point if: He mentions Ronald Reagan. He got married on the late president's birthday and every year throws a Reagan-themed anniversary party. He's a big fan.

Win a million points if: He talks about his fitness tracker. He wears one all the time and credits it with keeping him in shape. You may not see it under the sleeve of his debate-night suit jacket, but trust us, it's there.

Lose a point if: He cites heading the Wisconsin National Guard in a foreign policy answer. Every time governors trot this line out they sound only slightly less ridiculous than when Sarah Palin mentioned how close Alaska is to Russia.

Mike Huckabee

Who is he? Ordained minister, former Arkansas governor, former conservative radio and television talk host, model for awkward family photos. Huckabee was the surprise of the 2008 presidential race after winning the first-in-the-nation Iowa caucuses. Now he hopes to recapture that old campaign magic.

Expected strategy: Eight years ago Huckabee ran as a conservative with a heart. After years as a Fox talking head, he now seems to be running as a conservative who eats hearts. Expect lots of blanket condemnations of liberal orthodoxy, particularly when it comes to Barack Obama's foreign policy.

Win a point if: He doesn't make a reference to Nazi Germany. The candidate is a walking embodiment of Godwin's law.

Win a million points if: He bursts out into song. He and Democrat Martin O'Malley are the only presidential hopefuls who front rock bands.

Lose a point if: He makes a joke that bombs. He styles himself as a good-natured cut-up, but as the old saying goes: "Dying is easy. Comedy is hard."

Marco Rubio

Who is he? Florida senator, son of Cuban immigrants, former college football player, parched-mouth sufferer. Rubio is considered a rising star in Republican circles, but many were surprised that he decided to eschew a sure-thing second term in the US Senate for a presidential bid, particularly with Floridian Bush already in the race.

Expected strategy: Rubio became a popular pick as a campaign dark horse, but after an early bounce in the polls he's become mired in the crowded middle of the pack. He's the youngest candidate on the stage, so he'll have to project maturity and remind everyone of his potential.

Win a point if: He mentions the American Dream. His child-of-immigrants story is compelling and he isn't shy about recounting it, so you can probably go ahead and pencil this in the plus column.

Win a million points if: He gets caught on camera drinking water. For a long time Rubio's awkward attempt at hydration during a 2013 State of the Union response was all anyone knew about him.

Lose a point if: He talks about immigration. He supported Senate immigration reform in 2013 before it became radioactive among much of the conservative base. Any time he spends on the subject will remind Republicans of this.

Ben Carson

Who is he? Paediatric neurosurgeon, best-selling author, child of urban poverty, separator of conjoined twins. Carson was in double digits in opinion polls for much of the year but has slipped of late. He has a loyal following that's helped him nab several conservative straw poll victories.

Expected strategy: This is the first time Carson has been in a political debate, so his goal is to prove he belongs there - which is a pretty low bar among this crowded field. He's the "other" non-politician on the stage and could seek to offer himself as a less abrasive, more thoughtful choice for disaffected Trump supporters.

Win a point if: He tells the story about the patient who mistook him for a hospital orderly.

Win a million points if: He compares Obamacare to slavery. It wouldn't be the first time, but he's toned down his bombastic rhetoric recently.

Lose a point if: He says progressive taxation is socialism. If it is, then the US has been a socialist state since 1913.

Ted Cruz

Who is he? Senator from Texas, former Supreme Court clerk, Canadian-American, aspiring Simpsons voice actor. Cruz beat a heavily favoured Republican in his 2012 Senate race and quickly made waves in Washington, spearheading multiple high-profile filibusters and government shut-downs

Expected strategy: Cruz is a former college debate national champion, so he enters Thursday night with rhetorical knives sharpened and high expectations. He's pitching his campaign to evangelical conservatives and grass-roots Tea Party true-believers, so expect him to spend plenty of time throwing them chunks of fresh red meat.

Win a point if: He attacks "the Washington cartel". Although it sounds like a minor-league soccer franchise, it's his term for the insiders and establishment politicians he's made life difficult for during his Senate tenure

Win a million points if: He attacks Donald Trump. While other candidates have been going after the top dog, Cruz has showered him with praise, perhaps hoping to pick up the pieces if the billionaire flames out.

Lose a point if: He talks about cooking bacon on the barrel of a machine gun. OK, he likes guns and he likes bacon. But his latest attempt at creating a viral video was just cringe-worthy.

Rand Paul

Who is he? Senator from Kentucky, opthalmologist, son of former presidential candidate Ron Paul, libertarian (sort of), enemy of hairbrushes everywhere. Paul launched his campaign as the candidate who could combine the grass-roots support of his father's libertarian true believers with a more mainstream Republican appeal. So far, however, it seems he's alienated both groups.

Expected strategy: Paul will likely play up the anti-big government, surveillance-state positions that prompted Time magazine to once label him "the most interesting man in politics". Given how his campaign has struggled in the past few months, he could come out swinging at the other candidates. At this point, he has little left to lose.

Win a point if: He mentions the "Washington machine". Like Cruz's Washington cartel, Paul's machine is the windmill he tilts at.

Win a million points if: He's wearing cowboy boots. The Texan has a penchant for fancy footwear, but such a debate fashion statement may be a bit too unorthodox even for Paul.

Lose a point if: He has to talk about the Iran nuclear deal. It's the kind of foreign policy topic that will only hurt him, no matter how he answers it.

Chris Christie

Who is he? Governor of New Jersey, former US attorney, bellicose YouTube star, Dallas Cowboys superfan. Christie could have presented a serious challenge to Romney in 2012, but he chose to sit out the race. He may have missed the presidential boat, as his popularity both in New Jersey and nationwide has precipitously dropped since then.

Expected strategy: Donald Trump has stolen Christie's "tell it like it is" mojo, so the debate may be his chance to win some of it back. Look for him to try to be blunt but not blustery, touting his ability to get things done in liberal-leaning New Jersey.

Win a point if: He talks about his late Sicilian mother. He cites her as his "moral compass" - the way he tries to soften his brash image.

Win a million points if: He mentions Bruce Springsteen. He used to be a huge follower, but the New Jersey musician very publicly skewered the governor in a January 2014 Tonight Show musical satire.

Lose a point if: Hurricane Sandy comes up. The only thing Republicans remember from the natural disaster is Christie's pre-2012 election embrace of Mr Obama - and they have never forgiven him for it.

John Kasich

Who is he? Ohio governor, former congressman, friend of U2's Bono, 2000 presidential candidate who was beaten by a guy named Bush. Kasich is a late entry into the Republican field, but his post-announcement bounce was enough to sneak him into the final spot on the debate stage.

Expected strategy: Kasich's goal will be to appeal to the moderate, establishment Republican crowd, which puts another Bush squarely in his cross-hairs. If he contrasts favourably with the Floridian, and he could become the choice as the anti-Trump.

Win a point if: He talks about finding God after his parents were killed by a drunk driver. It's Kasich at his most heartfelt.

Win a million points if: He leads the home-state Cleveland crowd in an O-H-I-O football chant.

Lose a point if: Someone mispronounces his last name. The ch in Kasich is a hard k.

 

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Thu, 08/06/2015 - 22:26 | 6399887 falconflight
falconflight's picture

Never-mind him calling Ohio's gov't expansion of Medicaid in support of ObamaSnare, a conservative 'act of godliness.'  UnEffing believable.  

Thu, 08/06/2015 - 22:30 | 6399896 NoWayJose
NoWayJose's picture

Kasich lost me when he said that.

Thu, 08/06/2015 - 22:35 | 6399904 falconflight
falconflight's picture

I just so wish that the GOP herd would start to realize that these ProgPigs believe us so stupid to believe their Progressivism is Conservatism.  

Thu, 08/06/2015 - 22:41 | 6399922 overmedicatedun...
overmedicatedundersexed's picture

the so called debate format ..is just a tool to push the candidate fox was told is the One.. little on how to judge any of these people..all of them are stupid to have gone on fox's shit show. to think these paid talking heads are acting like they have no agenda is stupid of the candidates and us. I thank the zh poster remembering ohio's govenor and his back stabbing act on wall street in 08..that was a key and that guy was calling on god to bless him..corzine with a R by his name.

Thu, 08/06/2015 - 22:37 | 6399911 TeethVillage88s
TeethVillage88s's picture

Thanks for the Tip.

He Bears the Guilt of 2008 Global Financial Crisis if that is the case.

Remember Phil Gramm, set up the Banks, then got out and now works for the Banks.

Thu, 08/06/2015 - 22:20 | 6399876 Chuck Knoblauch
Chuck Knoblauch's picture

They are not giving Trump any foreign policy questions on Iran or ISIS.

Shame on those cunts.

Thu, 08/06/2015 - 22:24 | 6399884 falconflight
falconflight's picture

After tonight (unequivocally), Fox News Channel, Faux and Bias.  Now just another fluffer within the OnePartyMedia.

Thu, 08/06/2015 - 22:26 | 6399888 Buster Cherry
Buster Cherry's picture

MMMMMMMMMmmmmmmmegan.....

Gee I'm sure in love with her.

Thu, 08/06/2015 - 22:28 | 6399893 falconflight
falconflight's picture

Admittedly, I wouldn't mind seeing her chin drippin...

Thu, 08/06/2015 - 22:35 | 6399905 NoWayJose
NoWayJose's picture

She needs something in her mouth so she would stop asking such foolish questions!

Thu, 08/06/2015 - 22:27 | 6399889 falconflight
falconflight's picture

Trump the Bush 2016

Thu, 08/06/2015 - 22:28 | 6399892 Fahque Imuhnutjahb
Fahque Imuhnutjahb's picture

 

 

Force all women to birth, but cut all benefits they receive to raise the child, then implement manditory death penalties for minors----delayed abortion.

OR..  make it a states rights issue.

Thu, 08/06/2015 - 22:33 | 6399901 NoWayJose
NoWayJose's picture

The people on the stage are giving variable performances, not helped by stupid questions -- but no matter who you think is doing well, they ALL stand out as better than Obama!

Thu, 08/06/2015 - 22:36 | 6399902 Cabreado
Cabreado's picture

Until these people address directly the points of control,

they appear as fools and puppets and a farce...

there are likely a few with good intentions,

but to deny points of control renders them false,

and a waste of valuable time.

Ah, but they can't do that, can they.

That's why it's called "control."

Thu, 08/06/2015 - 22:40 | 6399915 Fahque Imuhnutjahb
Fahque Imuhnutjahb's picture

Ron Paul tried it and got shut down for his trouble.  His boy is a watered down version, more tactful, but same principles.

Thu, 08/06/2015 - 22:38 | 6399912 JLee2027
JLee2027's picture

What RINO came out for gay marriage and got applause? Is the audience nuts?

Thu, 08/06/2015 - 22:41 | 6399921 TeethVillage88s
TeethVillage88s's picture

KaSich

Thu, 08/06/2015 - 22:58 | 6399951 JLee2027
JLee2027's picture

Thank you. And then he says his faith is the most important thing. What a liar. Anyone of faith knows that gay marriage can never be accepted by God.

Thu, 08/06/2015 - 23:14 | 6399977 Lumberjack
Lumberjack's picture

We are getting a bit tired of people doing gods work.

Thu, 08/06/2015 - 22:40 | 6399916 TeethVillage88s
TeethVillage88s's picture

Ted Cruz, doesn't think Ronald Reagan committed Treason somehow or someone else did in secret negotiations with the Iranians??

Thu, 08/06/2015 - 22:40 | 6399917 Jack of All Trades
Jack of All Trades's picture

1 Carly Fiorina
2 Ben Carson
3 Rand Paul
4 Scott Walker

Everyone else get the hell out!

Thu, 08/06/2015 - 22:43 | 6399926 TeethVillage88s
TeethVillage88s's picture

Doesn't Huckabee know that Transgender Military are our new High Tech Secret Weapon?

Sarc

Thu, 08/06/2015 - 22:45 | 6399927 optimator
optimator's picture

Trump & Paul would make a great team.

Thu, 08/06/2015 - 23:03 | 6399959 JLee2027
JLee2027's picture

Or Trump-Huckabee. 

All the others are just mouths spending money. No skills at all.

Thu, 08/06/2015 - 22:46 | 6399929 JLee2027
JLee2027's picture

One clown after another - spend money, spend money, spend money.

GAWD.

Thu, 08/06/2015 - 22:52 | 6399938 Wahooo
Wahooo's picture

That and wage wars. Fuck these people.

Thu, 08/06/2015 - 23:00 | 6399956 JLee2027
JLee2027's picture

The wars will end. Either we cut spending or it all goes kaboom soon enough.

Thu, 08/06/2015 - 22:48 | 6399930 stock market loser
stock market loser's picture

We have 30% unemployment and they talk about every other  subject but this. There are  no fucking jobs here anymore.  Empty bullshit. All they talk about is we need another war and we love Israel. This country is fucked!

Thu, 08/06/2015 - 22:54 | 6399942 TeethVillage88s
TeethVillage88s's picture

Call it De-Industrialization to Suppress the Labor Rate of a USA that had some people in Unions (Still do) had too much Compensation/Retirement.

Call it Post Modern movement through consumerism to Debtism to Globalism.

Or just call it the old English Trade Economy and unwillingness to invest in their own country's industry... England, Portugal, Italy, Ireland, Greece, Spain. (EPIIGS)

Fri, 08/07/2015 - 10:19 | 6401051 earleflorida
earleflorida's picture

this is perhaps the most astute observation i've had the privilege too have read !

BRAVO!!!

Fri, 08/07/2015 - 00:18 | 6400159 ASACJon
ASACJon's picture

Now now, Stock Market Loser, Meagan did delve into the very pressing issue of 'sessist' comments that involve women on their knees, and the struggles therein.  Indeed, Meagan knows!

Thu, 08/06/2015 - 22:50 | 6399934 Fahque Imuhnutjahb
Fahque Imuhnutjahb's picture

 

 

Well, I guess Rand just shit in his nest talking about cutting the tribute paid to the chosen.

It was a long shot any way.

Thu, 08/06/2015 - 22:52 | 6399939 JamaicaJim
JamaicaJim's picture

What's worse than a fucking gaggle of politicians, yammering on and on...?

Adding one more....

Thu, 08/06/2015 - 22:55 | 6399944 Wahooo
Wahooo's picture

What's worse? A gaggle of politicians yammering on and on about what God says to them. Theae people are all insane.

Thu, 08/06/2015 - 22:55 | 6399945 thebigunit
thebigunit's picture

Hard to find a good online instant poll.

Drudge poll keeps crashing.

Best I can tell:

1. Trump, 49%

2. Rand Paul, 13%

3. Ted Cruz, 10%

4. Scott Walker, 8%

Thu, 08/06/2015 - 22:59 | 6399952 falconflight
falconflight's picture

 1 through 4 if accurate would be amazingly positive.

Thu, 08/06/2015 - 23:20 | 6400009 TeethVillage88s
TeethVillage88s's picture

Thanks for the Numbers here.

I'm hearing on the Radio that Nixon Lost to JFK since he was sweating during the Debate. The conclusion is that looking good is all that USA cares about.

Who Looked Good?

Well I missed most of it. ZH posts are a better poll.

Q: Who didn't look like a Fascist?

Fri, 08/07/2015 - 02:36 | 6400329 Clowns on Acid
Clowns on Acid's picture

Nixon lost to JFK in that debate. remember..... Joihnson never ran for reelction after taking over for JFK.

Fri, 08/07/2015 - 10:29 | 6401098 earleflorida
earleflorida's picture

LBJ 37th President 1963 -1969

Johnson could have run for a full 2nd term but was distraught about Vietnam, and decided he wanted out for health reasons.

His situation was similar to Truman's-- whom, could have run for an official 2nd '4 year term', but also... was burnt out.

 

Fri, 08/07/2015 - 10:31 | 6401105 Flakmeister
Flakmeister's picture

\facepalm

 

Are you making shit up or are you really that ignorant?... LBJ won a landslide in '64....

Thu, 08/06/2015 - 22:57 | 6399949 Ms No
Ms No's picture

I am starting to miss the days of the Bush debates with his earpiece and the rectangular apparatus clearly visable under his jacket.  I hope Don does something crazy to make this more entertaining.

 

Thu, 08/06/2015 - 23:00 | 6399955 Fahque Imuhnutjahb
Fahque Imuhnutjahb's picture

 

 

If any of you guys are feelin' disappointed, and are worried for our collective future, I'd like to link

something that will lift your spirits and help you see our dream of exceptionalisim.  Chin up.

https://youtu.be/U1mlCPMYtPk

Thu, 08/06/2015 - 23:27 | 6400028 Ms No
Ms No's picture

I was hoping that Don would pull a Ron white.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkXsrz_Qrl8

 

Thu, 08/06/2015 - 23:02 | 6399957 Jack of All Trades
Jack of All Trades's picture

Ben Carson = best closing

Thu, 08/06/2015 - 23:23 | 6400017 Wahooo
Wahooo's picture

He's the only candidate I want to know more about.

Thu, 08/06/2015 - 23:03 | 6399961 Wahooo
Wahooo's picture

Bush is a fucking mook.

Thu, 08/06/2015 - 23:04 | 6399962 falconflight
falconflight's picture

Go view Gov. Huckabee's closing statement.  Best gotcha and laugh of the event.  He sure got me, and then I had to laugh at myself.

Thu, 08/06/2015 - 23:04 | 6399963 f16hoser
f16hoser's picture

With the exception of Trump, the Republican Party is a FUCKING JOKE! You can take that to the bank!

Thu, 08/06/2015 - 23:05 | 6399966 Fahque Imuhnutjahb
Fahque Imuhnutjahb's picture

aaannnnd it's gone.

Thu, 08/06/2015 - 23:05 | 6399964 f16hoser
f16hoser's picture

I hope Hillary wins! She's Exactly what this Fucking country needs. A WAKE-UP CALL!!!

Thu, 08/06/2015 - 23:06 | 6399968 MATA HAIRY
MATA HAIRY's picture

thanks for streaming the debate, tyler

Thu, 08/06/2015 - 23:07 | 6399969 Wahooo
Wahooo's picture

Sorry Megan, but these people really aren't just human.

Thu, 08/06/2015 - 23:08 | 6399972 TeethVillage88s
TeethVillage88s's picture

Might give Trump the 1 Point for Closing Remarks.

Ted Cruz appears honest in what he says, which is a lot sometimes. I disagree with him, but he might be a man of principal which let's face it... none of these guys who end up president can hold on to principals or Ethos or Logos.

None of these guys really knows what they would do as president or what they are getting into when... they say they have experience with being a Governor or whatever. They don't.

Mostly likely not to be Fascist?

- Ben Carson
- Rand Paul

Thu, 08/06/2015 - 23:11 | 6399979 NoWayJose
NoWayJose's picture

The top three of Trump, Bush, and Walker did not hurt themselves enough to let the other 7 catch them. It still comes down to money, and the bottom 7 are behind. I can't say any of the 7 stood out enough to draw the big bucks.

Thu, 08/06/2015 - 23:12 | 6399981 pitterrier
pitterrier's picture

Megan Kelly is the loser tonight.  War On Women?  Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!

Thu, 08/06/2015 - 23:14 | 6399983 Jack of All Trades
Jack of All Trades's picture

Christie should get out

Fri, 08/07/2015 - 00:11 | 6400142 Chaos_Theory
Chaos_Theory's picture

Go easy on him.  He thought he was in a buffet line.

Thu, 08/06/2015 - 23:19 | 6399998 FredFlintstone
FredFlintstone's picture

this group disapproving of Trunp is complete BS. Drudge is showing 47% thinking Trump won. this is Fox being dishonest

Thu, 08/06/2015 - 23:19 | 6399999 Fahque Imuhnutjahb
Fahque Imuhnutjahb's picture

Frank Luntz can be trusted not to skew issues and results.  I just don't want to do the sarc. thing.

Thu, 08/06/2015 - 23:19 | 6400002 lucky and good
lucky and good's picture

It is almost like Fox went out of their way to contain this broadcast and control how available it is to the public. This would seem to give them more ability to push candidates they like. In the end I'm left feeling that Fox sucks!

Thu, 08/06/2015 - 23:24 | 6400022 FredFlintstone
FredFlintstone's picture

I haven't watched Fox News for about 6 to 8 years. I now have the impression that they have no credibility. I know that must sound funny to most of you, but...

Thu, 08/06/2015 - 23:20 | 6400008 Ms No
Ms No's picture

Immediately they go to public comments from people who are disappointed by trump... funny.  At least Paul mentioned the Bill of Rights. 

Thu, 08/06/2015 - 23:26 | 6400026 Fahque Imuhnutjahb
Fahque Imuhnutjahb's picture

Seems evident that Paul and Trump are Fox's main targets.  Hopefully this will only serve to boost their popularity.

Fox exhalts Christie for wanting warrant-less search and seizure,  proudly goose stepping into the future.

Thu, 08/06/2015 - 23:33 | 6400045 Ms No
Ms No's picture

I am hoping that Ron Paul will take pity on us all and come back at some point.  Glad to have Rand Paul and Trump mention some real issues but this Israel and MIC crap is unacceptable.  I occasionally wonder if Rand is a sleeper (for lack of a better term).  Sometimes you have to tow the line to be allowed in the ring.   

Thu, 08/06/2015 - 23:28 | 6400031 blindman
blindman's picture

karl rove productions, a great show
but a shit show, his expertise.
pledges to the party, how about fuck off?
is the party above the interests of the nation?
humanity, the people and the truth?
.
except for trump the rest say "yes".
and citi had the commercial time covered.
.
it is the unasked topic, the money system,
the fed. not one question regarding the leverage
point to reality.
.
the grand scam of mind control roles on.
let us see the democruts sick retaliation.

Thu, 08/06/2015 - 23:37 | 6400051 Wahooo
Wahooo's picture

The nation is more important than the candidate, that's an excellent point you make. But Trump didn't say that, instead came across as self-centered. I don't think this event helped him. He connects to my anger but really nothing else.

Fri, 08/07/2015 - 00:21 | 6400097 blindman
blindman's picture

i never liked trump till he started
messing with the nazi republican/democrat
mind deprivation political(public) dialogue.
what was with the "does god speaks to you" last question?
are we looking for saints, prophets or schizophrenics
to act as the executive of the feral government?
why were some spared this particular torturous
examination? it is the rove and republican way.
did ronald reagan ascend and rise from the cross
of brain damage and international corporate fellatio
while i wasn't looking? it seems
so.

Fri, 08/07/2015 - 04:41 | 6400406 Wahooo
Wahooo's picture

The God question was absurd. Tells you something about our sheeple nation.

Thu, 08/06/2015 - 23:32 | 6400037 Arthur Schopenhauer
Arthur Schopenhauer's picture

"Kraut Hammer". That pretty much tells the whole stupid ass story.

Thu, 08/06/2015 - 23:33 | 6400046 Fahque Imuhnutjahb
Fahque Imuhnutjahb's picture

Betcha didn't know he's a Star Trek villan.      http://www.emagill.com/gallery/guldukat.jpg

Thu, 08/06/2015 - 23:33 | 6400044 FredFlintstone
FredFlintstone's picture

rosie o'donnel is a woman? what megan? you are a woman, but rosie?

Fri, 08/07/2015 - 10:29 | 6401099 Noob1011
Noob1011's picture

Meg us a bimbo

Bimbo - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bimbo
Bimbo is a derogatory slang term for an attractive but unintelligent female. The term was originally...

Sincerely,

DJT

Thu, 08/06/2015 - 23:38 | 6400057 blindman
blindman's picture

trump also called the essential whore-house-dome
of media and the "broken system" out. fox,
obviously, can not process that. they spin it
as per the bush/rove mind control narrative as
any bought and paid for quisling media corporation
must.

Thu, 08/06/2015 - 23:40 | 6400064 Fahque Imuhnutjahb
Fahque Imuhnutjahb's picture

OK green arrow if you are disappointed with Fran Luntz,  I'll go first

Thu, 08/06/2015 - 23:42 | 6400067 Chuck Knoblauch
Chuck Knoblauch's picture

STOP BROADCASTING THE POST GAME.

NO ONE IS LISTENING TO IT.

Thu, 08/06/2015 - 23:51 | 6400088 Ms No
Ms No's picture

This is all scripted right down to the applause and laughing.  Imagine if Helen Thomas could have been there?  She would have eaten their lunch to the last man.  Obviously she is gone now but before that she was sacked and replaced by a FOX news douche because she questioned Israel and our foreign policy.  Her amazing career went down in flames and she was labeled an anti-semite because she dared to question the Zionist agenda

This debate just reveals that the purge of journalism is nearly complete.  RIP Helen Thomas. 

Fri, 08/07/2015 - 01:21 | 6400267 falconflight
falconflight's picture

How's Fatima Thomas doing?  Is it her hatch day today?  Wuz up w/ you and her tonight on multiple articles?

Fri, 08/07/2015 - 03:28 | 6400365 Minburi
Minburi's picture

Kasich = Head of Bear Stearns during the '08 collapse.... Google it.

Fri, 08/07/2015 - 10:25 | 6401082 cordial savage
cordial savage's picture

Wrong.  Get a new Google.  He was at Lehman Brothers and then Barclays (post-acquisition).  James Cayne and Alan Scwhartz ran Bear Stearns.

Fri, 08/07/2015 - 18:36 | 6402720 DonGenaro
DonGenaro's picture

What'd they debate ? - who can best suck Zionist dick ?

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