Republican debate thread 9/16

I thought Graham was best early in the undercard today, but Pataki was better later. I don't think either of them did as well as Fiorina in the first one, so I doubt they gain traction.

 

There are way too many people in the stage. Why not drop more to the lower-level debate, so, you know, people can actually talk about what their plans are.

 

Agreed.

 

Fiorina just won. Nicely done.

 

Rand Paul is bringing up an important point. Donald Trump has no self control if people insult him. He has to strike back. He can't help himself.

I think that's a legitimate concern for someone who could have access to the most powerful military in the world.

 

Kim Davis round two... Huckabee is so lacking logic on the issue, you can't even argue with him. You're not arguing about the same thing.

 

Jeb tries to hedge on "Kim Davis".

 

That felt desperate. It actually made him look worse.

 

Fiorina really does a good job of handling Trump.

 

I think she bailed out on both Trump questions, which were both pretty direct and could have had direct answers. That might be the best way to deal with him, though. Just don't address his ridiculousness; don't dignify them with a response.

 

I've been really surprised at how consistently inept Jeb is at this process. He might make a perfectly reasonable president but he's awful at debating and campaigning in general.

 

That's been clear since the day he announced. His poll numbers have gone steadily downward ever since. He has no chance.