As a Republican, I was, predictably, this week tuned in to the Republican debate at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. I am, of course, bound by the 11th Commandment, which prevents me from speaking ill of another Republican. But I can make a few observations…
Carly Fiorina held her own, comporting herself with dignity and finesse. She stood up to Donald Trump, but did not overdo it. She captured my imagination for a moment or two, which I did not see coming. She was a little stiff in some of her presentation, I thought, as if she had perhaps over-prepared. But I can imagine her living in the White House…
Marco Rubio, despite looking too young to be president, displayed a command of national issues. He hit a note of independent zealotry when he said, and I quote: “I’ve figured out very quickly that the political establishment in Washington, D.C. in both political parties is completely out of touch with the lives of our people.”
Ted Cruz was very measured and very well informed, it seemed to me, in his responses to the questions he was asked. And he maintained dignity and decorum as well, not trashing anyone else…
Donald Trump seemed to be the center of attention of the others, who were dead set on putting him in his place. I must admit, I like some of the things Trump says, but I am not happy with the way he says them. I’m an immigrant. I wonder what he would say about me…
I wish he would get away from criticizing people on the basis of their physical appearance…
Jeb Bush at least tried this time to grapple with Donald Trump, gamely engaging him on a couple of occasions and trying to give the impression he isn’t ready to back down…
Chris Christie took the novel approach of criticizing Donald Trump and Carly Fiorino for fighting over who has the most impressive business career, directing everyone’s attention to “the 55-year-old construction worker out in that audience tonight who doesn’t have a job, who can’t fund his child’s education” who he said “could [sic] care less about your careers.”
John Kasich didn’t say anything that I find particularly memorable as I am writing this…
Rand Paul, the biggest libertarian in the group, said he would not trust Donald Trump with a decision about going to nuclear war, which might resonate with many who see the billionaire as the sort who shoots from the hip and asks questions later. Still, he did nothing to really distinguish himself from the others, except perhaps, when he took a stand against foreign military interventions…
Scott Walker, whose ideas on keeping the size and reach of government in line I like, had a clever line in which he characterized Donald Trump as “an apprentice.”
Ben Carson is my choice to be our next president. He did well, I thought, in not descending into a mudfest. He came across as dignified and presidential…
Mike Huckabee was a lot like Ben, not wanting to get into a knife fight with other Republicans. You have to admire that…