At 8 p.m. on Wednesday, the second round of the CNN Republican Primary Debate commenced on live television.
Participants included Donald Trump, Jeb Bush, Scott Walker, Mike Huckabee, Ben Carson, Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio, Rand Paul, Chris Christie, John Kasich, and Carly Fiorina.
After attempting to balance my attention between the Debate, and my friends' insightful political opinions, I have compiled what appeared to be the most thought-provoking arguments.
Sen Rubio v. His Sense of Humor
It’s almost expected that during any political event, politicians will try to establish themselves as holistically perfect beings. Senator Rubio’s ethos did just that.
He began by reinforcing his “family-man” status, “My wife Jeanette *points to Jeanette* and I have been married 17 years, and are the proud parents of four children.”
To solidify his political credentials, Senator Rubio voiced his high opinions on Late President Ronald Reagan, and how honored he felt to be in the library that was part of President Reagan's legacy.
Finally, Senator Rubio attempted to humanize himself with what appeared to be humor. Immediately following his praise for President Reagan, Senator Rubio abruptly stated that he was aware of the drought in California, and thus, brought his own water.
The audience was so extremely taken aback by Senator Rubio’s grand gesture, that they remained silent.
Sen Walker v. Trump
When asked the question, “Would you feel comfortable with Trump’s finger on the nuclear codes?” Governor Walker appeared very adamant—surprise!— to voice his opinion: “We do not need an apprentice in the White House; We do not need an apprentice in the White House.”
So, within a single statement, Trump’s lack of political experience was insulted not once, but twice. In Trump’s defense though, he did remark early on in the debate that he’s been a “politician for about three months,” and that “he’s doing very good as” he’s “number one by a lot in every poll.”
#owned
Trump v. Fiorina
In a recent interview with Rolling Stone Magazine, Trump made comments regarding Carly Fiorina’s appearance, “Look at that face, would anyone vote for that?” When criticized, Trump defended himself by saying that he was referring to her “persona” rather than her physical appearance.
During the debate, Fiorina was asked to respond with what she thinks of his persona, to which she said, “I think women all across this country heard very clearly what Mr. Trump said.”
Fiorina’s comment was met with thunderous applause from the audience, as well as some sincere flattery—that she clearly did not appreciate—from Trump, “I think she’s got a beautiful face, and I think she’s a beautiful woman.”
Trump’s genuine compliments towards Fiorina’s appearance helped to prove that he was talking about her persona in the interview. Our bad.
Gov Christie v. Fiorina & Trump
The debate showed one thing for sure: people love to talk. Although we were all very much engaged in--yet another one of— Fiorina and Trump’s arguments regarding who had the more successful business career, Governor Christie wished to move on to something else.
Governor Christie politely put the quarrel to a smooth stop by citing a hypothetical 55-year-old construction worker's hypothetical concern, “They don’t care about your careers, they care about theirs.”
Many of us were taught from Primary School that interrupting someone whilst they are speaking is extremely rude. Governor Christie, immediately after ending Fiorina and Trump’s verbal volley, reprimanded Governor Kasich, “I’m not done yet, John,” and Fiorina “Carly, listen, you can interrupt every body else on stage, but you can’t interrupt me,” as they tried to say something during his soliloquy on hypothetical citizens’ concerns.
Christie's actions consolidated the fact that should never interrupting people, and that we should always treat people the way we wish to be treated. Shame. If only he could help "stop this childish back and forth" all the time.
Trump v. Self Esteem
Trump’s few appearances in this article make it seem as if he is a very quiet candidate. When asked, “What would you want your secret service codename to be president?”, he answered with the adjective that described his personality: “humble.”
This candidate is obviously very honest with himself.
Thank you for joining us.
