As we all know, the 2016 presidential campaign is currently underway. With the likely outcome of Hillary Clinton as the Democratic nominee, the Republican party candidates took to the stage last Thursday night to face off in the first debate of the campaign. For many of you, this may be your first chance to vote in a presidential campaign. It’s confusing. It’s a lot of information. And we have a lot of opinions on what we want out of a future leader. But don’t fret, young one. That confused yet mighty brain of yours is about to get informed! In case you missed the debate, here is your ultimate guide to highlights in the biggest topics and all the inspiring, controversial, and argument-invoking talk that coupled with them. Whether you already know who you’re voting for or not, Republican, Democratic, or independent altogether, it’s important to know what the heck is going on in our political world. Plus, maybe it’s just me but what fun-loving young adult like yourself doesn’t enjoy a good ol' debate?
THE TOP CANDIDATES IN ORDER OF RANKING AT THE POLLS:
1. Donald Trump - Businessman
2. Jeb Bush - Former Governor of Florida
3. Scott Walker - Governor of Wisconsin
4. Mike Huckabee - Former Governor of Arkansas
5. Ben Carson - Neurosurgeon
6. Ted Cruz - U.S. Senator of Texas
7. Marco Rubio - U.S. Senator of Florida
8. Rand Paul - U.S. Senator of Kentucky
9. Chris Christie - Governor of New Jersey
10. John Kasich - Governor of Ohio
ISSUES DISCUSSED:
Abortion:
Walker previously supported a law that made an exception for abortion in special cases when the mother’s life is at risk, however he is on record for supporting life, no exceptions. He cleared up confusion by supporting the pro-life viewpoint and insisted that there are other ways to handle a situation where the mother’s life is in danger.
Huckabee also spoke on abortion referencing the Fifth and 14th Amendments of due process and equal protection under the laws. He urged that we cannot ignore the personhood of a fetus and “rip up their body parts and sell them like they are parts to a Buick.” Rubio also supported this position insisting that future generations will call us “barbarians for murdering millions of babies.”
The same issue was thrown to Trump who had once described himself as “very pro-choice,” even identifying himself as a Democrat at one point. Megyn Kelly, the moderator, came out swinging: “When did you actually become a Republican?” You clever dog, you. Trump responded by saying that he has evolved on many issues and is pro-life today after starting to see some of the real negatives.
Immigration:
Bush stood by a previous statement that crossing the border illegally is “an act of love” and a “commitment to family.” He insisted that it is our responsibility to pick and choose who comes in through e-verify, checking of illegal visas and overstays on visas, pursuing more strategic border enforcement and security, and eliminating sanctuary cities.
Rubio put on record that the majority of immigrants are not from Mexico, but from Guatemala, Honduras, and other countries. He called illegal immigration “a serious issue that needs to be addressed, otherwise we’re going to keep talking about it for the next 30 years like we have for the last 30 years.”
Trump took this issue by storm. As we all know he came out in the media recently as saying that Mexico was sending criminals, rapists, and drug dealers to America. He claimed to have evidence of this yet refused to divulge it…until debate night. I know what you’re thinking and let me tell you, Trump’s expectation to make incredulous claims did not disappoint. Trump confidently proclaimed that illegal immigration would not even be on the agenda for discussion if it weren’t for him. We only realized illegal immigration was an issue because of Trump? As far as I recall, being a Southern California native myself, this is not a new hot topic. Trump blamed the media jounalists who are a “very dishonest lot” for misconstruing his statement. He advocated a wall to be built with “a big beautiful door.” When given an additional 30 seconds to provide evidence, Trump spared no expense and came at the question guns blazing. He insisted that border patrol said this is happening because, “Our leaders are stupid, our politicians are stupid, and the Mexican government is much smarter, much sharper, and much more cunning and they send the bad ones over because they don’t want to pay for them. They don’t want to take of them and why should they when the stupid leaders of the United States will do it for them?” Way to win over the hearts of America. The Latinos, immigrants, and oh yeah, all those stupid politicians, are going to love you and support your candidacy.
ISIS:
Senator Cruz insisted that we need a Commander-in-Chief that makes it clear that “if you join ISIS, if you wage jihad on America, then you are signing your death warrant.” The crowd pretty much erupted in cheers. No matter what party you support, we can all agree that Cruz has got a good outlook on this issue.
Bush actually admitted that Iraq was a mistake, and in Obama leaving Iraq, a void was created that allowed ISIS to come into being.
Christie was engaged in a back-and-forth heated argument with Paul over the NSA’s collection of civilian phone records. He upheld the ideaology that collecting records is necessary to find terrorist threats, while Paul argued that a search warrant is necessary to do so.
Racial Unrest:
Carson spoke on the current issues of race inequality in our nation. Of course he brought his genius neurosurgeon job into the topic. He spoke that in his profession he doesn’t see skin color, but instead a person’s brain and their humanness. He emphasized that every incident cannot be taken as a race war and that the American people must stand united.
Walker also spoke on this issue urging that “we protect and stand up and support those men and women who are doing their jobs in law enforcement. And for the very few that don’t, that there are consequences to show that we treat everyone the same here in America.”
Gay Rights:
When questioned as to how Kasich would respond if one of his own children were homosexual, he handled the inquiry with both grace and respect, making it his finest hour in the debate. He admitted that being an old-fashioned person, he believes in traditional marriage, but also urged that we accept the court’s ruling. He insisted that a person’s sexual orientation does not change his opinion on them and that faith calls him to accept and respect everyone. That was the best response I heard all night. Good job, Kasich. You just won over the hearts of millions, mine included.
Paul was less accepting in regards to the issue, saying, “I don’t want my marriage or my guns registered in Washington.” He stated that the government does not have the power to influence religious opinions and practices on marriage.
Economy:
Kasich spoke that economic growth is the “key to everything." He urged reaching out to the poor to restore the sense of America as a “miracle country.” He advocated for lower taxes and a balanced budget.
Bush also spoke on the issue and pushed for lower tax rates as well as deregulation, school choice, immigration reform, and repeal of Obamacare among other things, while Huckabee argued for fair tax.
Rubio also urged for the repeal of Obamacare and advocated school choice as well as limited regulations and the overturning of Dodd-Frank (passed in response to the Great Recession under the Obama administration). He was more detailed in his plans, and supported a 25 percent corporate tax on both big and small business.
FAVORITE "TRUMPISM":
If we are going to be completely honest, Trump without a doubt raised the viewership for this debate. Even friends have told me that they wanted to watch just to see what crazy things the man, skilled (or not) with combover dos would say. It’s no secret that the 69-year-old has voiced his controversial opinions without what appears to be a care in the world. Even candidate Jeb Bush joked that if society thought the Republican party is considered outspoken, they ought to be taking lessons from the forward businessman. Alright, that’s enough chit-chat. I know your ears are burning to hear all the wildly opinionated and pompous things that spewed from the old guy’s super-pursed lips. Here’s the top unnecessary, yet may I add, captivating argument that “trumped” the debate: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Y9_LJj7A68. Watch Trump argue with the moderator over his treatment of women in the media.
