The First GOP Debate

[Dill]

(08-24-2023, 11:22 AM)kalibengal Wrote: Independent here: I watched and it was refreshing to me to watch a GOP debate to actually hear what the candidates stand for and not become a grade school food fight if Trump was there. Come to find out the GOP has some solid candidates ...I liked Haley, Christie, and cant believe im saying this but Pence stood out too. I thought DeSantis  was over doing it at times and used the word "kill" I think which is not a good look IMO. Also, I don't  like DeSantis voice and how we speaks. Vivek is the GOP Pete Butigieg but kisses too much Trump A$$....I guess trying to get MAGA to get behind him and maybe  a VP candidate?
Scott seems solid too and Asa spoke the truth which GOP needs to hear.   GOP slogan should be "Its Time to Move On America"     

I agree with this generally, except for the bolded. We value truth speakers, 
but they are their own kryptonite before an audience that values truthiness.

I'm not a Republican and wouldn't vote for any of the candidates vs Biden. 
But I recognize some candidates last night were clearly competent people and would not govern badly.

But I was surprised by Scott. I expected he would be sunny and positive throughout, and be somewhat more focused on 
policy. He began that way, then mired himself in grievance and threat. If I'm MAGA, I'm going to be more impressed
with Vivek, who is the more complete package and has more energy (Climate change is a hoax, Pardon Trump no
conditions, pull out of Ukraine). Clearly the winner for that audience.

I expected DeSantis to underwhelm, and I think he did. What I didn't expect was for Pence to do the best with what he
had. The moment where Christie focused attention on his refusal to throw the election, was a moment of honor--except then
he said he would support Trump if he won the nomination.

So many agreed Pence did the right thing, but seemed to compartmentalize the obverse of that act, namely that Trump had
asked him to violate the Constitution and break the law. Almost a thousand people who wouldn't say no were arrested and
convicted, more still to come, and Trump promises retribution if he wins a second term. 

No biggie though. They'd still support him.