Initial thoughts....GOP debate round #2

[sirs]

Obviously, this is a biased summation, from a staunch conservative.  Going into this evening's debates, my support was ranked
1) Walker
2) Jindal
3) Rubio
4) Fiorina
5) Cruz
6) Carson

Now, I was really disappointed with the tactic the moderator was using, in literally trying to goad nominees to attack each other.  It was nice to see Kasich step up, and make it a point to bring that to Tapper's attention.  That said, I saw Trump being put in the spotlight, over and over again, and while he didn't trip up, so much as couldn't be bothered to answer with any specifics as to how he'd do.....anything.  Just trust him, because he's that good.  The confidence to some may come across as arrogance to others.  Not sure which is going to be the bigger #. 

Kasich and Fiorina were stellar, with Rubio a close 3rd.  I was also impressed with Christie.  I can see all their #'s going up.  And when you listen to Walker, you know he has the credibility to back up what he says he's going to do, based on all the odds stacked against him, when he took on the Unions, and his subsequent success against them. 

On the flip side, Jeb.....had a few good moments, but didn't do anything to distinguish himself.  My sleeper, Ben Carson, was ...... asleep most of the time.  Not saying he did poorly, but he just seemed to be ....overwhelmed a little.  And it doesn't help with you have so many on stage, and the format is in trying to get them to go after each other.  That's just not his style, which in itself may not be very political, but could be presidential

After all was said and done, my present rankings of support are now
1) Walker
2) Fiorina
3) Rubio
4) Cruz
5) Christie
6) Kasich

[sirs]

Rubio appears to have come up with the best description of what Tapper & CNN were following......a Food Fight Format"......

"It looked lke they were promoting a pay per view boxing match," the senator said. "If you wanted more time to speak, you’d have to interrupt people and jump in.”

[sirs]

Trump's 1st hole, in that battleship of a campaign.  Whether he can patch it, to prevent it from getting bigger, we'll just have to wait and see.  Remember the exchange when Jake was able to get Jeb & Trump going at each other, regarding campaign contributions.  Trump's line is that he's a billionaire, and as such, no one can buy him off.  With the direct implication that everyone else getting contributions,, in particular Jeb, is getting paid off to do the bidding of those donors.  And he knows, because he's been one of those big donors.

Jeb countered by citing, yes, they all get contributions, but that doesn't equate to a quid pro-quo.  It's those who support the candidate, and are doing what they can to help them win.  He went on to indicate that it was Trump himself, attempting to donate big to Florida Republicans, to open up casinos in Florida, and despite the donations, Jeb refused to ok Trump's casinos, thereby debunking that big donations automatically produce the desired result for the donor

Trump, using a confident scowl, completely denied ever making such an attempt, adding that if he wanted casinos, he would have gotten them

ooooooops

Factcheckers have been providing copious references to Trump donating big to Republicans, in an effort to court them for casino approval.  This was when Jeb was running for Governor.  Jeb apparently made it clear he was anti-gambling.  And when it was clear Jeb was going to win the election, Trump apparently pulled out of an arragement he had going with the Seminoles.  So, Trump helped support the idea that you can donate big, without it getting what you want, or in Jeb's case, that you can recieve large donations, without being obligated to provide a quid-pro-quo.  But more to the point/problem....Trump pretty much lied straight out when he claimed he had no interest in casinos in Florida.  That if he did, it would have happened.  The facts apparently demonstrate a frequent effort on Trump's part to get his own casinos going, but despite his donations, never could

We'll have to wait and see if this has any legs, but it was really Trump's 1st big mistep

[Plane]

Rubio appears to have come up with the best description of what Tapper & CNN were following......a Food Fight Format"......

"It looked lke they were promoting a pay per view boxing match," the senator said. "If you wanted more time to speak, you’d have to interrupt people and jump in.”

Yes and as such it was a big Advantage given to the aggressive.

In my opinion Donald Trump is far beyond his depth , but where bluster counts he can provide plenty.

I am still a fan of Ben Carson, but this debate couldn't have been set up in any way more to disadvantage him , I know that he was being self controlled and resisted goading into rank mud slinging, but does he seem timid as a result?

[Xavier_Onassis]

Trump lied about his not wanting casinos here in Florida. I saw him tell us how great casinos are and how many jobs and blah blah blah. And Gov Jeb was against them

We VOTED them out. Trump had no effing chance at getting his goddamned casinos.

Unfortunately, the Indians managed to make a deal and we have several, anyway, all on reservation land.

[Xavier_Onassis]

Walker is fading fast. He has but one song, and it is a boring and useless tune.

[sirs]

Rubio appears to have come up with the best description of what Tapper & CNN were following......a Food Fight Format"......

"It looked lke they were promoting a pay per view boxing match," the senator said. "If you wanted more time to speak, you’d have to interrupt people and jump in.”

Yes and as such it was a big Advantage given to the aggressive.

I am still a fan of Ben Carson, but this debate couldn't have been set up in any way more to disadvantage him , I know that he was being self controlled and resisted goading into rank mud slinging, but does he seem timid as a result?

For some perhaps.  For others, it may make him more thoughtful, and yes Presidential

[Xavier_Onassis]

I have old socks that are more presidential than Scott Walker.

The guy has nothing going for him.

[sirs]

Your pro-death, pro-screw-the-tax-payer opinion is duly noted......and discarded

[sirs]

I have old socks that are more presidential than Scott Walker.

The guy has nothing going for him.

You do realize that Plane & I were discussing Ben Carson, right?