Posted on 08/06/2015 3:45:50 PM PDT by SeekAndFind
Seven Republican primary underdogs downplayed their long political odds Thursday in Cleveland and directed their jabs instead at President Obama and Hillary Clinton, each seeking a break-out in the first of two presidential debates.
All candidates on the Fox News/Facebook stage were united in opposition to the newly struck nuclear deal with Iran, hammering administration policies as they largely avoided tangling with each other.
"The first thing I will do is tear up that agreement with Iran," former Texas Gov. Rick Perry said.
Almost every candidate on stage took a shot at Clinton, the Democratic presidential front-runner. South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham argued Clinton is too closely tied to the Obama administration's policies to turn the country around.
"She’s not gonna repeal ObamaCare and replace it. I will. She’s not gonna build the Keystone pipeline. I will," Graham said.
The seven candidates on the 5 p.m. Fox News/Facebook stage -- who did not qualify for the upcoming prime-time debate – said they are experienced, committed and otherwise well-positioned for the Republican nomination despite their low numbers.
“I would say the message that got us the win in Iowa and ten other states is the message that will deliver us,” said former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum, referring to his 2012 presidential bid showing.
They joined Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, former New York Gov. George Pataki, former HP CEO Carly Fiorina, and former Virginia Gov. Jim Gilmore for what has been dubbed the "happy hour" debate.
Perry and Fiorina also got in some digs at billionaire Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump, questioning his conservative credentials.
“Since he has changed his mind on amnesty, on health care and on abortion, I would just ask what are the principles by which he will govern?” Fiorina said.
(Excerpt) Read more at foxnews.com ...
Im in Colombia now and missed the first debate....but Ill see the main event LOL
Did Linda blow away the field?
... or did Carly make Linda cry?
“Did Linda blow away the field?”
It was too painful to watch Graham. I mean, really really painful.
Well, no. I cannot recall the exact words of a statement he made but it was pathetic, about being Ronald Reagan if he can find Tip O’Neill.
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