Posted on 01/15/2016 2:02:15 PM PST by SeekAndFind
CHARLESTON, South Carolina--Seventeen Republican presidential candidates began last year with hopes of becoming their party's nominee. Thursday's debate underscored that there are only four candidates left with a credible chance of winning: Ted Cruz, Donald Trump, Marco Rubio, and Chris Christie.
The tone of the Charleston debate was set by two heated showdowns at the outset: a birther brouhaha between Cruz and Trump, and a fight between Rubio and Christie over who's a legitimate conservative. Cruz and Trump later clashed over the senator's attack on Trump holding liberal "New York values."
Using his well-honed legal skills, Cruz ably turned the tables on Trump, citing the businessman's declining numbers as a sign of desperation in raising questions about his eligibility to be president. But he faltered in backing up his talking point about Trump's "New York values," allowing Trump to score points in his rebuttal by invoking 9/11 and defending the heroism of New York City's first responders.
Despite starting on the defensive, Trump had his strongest debate of the campaign. His improved discipline and preparation demonstrated he is a front-runner with a clear shot at the nomination.
Rubio effectively put Christie on the defensive by reminding the audience that the New Jersey governor held more-liberal positions on gun control, Common Core, and abortion. He echoed the scathing attacks that his super PAC is currently airing against the New Jersey governor.
Christie didn't address the specifics, instead questioning Rubio's motives and urging Republican unity. But Christie later underscored the importance of nominating a strong executive, mocking endless legislative debate and using a wonky exchange between Rubio and Cruz over a value-added tax (VAT) to go after both of them for engaging in an insular Senate argument.
(Excerpt) Read more at nationaljournal.com ...
Three.
3, Christie is not going to win any state south or west of Pennsylvania.
Interesting how Christie said he would “fix” the Social Security System and Medicare. After 7 years of “fixing “ the State Pension system, NJ’s bond rating has dropped 3 times, in no small part due to that continuing problem. Further, NJ IS STILL at the bottom of the list in business friendliness and the tax burden continues to grow. He has been an economic catastrophe. He does give great speeches.
Jebbie doesn’t believe in this “Final Four”. Barbara is still plotting strategy, with Loveable Lindsey now securely on board.
Of course it may take a microscope to see the bump even if all 5 of Lindsey's supporters swing to Jeb.
Trump: “Doughnut boy, I might have bankrupted two businesses in New Jersey, but you’ve bankrupted AN ENTIRE STATE.”
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.