Posted on 01/14/2016 8:15:34 AM PST by mandaladon
Washington (AFP) - Republicans square off in their latest US presidential debate Thursday, just 18 days before all-important first votes are cast in the nominations race, after a rising party star delivered an extraordinary rebuke to frontrunner Donald Trump.
Seven candidates will take the main stage in South Carolina, with six focused on how to knock the real-estate tycoon off his perch and finally bring the 2016 campaign to a debate about issues rather than obsession over Trump's celebrity bombast.
South Carolina's young, charismatic governor Nikki Haley, considered by some a potential vice presidential pick, essentially cleared the way for Trump's rivals by attacking the rhetoric of the celebrity billionaire.
Her remarks -- "During anxious times, it can be tempting to follow the siren call of the angriest voices. We must resist that temptation" -- were all the more potent as they came in the official Republican response to President Barack Obama's State of the Union address Tuesday
"Some people think that you have to be the loudest voice in the room to make a difference. That is just not true," she said pointedly.
The message marked political shots fired in the civil war roiling the Republican Party, specifically Trump's outsider populism versus his rivals in the conservative establishment.
By picking Haley, the daughter of Indian immigrants, GOP leaders -- who reportedly cleared the speech before she addressed the nation -- were effectively announcing they had had it with Trump's toxic brand of ethno-nationalism.
But Trump, who has relentlessly proven his savvy in the campaign, sought to deflect the criticism and turn Haley's hammering into a positive.
"As far as I'm concerned, anger is OK. Anger and energy is what this country needs," Trump told CNN in reacting to Haley's remarks.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.yahoo.com ...
"They have to do what they have to do," he said.++++++++++++++++++Trump is fearless!!!
I will say Trump is not the greatest debater or as book smart as Cruz, but he can hold his own. In the past, Trump does drop slightly for a day or two after the debates and then comes roaring back to a stronger position.
They are tweebs.
They are an Army of Tweebs.
Trump is battling not only the Republican establishment but the ultra leftist DemocRat party. If you want to know who Trump is... simply look at who his enemies are ,the power structure in DC. That alone gives me a warm fuzzy feeling for Trump...
Frankly, Trump’s damage to the establishment party has already been done. There really isn’t anything they can do at this point to counteract that. Certainly not with trying to resurrect the likes of a chicken biting Jeb Bush speaking Spanish wherever he can.
Damage done. It is now a contest between Cruz and Trump.
I am satisfied with either and hope it is a friendly contest of ideals and goals with no rancor that has heretofore been exhibited by the Dinosaur Republican Party of elites and special interests not representative of common everyday drive by America.
Excellent point.
You're being redundant.
People are flocking to Trump because he reflects their anger at the DemocRats and the GOPe.
Unfortunately.. Trump will continue to attack like a liberal would.. Softball a veiled attack out to the press and then let the press go after Cruz... and to continue to mention it and say “I hope Cruz gets this cleared up, it is a huge problem.”
Have you ever seen Donald Trump when he drops out of campaign/deal making mode and starts discussing some aspect of construction, real estate, or finance? He has a totally awesome intellect, but also knows how to communicate with the audience to which he is speaking.
” Republican Sardines Circle Trump “
Fixed it.
Haley may have
And Jebby may have
But God bless the Trump
Who’s got his own
Who’s got his own.
1. Agree.
2. Same satisfaction and hope.
Regrettable to say the least. I’d prefer he and Cruz completely trounce any chance of the Mexican Jebito from continuing any farther. Perhaps they may come to a meeting of the minds and resolve this.
“Seven candidates will take the main stage in South Carolina, with six focused on how to knock the real-estate tycoon off his perch and finally bring the 2016 campaign to a debate about issues rather than obsession over Trump’s celebrity bombast. “
Ha...but no, Yahoo News.
There is nothing for them to gain by doing so. They will go after Cruz because it’s a better position as going after Trump could only help Cruz, and leave you with nothing but a war with Trump.
Knocking down Cruz moves you up a spot, and positions you for a long war with Trump.
” Suppose I were an Establishment Republican, or suppose I were a left wing Democrat. But I repeat myself”
Mark Twain 2015
NOT bad, especially for this early in the day and campaign.
LoL. Toothless sharks.
[Unfortunately.. Trump will continue to attack like a liberal would.. ]
Considering the liberals’ track record for winning in recent elections, why not do what works?? You’re just angry that it is affecting your candidate.
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.