It is an article, one of many. An opinion. I mostly concur with the author. Who else here actually watched the debate end-to-end last night and has an opinion on who won?
The author suggests Trump is a coward for skipping the interview. Do you share that opinion?
I did and here is my take fwiw.
Hutchison: Sound like your typical old-line politician. Lists his accomplishments as governor but presents no vision or agenda for the country. Just a lot of ‘well I signed this bill’ stuff and has no natural constituency that I can see. Not sure why he was there. Next
Christie: Everything everyone hates about NJ. Loud, combative obviously hates Trump. Will never forget the picture of him and Obama having a bromance moment after Sandy. Made a few good points but going nowhere. Again, no natural constituency.
Pence: A company man who wears his religion on his sleeve as a badge of honor. Reminds of the Pharisee in the bible. Look at me I’m more religious than you. Comes across as a deadly serious televangelist. Even has the good hair. Never smiles. Tries to paint himself as a Reagan clone, mentioned him twice last night. Loved Reagan, but this isn’t 1980. Always a follower. Reached his peak as a Representative. Wasn’t even a very effective governor. Pretty much did what the party leaders told him to do. Again, no vision for the country.
Desantis: Said some good things last night, stumbled a few times. Biggest problem for me, he doesn’t look or sound presidential. Not quite Jeb Bush, but often sounds like he’s asking you to like him. I like much of what he’s done in FL, but DC is a different ballgame. Not sure he has the moxie to take on the Left and their media allies.
Ramaswamy: Tried too hard to connect to the Trump voters. Probably angling for a VP gig or a cabinet post. Came across as a little arrogant. Had some good ideas, but his presentation is going to wear on a lot of people quickly. At 38 probably not ready for prime time.
Haley: GOPe to the max. Did have a couple of good points, but basically sounds like she was scripted by Mitch and the boys. Even said out loud that yes, climate change is real, a disqualifier for me. If she wasn’t a woman, she wouldn’t have been there. There are better women in the party if we want a woman candidate.
Burgum: Probably one of the best on the stage, but no name recognition from a small state, so probably won’t be around long. Self-made man, governor of an energy state, a border state (yes, I know it’s the northern border, but still) and the state with one of the largest arsenals of ICBMs in the world. Understands the China threat, ardently pro-life, signed bill restricting gender surgeries. Signed numerous tax cuts, strong proponent of fossil fuels, banned the teaching of CRT in public schools and supported Trump twice.
Sounded like one of the few adults on the stage. Made reasoned comments when given the chance. Got little airtime. Would like to hear more from him but doubt I will. Yes, I liked him a lot, but seriously doubt he’ll be around long.
Scott: Seems like a nice guy but has the same problem all senators have. You’ve been in the senate for years but have really done nothing to correct all the problems you are now saying the country faces and you can solve. Comes across a lot like a Black Mike Pence and that’s not a compliment. I agree with the Post if he wasn’t Black, he wouldn’t have been there last night. Brings nothing to the table that others don’t.
So, in conclusion I’d like to see another ‘debate’ with DeSantis, Burgum, Vitex, Maybe Haley and Mr. Trump if he would grace us with his presence. Fewer people more time for each candidate to speak and answer questions.