Tom Ridge backing Jeb Bush
http://www.commdiginews.com/politics-2/in-charleston-tom-ridge-stumps-for-jeb-bush-57715/
eric
Tom Ridge backing Jeb Bush
February 15th, 2016Greenville CBS GOP Debate Recap Part Deux
February 14th, 2016Greenville CBS GOP Debate Recap Part Deux
eric
Greenville CBS GOP Debate Recap
February 14th, 2016Greenville CBS GOP Debate Recap
GOP DEBATE SCALIA Trump -- tremendous blow for conservatives. Mcconell must stop it. Delay Kasich -- if I were president we wouldn't be fighting Carson -- Constitution doesn't address it. No healing under Obama Rubio -- Constitution not a living breathing doc Jeb-- nominate judges with proven conservative record Cruz-- Scalia a legal giant. Bob gates 3qs Trump-- What, when, how hard do we hit? Don't go into Iraq Rubio--Asian Pacific, ME ISIS, Putin Crisis mgmt -- vote on Assad. He voted no. Carson -- judgment required for 2 am phone call Kasich--Russia--we will arm folks in Ukraine. Coalition of civilized Jeb -- Assad not here to stay. Containment an unmitigated disaster. Criticized trump for accommodating Russia. Reverse sequester. Policy to destroy ISIS. Contain Iran ambitions Trump -- Putin. I like him so far. That's Jeb's special interests lobbyists booing. We've been in Middle East 15 years and won nothing. Bashed Lindsey Graham Jeb - Putin not going to be ally of US. Trump interrupted Jeb Cruz -- Nuclear Iran. Rip up deal. ISIS, we need focused objective. Anti-Neocon. Air power, arm Kurds, ground troops if needed. Special forces if needed. Trump -- Asked if W should have been impeached over Iraq. Trump bashed Jeb. W made a mistake. They lied about WMD Jeb -- Tired of O44 blame game. Tired of Trump insulting W. My bro was building security apparatus while trump was doing reality tv Kasich -- We thought there were WMD. Praised Powell. US shouldn't get involved in civil wars. Rubio -- thank God W in charge of 9/11 not Al Gore. W kept us safe. WTC came down because bubba didn't handle OBL Crowd booed trump loudly Carson -- need a dictator replacement plan. Obama destabilized Iraq. O44 asinine thinking. You'll have collateral damage. WSJ Strassel -- trumps ideas cost 12-15 trillion. Can he deliver? Trump--he will bring jobs back, won't say how. This country dying. SS Waste fraud abuse. Major Garrett -- Is flat tax a Vat? Cruz -- growth comes from lessening burden of Washington on small businesses. Vat is a sales tax. Abolishing corporate payroll death and ACA growth Rubio-- why should conservatives give tax credits to families? Because it's their money. Kasich asked about Medicaid expansion in Ohio -- insisted numbers were incorrect. Compassion. Cited his record. We leave no one behind. Jeb -- ACA expansion creates further debate. Wasn't expanded in FL and SC Kasich -- Jeb's Medicare grew 2x as fast as he did. Reagan expanded Medicaid. Jeb -- Cato ranked Kasich at bottom in terms of spending. Kasich -- I'll stay positive Higher taxes on hedge funds? ATR says no Jeb says yes. They should be paying ordinary income not capital gains rate Carson -- Cato, WSJ praise his tax plan. Everybody needs skin in the game Immigration -- what is a humane solution? Trump -- Americans first. Build a wall. Rubio -- never supported Amnesty, which means no consequences. 1986 law enforcement nil. 40% overstaying visas. Cruz -- stood with Jeff sessions and Steve King. Went after Rubio. Never answered strassel's question. Rubio -- to argue Cruz is a purist on immigration is not true. Cruz Said Rubio favors citizenship. I don't know how he knows what I said on Univision. He doesn't speak Spanish. Cruz lies. Lied about Carson in Iowa. Jeb -- my inner Chris Christie. Listening to senators argue about arcane amendments that didn't pass. I have a plan. We should pick who comes to this country. They're not all rapists as you know who was. Trump -- weakest person on stage on immigration is Jeb. Spend a little more money on commercials Jeb -- weak to denigrate women disabled and McCain. Trump said Jeb said he would moon people Kasich -- remove all negative ads. Be positive. Seal border. Guest worker program. Path to legalization not citizenship. Should financial execs be fined and jailed? Carson -- regulators looking for people to fine. They've nothing to do. Start trimming regulatory agencies. Get rid of poverty? Get rid of regulations Warrior for poor? Cruz -- most vulnerable hurt by O44 economy. What allows pres to threaten companies? Trump -- build consensus with congress. Don't like O44 executive orders Flexibility? Trump -- must have it. Common sense conservative. Brought up eminent domain himself. Said W did it Jeb said he disagreed with his brother's use of it. Cited failed AC casinos Cruz -- you shouldn't be flexible on core principles. He's a great entertainer. Trump -- you are the single biggest liar, bigger than Jeb. This guy will say anything. Nasty guy. Cruz -- trump called Carson pathological and compared him to a child molester. Trump said PP does do wonderful things just not on abortion. Jeb -- Reagan didn't tear down people. He tore down the Berlin Wall. Cruz -- adults learn not to interrupt each other Donald. He supported Hillary, schumer, Kerry Rubio -- poverty can be fixed with free enterprise. More power to states. Immigration reform not an accomplishment because it wasn't solved. Carson -- free college a non starter. 200 trillion in unfunded liabilities. That hurts mr average. Irresponsible evil government Kasich -- asked about being liked by democrats. He cited his record. We will win blue collar democrats Trump -- asked if anyone tells him he is wrong, he cited his wife frequently telling him that. Trump attacked Jeb. He hires experts. Sometimes they're wrong. Profanity? Said he will not do it again. Jeb said we need a proven leader. Criticized trumps chapter 11s Trump defended his use of bankruptcy laws. Said Jeb put so much debt on Florida. Jeb defended his record. AAA bond rating. Income rose. Rubio -- asked what Qs he would ask Reagan. How did you inspire American people after carter? Closings: Kasich: lord made us all special. I'll send power back. Spirit of America in us. Taking care of people Carson: nothing normal about new normal in exceptional America. Spiritual life, patriotism, morality. Don't lose them Jeb: unforeseen challenge coming. Who do you want behind big desk? I'll have a steady hand. 8 hurricanes and 4 tropical storms in 16 months. Servants heart with backbone Rubio: economy flat, cultures in trouble. Reputation in decline. 2016 can be a turning point. Rights come from our creator. Pro Israel not Iran. Cruz: country hangs in balance. Washington deal maker to grow government or a proven conservative? Won't be easy but with support of people can be done. Trump: politicians all talk no action. We don't win anymore. Won't be controlled by special interests and lobbyists. eric
South Carolina Primary 2016: Ben Carson
February 12th, 2016South Carolina Primary 2016: Ben Carson
eric
South Carolina Primary Prequel
February 11th, 2016South Carolina Primary Prequel
eric
New Hampshire Primary Recap
February 10th, 2016New Hampshire Primary Recap
eric
ABC GOP New Hampshire Debate Part Deux
February 9th, 2016ABC GOP New Hampshire Debate Part Deux
eric
Cam Newton, Meet Jim Everett
February 8th, 2016Cam Newton, Meet Jim Everett
http://www.commdiginews.com/sports/cam-newton-neither-the-first-nor-the-last-to-make-an-error-57246/
eric
Super Bowl 50 Recap
February 7th, 2016Super Bowl 50 Recap
Joe Montana tossed the coin. Carolina won the toss and surprisingly elected to defer. From the Denver 20, Peyton Manning came out throwing, completing his first pass for 18 yards. After easily moving into the red zone, the drive bogged down. Brad McManus hit the 34 yard field goal to make it 3-0 Broncos.
From the Carolina 19, a third down completion by Cam Newton near the sticks was ruled short of the first down. Carolina went 3 and out.
Denver got it back and soon faced 3rd and 1. Out of the shotgun, Manning threw a completion in the flat for no gain as a pair of Carolina defenders made a perfect tackle. Carolina took over at their own 15.
Newton threw a 24 yard completion that was ruled incomplete. Replay clearly showed the ball never hitting the ground. Yet on further review the incompletion stood. The refs messed up. 2 plays later Newton was sacked near his own goal line by Von Miller. Miller ripped the ball out of Newton’s hand. The fumble was recovered in the end zone by Denver for a 10-0 Broncos lead.
With the Broncos in total control, their cornerback Aqib Talib was not. After Denver stopped Carolina again on third down, Talib took a stupid taunting penalty. In the second quarter the Panthers finally got going. Newton moved the Panthers with his arm and his legs. A completion inside the 5 saw Talib get flagged again for a face mask. From the 2, Jonathan Stewart jumped over the top like Marcus Allen used to do. Talib jumped offsides on the extra point as the Panthers were within 10-7.
On the next Denver series Manning fell down, got up, and threw incomplete. Ron Rivera again challenged the call and on further review Manning was down by contact for a sack. However, only 4 minutes into the second quarter, Carolina was out of challenges.
The Panthers did now have the momentum, beginning their next series at midfield. Yet they went 3 and out anyway after a trick play went nowhere.
Then things got bizarre. Norwood took a punt and 2 Carolina players refused to tackle Norwood, thinking it was a fair catch. Norwood never signaled for one. He raced 61 yards to the Carolina 14. Making things even more chaotic, running into the punter was never called. Denver again got away with one.
On 3rd and 1 from the 5, Anderson got stopped cold. Gary Kubiak decided to go for it. It appeared Carolina had another stop. Then it appeared a second effort meant first and goal. Finally offensive holding on Denver meant 4th and 11. McManus hit the 33 yard field goal as the Broncos led 13-7 midway through the second quarter.
Newton ran for a first down, fumbled, was ruled down your contact, and saw another personal foul on the Denver defense move the ball to midfield. On the next play Mike Tolbert fumbled for the second time, and this time Denver recovered.
CJ Anderson took a handoff, broke several terrible attempts at tackling, and raced 34 yards to the Carolina 25. On 3rd and 8, Manning was intercepted. Big man with football got a big paw in the air and somehow caught the ball. Yet Carolina again could not move the ball as a well thrown third down pass was dropped. The defense was solid but Carolina receivers dropped several passes.
Denver went 3 and out as the Panthers took over at their 18 at the 2 minute warning. After getting to midfield with 18 seconds left, Newton was sacked to end the half.
The Panthers came out firing in the third quarter. Newton hooked up with Ted Ginn Jr. On a seam route over the middle for a 45 yard gain. They connected again for 14 more yards. Another well thrown ball inside the 5 became another dropped Carolina pass as the drive stalled. The 44 yard field goal try by Graham Gano doinked off the upright no good.
Taking over at their own 33, Manning passed the Broncos into the red zone. On 2nd and 5 from the Carolina 12, Manning threw incomplete twice. McManus hit the 30 yard field goal to make it 16-7 Broncos.
On the next series Newton went deep and took a shot just as he threw the ball. Brown out-jumped double coverage for a 42 yard defense. Again the Panthers were on the move. Again they self-destructed. A pass to Ginn that should have been caught went off his hands for an interception. The Broncos took over at their own 5 yard line.
Early in the fourth quarter with the Broncos driving, Manning twice had the ball knocked out of his hand for a fumble. The second time the Panthers recovered at midfield.
A completion to Funchess gained 11 and a run by Stewart gained 17 more to the 22. On 3rd and 10 a pass to Ginn was dropped again, although Denver got away with blatant defensive pass interference. Gano hit the 39 yard field goal. The Panthers were down 16-10 with a full 10 1/2 minutes remaining in the game.
After an exchange of punts, the Panthers had another chance with 4 minutes left from deep in their own territory. Newton went back to pass and had the ball knocked out of his hand again. Newton had a chance to dive on it and backed away. Perhaps he thought it was an incomplete pass. Denver recovered at the Carolina 5 yard line.
On 3rd and goal, Manning threw high and incomplete. Yet in a game where the Panthers made far too many mistakes, the last one killed them. Defensive holding meant 1st and goal at the two. On the next play Anderson got the carry and stretched just past the plane of the goal. Manning hit Fowler for the 2 point conversion. The Broncos led by 14 with 3 minutes left.
Carolina needed a miracle. They would not get one. Von Miller was named the game’s MVP. Peyton Manning won his 200th game, breaking a tie he held with Brett Favre. Favre was elected to the Hall of Fame one day earlier. If this is Manning’s last rodeo, he will join Favre in Canton in five years.
John Elway got his first win as an executive two years after a nightmarish loss in the big game. It was the third Super Bowl win in Broncos history against five defeats. The Panthers lost in the big game for the second time, having yet to win one.
Both Manning brothers Peyton and Eli have 2 Super Bowl wins. Peyton Manning also lost twice in the big game.
Elway’s backup quarterback Gary Kubiak is now a Super Bowl winning head coach. Former head coach and beloved defensive coordinator Wade Phillips got his ring.
For league MVP Cam Newton, it was a bitter loss after a 15-1 season.
Like Elway, Manning has a chance to go out on top. Super Bowl 50 and the 2015 NFL season is now in the books. 24-10 Broncos
eric
ABC GOP New Hampshire 2/6/16 Debate
February 7th, 2016ABC GOP New Hampshire 2/6/16 Debate
Moderators:
Martha Raddatz
Josh McElveen
David Muir
Mary Katharine Ham
Something very strange happened when Dr. Ben Carson initially refused to go to his podium. Then Donald Trump did the same. No explanation was given.
The first question dealt with Cruz’s comments about Trump’s temperament. He defended his temperament and mentioned his opposition to Mexican illegal immigration and Muslim immigration. He stood by his comments.
Cruz went after Obama instead, saying that all the Republicans on stage are better than Obama, Hillary and Bernie. He said the voters will assess Trump’s temperament.
Trump accused Cruz of not answering the question.
Carson was asked about the controversy involving the Cruz campaign saying Carson had dropped out. Carson took the high road and invoked Ronald Reagan’s 11th Commandment on Reagan’s birthday. Carson decried Washington ethics. His own ethics is “You do what’s right.”
Cruz praised Carson and apologized to him on stage. Cruz learned about the story from CNN.
Carson said people can decide for themselves.
Rubio was asked about his accomplishments.
He cited his protecting the people of Florida from eminent domain abuse, a shot at Trump. He said longevity would favor Joe Biden. “He’s been around 1,000 years.”
Christie contrasted being a governor with being a senator. “You have not been involved in a consequential decision where you had to be held accountable.” He said Rubio missed the Iran sanctions vote. “That’s not leadership, that’s truancy.”
Rubio fired back. It’s “Not just was you did, but how it worked out.” He cited NJ being downgraded 9 times on Christie’s watch. He also said that Obama knew exactly what he was doing.
Christie attacked the notion of the 30 second prepared speech. Governors clear the snow and deal with terrorist attacks.
Rubio and Christie kept going back and forth, and christie was clearly under Rubio’s skin.
Jeb was asked about his past comments praising Marco. Jeb said it was time to focus on the 2016 race and not the past. Jeb cited his endorsements from 12 medal of honor winners and his record as Florida Governor. “Leadership. You learn this by doing.”
Cruz was asked about his readiness in the wake of the North Korea test launch. Cruz cited the failure of the Bill Clinton administration. “North Korea is foreshadowing of where w will be with Iran.” We need missile defense and to harden the electrical grid. He would not speculate on action to take without having the intelligence information.
Radiate was nasty with Cruz. He stayed calm. Rubio defended Cruz, talking about policies in place.
Kasich finally got to speak, and started with a joke that failed. He then said his biggest concern was “non-state actors.” Sanctions on North Korea just like we did on Iran. He went way over time, because he always does.
Jeb spoke about voids being filled. Pre-emptive strikes, if necessary to keep us safe, “Then we should do it.”
Trump disagreed with Marco about Obama, calling him “totally incompetent.”
Trump then pointed out that China has “total, absolute control, practically” over North Korea.
Rubio kept going after Obama, explaining why Obama betrayed Israel to help us in the Arab world. North Korea should be back on the state sponsored terror list.
Jeb was asked about North Korea was detaining an American college student. Jeb noted that this came right after a bad Iran prisoner swap. It sent a signal of weakness throughout the world. Crippling sanctions on North Korea is appropriate, as Jeb backed up Kasich.
Christie would not negotiate with North Korea. “You never pay ransom to the criminals, ever.” “They do not understand anything but toughness and strength.” Obama pays ransom. Obama weak, Hillary even weaker.
Kasich was asked about his disagreement with Trump and Rubio on immigration, and is it Kasich who is out of the mainstream.
Kasich said we need a secure border, but he also favors legalization. He says he can get that passed into law.
Cruz was asked how he would deport people. Build a war, triple border patrol. He joked that he would have Trump build it. Have technology monitor it. Have e-verify. End taxpayer dollars to sanctuary cities. “End welfare benefits for those here illegally.” “You enforce the law.” Bill Clinton deported 12 million people in eight years. George W. Bush deported 10 million people in 8 years.
Rubio was asked about the Gang of 8 immigration Bill, and accusations that he cut and run.
Rubio said that we could not get that legislation past. The people demand a secure border first. That is “the key that unlocks the door.” 20,000 new border guards.
“The legislation passed but it has no support.” Rubio did not run, but people did not want the legislation.
Christie again distinguished between governors and senators. Christie fought the teachers’ unions and those who wanted to raise taxes. “A leader must fight for what they believe in.” Those who run, “That’s not what leadership is. That’s what Congress is.”
Rubio said that “it is not leadership to keep trying something that has no chance of happening.” The people don’t want it.
Mary Katharine Ham took over. She began by asking Trump about his support for single-payer healthcare. Is he close to Bernie Sanders on the issue?
Trump said he would replace it with “something much better” but would not say what. He favors “common sense.” He supported HSAs and selling across state lines. He will not let people die in the middle of the street.
She asked Cruz how repealing and replacing Obamacare was good for people.
Cruz said that socialized medicine was a disaster that leads to rationing. We have “a 90,000 doctor shortage in America.” Purchase across state lines, expand HSAs, delink Health insurance from employment.
Carson lamented his being unable to discuss North Korea but stuck with the topic of the ACA. h proposed Health Empowerment Accounts that begin at birth. Each family becomes its own insurance company. He has a plan on his website to deal with the indigent.
Josh McElveen took over, and asked Trump about his support for eminent domain seizures.
“Eminent domain is an absolute necessity for a country.” Without it, “You wouldn’t have a country. You wouldn’t have roads.” “Eminent Domain is a good thing.” People get 2 or 3 times their property value if they are smart.
Jeb pointed out that there is a difference between eminent domain for public use and to seize an elderly woman’s property for Trump’s private property.
Trump tried to shush Jeb and got booed loudly. He then attacked the crowd as donors and special interests. The crowd booed Trump repeatedly.
Jeb insisted that Keystone Pipeline was a public use project.
Muir asked more questions.
Kasich was asked how he would change conservatism. This allowed him to recite his record for the eight billionth time. He launched his compassionate conservatism.
Trump was asked if he was a true conservative. He said “I think I am.” We want to conserve, money, how we spend, and we need to conserve our country.
Rubio: Conservatism is about limited government, limited about the Constitution. It’s about free enterprise. It’s about a strong national defense. Trump only mentioned 1 of those 3.
Trump was asked how many jobs he would create in his first term, and how he would do it.
He said he would bring jobs back from China, Japan and Mexico. He bashed TPP. He would cut taxes for the middle class and corporations.
Christie was asked about his record on jobs in contrast to Kasich.
Christie complimented Kasich but said he was using old statistics to measure Jersey. Kasich grew government. Christie said that anyone who thinks O44 knows what he is doing, cannot manage a government themselves.
Kasich did not attack Christie, instead talking about his record. In this case it was appropriate. However, he again went way over time.
Rubio said that anyone who thinks Obama doesn’t know what he is doing does not understand his purpose. Undermining of the 2nd Amendment and gutting the military is deliberate.
Rubio was asked if it was wrong to raise taxes on those making more than one million dollars. “I don’t know of any problem in America that is going to be fixed with a tax increase.” Lower our taxes on people and companies.
Jeb said “I’d like to see more millionaires.”
Christie said his predecessor raised taxes on millionaires and the state lost 70 billion dollars in wealth. To the 68% of Americans who think it’s a good idea, “You’re wrong.”
Raddatz asked how carpet-bombing ISIS would work.
Cruz said the CIC must start with an objective. Then come the tools to carry the objective out. The first tool is overwhelming air power. Saturation carpet-bombing is not indiscriminate. It is targeted attacks. Why is “Jihadist University” still standing? “It should be rubble.” “I would be willing to wait till freshman orientation before bombing.” Sending troops in under current rules of engagement is “immoral” since their hands are tied behind their backs. Use overwhelming force, get out. No nation-building.”
Rubio said we must first say who ISIS is. They are a radical apocalyptic group trying to bring about their messianic savior. “It will take sunni Arabs to reject them ideologically and defeat them militarily.” We have to strike them in every country they operate, not just Iraq and Syria. Sunni areas must be controlled by Sunnis. If Shiites take over, there is sectarian violence leading to a group to substitute for ISIS, who substituted for al Qaeda. Sunnis do not trust this administration, who backs the Shiites.
Trump was asked how he would get rid of ISIS. Trump wants to bomb the oil fields and take the oil. Stop the flow of money to ISIS through banking system. It should have been done 4 years ago.
Raddatz shifted to Libya. Would Jeb support new involvement?
Jeb would. New airstrikes may be necessary. “Leading form behind is not an effective policy.” “Europe doesn’t have the ability to forward lead.”
Carson would consult with military experts and ask them what they need. Renewed airstrikes is a possibility but he wants to hear from his generals.
Cruz was asked if waterboarding is torture. Cruz said no, it is enhanced interrogation. He would not bring it back in widespread use. “The CIC has inherent constitutional authority to keep this country safe.”
Trump cited people in the Middle East who chop the heads off of Christians. “i’d bring back waterboarding, and I’d bring back a whole hell of a lot worse than waterboarding.”
Jeb does not want Congress to restrict waterboarding. It is crazy that killing with predator drones is considered better than capturing bad guys and extracting information. Closing Guantanamo Bay is crazy.
Rubio distinguished between law enforcement and fighting terrorism. We should be putting people into Guantanamo Bay, not emptying it out.
MKH asked how he could implement his agenda without executive orders. How could he work with Congress?
Executive Power, everything done can be undone with executive orders. Foreign policy can change the fastest. Legislation is the third approach. Repealing the ACA and establishing a flat tax are his legislative priority.
Trump was asked if being a deal-maker was bad. Trump said that a good deal-maker will make great deals. You can’t leave DC and go to Hawaii for 3 weeks and golf and still get deals done.
Kasich was asked if there were too many or too few deals now. Kasich said there was no leadership. “You have to have a leader that can inspire.” He then went way over time and inspired nobody.
Jeb spoke of shifting transportation dollars, EPA, and education dollars back to the states.
Kasich said you must have an agenda for the 100 days. If I get elected, buy a seat belt.
Jeb would shift healthcare decisions back to the states.
Kasich tried to interject yet again but the debate moved on.
Josh McElveen turned the conversation to heroin overdoses. He took a cheap shot at Cruz for missing a vote on the issue.
Cruz spoke of his half-sister Miriam’s lifelong struggle with addiction. She was even found in a crack house. He took a 20,000 credit card loan to put his nephew through military training. 6 years ago Miriam died of a drug overdose. He will secure the border and end the deluge of drugs.
Christie would absolutely deal with bad guys in Mexico with or without cooperation from the Mexican government. Christie abolished jail for first time non-violent drug offenders in NJ. “It’s a disease, not a moral failing.” He called helping 16 year old drug-addicted girls a “pro-life” thing to do.
Radio host Larry O’Connor asked how a GOP candidate could run against the first woman candidate for president.
Trump cited polls showing him beating Hillary. He had 12,000 people at his rally in Florence, South Carolina. Trump mentioned Hillary’s email scandal. “The Democrats are protecting her.”
Rubio cited the historic turnout in the Iowa Caucus. Rallies for all candidates are up. Hillary is unqualified. “She thinks she is above the law.” He cited Benghazi.
Carson called Hillary a “deceitful individual that he would “never let go.” “When did we in the United States not send help to help our own people. This is not our own people.” “Honesty and integrity vs receipt and the Washington Way.”
The conversation moved to racial issues.
Trump stood up for the police. He also said most minorities respect the police. We need to give far greater respect to the police than we do know.
Kasich interjected again, he formed a collaborative between community and police.
Rubio said he would visit a mosque as president, and praised Muslims who love America. However, we face a homegrown threat of violent Islamic extremism. Obama being sued by the Little Sisters of the Poor because he discriminates against them.
Radiate asked Christie about the Zika virus. He quarantined a nurse with Ebola last year. Would he quarantine people with Zika?
Christie said “You bet I would.”
Carson said Zika was not “a simple issue.” If we “have evidence that they are infected,” and that the infection can spread, then yes he would quarantine them. This is where “We need rapid response.”
Radiate asked Rubio if women should register for selective service if there is a draft.
Rubio is fine with people of either gender serving in combat if they meet the standards required to serve.
Jeb agreed and said we should impose any kind of political agenda on the military. We also need to focus on morale and eliminate the sequester.
Christie told his daughters that self-worth comes from within.
Carson noted that the 14% decrease in voluntary service is because of how we treat our veterans. 22 veterans committing suicide per day. Take care of veterans the right way, we won’t eve have to talk about a draft again.
McElveen noted that none of the men on stage had served in the military. How would they care for the 23 million people in the military in some capacity.
Jeb spoke about career civil service reform, which could fire people such as those who ruined the VA.
Kasich spoke about college or community credit for veterans.
Rubio spoke about his veteran brother losing his teeth and having to deal with the VA bureaucracy to get dental care.
The debate shifted to whether we should negotiate with terrorists, citing Diane Foley, whose sone James was kidnapped.
Cruz said absolutely not, citing the Bergdahl deal. Those deals put a bounty on Americans traveling abroad.
Trump empathized with Ms. Foley, but said you cannot negotiate that way with terrorists or you will have more James Foley situations. Trump raised 6 million for vets recently, vets love him. Tremendous fraud, waste and abuse in VA.
The discussion shifted to social issues. MKH brilliantly showed the distinct differences on gay marriage and abortion among millennials.
Rubio said that being against gay marriage does not make you a bigot. He does not hate people who disagree. “On abortion, Democrats are extremists.” In 5 debates, Democrats have not been asked once about abortion. Hillary favors same day birth abortions.
Jeb noted that he was a very pro-life governor and cited his record. Jeb favors exceptions for rape, incest and life of the mother. Having no exceptions is a problem.
Rubio favors an exception to save the life of the mother. He will sign a law that contains exceptions. “I would rather lose an election than be wrong on the issue of life.”
Christie said he was “one of the most helpful people to the pro life cause in one of the pro choice states, New Jersey.” He defunded Planned Parenthood. Only radical extremists can support what Planned Parenthood does. He passionately said exceptions for rape and incest must be allowed, it is an act of self-defense.
Super Bowl:
Panthers: Kasich, Rubio, Trump, Cruz
Broncos: Jeb, Christie
Either Denver or Carolina: Carson
Closing Statements:
Kasich: He loves doing Town Halls. He waxed poetic. He has a conservative but positive message to bring people together.
Christie: his last 13 years has been about serving people. He was on the front lines in the War on Terror and after Hurricane Sandy.
Jeb: Mentioned Reagan’s greatness and his hopeful optimistic vision. Jeb has the skills and leadership to maintain that vision.
Carson: Media and pundits have tried to bury him. He is still here and not going anywhere. Faith, integrity and common sense still matter.
Rubio: In 72 hours, New Hampshire will decide what kind of country we will be.
Cruz: Everyone says they will stand up to Washington. He does it. He stood up against the ethanol mandate in Iowa. Iowans put country above corporate cronyism.
Trump: Said Cruz won because he got Ben Carson’s votes. The crowd booed. If he is elected, we will win.
eric