Last night, Fox News hosted a debate among 8 contenders for the GOP Presidential nomination. When it kicked things off with "Rich Men North of Richmond." I was transported back to 1861. All that song needs is a rebel yell. Was Fox suggesting we need a new Civil War? At least one of the candidates - Vivek Ramiswamy - thinks so.
He actually called for "revolution." Although he has a lot of appeal among hard-line Rs, I thought he was arrogant, especially when he said he was the "only person on this stage who isn't bought and paid for." He called climate change a "hoax," and stated he believes we need to "drill, frack, burn coal, declare war on administrative state."
In contrast to Ramiswamy, Vice President Mike Pence stated he is "unquestionably the best prepared" person to be President. "Now is not the time for on the job training," he said in a slur aimed at Ramiswamy. While Ramiswamy claimed that we should devote our military resources to the border (which incidentally is illegal) instead of Ukraine, Pence scoffed at the notion that the United States must do one or the other. He argued that we need to let the Ukrainians fight so we don't need to do so. Nikki Haley told Ramiswamy, " You have no foreign policy experience and it shows."
Pence's views on abortion hurt him. He "gave myself to Jesus Christ." and condemned the Nikki Haley notion of compromise on abortion as "the opposite of leadership."
Ron DeSantis continually evaded questions and demonstrated a complete lack of charisma. His one solid point was his claim that he refused to lock down during the Covid pandemic, unlike most states.
Christie, a former federal prosecutor who has never shied from mixing it up, was clearly the best debater. After Ramiswamy kept interrupting others, Christie finally unloaded on him. "I’ve had enough already tonight of a guy who sounds like ChatGPT standing up here,” he said.
I'd give the win to Christie, but I'm a Democrat. What do you think?
Ramaswammy: More people have died due to horrible climate change policies than people have died from actual climate change.
ReplyDeleteTruth.
Facts to back up this claim?
DeleteWhat?
DeleteYou mean these numbers
Deletehttps://www.factcheck.org/2023/07/bidens-numbers-july-2023-update/
I think that 6 of the 8 candidates from the law and order party will pardon and or quash the investigations into the trump crime spree fiasco. And the other 2 cant be trusted to not change their minds. I voted 2 times for a Republican presidential candidate, I wont make that mistake again. And your barking up the wrong tree if you think I wouldn't be in favor of biden being charged if he did wrong.
ReplyDelete12:37, numbers don’t lie, what Trump did in 4 yrs nobody on that stage could accomplish! This country is a total mess under this dementia idiot! People need to look at results, Trump did that; remember numbers don’t lie, and start with the Border!
DeletePence helped.
DeleteI’ve always enjoyed working under a knowledgeable manager with desk-pounding brawn & a boastful style; I’ve always liked Chris Christie. I often fantasized about how a person like him would be as President, but then again, that’s how I viewed DJT in 2016 - and look how that turned out!
ReplyDeleteNow that my fog of hate for Hillary has lifted, I realize how unknowledgeable DJT was and have a hard time forgiving myself for giving him my vote!
I can overlook Chris’ Bridgegate though, I’d love to see him in action at the helm. His political baggage amounts to a carry-on compared to the footlocker DJT has permanently chained to his ankle!
You're one sick puppy.
DeleteYou need to listen to Allen Dershowitz, the top Constitutional Lawyer of our time, who is a staunch Democrat, who did not vote for DJT, and probably never would! He said none of this of what the Democrats are doing Constitutionally is going to stick!
DeleteYes, if only Hilary had been elected we could have made it to our current democrat utopia of high crime, ever-rising inflation and failing cities four years sooner.
DeleteWhat a missed opportunity.
7:13- Dershowitz says that even OJ is innocent, so there's that.
DeleteDid Allen have his underpants on when he said that
DeleteAnyone is better than the senile and corrupt Biden.
ReplyDeleteAll I could think about during the debate was how much better qualified any of the people on the stage were than Biden (or any other Democrat).
ReplyDeleteBut maybe Biden could change my mind by going back to Maui to crack a few more jokes and tell the story about the kitchen fire in his house again.
Already this morning we see the spin that is taught from a federal prison being put to print on your page Bernie. Will you let this partician shot be slingged or will you come out just shy left and right?
ReplyDeleteChristie is so fat and unhealthy and lacking in self control, I just can't vote for him. A guy who is that fat has serious problems and should not be in charge of anything important. Being fat is unhealthy and incredibly socially irresponsible. Fatties should be barred from everything until they get better. New medications make being fat a personal choice to make the rest of us pay for their gluttony. I used to be fat. I know their deal. Disgusting and irresponsible. Unqualified to participate.
ReplyDeleteYou used to be fat and now you’re just an asshole.
DeleteIt is all irrelevant, the die is cast, the future of America will be determined by forces outside this country. We no longer have control of our destiny, it has been squandered away by corruption and recklessness.
ReplyDeleteI turned it off after 30 min. No wonder Americans are uninformed, our debates look like they are produced by Vince Mcmahon.
ReplyDeleteToo many people who dont stand a chance yelling over eachother. Ramaswamy and Desantis are the only ones who will actually ATTEMPT to disrupt the federal governments current hostage situation it has over the American People.
A vote for Biden is a vote for globalism.
Ukraine war monger sez wut about a civil war? Lol. You and your expensive wars. Just s
ReplyDeleteNikki Haley never saw a war she didn't like, or people of color she wouldn't drone the shit out of. She's a bobblehead chicken hawk with hot flashes. It's reassuring that polls indicate only about 14 people in the entire country support her candidacy.
The real story is Trump getting 151 MILLION views of his interview in less than 12 hours.
ReplyDeleteDespite the debate dubbed the "Rich Men North of Richmond", Ambassador Nikki Haley had the strongest showing.
ReplyDeletebiden is weak - tRUMP, AKA Indictment King is a con. We can do better, and we must for our country. DeSantis and Scott are the strongest candidates. Hally a close third. Pense, Christie will never get the votes. The other 3 - laughable.
ReplyDeleteDo not call it a debate, nothing but a shouting match.
I disagree on DeSantis. I believe he did well and if not considered a win, he still improved his standing. Nikki Haley did the best of the group and showed why she should not be overlooked. Ramiswamy came across as glib and shallow. For the DJT crowd he was a hit because they like bold pronouncements and boot-licking, but Ramiswamy could not do what he proclaims. Pence has no shot, but he can help take out DJT. Same for Christie. Burgrum is a man of substance, and the country would be well served to have him in a position of authority. The presidency is unlikely, but a high admin position would be a bonus for the USA, but not for him. But a man of principle will do his duty even if not personally rewarding. Tim Scott- love the man but not his best night. Again someone to admire but he is not going to win. Christie has one job, the truth teller, and hope if a republican other than DJT is the nominee and wins (cuz DJT ain't gonna win in a general election) he may be offered the Atty. General position, something he is qualified to do.
ReplyDeleteConservative Republican yearning for someone other than DJT, we all can do better.
BO - you lower yourself to trumps level when you purposely misspell a candidate's name.
ReplyDeleteThe GOP debate felt more like a Real Housewives Reunion Show than anything else. Vivek probably won the night, but he also came off as the most insane. He's basically a Reddit post come to life. The dude flirts with 9/11 conspiracies, thinks climate change is a hoax and is pushing for a 'civics test' for 18-24-year-olds before they can vote. He might as well wear a sign that says "Don't take me seriously".
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't seem like any of the GOP candidates got the memo that abortion bans are very unpopular, so it's good to see them doubling down on promoting a federal ban. Also, I couldn't help but notice they spent more time talking about a weird country song than they did about healthcare.
Let's be honest, Trump won the debate because no one seems to have any interest in going after him.
Curious why you put into quotes, he “gave myself to Jesus Christ” without context. Are you mocking him?
ReplyDeleteI've been on TeamVivek for some months now, but I didn't watch the debate; just followed some snippets as news outlets and social media covered them.
ReplyDeleteOne thing to note: Vivek's social media team was actively Tweeting and posting on F.B. during the debate. That tells me he came to play and it appears he certainly was prepared.
I think his "climate change is a hoax" comment was a mistake. Yes, I know that statement will get you a good block of votes but he should be more careful. He needs Trump supporters to turn and stupid statements that make you sound like Trump can do that, but it will turn off some voters too. He fumbled there but can still recover.
Like him or not, Vivek is sharp, energetic, alert, and has many ideas. Some, I feel, are too conservative ((abortion rights, voting age/requirements (both of his positions on which I think conservatives should not agree with)) but that may be to entice the Trump diehards) but he's the kind of person we need as president; not an old, feeble, bumbling, lifetime politician. Democrats have no choice but to prop up Weekend at Biden's because they have no young, sharp, energetic people with ideas in the pipeline.
(Man-made) climate change IS a hoax!
DeleteIt’s far past the time that we start admitting that, instead of listening to those profiting (both monetarily and politically) off of spreading the fear.
The “science” has never been settled and past predictions of doom have passed us by.
The reality is that the climate has always been changing, and the solutions proposed by the democrats and their allies on the left do more harm than good.
He’s not my choice for the nomination, but kudos to Vivek for stating what needed to be said.
Agreed
DeleteDumbass
I'm ridin with Biden all the way. Hooray!
ReplyDelete"BO - you lower yourself to trumps level when you purposely misspell a candidate's name."
ReplyDeleteI was completely unaware that I had mispelled Ramaswamy's name. In fact, I thought I checked last night to be sure. I corrected my error and apologize. It was unintentional.
"Like him or not, Vivek is sharp, energetic, alert, and has many ideas."
ReplyDeleteI certainly don't like him, and find him arrogant condescending and mean-spirited. He'll never win a general. His attitude alone will kill him.
That’s it folks, Bernie said Vivek will never win……pencil him in as the next POTUS.
DeleteLOL!!
Delete"Curious why you put into quotes, he “gave myself to Jesus Christ” without context. Are you mocking him?"
ReplyDeleteThis is not mocking him. It is a red flag for me. I generally dislike anyone, candidate or not, who wears his religion on his sleeve. Incidentally, Jesus criticized people like that as well. I respect Pence as a man of conviction. He has always been very good on his feet and did well in the debate. But this is not a theocracy. He can give himself to Jesus without broadcasting it.
Amen, Brother O'Hare!
DeleteVivek leans libertarian. That attitude will be offensive to those who want to be governed harder and harder and rely upon daddy gubmint to care for them. I agree that he hasn't a chance. Nobody likes tough love.
ReplyDeleteBO 9:54,
ReplyDeleteFair enough
As a moderate Democrat, I went into the debate thinking I could possibly support Nikki Haley or Tim Scott. They were both solid. I was very impressed with Asa Hutchinson, despite his age, he comes across as very smart and experienced. I'm completely put off by Mike Pence, his ties to Trump contradict his far right Christian sanctimony. I have to admit that despite some outrageous comments, I really liked Ramisswamy, his youthful energy and his pride in America where his family came with nothing and achieved so much. Can you image Vivek debating decrepit Joe Biden? I'll support a reasonable Republican candidate since I'm disappointed that its the Republicans running younger candidates with female and minority representation and my party is running a rich, corrupt, old white guy.
ReplyDeleteNone of them will be president in 2024.
ReplyDelete"Vivek leans libertarian. That attitude will be offensive " I tend to like libertarians. I dislike Ramaswamy bc he is arrogant and snide. That has nothing to do with libertarianism.
ReplyDeleteArrogant and snide? Show me a politician today that isn’t. Biden is the most arrogant and snide of all. Tim Scott is the least arrogant of the bunch but it wasn’t his best night.
DeleteInteresting that far far more watched Carlson/Trump than Fox/ faux republicans. What does that mean?
ReplyDeleteAnon 10:16 said: “Interesting that far far more watched Carlson/Trump than Fox/ faux republicans. What does that mean?”
DeleteIt means the numbers are skewed.
Anyone who thinks that it was 151 million AMERICANS (out of 335 million) that was watching the interview is delusional. That would mean almost one out of every two Americans (including kids) watched it the interview. Not realistic.
While it is an impressive number of views for anything on X, I would guess that there is a substantial number of viewers from outside of the country. I also wonder how they can tell if someone is a unique viewer (vs someone viewing in-and-out).
I love Tucker and will easily vote for Trump if he’s the nominee, but stop trying to deceive people with false comparisons.
14.8
Deletehttps://mashable.com/article/tucker-carlson-x-trump-interview-twitter-video-view-count
Rich soon to be indicted for the 4th time x "president" Man south of Richmond says he won the debate. Stupid song, ignorant fox "news" and insipidly non-serious wannabes, though Haley was right about republicans causing our financial woes, and since Regan it's always been the republicans who ruin the economy for everyone but the rich men with off shore accounts south of richmond. give it to Christie, at least he lives on Earth One.
ReplyDeleteExtremists, every single one! Republicans can't govern.
ReplyDeleteYes, please ask residents of Maui how democrat policies are working out for them. Many paid for the failure of those policies with their lives.
Delete12:48- please take your Prozac and go to your safe zone.
DeleteChristie is slammed as fat and is accused of being fat as a choice. Haley is criticized for having for flashes. Those comments say more about the speaker than their target.
ReplyDeleteAll you need to know about these immoral degenerates is how they voted when asked if they would still support Trump if nominated for the GOP candidate.
ReplyDeleteAlmost all of them voted yes.
Because at the end of the day, they’re all PIECES OF SHIT capitalist that are working tirelessly against your own interest.
But you keep voting for these lepers, disgraceful.
Anon 10:25 said: “Because at the end of the day, they’re all PIECES OF SHIT capitalist that are working tirelessly against your own interest.”
DeleteYou’re use of the word “capitalist” tells me exactly who you are, commie.
You’re attacking the free-market economic system that has allowed this country to leapfrog civilizations that have existed far longer than ours. That system has lifted millions out of poverty, and given even our poorest citizens a standard of living higher than most other nations.
I realize you want to destroy that freedom because of your own selfish lust for power, but people are waking up to your lies for what they are.
Crawl back into whatever hole you came out of.
@12:46
DeleteThank you for your unoriginal, run-of-the-mill talking point plucked right out of your oppressors handbook.
Capitalism requires the existence of a class of people, like yourself, who only have their labor to sell and It is designed to deprive people of basic human needs. And these corporations exploit your labor for the benefit of a few privilege individuals who hoard all the wealth. But capitalism will fail eventually under its crushing and suppressing weight when the underclass, like you and I, revolt against it. And that’s happening right now as union organization fight back.
For hundreds of thousands of years, indigenous civilianizations have survived in harmony with this earth before the existence of European greed, but you’ve been indoctrinated to believe that the colonizers ways are the only right way, and that individualism trumps community.
But that’s what they want you to believe, because you’ll always be a working cog in the machine and when you die, you get replaced by your children, to serve them.
Nothing good will ever come out of capitalism, they’ll never pick you as one of them, you’ll always be wage slave.
So we should all live like ancient indigenous people. Ok…… wow Bernie you have quite an interesting following.
DeleteAn unscientifiC Drudge POLL gives the win to Ramiswamy, followed by Haley, DeSantis and Christie.
ReplyDeleteHi Bernie, I remember C. Christie and his staff enjoying a beach day during the pandemic on a beach he closed down to you and I. Love your blog, but you are wrong on this one.
ReplyDeleteThe only chance that the GOP has to defeat Biden is to nominate someone other than Trump, and they won't do that.
ReplyDeleteYou can't stand libertarians. You want government to wipe your ass and let you be charitable with others' money. That's the height of arrogance.
ReplyDeleteChristie's girth was accentuated by the infamous photo of him at a closed NJ beach looking like a beached whale.
ReplyDeleteAs I diehard, conservative capital R, the only one that I was impressed with was the Gov. from South Dakota. And to his or my fault, I don't know who he is. With my feelings, he will probably not stand a chance.
ReplyDeleteIf only Vivek were tuned into local lunatics, I mean politics, he'd know it's even more simple than that. All you need is 20 strong men to fix things! But maybe he already knows that given that he's a Putin supporter.
ReplyDeleteI don’t agree with everything Vivek says but he’s brilliant. A sledge hammer. Sure he’s a little cocky, but he’s also the smartest guy on the stage. One thing is for sure, everyone knows who he is now and I think that was his main objective last night.
ReplyDeleteThe Haley comments are mean. The Christie weight comments are valid. Obesity is sinful and unpatriotic.
ReplyDeleteBiden is a low bar, but at this point he still wins in 2024.
ReplyDeleteSadly none of the people on stage will be running against him and really out of the 8, the only ones with half a chance to win would be Haley, Scott, Christie or Hutchinson. They could potentially pull independent voters and some moderate Dems in swing states to make it a contest.
Vivek = Trump Light, younger, but with the same loud mouth, false promises and total lack of understanding about the actual world.
DeSantis - Someone check his pulse. For a guy thats supposed to be a more mainstream version of Trump, his body language and delivery was... Subdued? Hard to put my finger on it, he just seemed very low energy, almost half assed the whole thing.
Pence - I respect him for his convictions and morals, he is a leader and a good example of a human being. I just disagree with too many of his positions that are guided by his spiritual choices.
The modern GOP/Trump voter is completely out of touch with the world these days as evidenced by many of the clownish comments seen on this blog whenever a national or global story is brought up by Bernie. They're going to nominate Trump again, and he will lose again, and their bitter whining will continue.
I'd like to hear what you call "too many of his positions guided by his spiritual choices". Too many?
Delete8:37- All of them! He calls his wife, "Mother". That alone is a one way ticket to cuckoo land.
DeleteI am always amused to read comments of flat earth people.
ReplyDeleteI’d open your mind a little bit. It wasn’t too long ago that those claiming that Russian election interference in 2016 was a hoax and Hunter Biden’s laptop was real in 2020)
DeleteMy Democrat friends tell me they’re the party of science. Then in the next breath they tell me men can have babies and biological males have no advantage competing against females.
DeleteOne of the candidates - and at this point I don’t remember who - called to bring our manufacturing jobs back to this country.
ReplyDeleteWhile that idea is noble, my fellow Americans want to pay the lowest price for everything. So: how do we convince Walmart and Amazon to slow or stop Americans getting what they want at a price they’re able (not just willing) to pay?
My guess is that a) it’s impossible because of our irreversible global interconnectedness and b) there are not enough North Americans (Canada and Mexico/Latin America included) to make everything.
“Bring manufacturing home” sounds good. Accomplishing it is rougher.
Maybe Oliver can write about Red hat Country clubbers opposing an increase to the minimum wage.
ReplyDeleteThe Fox moderators were like WWE referees. Had no control over the political circus last night. Candidates interrupting each other, talking over one another, not answering questions. Democracy at its finest! Vince McMahon should host the next one.
ReplyDeleteI am surprised the DOJ hasn't started an investigation on the use of the word revolution. For the first debate I thought overall interesting and entertaining. Pence certainly has the experience to be the next president. Haley showed how a woman can be more disciplined and controlled than a man ! Tim Scott was quiet perhaps hard to have a first big debate stage ...think he will do better next time. VR too young. Good start to debates overall. The governor from out west was professional eloquent and made great points . Can't wait to hear more!
ReplyDeleteI have rejected several ugly comments that attack Christie bc of his weight.
ReplyDeleteMan made climate change.
ReplyDeleteDid you read this?
https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/22/world/neptune-disappearing-clouds-solar-cycle-sun-scn/index.html
Clouds on Neptune disappeared. No humans. About 2.8 Billion miles from the sun. Shit happens in our universe and even here on earth and there's nothing humans can do about it.
Time to get over ourselves and get ready for the next ice age. Pack warm.
I watched the debate along with my wife. we are both life long democrats and have never voted for a Republican as President. We were both impressed with Haley, Christie, and Pence. We couldn't comprehend anyone voting for supporting a person who was found guilty in a Federal Court of "RAPE", Nor can we understand how anyone would support a candidate that would support a convicted felon. What are we missing here? has the Standards for candidates dropped that low?
ReplyDeleteWe watched it too. As former life long Democrats (don’t you realize it’s not the same party?) we are saddened by what has happened to this great country under Joe Biden that these candidates now have to “fix”. It’s way too early to begin judging candidates by one performance, especially with the front runner under constant persecution.
DeleteGive me a short list of what Biden has done that you "a former democrat" doesn't like.
Delete"I dislike Ramaswamy bc he is arrogant and snide."
ReplyDeleteYet you find it admirable by your local heroes in the MacClure.
Administration. Pick a lane O'Hare.
4:42, There's a difference between being arrogant and snide like Ramaswamy and being insecure and defensive like Lamont. Lamont is far from arrogant or snide, although some people perceive him to be that way. If you take the trouble to get to know him, he is quite approachable and down-to-earth. He is stubborn. He is defensive, which is understandable because he is always getting attacked. But I think he's always been that way. He is also incredibly smart, and there are people out there who hate that. He is not warm and fuzzy. But he is a good man.
ReplyDeleteI am judging Ramaswamy based on seeing him once. My opinion might change. He made a bad first impression with me. Chris Christie is an excellent debater, but I'm not sure I like his brash style or him as a person. I could never support Mike Pence bc, although I do respect him and he is surprisingly good on a stage, his views and mine are miles apart. Also, he I would have a rough time supporting a man who said he'd vote for a crime boss. Is Nikki Haley a true consensus builder or a rank opportunist? I'm unclear on that point, but she helped herself Wednesday. Tim Scott is an old-school conservative and someone who I really like as a person. It's unfortunate that moderators did a poor job of ensuring he had equal time. Same for Hutchinson and Burgum. DeSantis was evasive and far from a people person. It could be that his intelligence hurts him. I do not share his ideology, but he is rational and less driven by ego than Trump.
Translation: "I dislike Ramaswamy because of his color. Minorities who aren't Democrats ain't real minorities."
ReplyDeleteWe get it. Oh, we get it.
There is a parody video going around of the rich men in Washington responding. It’s hilarious and hits the mail right on the head.
ReplyDeleteRamaswamy has an interesting history
ReplyDeletehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vivek_Ramaswamy
he claims to have come up from nothing yet he is full of it.
Also he tried to erase some things like
"In May 2023, Ramaswamy's campaign admitted that he had paid an editor to alter his Wikipedia biography before announcing his candidacy but denied that the payment for edits was politically motivated.[27] The edits to the Wikipedia biography removed references to Ramaswamy's postgraduate fellowship from the Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans, as well as his involvement with the Ohio COVID-19 Response Team.[27][65] Paul and Daisy Soros are the elder brother and sister-in-law, respectively, of businessman and social activist George Soros, who has been the subject of numerous conspiracy theories among American conservatives."
So he is not at Santos level B.S but working on it
"Ron DeSantis continually evaded questions and demonstrated a complete lack of charisma. His one solid point was his claim that he refused to lock down during the Covid pandemic, unlike most states."
ReplyDeletetry
https://www.npr.org/sections/coronavirus-live-updates/2020/04/01/825383186/florida-governor-orders-statewide-lockdown
"DeSantis said he's issuing an executive order that will direct "all Floridians to limit movements and personal interactions outside the home to only those necessary to obtain or provide essential services or essential activities."
And
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COVID-19_pandemic_in_Florida
"Gov. Ron DeSantis announced all bars and nightclubs in Florida will close for 30 days, effective as of 5 p.m. Tuesday, due to concerns over the coronavirus."
"Translation: "I dislike Ramaswamy because of his color. Minorities who aren't Democrats ain't real minorities.""
ReplyDeletei think it's wonderful that Rs have three persons of color in this race. Nikki Haley, a female who was anonymously attacked by a sexist MAGA in one of the comments, is Indian American and I rated her highly in my recaps. I also spoke highly of Tim Scott, who is black. I spoke highly of him as well. I dislike Ramiswamy bc he is snide and arrogant, and I can't really say I dislike him. That is my first impression. Based on what I've read about him since the debate, I'm pretty sure it will be my second impression. My disdain has nothing to do with the shade of his skin and everything to do with his Trump-esque personality.