Wednesday night’s first Republican primary debate turned out as I predicted, as businessman Vivek Ramaswamy came out on top of the other seven participants without former President Donald Trump on the stage. I didn’t hit it completely out of the park, though. I would have if I had gone with my original headline, which used the word “Shine” instead of “Dominate.” Instead, I went with “Prediction: No Trump at First Debate Means Ramaswamy Will Dominate.” No one really dominated, but I was close enough. All candidates on that stage deserve some honest feedback, so let’s do it.
Ramaswamy and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis were close in terms of who came out on top. Whereas I do not know if I can trust that Ramaswamy is sincere, I do trust that DeSantis means what he says. And unlike the young businessman, the young governor has a record. DeSantis, though, came across as a bit robotic in speech, as well as in his movements and smile. He did not seem to be enjoying himself. On the other hand, Ramaswamy continued his smooth operator demeanor, answered with ease, and had some good comebacks, particularly against former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie. He genuinely seemed to be having a good time.
Speaking of Christie, the people booing in the audience pretty much summed it up. I have always deemed him a bully, and his whole campaign has been about going after Trump—this, after he tried to get a job in the Trump administration. As Ramaswamy pointed out, his time would be better spent going to give former President Barack Obama a hug—again.
Former Vice President Mike Pence did well in spots, but he has always come across as self-righteous to me—and this is no dig on his Christian faith. I share that faith. I appreciate his stand for life also, but besides that, it just seems to me Trump should have given him, not DeSantis, the “Sanctimonious” nickname. Additionally, he was downright rude. He did not stay within the time allotted to answer questions and spoke over the moderators when they tried to rein him in. Perhaps he would not have wasted so much of his time if he hadn’t paused so long between words and sentences. It’s like, “Pick it up!” He also interrupted speakers, which got annoying. Fox News moderators Martha MacCallum and Bret Baier could not control him, or anyone, really. I know it has to be difficult moderating a bunch of people arrogant enough to believe they can run a country, but some do a better job than others. These two were in over their heads.
I like Sen. Tim Scott. By all accounts, he is a great guy. He has a great story. But he was boring, did not look comfortable, and did not say anything of substance that would set him apart from anyone else on the stage. I don’t see him going anywhere in this race.
I imagine former governor of South Carolina Nikki Haley is also a great person, and she seemed comfortable debating, but she also seemed angry, especially toward Ramaswamy. Her expressed position on abortion was a political one, and I am deeply opposed to seeing innocent lives through the lens of politics; we should do everything to fight for the lives of the unborn because it is right. Her position on Ukraine is not popular, either. Americans are tiring of pouring money into another country when we have needs at home. I must say I was impressed by how resolute Haley was, but, like DeSantis and unlike Ramaswamy, she didn’t seem to be enjoying the moment.
Asa Hutchinson, the former Arkansas governor, or “Ada,” as former President Donald Trump calls him for some reason, leaves me with one impression: Who? Next!
North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum did not stand out, either, except he looked nervous. I would have guessed he had never participated in a debate. Of course, it is normal to be nervous at such a huge event, but he looked nervous. He came across as a serious man, though, so that’s saying something. He is not a serious candidate, however. That can be said of most of the candidates. With Trump kicking serious tail in the race, the odds anyone will get anywhere far are not strong, and people do not take them seriously.
Having said all of that, I circle back to the start: Ramaswamy is the standout, and the more of him people see, the more impressed they become. It also doesn’t hurt him that he praises Trump, defends him, and aligns with him on various issues. I still wonder if they’re in cahoots.
Debate one is in the books. My Ramaswamy prediction was not perfect, but maybe I’m splitting hairs; he may not have dominated-dominated, but he did shine over the others, with DeSantis a close second.
We shall see which of these candidates will still be around for the next debate and if Trump will change his mind and participate.
I hope the RNC has a plan for that and aren't blindsided. I agree some sort of action like that could be a foot. The republicans always seem to be reactive verses proactive. Newsom is who I think they would want to sneak in. Their convention will be interesting.
The entire debate format needs to change. Maybe a series of debates with 3-4 candidates at a time so everyone gets to speak and we the people get more substantive responses verses sound bites. You'd end up having more debates but I believe we'd get more from them. We the people need to hear from everyone and it shouldn't be some ivory tower entity that decides who's voices we should hear. The DNC is doing the nation a disservice by not letting the voice of RFK, Jr and Ms. Williamson be heard in a debate with Biden. The DNC has decide Biden is the nominee. Stinks if you ask me. I say all that to say it was wrong for the RNC not to allow we the people to hear from Larry Elder.