CNN Republican Debate: Winners and Losers

It’s been eight days since CNN hosted the latest Republican Primary Presidential debate, and the antics following the debate have become almost more entertaining than the debate itself.

Last Wednesday, 23 million people tuned in to watch the CNN Republican Debate also known as another installment of the Amazing (Presidential) Race: Republican Campaign Edition. The player lineup was much of the same except for this time it included Former HP CEO, Carly Fiorina.

Carly Fiorina is the only female running for president with an R behind her name, and in last week’s debate, she proved she had what it took to be a top contender in the crowded GOP field. From her response heard around the world when confronted with Trump’s derogatory comment on her looks to rattling the GOP front-runner in a way that no one else has been able to do, it was clear Fiorina seized the opportunity to be on the main stage by the throat and took no prisoners.

Florida Senator Marco Rubio was also impressive with his knowledge of foreign policy and push back on Trump by challenging his lack of international and Middle East knowledge.

While Fiorina and Rubio walked away winners in last week’s debate, there were bound to be a few candidates who failed to shine such as, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, and neurosurgeon Ben Carson who shied away from taking Trump head on. The biggest upset came days later when Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker announced he would suspend his presidential campaign.

Following in the footsteps of former Texas Governor Rick Perry, Governor Walker announced on Monday he would suspend his presidential campaign immediately. As we all know, the campaign trail is not for the weak of heart and with a crowded primary, the level of competition is fierce and Wednesday night’s debate was no exception.

Walker was unable to stay above the fold and set himself apart from the other ten candidates that shared the stage with him. Walker’s announcement came as a surprise to many, and he is seen as the latest casualty in the race for the White House.

With fifteen remaining candidates, there are still more polls to be taken and debates to be watched; but it’s safe to say, we have not seen the last of a candidate ending their presidential bid as we continue down this arduous path of choosing the right candidate to represent the GOP.

The field is crowded, the road is long, and the debates are plenty. So tune in, stay informed and hold on tight, because sugar we’re going down a bumpy trail.