Republican Debate: Rubio v. Trump
All eyes were on Florida last night as the four remaining Republican presidential candidates took the stage for one last debate before the Florida Primary on March 15th.
The debate between the candidates was more tame than in recent debates. Trump’s demeanor was lackluster and this debate was by far his worst showing since stepping out onto a debate stage. It was evident Trump’s campaign has hit a plateau, and has been set on auto pilot. Trump straddled the issue-centric debate, refusing to commit to stance instead calling for a pause or negotiation. Due to the subdued nature of the GOP debate, Trump’s inept policy understanding shone through from foreign policy to education. Fumbling on Common Core, Trump wanted to blame Washington, and while his supporters were all cheers, the moderator corrected him, saying that Common Core was a state issue not a federal one. If one thing was clear, Trump was in over his head on the stage. The other candidates fought to make their mark in Miami, diving head first into policy discussions and offering plans to overhaul Social Security, immigration, and jobs.
Where Trump languished, Rubio thrived. With a 14 point spread between Trump and Rubio in Florida, Rubio had no choice but to have a strong showing in the CNN debate. Rubio’s message was clear and concise, it was time for a new American Century and he was prepared to lead. Watching Rubio’s presence in the Republican debate on Thursday caused many to wonder where this Rubio had been for the past few months. Marco’s authenticity and conviction that he had the solution for what ails America had never been more clear than it was on Thursday night. It was apparent, Rubio’s youthfulness was his biggest attribute when standing next to Trump came off as tired and haggard, clutching onto one liners and skirting policy driven questions. Much like a salesman, Trump continued to peddle buzz words for cheers and his responses were vapid in nature. Where Trump fell short, Rubio swept in to pick up the pieces and deliver a strong message of opportunity.
However, it was not all roses for the GOP. Many people worry the Republican party is quickly declining as a result of Trump’s candidacy. But that’s shortsighted. It is not about Trump, Cruz, Rubio, or Kasich, this is an election about America’s future. Currently, Republicans can be found on two paths, they are either enthralled with Trump as a candidate or they are disenfranchised. Members of the GOP who loath Trump fear the party will be over should he become the nominee, and maybe they are right. The Republican party as we know it will be over, the party is changing and the timing for this magnitude of change is awful. However, it is important, as voters and Republicans, to not lose sight of the end goal; to take back the White House. Regardless if you’re pro-Trump, Anti-Trump, or over Trump, allowing the country to succumb to another four years of Democratic control is the last thing any Republican wants to see happen.
Stay focused, stay vigilant, and remember, 2016 is not about the candidate as it is getting America back on track and forging ahead to repair the damage done by Obama’s pen and phone.