Donald Trump Goes Quiet When #GOPDebate Turns to Substantive Issues

Funny thing is, this is exactly what my wife was saying during the debate.

At the O.C. Register, "Trump turns quieter once GOP debate turns substantive":

SIMI VALLEY, Calif. – Amid the back-and-forth bickering over Donald Trump, the Republican presidential contest took a substantive and serious turn in Wednesday’s prime-time debate, with candidates wrangling over immigration, gay marriage and foreign affairs.

The policy shift quieted Trump, the brash billionaire who has roiled the GOP field, for long stretches during the debate that stretched past three hours and it appeared to come as a relief to other candidates who have struggled to break through.

Carly Fiorina, the only woman in the GOP field, was one of the main benefactors, launching an emotional plea for defunding Planned Parenthood, touting her experience in business and taking aim at Trump for derogatory comments he made about her appearance. Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, who came into the debate facing questions about whether he had the grit to take on Trump, also engaged directly with the real estate mogul while still trying to fulfill his promise to run a joyful campaign.

In one exchange that typified the broader battle within the Republican Party, Bush and Trump clashed over the influence of big-money donors who have helped the former governor raise more than $100 million. Trump, who is largely financing his own campaign, said of campaign contributors: “I understand the game, I’ve been on the other side my entire life and they have a lot of control over our politicians.”

At another point, Bush pressed Trump to apologize for comments he has made about Bush’s Mexican-born wife. Trump refused and called Bush “weak on immigration.”

As the contest lasted deep into the night, the candidates were polled on such matters as their choices for a woman to be depicted on the $10 bill and what their Secret Service code names would be if elected president. Bush drew the biggest applause when he picked “Eveready,” then turned to Trump to note it was a “high-energy” name — a nod to Trump’s criticism of Bush as a low-energy candidate. They smiled and slapped hands at that.

Trump’s unexpected rise and surprising durability is seen as a reflection of voters’ frustration with Washington and career politicians. As the son and brother of presidents, Bush more than any other candidate is seen as a representative of the status quo...

More.

CNN Moves Prime-Time GOP Debate to 8 p.m.

Well, the "undercard" is lame. They should get rid of it.

At Politico, "The shift shortens the window between the main event and undercard debate:

CNN has moved its primetime Sept. 16 Republican debate from 9 p.m. EDT to 8 p.m., eliminating the long gap between its main event and the earlier forum for second-tier candidates, the network told campaigns in a conference call Tuesday afternoon.

A CNN spokesperson confirmed the time change.

The earlier debate with candidates who polled at least 1 percent in three national polls will start at 6 p.m. EDT, ending at 7:45 p.m.

According to sources who were on the call, candidates will not give opening and closing statements though they will have a 15- to 20-second window to introduce themselves. Candidates will also have one minute to respond to questions and 30-second rebuttals, if their name is invoked by another candidate.

CNN anchor Jake Tapper, as moderator, will ask the majority of questions, supplemented by questions from CNN Chief Political Correspondent Dana Bash and conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt...

Ho hum.

Let's just get on with the main event. I guess Carly Fiorina's gonna rip Donald Trump a new one!

Carly Fiorina's Camp is Trying to Not Show the Sweat on Her Brow

She's sweating it?

There's no sweating up on the big stage!

Actually, she's just hoping to get up on that stage in the first place.

From Hadas Gold, at Politico, "Carly Fiorina’s play for varsity debate":

Carly Fiorina is in an all-out sprint to keep the momentum going at the polls in hopes of making it into CNN’s varsity debate next month, with recent numbers showing she’s gripping onto that stage by her fingertips.

Fiorina, the former Hewlett-Packard CEO who has never held political office, got a boost on Tuesday as a CNN/ORC poll put her at 5 percent support, bumping Chris Christie out of the top 10.

CNN is taking the average of surveys released by 13 major polling operations between mid-July and Sept. 10 to determine the top 10 participants for the main event, while the remaining candidates who score at least 1 percent across their three best polls will participate in an earlier debate.

Pollsters say Fiorina is on track to make it to the big show on Sept. 16, as long as she is able to consistently score higher numbers in more polls.

Fiorina’s camp is trying to not show the sweat on Fiorina’s brow, even as she hustles. They know that one of her biggest liabilities is a lack of name recognition. So even as headlines have sprouted this week, condemning her executive record as far less than sterling, it still keeps Fiorina’s name out there. And after she delivered a commanding performance at the junior varsity Fox News debate earlier this month, Fiorina’s popping up everywhere, from the Iowa State Fair with her folksy plaid shirt and pork chop flipping, to a tour of Nevada and New Hampshire, for a breakneck schedule of town halls, meet-and-greets, and an education summit.

“We’re going to keep meeting with lots of voters, and answering every question,” said Sarah Isgur Flores, deputy campaign manager. “She wanted to introduce herself to voters,” said Flores on the debate response and good polls. “That was the goal. It’s accomplished.”

Getting to the main stage and delivering a repeat solid performance would be a further boost for Fiorina, showing that she deserves to be among the heavy-hitters. It would also be a test to see if she could break through the noise of Donald Trump, the spotlight hog of the first debate who prevented other candidates from getting their memorable moments.

And ICYMI, at BNI, "It’s taken two months, but the MSM is finally talking about the problem of presidential candidate Carly Fiorina being an apologist for Islam."

Actually, she gave excellent answers on defeating Islamic State in recent interviews. I think we need to hear her round it out on what Islam really is.

Carly Fiorina Rocks Jeans and Cowboy Boots at Inaugural Basque Fry at Gardnerville, Nevada

One of the best things about Fiorina is she's an attractive and very feminine woman, unlike Hillary Clinton. Of course, being so articulate and knowledgeable on the issues doesn't hurt.

Greta Van Susteren has a Fiorina interview at Iowa State Fair, "Fiorina: From political outsider and underdog to target."

And National Review's Alexis Levinson is in Nevada:

Carly, in cowboy boots, waits to takes the stage. pic.twitter.com/qcvvXjWH49

— Alexis Levinson (@alexis_levinson) August 15, 2015

More at the Nevada Appeal, "Adam Laxalt hopes Basque Fry becomes can't-miss GOP campaign stop."

Carly Fiorina on 'Hannity'

I just love to listen to her speak.

Watch: "Forina on Hillary's lies and rejecting the political class."

Carly Fiorina Emerges as GOP Weapon Against 'War on Women' Charge

I have to admit, I'm fascinated just listening to her talk.

At the New York Times, "Fiorina Emerges From Pack After Trump Remarks":

This week, Donald J. Trump said that listening to Carly Fiorina, the only woman competing for the Republican presidential nomination, gave him “a massive headache.”

It was music to Mrs. Fiorina’s ears.

For months, the former Hewlett-Packard executive has tried to gain traction by pointedly attacking Hillary Rodham Clinton. But Mrs. Fiorina’s candidacy did not start to sizzle until her performance at last week’s second-tier Republican debate, where viewers realized that as the sole woman in a 17-candidate primary field, she was singularly qualified to stand up to Mr. Trump.

It is not a role Mrs. Fiorina necessarily wants to emphasize. “I don’t spend very much of my campaign time talking or thinking about Donald Trump,” she said in an interview Wednesday. But it is one she has embraced with the same fervor that she has employed against Mrs. Clinton, the Democratic Party front-runner.

It is not a role Mrs. Fiorina necessarily wants to emphasize. “I don’t spend very much of my campaign time talking or thinking about Donald Trump,” she said in an interview Wednesday. But it is one she has embraced with the same fervor that she has employed against Mrs. Clinton, the Democratic Party front-runner.

“Women understood” that Mr. Trump’s attack the day after the debate on the Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly, making a reference to bleeding that many people thought was an allusion to menstruation, was sexist, Mrs. Fiorina told a visibly squeamish Jake Tapper of CNN. “I’ve had lots of men imply that I was unfit for decision-making because maybe I was having my period. So I’ll say it, O.K?”

In a crowded Republican field, Mrs. Fiorina has delivered the most forceful and succinct denunciation of Mr. Trump’s comments, which sent a shudder through a party concerned that it would reinforce perceptions that it was increasingly out of touch with female voters.

Now, many Republicans, preparing to potentially confront Mrs. Clinton in a general election, are looking anew at Mrs. Fiorina, who rose from being a secretary to running the giant technology company HP, as the party’s weapon to counter the perception that it is waging a “war on women.”

“People feel Carly has clearly demonstrated she is a very powerful operator, has a lot of strengths of conviction and is willing to take Hillary — and now even Trump — on very directly,” said Katie Packer Gage, a political strategist who focuses on helping Republicans connect with women.

Asked whether she was willing to play the role of telegenic poster girl of the Republican presidential field, Mrs. Fiorina said, “I know Hillary Clinton wants to paint the entire Republican Party with the broad brush of Donald Trump’s comments, but it’s not clear to me that Donald Trump is a Republican.”

Keep reading.

It's been pointed out, on Twitter, if I remember correctly, that Fiorina's soft on Islamic jihad, that she's praised Islam as a great civilization. I vaguely remember something like that from some time ago. Recall, I didn't support her in the California Senate race in 2010. Of late, she's spoken quite forcefully on how we must destroy Islamic State, and she's criticized the administration. I'd like to hear more from her on these topics. She's a fabulous candidate.

Until then, see Tabitha Korol, at Gates of Vienna, "A Mythical, Deceptive Tale by Carly Fiorina."

Carly Fiorina on 'Meet the Press'

Between the debate last Thursday, and rounds on the Sunday talk shows, Ms. Fiorina's definitely getting the kind of major media exposure that lifts a campaign. And because she's so articulate, it's no doubt she'll be getting a boost in her public approval ratings and support. The question now is how big a boost. Wouldn't that be amazing if she switched places with Donald Trump in the polls?

Watch, at CBS News, "Full interview: Carly Fiorina, August 9."

Why I'm Running for President and How I'll Re-Establish American Leadership in the World

From Carly Fiorina, at Independent Journal Review:

How has our extraordinary nation come to this crossroads? The theme of this administration has been eight years of a false choice: President Obama’s failed foreign policy or war. President Obama has sometimes gotten away with his failed foreign policy by lulling the American people into believing that he has saved us from war.

Here is the truth: there are many specific things we could be doing now to reestablish American leadership around the world that do not involve going to war.

We must have the strongest military in the world and everyone must know it. We must show Putin we are serious by rebuilding our Sixth Fleet, rebuilding our missile defense systems in Poland, and conducting military exercises in the Baltic States.

As Commander-in-Chief, I will provide our Arab allies with the support they need to defeat ISIS in the Middle East. They know this is their fight – but they need help. I would arm the Kurds, share intelligence with the Egyptians, and provide the bombs and materiel that Jordan has requested.

None of these specific actions require a declaration of war. All would send an important signal to our friends and our enemies: America is back in the leadership business...

She comes across so presidential. It's no wonder the Democrats are sharpening the knives.

Still more at that top link.

Carly Fiorina Dominates Internet Search Traffic After GOP Presidential Debate

Makes sense, "Carly Fiorina Wins GOP's 'Happy Hour' Debate Hands Down."

From Hadas Gold, at Politico, "Carly Fiorina dominates search traffic."

Boom! Carly Fiorina Slams Iran Nuclear Agreement in GOP 'Happy Hour' Debate (VIDEO)

I think this was the high point of her performance, and it was all good.



PREVIOUSLY: "Carly Fiorina Wins GOP's 'Happy Hour' Debate Hands Down."

Carly Fiorina Wins GOP's 'Happy Hour' Debate Hands Down

Here's the instant analysis from Jonathan Tobin, at Commentary, "If Debates Mean Anything, Fiorina’s On the Way Up":

There’s little doubt that the best performance in the second tier Republican debate came from Carly Fiorina. The former Hewlett Packard CEO showed that she had a strong command of foreign policy as well as economic issues. She’s been scoring points on the campaign trail against Hillary Clinton for months but on the stage in Cleveland she showed herself willing to also take on Donald Trump. She also managed to articulate a conservative vision that channeled GOP icon Ronald Reagan better than any of the others on the stage. Though not all of her competitors sounded as if they belonged in the junior varsity event (though some did), Fiorina was the one that had the Twittersphere saying that she ought to be invited to stay and join the top ten debate at 9pm. But the question is whether even a home run hit at 5pm before an empty arena in Cleveland can influence enough voters to get her into contention?

Anyone who’s been paying attention to the campaign so far already knows that Fiorina has been outstanding on the stump and in her limited exposure in the media. She’s confident, well spoken and understands the issues. Her political resume — one failed attempt at a Senate seat in deep blue California — is thin. But in a field where candidates like Trump and Ben Carson are taken seriously, that doesn’t seem to disqualify her. But to date Fiorina hasn’t gotten any traction in the polls.

Is it because voters agree with pundits that assume she’s running for vice president or a cabinet post in the next Republican administration? Maybe. But it’s also possible that in polls that are largely a function of name recognition (right, Mr. Trump?), she remains an obscure figure.

In 2012 the numerous GOP debates bored a lot of the public and the press as they turned into a reality show more than forums of ideas. But they also had a powerful impact on the shape of the race eliminating some candidates (Tim Pawlenty, Rick Perry) and elevated others (Newt Gingrich, Rick Santorum) while giving frontrunner Mitt Romney the opportunity to prove he was the best of a bad lot. Will they play the same role in 2016? Fiorina might not be the best test [case] for that proposition since it’s not yet clear how many people were watching at 5pm. But if they do, then perhaps Fiorina will shoot up in the polls. She ought to get enough of a bump into the first string on the basis of such a strong showing. That’s something that ought to scare the people who will debate at 9pm...

Well, that's what I was saying, but we'll see. We'll see.

More.

Greta Van Susteren's Interview with Carly Fiorina Ahead of GOP Debate on Fox News

I'll have more from the debate as video becomes available. Meanwhile, here's Greta's interview with Ms. Fiorina.



PREVIOUSLY: "Following Fox GOP Debate Buzz, Reposting Carly Fiorina's Book, Rising to the Challenge: My Leadership Journey."

Following Fox GOP Debate Buzz, Reposting Carly Fiorina's Book, Rising to the Challenge: My Leadership Journey

Well, if you're on Twitter, it's hands down acclimation: Carly Fiorina nailed the win at tonight's first GOP presidential debate on Fox News. I expect the buzz from tonight's performance will help her in the polls, perhaps enough to boost her into the ranks of the top tier. She should be on that stage for the prime time debates, and she handily proved it today.

She's particularly good on national security. Man, she just wowed it.

More on that later.

Meanwhile, I'm reposting her book: Rising to the Challenge: My Leadership Journey.

Carly Fiorina: 'I'm Not a Professional Politician...'

She's so articulate. I do hope her poll numbers improve before some of the upcoming GOP debates. She deserves to be on that stage.

At Politico, "Carly Fiorina on being left out of prime-time debate: It's a long race."

Listen to her interview with Joe Scarborough, "Republican presidential candidate Carly Fiorina joins Morning Joe to discuss not making the top 10 in the first GOP debate."

Carly Fiorina's New Anti-Hillary Ad is Indescribably Awesome

From Dan Calabrese, at Canada Free Press (careful the autoplay ads there).

And watch the video: "Titles Are Not Accomplishments."

Carly Fiorina on Fox News Sunday, May 31, 2015 (VIDEO)

I still don't expect her to get too far, mainly because she'll be destroy by the media, and ultimately, she'll be subjected to the Herman Cain treatment --- although I expect, having run for office previously, Ms. Fiorina's much more prepared for the left's character assassination.

In any case, she's extremely well-informed and loquacious.



More from Ashe Schow, at the Washington Examiner, "Carly Fiorina breaks top 10 of 2016 GOP candidates in latest national poll."

And from Katie Pavlich, at Town Hall, "While Rick Santorum Whines About Rules, Carly Fiorina Steps Up To GOP Debate Challenge."

In the Mail: Carly Fiorina, Rising to the Challenge: My Leadership Journey

I've started reading Ms. Fiorina's new book.

She's got a great story. And her presidential campaign promises the most stinging criticisms of Hillary Clinton of the season.

At the New York Times, "Carly Fiorina Announces 2016 Presidential Bid, Citing Years Leading Hewlett-Packard." Also at Memeorandum, Mark Haperin, "The Definitive H&H Carly Fiorina Scouting Report."

More at CBS News San Francisco, "Former HP CEO Carly Fiorina Makes Presidential Run."

Pick up a copy of her book at Amazon.

Hillary Clinton is All Style, No Substance

With just a smidgen of corruption.

At the Hill:

Hillary is all style and no substance, Fiorina tells Iowa crowd: http://t.co/pAxmeqm9xz pic.twitter.com/utwhapUrUE

— The Hill (@thehill) April 26, 2015

Also at WSJ, "Carly Fiorina to Launch Presidential Campaign on May 4."

Carly Fiorina Plans to Excoriate Hillary Clinton, and Her Competition is Grateful for It

At National Journal, "Playing the Heavy":

Hundreds of conservative and evangelical activists had been listening politely and applauding on cue as Carly Fiorina talked about God, and opportunity, and work ethic. For many of those attending the Iowa Freedom Summit, it was the first time they'd heard her speak. For some, it was the first time they'd heard of her at all.

Then, more than 10 minutes into the speech, she mentioned Hillary Clinton.

"Like Hillary Clinton, I too have traveled hundreds of thousands of miles around the globe," said Fiorina, former CEO of Hewlett Packard. "But unlike her, I've actually accomplished something. You see, Mrs. Clinton, flying is not an accomplishment; it is an activity."

The audience roared and was suddenly engaged, hanging on her words as she criticized Clinton on one issue after another. And when she landed on Benghazi—"Unlike Hillary Clinton, I know what difference it makes that our American ambassador and three other brave Americans were killed in a deliberate terrorist attack"—the crowd surged to its feet with a standing ovation.

"That's the first time I've ever seen her in person, and, frankly, I was moved by the speech. That takes a lot," says Sam Clovis, a former conservative radio host and tea-party favorite in Iowa. "It was the perfect speech on the perfect topic at the perfect place at the perfect time given in the perfect manner."

Fiorina, the only Republican woman actively considering a run for the White House, is taking on Clinton more forcefully and directly than any other GOP contender. It's a deliberate strategy meant to make headlines, differentiate her from the pack, and elevate her position on the national stage. And in the process, it's winning her friends, as Fiorina assumes an attack role that many Republican strategists think male GOP candidates need to avoid...

Keep reading.

This sounds pretty packaged and slickly marketed, and it's apparently working for her. But what's her game? Recall that Ms. Fiorina ran for U.S. Senate in 2010, and was defeated handily by Barbara Boxer. She's never held elective office. I imagine she's got even less of a chance to win the 2016 GOP nomination than Michele Bachmann had in 2012. Perhaps she's looking to do well in a primary or two to position herself as a legitimate running mate for the eventual nominee. A woman would certainly be a nice touch, and Fiorina's smart. She wouldn't generate the kind of attacks that hit Sarah Palin in 2008, although leftists are so evil I can imagine the most horrific smears on the former CEO even now. (Health issues? Say vicious attacks on her as a cancer survivor? Put nothing past the diabolical left.)

In any case, we'll see.