- Which candidate benefited most from Trump's absence? Which one benefited least? Explain citing specific examples from the debate.
- Will skipping the debate hurt or help Trump in the caucus and primary results? Explain
Friday, January 29, 2016
Last Republican Debate
Last night was the last Republican debate before the Iowa Caucus on
Monday. Donald Trump chose not to attend because he felt he was being
treated unfairly by Fox News (the sponsor). Instead, he held a
fundraiser for veterans five minutes down the road from the debate.
Answer the following questions:
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1. I think that Jeb Bush benefited most from Trump's absence because he was able to talk more and showed some more confidence (since Trump wasn't there to rebuttal his answers). Jeb was able to make a comment about how out of all the candidates, he stood up to Trump the most, even jokingly calling him a teddy bear. If Trump was there, Bush would not have gotten away with that comment. On the other hand, I think that Ted Cruz benefited least from Trump's absence. Since Cruz was the 'front runner' at the debate, he was questioned most by the other candidates and the moderators. For example, many of the candidates insulted Cruz on his stance on the NSA, saying he was flip flopper. Personally, I do not think Cruz was able to handle the pressure as well as front runner should, and it seemed like he was just as good as Bush and Rubio (when he should've surpassed them).
ReplyDelete2. I'm unsure on whether Trump missing the debate will help or hurt him. It may help him among veterans because he held a veteran fundraiser, however many people said that since he couldn't get along with moderator Megyn Kelly (or with Fox in general), how are we expected to have him get along with stubborn politicians and world leaders. In my eyes, he hurt himself by not going to the debate. Trump needs to put his big boy pants on and attend one of the most important debates of the year. It also let other candidates bash on him without him being able to insult them or come up with dumb excuses. Trump missed out by not being there, but at the same time Cruz wasn't able to step up to the plate either.
1. Bush benefited by Trump's absence the most, with Paul coming in a close second. Throughout every debate previous to this one, Bush could not get a word in without getting "trumped". In last night's debate, however, he could actually explain some of his positions and even throw some punches himself, such as counterattacking Rubio after he questioned Bush's record on immigration. Cruz benefited the least. I'd even say he was hurt by Trump's absence. Trump is by far Cruz's biggest obstacle in Iowa and beyond, and Cruz needed to find a way to get the little momentum he needed to overcome the Trump. this debate could have been that moment, but instead, it was Cruz getting pressured and called out on his blatant flip-flopping while Trump got away without a scratch.
ReplyDelete2. Trump definitely benefitted by skipping the debate. Like I said, it was Cruz's one and final chance to gain momentum on Trump. He did a smart thing by dodging the potential bullet, and locked in the victory in NH. While the Iowa Caucuses are still a coin flip, Trump tipper the odds towards him by shutting down a golden opportunity for Cruz.
Katelyn Wolfgang:
ReplyDelete1. I believe that Jeb Bush benefitted the most from Trump not being there. Without Trump there, he was not repeatedly insulted and talked over as he has been in past debates. He was able to get his point across and expand on his policies and beliefs. He was able to explain what he believed they should do about terrorism such as embedding troops and creating a no fly zone. He also was able to attack Rubio on his view on immigration and turn Rubio’s attempts at attacking him back on him. Cruz benefitted the least. He was asked a large amount of questions and attacked on his policies and actions by the other candidates. He did not seem to be able to stand up to the onslaught. On stage, he made a comment on them attacking him and said that if they continued he would just leave. This seems more like a child whining about a toy than a responsible adult being questioned on his ideas. It just appears that he could not handle the pressure and showed that he might not be able to handle being president as the president is often questioned on his or her choices, yet it appears he cannot deal with it.
2. I believe Trump benefitted from not appearing at the debate. A large amount of people turn into the debates to view him and so he did hurt the viewings of the debate. Also, by stating he was not going to the debate, he got a large amount of media coverage and once again focused people on him. By not going to the debate, he avoided the attacks from other candidates and did not get pulled into arguments as he often has been in past debates.Finally, by not attending the debate, he avoided having the Fox network painting him in a negative image during the broadcast.
1. Jeb Bush benefited the most from Trump's absence. Bush usually receives insults and is questioned by Trump (it seems) every time Bush opens his mouth. However, without Trump being present Bush was able to get his opinions and policy plans voiced more (NYT says Bush seems to have even won the debate). One interesting moment was when Bush accused Rubio of choosing to "cut and run" from his past commitment for immigration reform in the Senate. Bush said that Rubio only would do what appeals to conservatives; if Trump was present, he would have not allowed Bush to have a successfully called out Rubio. Overall, Bush seemed to act more confident without Trump being present.
ReplyDeleteCruz benefited the least from Trump's absence. Since Trump is the usual front-runner, Cruz became the new center of attention. Cruz did not seem ready for this responsibility. This is true because when Cruz pointed out that the moderators kept getting the other candidates to attack him, the moderator responded with: "It's a debate sir."
2. Trump's attendance or absence from the debate would not have affected his support either way. Trump supporters seem to support Trump despite what Trump says or does (ex: Trump talks about ending outsourcing, yet still largely practices it- supporters still believe in his economic policies). However, from the POV of anyone, no matter the party, Trump holding a fundraiser for vets was a beneficial move. Supporting vets is a cause many can agree on. In addition, Trump not being in attendance at the debate made Cruz, Trump's biggest competition, look bad.
I think Donald Trump benefited most from his own absence. Televised debates have only been around for the last 50 years or so, and a number of high profile presidential candidates have skipped out in that time: i.e Ronald Reagan, Richard Nixon, and even Mitt Romney. Trump, as the front runner, was happy with his position and figured he had no need to win any more votes. The debate may have even hurt him, because no matter what he says, he has performed poorly in recent debates. This is largely due to the lack of substance in many of his claims. Even on his platform website there is almost zero actual data; in contrary, to someone like Bernie Sanders who has a simple list of his plans including data. For example, one of Trump's statements on his website is that he plans to do a better deal with China. One from Sanders's sight states that he plans to raise payroll tax for everyone by .2%. This lack of substance has seeped into the debates as they have become more scrutinizing. Some may argue that it actually hurt Trump because it may make him seem apathetic; however, I doubt this will gain any real substance among his supporters. Nothing has put them off so far.
ReplyDeletePart 2: I think Rubio benefited least. Most commentators have said Cruz had a poor performance, but I believe this is because they are busy riding the Rubio train. Marco Rubio has been extremely dishonest throughout his career even about the simplest of things: i.e his parents "refugee status". The debate highlighted this through the video of him seemingly supporting amnesty, and then blatantly lying about it, and saying that he never supported it. The problem there isn't supporting amnesty, it's lying about supporting amnesty. (Amnesty is actually the most efficient fix to the U.S illegal immigration problem, as illegal immigrants actually provide more money to the U.s Government then they take from it.). In the current U.S presidential race 'voters' are looking for anti politician. Marco is the perfect sleazy politician, and I Thursday highlighted that. Perhaps the Iowan voters will be able to see through the media's crap and recognize that not matter how terrible Ted Cruz is, Marco Rubio is just as bad.
Part 3: Perhaps I should've read this question before starting the other one... No, but obviously I think it will have no effect on Trump's position in Iowa. The people that are already considering voting for him might even be encourage by this move of 'bravado'.
*site
Delete1. It was very obvious that of all the candidates who benefited from Trumps absence, it was Jeb Bush. Without being constantly badgered, Jeb Bush was able to get across most of his points. Bush got to talk about training zones for sunnis and creating safe zones for refugees.
ReplyDelete2. I believe Donald Trump benefited from not attending the debate because as a result he had less opportunities to say stupid things. Even though his die hard fans will continue to support him, there are now more people that aren't opposed to him because he didn't offend them during the debate.
1. Kaisch seemed to benefit the least from Trump's absence. Kaisch refused to speak bluntly and focused more on backtracking to other topics that he was not directly asked to respond to. When Megan Kelly asked him about Back Door and technology and safety, he dodged the subject and claimed that it's a subject to be dealt with in the White House. It was like he didn't even speak. It would have been the same if Trump was there. Kaisch who?
ReplyDeleteI think Jeb Bush benefited the most. Instead of fighting with Trump on all topics, he was able to give clear and concise answers. He admitted that he did change his view on immigration, which Marco Rubio attacked. This was Rubio's mistake as Bush was able to point out how Rubio not only changed his view on immigration, but ran away from his bill. Jeb Bush reached out to some more moderate voters with his moderate, but still conservative responses. When Dulce Candy asked about immigrants and entrepreneurship, Bush said conservatives should celebrate entrepreneurship. He recognizes that immigration policy can distinguish between terror-seeking and just dream-seeking immigrants.
2. Trumps absence will not drastically affect his success (or lack thereof) in the polls. Those who support Trump are radical, white, conservative males. Those voters will continue to vote for him in the primaries, seeing that those who support him currently is a part of the same population that votes in the primaries. With Trump’s absence, he still found a way to garner support by fundraising for Veterans, a surprising move. He raised $6 million.
Trump was not really gone either. The debate started out with various comments about Donald Trump. The candidates’ intentions were to draw attention away from Trump for the rest of the debate, but rather they put him at the forefront of the public’s minds. He was even mention, perhaps not by name, through “jokes” such as when Cruz threatened to leave the stage if he was asked any more mean questions, a very Trump-esque joke.
1. Jeb Bush definitely benefited most from the Donald Trump not being at the debate. Jeb was able to speak his points and actually looked like he had confidence that wasn't beaten down by Trump. He really did well on the immigration part and explained his plan well on ISIS making you wonder where he would be at if Trump wasn't in the race at all. However without Trump as the focus Cruz was attacked and definitely hurt from it. He really unraveled once he started trying to lecture the moderator and threatened to leave. He was booed multiple times around that time and he was obviously raveled claiming all those questions were aimed to attack him. He had a very difficult time explaining his immigration statements on the video and amnesty views.
ReplyDelete2. Trump's absence didn't bother me too much but I think he neither benefited or hurt Trump. The reason why is Trump seems like he can do no wrong at this point especially after claiming he could shoot people in the street and gain votes. This is obviously insane but still none of his supporters seem to care. I think him not going was because he doesn't really have any content and this debate was focused on all the real plans of the candidates which Trumps platform doesn't have making it suicide to go into.
-Jake Haines
1. I think Jeb Bush definitely benefited the most from Trump's absence. During many debates Trump criticizes Bush, so Trump's absence seemed to put Bush at ease and he was able to give more confident, clear answers and statements of his ideas. Cruz benefited the least from Trump's absence. Trump is Cruz's biggest opponent going in to Iowa, and he was unable to better his stance against him. Cruz also didn't seem to handle being the de facto front runner, claiming many of the questions were directed at attacking him.
ReplyDelete2. Trump skipping the debate most likely helped his results in Iowa. Many people are sentimental about events and fundraisers supporting and benefiting veterans. His fundraiser also gave him more positive media coverage than he probably would have received at the debate.
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ReplyDelete1. I think Jeb Bush benefited the most from Trump's absence. This is evident because the audience heard more of Bush's ideas and less criticism from Trump. Furthermore, Bush was certainly energetic in presenting his stance and, with the spotlight off Trump, his voice was heard. His response to Nabela Noor and plan for ISIS (i.e. having a no-fly zone in Syria) showed how he stayed focused during the debate rather than thinking about how to defend himself against Trump.
ReplyDeleteI think Ted Cruz benefited the least from Trump's absence because he was the one who was most attacked. Usually, the spotlight is on Trump who is the most attacked which is why he didn't even come to the debate. At one point, Ted remarked to the moderators how he thought every question to every other candidate was designed to negatively target him. In fact, he said that he would leave if this continued to occur.
2. I think Trump skipping the debate will help in the primary and caucus results because he has said everything that he needs to say, avoided further arguments and attacks, and smartly displayed his empathy towards veterans by holding a fundraiser for them in Iowa. I think Iowa already knows who he is, and I feel as if the debate would not have made a drastic difference in its votes.
1. I think Jeb Bush benefitted the most from Trump's absence. Without Trump controlling the debate and cutting him off, Bush was able to talk more and explain some of his policies and beliefs.
ReplyDelete2. Missing the debate won't help or hurt Trump. He is still stuck at around thirty-five percent, and although he did get a lot of airtime from news broadcasters, I do not think it will affect his voters or change the minds of his non-supporters.
1. I believe Jeb Bush benefited the most from Trump's absence. Jeb was able to express his views and ideas without Trump cutting him off or dragging him into an argument. It appeared that Cruz benefited the least from Trumps absence. He became the front runner of the debate, and had to deal with more pressure from questions or insults from candidates. I don't think Cruz was able to handle the pressure of being the front runner very well, and might've even been hurt by Trumps absence.
ReplyDelete2. I think Trump benefited from missing the debate. First it drew lots of views away from the debate, and toward him, giving him more of the attention he needs. By dodging the debate, he avoided being dragged into arguments with other candidates like in previous debates and avoided being painted in a negative light by Fox. Overall I doubt his supporters with jump ship, and I doubt non supporters will switch sides after missing the debate.
~Eyad Hasan
With the absence of Trump, I think the real winner of the GOP debate might have actually been Hillary Clinton, or Bernie Sanders, whoever is the eventual Democratic nominee. Since Trump was not present to distract viewers from the other candidates, viewers were able to see just how bad the pool of candidates is. The person who gained the least was definitely Ted Cruz. Ted Cruz was the center of attention at this debate and did not seem ready for the pressure that came along with that, being attacked the most did not help his case either. By seeing just how different all the candidates are I think moderate voters may move more towards the left to a group of candidates that is seen as more focused on the issues than on each other. Within the GOP I think the big winner here might have been Jeb Bush. Finally free from Trump he was able to shine as a viable candidate, confident and more focused on issues than defending himself from Trump. I also thought Rand Paul did well, he was sharp and, despite being libertarian, came off as a moderate. Moderate and liberal voters probably liked his pointing out that despite drug use being relatively the same race to race, the incarceration rate is skewed against African Americans, or his non-interventionist approach to US security. Sadly for Rand though, I do not think an absolutely incredible performance could have helped him in the polls and therefore he didn’t benefit.
ReplyDeleteTrump will probably be largely unaffected by skipping the debate. As he said, he could probably shoot someone in the middle of Fifth Avenue and it would not hurt his poll numbers. If anything his numbers may increase slightly because voters may shy away from a group of candidates who struggle to even attract support within their own party. His skipping might also be viewed as a bold move and he could spin that as “Presidents need to make bold moves.” Also, with all the press generated by him deciding to not show up he probably got more media exposure than had he gone. In fact, despite him not being at the debate his name was still the most mentioned GOP candidate name on twitter during the debate.
-Kohl Kuntze
I believe Jeb Bush benefited most from the debate with Trump's absence. Bush was able to fully express his ideas without Trump swiftly silencing him with an argument or secondary debate. I believe Ted Cruz benefited least from the debate because with Trump missing, Cruz attracted more attention from the audience and moderates, so he was accordingly asked more difficult questions, as well as having to receive attacks from other candidates. He seemed extremely unprepared to handle the spotlight and consequently appeared less than fair in the debate.
ReplyDeleteTrump actually seemed to benefit from missing the debate. As always, attention was put on him for whatever he may have done. In this case, it was declaring to skip the debate. Consequently, he was interviewed multiple times and sought out in order to answer questions and comment on his reasons for skipping the debate.
- Bryan Mejia-Medina
I think that Jeb Bush benefitted the most from Trump's absence; he was more confident and was able to clearly express his stance on issues instead of focusing on defending all of Donald's attacks. I thought Rand Paul benefitted as well. He had a lot of supporters there and got a lot more speaking time, and he used his time well. Ted Cruz definitely benefitted the least since he had to face all the attacks from the other candidates and moderators that normally would be aimed at Trump. He spent the entire debate having to backtrack his words and defend his views.
ReplyDeleteSkipping the debate probably helped Trump since he didn't have to face another string of difficult questions from the Fox moderators. He doesn't need the extra publicity, and his 35% club will stick with him regardless of his presence. Voters already know where he stands on policy and the Iowans that felt disrespected by his absence weren't the ones who would be voting for Trump anyway.
1. Jeb Bush definitely benefitted most from Trump's absence at the debate. Without being completely criticized and badgered by Trump, Bush seemed more confident and comfortable. He was able to actually speak up without being cut off as usual. He was able to express his views and plans for ISIS, immigration and refugees very well. Ted Cruz benefitted the least from this debate. If Trump wasn't running, Cruz would naturally be the "Trump" in this election. So, when Trump wasn't there, the attention was all on Ted Cruz. He had to face the pressure of most of the tough questions and also all of the insults that Trump would usually get.
ReplyDelete2. Not showing up to the debate actually helped Trump. With him not, showing up, all the attention was on Ted Cruz, and Cruz ended up doing badly. Cruz was Trump's only real competition, so Trump still will stay in the lead. He also showed that he was philanthropic by supporting the veterans rather than going to the debate.
1. I seem to think that Donald Trump benefited most from his own absence. I feel like Cruz took the part of Trump in a way because, not only did he mock him, but he took the same stance Trump would on ISIS, saying he would "vigorously hunt" them down and "destroy" them. Cruz was definitely more passionate about his view on foreign policy and protecting the US. Bush also had some key points against Trump and how he degrades women, the disabled, and Hispanics; however, while these points were great and the atmosphere was much calmer, I still feel that Trump benefited most from not being present. Trump is so energetic and outspoken that I feel like the other candidates become predictable without him. Trump brings out new sides to his candidates, and I feel that it was less interesting without him. He benefited from not being present in that it was KNOWN by everyone watching and not watching, and left him in the back of their minds. I feel like he was stirring the pot a bit and almost saying "I'm going to sit this one out, but look at those lunatics try to argue without me."
ReplyDelete2. Like I said, I think Trump's results in the caucus or primaries was helped or unchanged with his absence. He has been a front runner for months now, and I don't think that him sitting out on this one effected his results or followers.
-Emily Roché
1. Donald Trump benefited most from his own absence. Front runners in the party have done this before and I think it was smart on his part. Some say Jeb Bush benefitted most, but all Jeb did was point out Trumps absence. He talked more about Trump than his own policy. It just showcased why Jeb Bush is a weak candidate. Trump supporters werent watching so Jeb was just preaching to the choir because most people watching probably arent voting for Trump. Jeb should have used this debate to truly establish himself as a candidate. Ted Cruz benefited least because he was the new target as Trump was absent.
ReplyDelete2. I think it helps him because anyone who is voting for trump isnt going to change their mind over the debate without him. He probably gained more republican voters in the process due to the veterans event he held. Trump is the frontrunner and the debate didnt change that.
-Nick Pignetti
1) Jeb Bush benefited from Trump's absence because he didn't have someone picking on him constantly, and didn't need to fire back at Trump all the time. He could argue more on his own policy and beliefs, and he did - he made a very good argument on his immigration policy, and even managed to target Rubio as a flip-flopper on his policy. Ted Cruz benefited the least from Trump's absence. Without Trump, most of the attention was given to Cruz, which could be a mixed blessing. He was asked many hard questions, and started to feel the pressure of being targeted by other candidates who normally target Trump. He also cracked a few jokes at the beginning regarding Trump's absence, which I thought was strange and certainly unnecessary.
ReplyDelete2) I think Trump benefited. Even by announcing that he wasn't going to be in the debate, he caused a big stir in the media, and that certainly benefited the campaign. He also used his time to hold a fundraiser for veterans, which not only shows that he cares about our vets (which would increase votes), it also shows that he is still fighting for votes and is not satisfied with where he is in the polls.
1) Jeb Bush certainly benefited more from Trump's absence than anyone else, because Jeb seems to be the target of a lot of Trump's attacks despite not even being close to the front runner, and he faces ridicule from Trump at just about every turn, but with Trump being gone, Jeb was able to come out of his shell a little bit and make very solid stances on things such as immigration, without having to dodge around Trump and his antics.
ReplyDelete2) Seeing as I'm a bit late, my answer is probably skewed, but I think Trump might be finished in this race. He's always been one to say that a winner is a winner, and a loser is a loser, and after seeing his speech after the caucus in Iowa, I said to myself, "This is not Trump". He was acting different, apologetic, and humble. He only congratulated people, and did nothing to insult or ridicule anybody, but most certainly, he is losing momentum. Maybe he planned for this to happen, maybe it's a part of his master plan, maybe he's playing us all, who knows when it comes to Donald Trump.
In the previous debates, Trump to Bush was a menacing grizzly bear; however, in this Trump-less debate, Bush spoke on Trump's absence saying that he kinda missed him and that he was his teddy bear. This shows how Trump's absence sparked a Jeb Bush comeback as he was more relaxed and spoke more confidently when asked questions that usually would give Trump a big opportunity to bash and taunt him. Cruz benefited the least. Because he was the next best candidate, the other candidates bombarded him with their best take-downs e.g. Rubio claiming that his campaign was built on a lie because of his position on immigration and his statement on the elimination of the ethanol mandate bring rage from the Iowan governor.
ReplyDeleteIf I had written this before the caucus, I probably would have said that Trump not attending the debate would have benefited him greatly. This is because he has been taking campaign risks and making very bold statements since his campaign begun; thus, him doing this was something that his supporters would expect from him. Trump is a major outlier in the Republican presidential debate. I recently read an article that spoke about how the debate was quieter, more predictable, and less controversial due to Trump's absence. That being said, Trump not attending the debate actually hurt him and resulted in him landing in 2nd place (which infuriated him). However, him being Donald Trump, he some how found a way to make it a win for him by completely contradicting his persona saying that, no one believed he would have been able to come this far into the race and actually be on top.
Gerald Bonsu
1. I think Jeb Bush benefitted the most from Trump's because he could talk freely without Trump's interruptions and his responses to all of Bush's answers. However, I think Cruz benefitted the least because he was asked the most questions but didn't respond to them in a manor that was convincing that he could handle all of the questions that were coming his way.
ReplyDelete2. I think Trump skipping the debate won't change his numbers because the people who are behind Trump are 100% behind him, no matter what he says. Like he said before, he can shoot someone in the middle of 5th avenue and his poll numbers wouldn't change. This I think could be true because his followers are almost obsessed with him.
1. I feel that we as viewers benefited the most out of Trumps absence. The debate had a much calmer and more professional tone. With trump not there insulting women, Hispanics, the disabled, and pretty much anyone that isn't a white male, the moderators were able to get questions about policy and actually get some answers without it turning into a circus like the previous debates.
ReplyDelete2. I feel that Trump skipping out on the debates will hurt his chances in the Iowa caucus. It shows that he will run and hide instead of standing up to challenges. Which a president of one of the most powerful countries in the world cant do. It shows that when faced with someone he doesn't like he backs off and hides. When dealing with sensitive situations like the soldiers being captured by Iran he has to face them head on and not hide.
-Rishabh Mistry
1. Jeb Bush benfitted from Trump's absense as he was finally given an opportunity to get points across without the constant attacks from Trump. The entire debate didnt have to listen or focus on the harsh and inappropriate comments from
ReplyDeleteTrump which gave everyone, (mostly Bush) the chance to breathe and worry about their own points. Jeb's defense tactic against Trump at previous debates had definitely hurt Jeb's campaign. He was finally given the chance to really debate and answer specific questions.
2. Im not sure if Trump's campaign was hurt or not by his absence. trump is very well known for his debates and his attacks on people and other candidates. Without the debate he receives less media attention whether it is good or bad. He also could have used the debate as his last chance to actually talk specifically about policy and answer some questions he has yet to answer before the early primaries.
Jeb Bush benefitted the most from Trump's absence in the Fox debate, as without the constant rebuts and insults from Trump he was able to communicate his points more effectively. Specifically, his plan for ISIS was brought out tactfully, which showed a more realistic plan to dealing with the organization. Ted Cruz was likely the candidate who benefitted the least from Trump's absence, as he became the target of many attacks without the presence of Trump in the debate. His Tea Party ideas were brought into question, where before they were overshadowed by the magnanimity of Trump's controversy.
ReplyDeleteTrump remains a popular candidate regardless of not attending debate, perhaps gaining even more votes for refusing to attend. It adds to his already colorful character, and as seen by how much he has spent on his campaign in relation to his popularity, it does not seem like it will diminish his performance in the caucus or primary results, as scary as that reality may be.
Teddy Chu
-Jeb Bush benefited the most from Trump's absence. Without Trump constantly bullying him Bush seemed to be more confident. This allowed him to explain his positions on policies, and even taking a few jabs at Rubio's stance on immigration. Cruz benefited the least from Trump's absence as he became the new center of attention, which he did not seem at all prepared for. He even made a comment that the moderators were trying to get all the other candidates to attack him.
ReplyDelete-Missing the debate didn't hurt Trump all that much, in fact his fundraising event got more media attention than the actual debate. Just his absence got him more attention. The fact is that Trump could come out at any time and say something crazy and out there and would have all eyes on him.