Presidential race 2016

[HairOfTheDog]

And I believe that Trump accurately stated that contributions are investments for future favors.

Some people contribute to causes because they believe in them and they care. Some only for selfish motives, like hoping for future favors from those to whom they contribute and tax write-offs. Some probably for both.

Donald Trump claims that he donated a lot to Democratic candidates and causes in the past just for favors. Maybe that's true, or maybe it's just the answer that serves him best as a GOP Presidential candidate. In any case, I don't think it's a vote-getter for him, nor do I think Donald Trump's donation-motivation accurately applies to all, which he never claimed it did. Many people and businesses who contribute to politicians and parties will never be in a position to ask for favors. He answered only for himself, in his unique position.

I believe FOX News was too full of themselves . . . it seems the moderators spoke more than the candidates.

I thought it was generally well done and went very quickly. The questions were tougher than I'd expected and provided a good opportunity for the candidates to get out from under some of their most-criticized statements/positions (or to sink their own ships, which I think they all managed to avoid).

(I did get the sense that Megyn Kelly was intentionally assigned to question Trump and their little exchange was anticipated. I also think Trump's celebrity is largely responsible for the ratings bonanza.)

The GOP needs to drop the Obama care and pro life rhetoric . . . they've proven that, when given the chance, they aren't willing to confront either issue. It's bullshit.

Yep. I don't think they'll ever stop with the religious pro-life rhetoric, however.

Thanks, HotD . . . your post on what you get from the "debates" inspired me to tune in.

I like reading your take on things and discussing them with you, so I'm glad you listened-in for whatever reason.

Did I mention that I can't stand Bush?

I was almost ready to write Bush off before he even officially announced his candidacy because I disagree with him on some issues of importance to me (and, frankly, also because of his name).

But, I'm trying to listen objectively to all of the candidates and, so far, I like Bush on immigration and education. He did better than I'd expected in the debate.

I expected Paul to be a little stronger in stating/selling his positions, and Bush to be a little weaker.