Here’s a quick rundown about how to think of each of the candidates after the first Republican debate.
Nikki Haley: Smart, thoughtful, presidential. This woman is far and away the most impressive person on that stage. Talks straight, smart policies, bold, fiery when needed. I went into the debate hoping someone would impress me and she did.
Vivek Ramaswamy: One of the smartest idiots in politics. The man starts talking and you go, “holy crap, is this a good point?” And then he says something like “We need to defund the FBI” and you go. Oh that’s right, he’s a moron. And he’s really good at playing the not-a-politician card, but he’s a really good politician. Why else ask everyone to pledge to pardon Donald Trump on the stage?
Ron DeSantis: Who? Seriously, he barely spoke and when he did he barely said anything. Many platitudes and so many references to his Covid policies in Florida. We get it Ron, you were anti-lockdown before it was cool.
Asa Hutchinson: Let’s just call him the Ben Carson of this race. Seriously, snore. I don’t doubt he was a good Governor, but I’m blown away he was able to qualify for the debate. I don’t imagine he’ll be in the race for very long.
Chris Christie: Disappointing when Trump isn’t on the stage. I like Chris and I think he’s probably my second favorite for the Presidency, but his performance last night was just fine. My favorite part was his going after Vivek and his praise of Mike Pence.
Mike Pence: Speaking of. He’s probably the other standout performance. Granted, I think his service in the Trump Presidency is a pretty big stain on his resume. But his performance last night and his actions on and after January 6th have been relatively impressive. But he’s got a way of speaking that’s very inspiring, honestly a great reprieve from Ron and Vivek talking about “a country in decline.” I like someone who still believes in America.
Tim Scott: I was told Scott was the happy warrior. I didn’t see fight or happiness in him last night. I saw a story he was told by his advisors to repeat over and over about being the son of a single mom and how the american dream is still alive because it worked for him. Idk, I’ve never been very impressed with Scott, he always seemed like the token black friend of the Trump presidency and while I’m sure he’s an impressive man (he is a senator), it seems like he’s trying to capitalize on that, rather than anything he’s done or any political capital he’s gained as Senator.
Doug Burgum: Small town boy. Honestly seems super impressive, but I don’t think he’s ready for the big stage. Often fumbled over his words and said things like “people always talk about what’s going wrong in big cities, but nobody talks about what’s going right in small towns.” Which is as rehearsed as it is wrong.
The last thing that needs to be said, and it needs to be said over and over and over and over and over and over is that every single one of these people would be a better choice for President than the Elephant Who Wasn’t on the Stage. When you are thinking about 2024, I would encourage everyone - Democrats included - to vote in republican Primaries. Because it looks like Biden will shuffle (in the old way, not the dance way) to the nomination, your vote is not needed in the democratic nominating process and the most important thing we as a country can do is keep enemy of the constitution, Donald J. Trump, as far away from the white house as possible. So, Democrats, Republicans, Independents, and Libertarians, please pick one of these people and vote for them, campaign for them, and donate to them.