The 2016 Republican Primaries debate

The 2016 Republican Primaries debate

By E. Stanley Ukeni

The 2016 first Republican primaries debate has come and gone. And the verdict is in. the GOP front-runner, Donald Trump, held his grounds to retain his commanding lead in the opinion polls. This is despite the tough questions thrown at him by Fox News moderators. Many of the pundits were expecting him to make some unrecoverable gaffes, but that did not happen. He has firmly maintained his position on the leader board. And with this major huddle passed, Mr. Trump has proven himself to having the staying power to endure the bruising primaries campaign process

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He was hilarious and charming. But at the same time, he equally appeared tough and uncompromising. Frankly, Donald Trump came across as the most authentic person amongst the wide field of contenders at the debate. He seemed forthright and unambiguous—exactly what a disillusioned Republican electorate is looking for in a presidential candidate.    

Some have suggested that Trump’s response to some of the questions he was asked lacked depth, but I think that he gave exactly the responses that would resonate in the early battle ground States like Iowa and New Hampshire. I think that many would agree that the votes in the States Iowa and New Hampshire are mostly interested in candidates who demonstrate some gumption. They want to know that the man (or woman) they would nominate to run for the presidency of the United States of America is the sort of man who would not hesitate, even for a moment, to employ measured ruthlessness in dealing with any potential adversary of the United States who threatens American citizens, or the American way of life.

Some Republicans are peeved that Donald Trump decided to retain the option of running as an independent candidate if he loses the GOP nomination. I think that it was a brilliant strategic decision by Trump. This decision to retain all options shows him to be a shrewd politician, who would not allow anyone to shackle him while in the middle of a political brawl. After all, I’m sure he does not want to go the way of Herman Cain during the 2008 Republican primaries.   

David Axelrod, a former senior adviser on President Barack Obama’s two presidential campaigns, said in an interview on Friday—the day after the debate, that “Trump was Obnoxious and belligerent…” Sure he may have come across that way to some people, but that’s because he was genuinely intimidated by the other contenders, but above all, he was unafraid.

Most of the other candidates came across a bit nervous on stage. Sure this is reasonably understandable being that this was the first debate and a lot is at stake—particularly campaign funds. However, I think American voters tend to judge nervous candidates as unsure candidates. And nobody wants to vote for an unsure presidential candidate to lead the most powerful country in the free world.

In debate performance, I think that Senator Marco Rubio of Florida, Senator Ted Cruz of Texas, and Ohio Governor John Kasich did alright. But they kind of played it a bit too safe. It seems they were all trying to make sure that no of them made any blunders, while betting that Donald Trump would bungle on stage. Well, it was a bad bet. Next time, come out swinging. It may be your only chance to dislodge Mr. Trump from the leader board. This strategy is not without risk of course. Trump may retaliate—and you should expect him to. This is after all politics.

I like Ben Carson. He is a remarkable man, who has accomplished remarkable feats in life. I’ve read some of his book…they are very inspiring. However, retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson came across quite intellectually condescending. That does not translate well with voters. I think he should strongly consider replacing the person, or persons, that prepared him for the debate.

Dr. Carson did not immediately strike me as someone who was in the race to clinch the Republican presidential nomination. Rather, I saw him as merely using the primaries platform to raise his political profile for a possible Senate or governorship run in the near future. But I could be way off the mark here. He may yet surprise everyone. I, for one, would be happy to see that scenario play out.

My advice to the good doctor… If you want to become a serious contender for the presidential nomination, you need to dazzle the electorate with an in-depth understanding of the complex problems facing America today—both foreign and domestic, and then offer up easy to understand solutions to tackling them. You’re smart; I think you can do it.

And for the next debate, please keep this in mind… A smart person does not need to tell people that you need an intelligent leader to solve the nation’s problems. The need for intelligent leadership should be demonstrated rather than enunciated. Well, perhaps I’m not quite smart enough to offer this opinion to the good doctor.

In any case, the campaign season is off to a roaring start. We should expect a number of twists and turns. And be prepared for a few surprises. It’s going to be an exciting season.

Authored by E. Stanley Ukeni. Copyright © 2015. All Rights Reserved.