Last night’s debate was certainly an exciting start to the 2016 campaign. From references to everything from Siamese twin separation surgery to former mailmen fathers to effective immigration reform, nearly every issue was covered in the two-hour long debate hosted by Fox News and Facebook. Here’s a look at some of the top ten moments from the debate.
1. Sen. Rubio zings weak Democrat field
Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) delivered what was arguably the zinger of the night, saying that the Democrat Party is unable to find a suitable candidate.
2. Gov. Christie and Sen. Paul spar over Fourth Amendment
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) have some pretty divergent views on national security techniques. They got in one of the more intense moments of the night when they quarreled over the NSA and other programs.
3. Donald Trump won’t rule out third-party run
The tone of the debate was quickly set, when Donald Trump refused to sign a pledge saying that he would support the eventual nominee and would not run as a third-party candidate.
4. Gov. Kasich gives solid response to same-sex marriage question
Ohio Gov. John Kasich gave a compassionate answer when asked about his anti-same sex marriage views. Kasich pushed “love” over political opinions, and decried the issue as one that is “planted to divide us.” His response was measured, reasonable, without violating any of his central beliefs.
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5. Dr. Carson felt a little left out
The bulk of the first half hour focused on Trump, Bush, and Rubio. Needless to say, the camera time disparity didn’t go unnoticed by some of the lower-polling candidates, or Twitter users.
6. Gov. Walker slams Hillary Clinton
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker did not mince words when it came to Hillary Clinton’s foreign policy work while serving as Secretary of State. He claimed that everywhere Clinton touched is more “messed up” than before.
7. Donald Trump on his past sexist remarks
Megyn Kelly confronted Trump on his past disparaging comments about women, to which he jokingly replied that he was only referring to his longtime foe Rosie O’Donnell. O’Donnell, to her credit, contained herself and responded with a markedly classier remark on Twitter:
try explaining that 2 ur kids
— Rosie (@Rosie) August 7, 20158. Dr. Carson pushes national unity
Carson said that he felt unity is the source of America’s strength, and that people are trying to weaken America by pitting people against each other.
9. Donald Trump asked when he became a Republican
Kelly certainly wasn’t tossing softball questions tonight. She confronted Trump about his past liberal views (Trump once supported abortion rights, gun control, and single-payer healthcare), asking when he actually became a Republican. Trump assured the audience that he is now against abortion and is pro-life.
10. Sen. Rubio on immigration reform and border security
Rubio cited calls to his office from would-be legal immigrants who have followed all of the laws, hired lawyers and paid fees, yet still are shut out from the country. Rubio agrees that we need increased border security, but also pushed e-verify and other programs to protect national security.
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