CNBC vs. The GOP

I finally got around to watching last night's debate (if you want to call it that) and found it to be quite interesting. In a normal Presidential debate format, the issues are brought up and the candidates try to explain why they would be the best person to handle them. But CNBC took it in a whole other direction last night. Instead of focusing on the economy and job creation, the moderators (Carl Quantanilla, Becky Quick and John Harwood) decided to launch into a personal attack agenda against the Republican candidates.

The agenda was quickly acknowledged by the candidates. Senator Ted Cruz was the first to call out the moderators for their below-the-belt tactics. But the other candidates quickly joined in and exposed CNBC for what it is, a left-wing Super PAC. The only candidate who fell into the trap was Jeb Bush, who took the bait and attempted to call out Marco Rubio for being absent during the majority of his Senate votes. But the young Senator quickly turned the tide on Bush and made him look like an idiot.

Jeb Bush also took the bait on another question regarding online betting and fantasy football. Instead of pushing back at the moderators for asking such a stupid question, Bush used the opportunity to brag about being 7-0 in his fantasy league. Chris Christie eventually intervened and basically said, "Seriously? With all of the problems facing America right now, we're talking about fantasy football?"

Dr. Ben Carson, who has been climbing to the top spot in recent polls, was blatantly targeted by the CNBC moderators. One of the moderators tried to paint Dr. Ben Carson as a homophobe. Carson described this as another myth propagated by the left. He acknowledged that he believes marriage should be between a man and woman but he has no personal issue with gay people. At another point, Carson's judgement was called into question by the moderator. This immediately brought a chorus of loud boos from the live audience. Carson just smiled and said, "See, they know."

The CNBC agenda became so obvious that the audience began to voice their disapproval more and more as each ridiculous question was asked. Mike Huckabee, who happens to be a preacher, was asked if Donald Trump had "the moral authority" to be President. Huckabee, recognizing the loaded question, simply said that Trump is a good man and would be a better President than Hillary. Touche! And Trump made it known what he thought when he replied, "What a nasty question." (Earlier in the debate, Trump was asked if he was a comic book version of a Presidential candidate.)

In the end, CNBC came out of this looking really bad. The long-time Republican claim of a biased media was on full display for an estimated 14 million viewers. Instead of having the candidates turn on each other, the candidates united and turned on the moderators. In a nut shell, CNBC's tactic blew up in their face.

There were brief moments when legitimate issues were discussed. But too much time was wasted on nonsense. By the end of the two hours, the debate began to resemble a Saturday Night Live skit.

If I had to pick a winner of last night's debate, I would have to go with Marco Rubio. He stayed on point, not getting distracted by the ongoing sideshow. He actually looked quite Presidential. He may not get the nomination this year, but I can definitely see this guy in the White House one day.

Donald Trump was his normal self. I thought he handled things pretty well. I liked his closing statement where he pointed out that he negotiated the debate down to the two hours after it had originally been scheduled for three to four hours. When John Harwood said that the debate had always been scheduled for two hours, Trump basically called him a liar.

Not surprising, Ben Carson came across looking like the nice guy. He articulated his answers in his usual calm tone. In his closing statement, he thanked the candidates for not taking the bait by the moderators. Carson definitely didn't hurt himself last night. He could very well wind up getting the nomination.

Chris Christie had a few good "let's stop the bullshit" moments. Overall, I'd say he did a pretty good job. However, I do not like the way he searches for the camera every time he delivers a statement. I know he's attempting to "talk directly to America" but comes off as a little too Martin Owe'Malley-ish.

I though Carly Fiorina had a pretty good night. She was grilled for being fired by Hewlett Packard but she still managed to hold her own. I particularly liked the way she pointed out that every time the government gets engaged in something, it gets worse.

Senator Ted Cruz won some big points for lambasting the moderators for their stupid questions and personal attacks. I expect to see him move up a spot or two.

The one candidate that may have hurt his chances was Jeb Bush. He looked a little rattled. He seems to be reaching a point of desperation. His pissing contest with Marco Rubio was a perfect example.

The candidates who seem to be irrelevant at this stage are Mike Huckabee, Rand Paul and John Kasich. I would expect them to pull out before long.

Until the next debate.......

kw