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GOP Debate 11.10.2015

The red "GOP" logo used by the party...
The red "GOP" logo used by the party for its website (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
I watched both GOP debates last night on the Fox Business Network and have to say that I was much more impressed with the quality of the questions and behavior of the moderators than I was with CNBC. I don't say that because I am conservative or somehow allied with any Fox network-- believe me, I could live without Bill O'Reilly or Shawn Hannity! (I should say as a matter of full disclosure that, even though I find O'Reilly to be somewhat arrogant and egotistical, I do like several of his books).

I'm not going to get into who "won or lost the debate" as many like to speculate. I doubt there was anything that will seriously move any poll numbers much. However, I would like to raise one topic for discussion that came from the earlier debate that bears examining: the question of "which Democrat do you most admire (or words to that effect)" that none of the candidates would answer. In fact, it was likened to the silly CNBC question about fantasy football. I find nothing silly about it at all, as I think it speaks to a candidate's ability to work across the aisle to get things done and could offer the voter some insight as to whether or not someone is best suited to do just that.  One of the reasons the Clinton presidency has some successes to its credit was Bill's ability to reach across the aisle, moving more to the center after his first two years. I am sure his first mid-terms after taking office taught him something! I don't see that Obama's taught him anything. This is not to say that I think Clinton was a great president-- his obvious failure was sadly a costly one of integrity. But we can learn from anyone. We all set examples-- some good, some bad. In this case, Clinton did set a good example in his willingness to negotiate and compromise to get things done. We must break the current crippling polarization in Washington and get some work done.

I'd love to know your thoughts on this topic. Other topics to come as the election season starts to heat up!

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