2016 Presidential Campaign Blog

What They are Saying about Lindsey Graham at the CNN Reagan Library Debate

STRAIGHT FROM THE HEADLINES: It’s Unanimous - Lindsey Graham ‘Dominated’ Early GOP Debate

Slate: Lindsey Graham Won CNN’s First GOP Debate. It Wasn’t Close.
(Josh Voorhees, “Lindsey Graham Won CNN’s First GOP Debate. It Wasn’t Close.” Slate, 09/16/15)
 
FROM SOCIAL MEDIA…

TIME: Lindsey Graham Won Google During The Republican Undercard Debate  (Tessa Berenson, “Lindsey Graham Won Google During The Republican Undercard Debate,” TIME, 09/16/15)

Politico: Lindsey Graham Dominates Google Searches During Undercard Debate  (Hadas Gold, “Lindsey Graham Dominates Google Searches During Undercard Debate,” Politico, 09/16/15)

ABC News: Why Lindsey Graham Is Trending After His Debate  (Ali Dukakis, “Why Lindsey Graham Is Trending After His Debate,” ABC News, 09/16/15)

CBS News: Lindsey Graham Wins Second-Tier #GOPDebate On Twitter  (Jennifer Earl, “Lindsey Graham wins second-tier #GOPDebate on Twitter,” CBS News, 09/16/15)
 
TO SUBSTANTIVE POLICY DISCUSSIONS...

FOX News: Graham Plays Elder Statesman In Second Tier Debate  (Staff, “Graham plays elder statesmen, Jindal lashes out at congressional GOP, in second tier debate,” FOX News.com, 09/16/15)

WSJ: Lindsey Graham: We Need 10000 Troops In Iraq  (Staff, “Lindsey Graham: We Need 10000 Troops In Iraq,” WSJ, 09/16/15)
FOX News: Graham Vows To End Syrian 'Hell' In Energetic Debate Performance  (Staff, “Graham Vows To End Syrian 'Hell' In Energetic Debate Performance,” FOX News, 09/16/15)

The Hill: Graham Jabs Santorum Over Immigration (Ben Kamisar, “Graham jabs Santorum over immigration,” The Hill, 09/16/15)

...TO JUST GENERALLY DOMINATING THE EARLY DEBATE, LINDSEY GRAHAM 'STOLE THE SPOTLIGHT.'

TIME: How Lindsey Graham Dominated The Undercard Debate (Zeke Miller & Philip Elliott, “How Lindsey Graham Dominated The Undercard Debate,” TIME, 09/16/15)

Washington Post: Lindsey Graham Roars Out Of The Gates – And Closes Strong  (Philip Bump, “Lindsey Graham Roars Out Of The Gates – And Closes Strong,” Washington Post, 09/16/15)

Business Insider: One Candidate Stole The Spotlight At The Early Republican Debate  (Colin Campbell, “One Candidate Stole The Spotlight At The Early Republican Debate,” Business Insider, 09/16/15)

Sun Times: DATA: Lindsey Graham Killed It At GOP Debate  (Chad Merda: “DATA: Lindsey Graham Killed It At GOP Debate,” Sun Times, 09/16/15)

CNN: Lindsey Graham Shines At Undercard Debate (Manu Raju, “Lindsey Graham Shines At Undercard Debate,” CNN, 09/17/15)
National Review Online: Lindsey Graham Channels McCain ’08 (Alexis Levinson, “Lindsey Graham Channels McCain ’08, National Review Online, 09/16/15)

Real Clear Politics: Lindsey Graham Stands Out In Undercard Debate (Rebecca Berg, “Lindsey Graham Stands Out in Undercard Debate,” Real Clear Politics, 09/16/15)

Jeb Bush to Speak at the Michigan Republican Party’s Mackinac Republican Leadership Conference on Mackinac Island, Michigan

JEB BUSH TO SPEAK AT MACKINAC REPUBLICAN LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
 
Miami, FL – On Friday night, Governor Jeb Bush will speak at the Michigan Republican Party’s Mackinac Republican Leadership Conference on Mackinac Island, Michigan.
 
Friday, September 18, 2015
 
Event:            Governor Bush to speak at the Michigan Republican Party’s Mackinac Republican Leadership Conference
 
Location:      Grand Hotel
 
286 Grand Avenue
 
Mackinac Island, MI 49757
 
 
Start Time:   Governor Bush is expected to speak at 8:30 PM EDT

Sen. Rand Paul to Participate in Mackinac Republican Leadership Conference on Saturday, September 19, 2015

Sen. Rand Paul to Participate in Mackinac Republican Leadership Conference

WASHINGTON, D.C.-  Sen. Rand Paul will continue his post-CNN debate tour by participating in the Mackinac Republican Leadership Conference on Saturday, September 19, 2015.

At the conference, Sen. Paul will present his message of liberty-- the importance of protecting the entire Bill of Rights, and expanding the Republican party by being boldly for conservative ideals that limit the powers of the Washington Machine. These ideals include spending only what comes in, lowering taxes with the 'Fair and Flat Tax' plan, and unleashing the American Dream by leaving more money with those who earned it. Even details can be found below.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2015
 
WHAT:          Mackinac Republican Leadership Conference
 
TIME:             8:00 pm ET
 
WHO:             Sen. Rand Paul
 
WHERE:        The Grand Hotel
286 Grand Avenue
Mackinac Island, MI 49757
                      

Former New Hampshire State Senate President Ed Dupont Endorses John Kasich for President

FORMER NEW HAMPSHIRE STATE SENATE PRESIDENT ED DUPONT THINKS JOHN KASICH SHOULD BE THE NEXT PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
 
Dupont to serve as a New Hampshire State Co-Chair for Kasich for America
 
Today, former New Hampshire State Senate President Ed Dupont endorsed Ohio Governor John Kasich for President, saying “John Kasich is the Republican who will win the White House in 2016."  Dupont will serve as a New Hampshire State Co-Chair of Kasich’s campaign.
 
“John Kasich is exactly the leader America needs right now.  Having served five terms as a State Senator, I know a successful Governor when I see one, and Governor Kasich is a successful Governor.  He turned Ohio around.  He cut taxes, balanced budgets, found innovative ways to make government work better, and returned power to citizens.  With his skills, experience, and vision, imagine what John Kasich can accomplish in the Oval Office,” said Dupont.
 
Ed Dupont is President of the Dupont Group and is a former five term State Senator who also served as President of the New Hampshire State Senate.  He is a former Chair of the University System of New Hampshire Board of Trustees and served on the Board of Directors of UNH School of Law.  Dupont received the New England Board of Higher Education 2014 David C. Knapp Award for Trusteeship in recognition of his years of exceptional leadership on behalf of higher education.
 
Said Kasich, “I am thrilled to welcome aboard Ed Dupont to our New Hampshire team and I’m grateful for his confidence in our campaign.  Ed was a smart, effective legislator, he remains deeply involved and influential in state government and politics, and he values the importance of good government as much as I do.  With the addition of Ed to our New Hampshire operation, our already solid New Hampshire team instantly becomes even stronger."

Rick Santorum Returns to South Carolina on Friday, September 18, 2015, Will Formally File for the First-in-the-South Primary

Rick Santorum returns to South Carolina
Santorum to formally file for the First-in-the-South Primary

VERONA, PA - Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) will return to South Carolina on Friday, September 18th to formally file his paperwork to appear on the South Carolina presidential ballot and participate in the Heritage Action Forum in Greenville, SC.
 
Friday, September 18, 2015:

10:15am ET:    Senator Santorum and South Carolina Republican Party Chairman Matt Moore will hold a media availability at the South Carolina GOP Headquarters in Columbia, SC to mark Senator Santorum's filing for the South Carolina presidential ballot.
 
Location:
South Carolina Republican Party
1913 Marion Street
Columbia, SC
 
10:35am ET:    Senator Santorum will visit the Columbia Greek Festival in Columbia, SC.
 
Location:
Columbia Greek Festival
1931 Sumter Street
Columbia, SC
 
4:00pm ET:      Senator Santorum will address the Heritage Action Forum in Greenville, SC.
 
Location:
Bon Secours Wellness Arena
650 North Academy Street
Greenville, SC

What They Are Saying About Mike Huckabee at the CNN Reagan Library Debate

ICYMI: Pundits praise Huckabee's optimism at debate amidst GOP infighting

SIMI VALLEY, Calif.- Political analysts and pundits agree Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee delivered an optimistic, articulate, inspiring message throughout the combative GOP debate full of personal attacks. The following are some excerpts of this evening's commentary:

David Brody-Christian Broadcasting Network: "Is it just me or does Mike Huckabee sound the most like Ronald Reagan? Huckabee always seems to be the 'voice of reason' on stage."

Eric Metaxas-Author, Commentator, Christian Leader: "Huckabee is BRINGING IT on Religious Freedom. Well done."

Matt Lewis-Daily Caller: "Say what you will, Huckabee is a pro. He has a certain Reaganesque quality about him."

Ari Fleischer-Former White House Press Secretary: "Huckabee is making really good points about faith."

David Limbaugh-Conservative Commentator: "I think Huckabee has given some great answers tonight."

Herman Cain-Conservative Commentator, Businessman: "Huckabee great response on Iran! It's about fighting for western civilization!"

Ben Shapiro-Editor Breitbart: "Huckabee super effective here, and picking up Evangelical support in the early primary states as we speak."

Congresswoman Michele Bachmann: "Huckabee nails it on Iran."

Dick Morris-Political Strategist: "Huckabee great answer on Iran."

Erick Erickson-Editor at Redstate.com "Huckabee does a good job every time he speaks."

What They Are Saying About Scott Walker at the CNN Reagan Library Debate

What They Are Saying About Scott Walker at the CNN Reagan Library Debate

Washington Examiner: Walker Lands A Solid Punch On Trump: "Walker was having none of it, and at one point simply remarked, pointing at Trump, 'Just because he says it doesn't make it true.' At another point, he remarked: 'You want to talk about balanced budgets? You ran four projects into bankruptcy over and over an over again.'" (David Freddoso – September 16, 2015)

The Weekly Standard: Scott Walker Attacks Donald Trump, Likens Him To Obama: "As Jeb Bush and Donald Trump were arguing, Scott Walker interjected: '[T]his is what is wrong with the debate. We're not talking about real issues. Mr. Trump, we don't need an apprentice in the White House, we have one right now. He told us all the things we wanted to hear back in 2008. We don't know who you are, where you're going—we need someone that can actually get the job done and you've talked about business.'" (Shoshana Weissmann – September 16, 2015)

Politico: The Top Lines And Zingers From The GOP Debate: “’We don’t need an 'Apprentice' in the White House. We have one right now.’ — Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, on Trump's lack of government experience.” (Daniel Lippman – September 16, 2015)
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: “With Ronald Reagan's Air Force One as the backdrop, Walker sought to echo his idol's ‘eternal optimism,’ but he also shifted to a more aggressive approach compared to his first debate appearance. Early on, he confronted the moderators saying, ‘We're not talking about real issues.’ Walker also quickly took on real estate mogul Donald Trump. ‘And Mr. Trump, we don't need an apprentice in the White House. We have one right now,’ Walker told him.” (Patrick Marley & Mary Spicuzza – September 16, 2015)

Wisconsin State Journal: “Gov. Scott Walker, who promised a more feisty approach in the second Republican presidential debate, went hard after frontrunner Donald Trump early Wednesday night, slamming his business bankruptcies and even questioning his motives. … About 15 minutes into the three-hour debate, Walker broke into the discussion with a jab that referred to Trump's former reality TV show, The Apprentice, while slamming President Barack Obama. ‘Mr. Trump, we don't need an apprentice in the White House. We have one right now,’ Walker told Trump. ‘We don’t know who you are or what you’re doing. We need someone who can actually get the job done.’… He touted his efforts as Wisconsin governor to restrict collective bargaining and defund Planned Parenthood, while emphasizing his confrontations with protesters at the Wisconsin State Capitol. ‘I would ask the American people: look at who's been tested,’ Walker said.” (Mark Sommerhauser – September 16, 2015)


On The Twitters:

@DanaPerino: Walker came to play. #GOPDebate

@GroverNorquist: Walker is alive this debate. Highlighting his success in taking on and defeating the labor union bosses....

@megynkelly: .@ScottWalker tells military he’ll only deploy troops if national security at risk & they’ll have a clear path to victory #GOPDebate

@RichardGrenell: .@ScottWalker is exactly right on China. he is measured but tough. no 21 gun salute!

@CBedfordDC: .@ScottWalker is right: Holding a summit with a foreign adversary is different from hosting a state dinner for them, @Team_Rand #GOPDebate

@MattBatzel: Matt Batzel retweeted SEIU: It should tell you something that @SEIU and @PPact are attacking Scott Walker tonight: they fear him #GOPDebate

@jendlouhyhc: Walker goes after #CPP, saying it would put manufacturing jobs at risk for negligible benefit. #climate #GOPdebate
@HenryJGomez: Strong close from Walker. Best moment since The Apprentice joke.

@news3jessica: .@ScottWalker in final remarks said we need a government "not too big to fail but small enough to succeed." #news3 #GOPDebate

Scott Walker for America Campaign Manager Rick Wiley Statement on Tonight’s Debate

Scott Walker for America Campaign Manager Rick Wiley Statement on Tonight’s Debate

Simi Valley, Calif. – After Gov. Scott Walker’s winning performance at the CNN debate, Scott Walker for America Campaign Manager Rick Wiley released the following statement:

“Gov. Walker wore his Harley boots tonight, and it showed. He delivered a flawless performance, winning the debate by aggressively outlining his plans to wreak havoc on the status quo in Washington and reminding people of his unmatched record of leadership and achievement in Wisconsin. He put Donald Trump in his place early on, and the billionaire never recovered. Even when he wasn’t speaking, Walker’s ideas – terminating the Obama-Clinton Iran deal and canceling China’s state visit – dominated the discussion. Whether highlighting the successful, conservative reforms he’s implemented as governor or his plans to repeal Obamacare, create jobs and keep America safe as president, Walker’s message was clear: He will fight and win for the American people and he is ready to do it on day one. As the campaign progresses, we look forward to sharing that message with more and more voters across the nation.”

What They're Saying About Chris Christie at Tonight's CNN Reagan Library Debate

What They're Saying About Chris Christie at Tonight's CNN Reagan Library Debate

“Reaganesque”
“Chris Christie Has Been Solid Tonight. Always Bringing It Back To The People Watching”
 ________________________________________

Breitbart News’ Charlie Spiering: “Christie gets the last word. Strong debate performance”

Dana Perino: “Christie packing a punch”

The Washington Post’s James Hohmann: “Christie's I'm-on-your-side close is Reaganesque.”

The Daily Caller’s Matt Lewis:  “Christie having a good moment.”

New Hampshire Union Leader’s Drew Cline: “Really good moment for Christie.”

The Washington Post’s Chris Cillizza: “Chris Christie = good.”

FiveThirtyEight’s Ben Casselman:  “Chris Christie seems to be the only one interested in hitting Obama on his economic stewardship.”

Matt Mackowiak: “Very strong first answer from Christie.”

Weekly Standard’s Mark Hemingway: “Christie killing it so far.”

Yahoo Politics: “Chris Christie is right: The middle class is sucking wind”

National Review’s Rich Lowry:  “Christie has been sharp tonight”

NBC’s Chuck Todd: “Christie with a strong definition of what "pro-life" means to him.  He's had a very good night.”

The Iowa Republican’s Craig Robinson: “Really impressed with @GovChristie tonight.”

The Cook Political Report’s Amy Walter: “You gotta give Christie credit. He's been very good tonight.”

Fox News’ Brian Kilmeade: “#gopdebate..i think @GovChristie is winning people over tonight @foxandfriends”

Ford O'Connell: “Say what you want about @ChrisChristie but he is on his game tonight!”

The Washington Post’s Jonathan Capehart: “Chris Christie has been solid tonight. Always bringing it back to the people watching.”

CNN’s Heather Long: “In 90 minutes, most substantive comment on economy goes to #Christie: "Put tax reform on the president’s desk. Make him veto it."

CNN: “Winners...Chris Christie...he still found key moments to shine and show off the spark that made him a national figure.”

The New York Times’ Jonathan Martin: “...Christie shows his Christie fire…”

Cook Political Report’s Amy Walter: “A strong Christie performance 2nite.”

CNN’s Ben Ferguson: “VERY GOOD STUFF from @ChrisChristie on that question!”

CNN’s John Avlon: “Strong Chris Christie closing statement”

The Boston Globe’s James Pindell: “.@ChrisChristie has the best close”

The New York Times’ Nick Corasaniti: “Christie has been able to talk about his key issues this debate: entitlement reform, drug rehabilitation and immigration”

“Gov. Chris Christie Turns The Presidential Debate To The Middle Class”

Washington Examiner: “Christie Defeats CNN's Debate Ploy”

The Washington Post: “It was one of Christie’s most notable moments - not just in the debate, but in his entire campaign…”
•“All in all, it was vintage Christie. An outspoken retort reminiscent of the town halls that made him a national start.”

CNN’s Ashley Killough: “Chris Christie attempts to be adult in the room: Let's stop this "childish" back and forth between Fiorina and Trump over their careers”

BBC’s Katty Kay: “Good point from Christie - too long on Fiorina and Trumps' careers. Gets cheers.”

Washington Examiner: “Christie to Trump, Fiorina: 'Americans don't care about your careers”

Red Alert Politics: “Gov. Chris Christie turns the presidential debate to the middle class”

CNBC’s John Harwood: “quite good @ChrisChristie rebuttal to Trump/Fiorina "childish back and forth" - invoking struggles of middle class”

National Review’s Ramesh Ponnuru: “Christie was right though to sense that the Trump-Fiorina dispute has gone on a bit too long. Fiorina adjusting now.”

The New York Times’ Maggie Haberman: “And Christie, now making the point that people don’t really want to hear a battle of corporate executives, is turning it to the right point.”

CNN’s S.E. Cupp: “Christie to Trump and Carly: ‘To the 55 yr old construction worker who doesn't have a job, they couldn't care less about your careers.’

Las Vegas Review Journal’s Steve Sebelius: “Sorry, I’m with Chris Christie on this. Most of what’s been discussed here tonight don’t affect real problems of average people. Too bad.”

NBC’s Kristen Welker: “Good moment for @GovChristie.  Inserts himself into the Trump/Fiorina fight, says they shud be talking about workers not their own careers.”

Reno Gazette-Journal’s Ray Hagar: “.@ChrisChristie makes a good point that nobody cares about Trump and Fiorina's past careers. "Stop this childish back and forth," he says”

New Hampshire Democratic Party Chair Ray Buckley Responds to GOP Debate

NHDP Responds to GOP Debate
 
MANCHESTER, N.H. - Following Wednesday night’s GOP debate, New Hampshire Democratic Party Chair Ray Buckley made the following statement:
 
“While many Republican candidates took aim at Donald Trump this evening, the truth is they agree on a lot. All the candidates oppose raising the minimum wage. They all want to repeal the Affordable Care Act. They stand by discrimination under the name of religious freedom. They tout their records of cutting funding for women’s health services and support shutting down the government over Planned Parenthood. Their trickle-down policies make things easier for the wealthiest… but harder for working families.
 
“The truth is that Republicans continue to repeat their attacks on the middle-class and women instead of offering real solutions. Granite Staters simply deserve better.”