2016 Presidential Campaign Blog

Chris Christie: A Christie Presidency Wont Be About Me, It Will Be About You

Chris Christie: A Christie Presidency Wont Be About Me, It Will Be About You

CHRIS CHRISTIE: I turned 18 in 1980. My first vote was for Ronald Reagan. Boy, am I glad I did it. I think the country is too. A Christie presidency won't be about me, it will be about you. Tonight you sit at home in your living room, frustrated that you play by the rules, you pay the taxes, you do the hard things to raise your family, yet you feel like America's generosity is being taken advantage of, that your system is being gamed, and that you're turning out to fall further and further behind. Our presidency, our presidency will be about ending that, about enforcing the law, level the playing field for everybody, and once again reward those folks who play by the rules, and think that justice means more than just a word, but it means a way of life. And I will tell you this, around the world, I will not shake hands with, I will not meet with, and I will not agree to anything with a country that says death to us and death to Israel and holds our hostages while we sign agreements with them. It will be an America that will be strong and resolute and will once again be able to stick out its chest and say, we truly are the greatest nation in the world because we live our lives that way, each and every day.

What They Are Saying About Marco Rubio at the CNN Reagan Library Debate Part 2

Everyone Agrees: Marco "Clear Winner"

Stephen Hayes: Marco Rubio the Clear Winner

@HotlineJosh: Three clear winners, IMO: 1) Fiorina; 2) Rubio; 3) Christie.

@TheFix: Best: Fiorina, Cruz, Rubio

@WillCarrFNC: Winners - Fiorina, Rubio, who else?? #GOPDebate
Rich Lowry: Rubio is very good. Every single answer got applause. He is such a smooth communicator.
 

Fox News’ Carl Cameron: Marco Rubio a short while ago went on a lengthy foreign policy discussion and showed that he, too, has a lot to offer in terms of international relations.
 

TWEETS...
@JohnKingCNN: Incoming from conservative activists so far: @CarlyFiorina @marcorubio getting ++ reviews.
@MedvedShow: For the second half of the debate, could any of the others touch @MarcoRubio in terms of substance, fluency, passion? Bravo, Marco!
@EWErickson: Rubio is just hitting home runs all night.
@SykesCharlie: Unscientific poll of American women: my wife is pretty jazzed about Fiorina and Rubio.

@JeffreyGoldberg: Rubio and Fiorina seem to have done well for themselves tonight.
@FinnyGo: . Both @marcorubio & @CarlyFiorina showed real strength in their debate performances  tonight in Ronald Reagan's Simi Valley. #GOPDebate

ON FOREIGN POLICY...
International Business Times: “Marc continues to win points on stage during the GOP presidential debates. Rubio's remarks on foreign policy earned him praise from pundits Wednesday night during a prime-time debate moderated by CNN. Asked about the Syria intervention, Rubio said he opposed Obama's use of force in the past because the tactics are a "pin prick." Instead, he said the military is designed to use more force and ‘should only be engaged to win.’ ‘We are not going to authorize use of force if you're not putting the [US military] in a position to win,’ Rubio said. Pundits applauded the impassioned response about the US military. ‘Rubio also admirably passionate on putting our troops abroad in a position to win,’ Ann Coulter tweeted.” (International Business Times, 09/16/15)
FOREIGN POLICY TWEETS…
@ABCPolitics: .@MarcoRubio emphasizes importance of foreign policy knowledge in #GOPDebate

@JohnRoberts: @MarcoRubio showing strong command of foreign policy and not afraid to voice his opinion about what he believes is the right thing to do

@RalstonReports: Rubio is crushing it. And he's right: Ask Trump detailed foreign policy questions as his new best friend Hugh did.

@SethAMandel: On foreign policy, it's Rubio's show. No surprise there, but there's no one on that stage that comes close.

What They Are Saying About Rand Paul at the CNN Reagan Library Debate Part 2

Sen. Rand Paul's Debate Performance

WASHINGTON, D.C.- In case you missed it, here's what they are saying about Sen. Rand Paul's performance and messaging during tonight's CNN Republican Primary Debate:

Rand is right: "Sometimes both sides in a civil war are evil." -Andrea Tantaros
 
Rand Paul just gave the smartest comments on foreign policy from a GOP debate stage in decades. -Tim Carney

@RandPaul is right: Sometimes intervention makes us less safe; many have backfire. We need a new foreign policy, not repeats of failed one -Nick Gillespie

@RandPaul makes a good point after CarlyFiorina says don't talk to Russia:  Reagan wasn't afraid to talk to USSR. -Paul Begala

Great point by Rand Paul. You MUST keep talking to others. He invokes Reagan and Gorbachev. And he's 100% right. - Rolands Martin

Whoa, Rand Paul talking about foreign policy right now like a person who reads newspapers, not a character in an action movie.-Jonathan Chait
 
Rand Paul hits back directly and intelligently. No dodging or politispeak.-Frank Luntz

Rand Paul shows up for 5 seconds to talk sense about blowback and the pitfalls of militarism. -Andrew Kirell
 
Thank you, Rand Paul for actually understanding the Middle East and presenting a rational foreign policy.-Justin Amash
 
Rand FTW -David Graham
 
I am absolutely with Rand Paul on this question of weed: on the federalism question, and on the issue in general -Charles C. W. Cooke
 
First candidate to bring up race, Rand Paul in response to a marijuana question.-Roland Martin
 
Again Rand Paul is 100% right on 10th amendment -Andrew Wilkow
 
Rand Paul with the best answer of the evening, in the moral sense. -Ciara Jeffery
 
Rand Paul is right on this issue.  His work with Cory Booker on reforming our criminal justice system has been admirable -Michael Skolnik

Thank you Rand Paul- John Legend

Rand's answer was basically: no boots on the ground, but don't leave our regional allies hanging. It's a v popular position-Seth Mandel
 
Rand owns Christie on the question of states rights and pot legalization- Matt Kibbe
 
Does anyone besides Rand want the votes of young GOP voters? I dont know any young Republicans against marijuana decrim -Zaid Jiliani

Rand Paul Campaign Statement on Tonight's CNN Reagan Library Republican Presidential Debate

Rand Paul Stands Out With Common Sense Foreign Policy and Bold Tax Plan

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Tonight Senator Rand Paul stood out as the only Republican promoting a common sense foreign policy as well as the boldest and most detailed tax plan.  A strong Constitutional Conservative, Sen. Paul understands war should not be the first option-and it certainly wasn't Ronald Reagan's approach to our defense.   

Sen. Paul also pushed for bold conservative reform of our broken tax code with his fair and flat tax of 14.5 percent that's simple, fair, and cuts taxes for every single American.

Rand Paul was the only candidate on stage who stood for personal freedom and getting the government out of our lives--that liberty means to live life as you see it, with your family, without interference from the government.  Republicans have always embodied smaller government-that the government that governs least, governs best.  It's this America that Rand Paul is fighting to bring back, and it's a message that is resonating around the country.

Jeb Takes The Reagan Approach Video From Tonight's CNN Reagan Library Debate

JEB TAKES THE REAGAN APPROACH
 
Miami, FL — At tonight’s debate, Governor Jeb Bush was firm, confident and optimistic – and demonstrated that he is the real conservative reformer with a proven record in this field, and he knows how to keep our country safe.

RNC Chairman Reince Priebus Statement On CNN/Salem Republican Presidential Primary Debates

RNC Statement On CNN/Salem Republican Presidential Primary Debates
 
WASHINGTON – RNC Chairman Reince Priebus released the following statement in response to the CNN/Salem Republican presidential primary debates:
 
“Tonight, the country saw a healthy and robust debate from the most diverse and qualified field of candidates in the history of either party. There should be no doubt that the Republican Party’s nomination process will be a true competition, and voters will be the ones who decide our nominee.

“It’s a stark contrast with the Democrat Party establishment, which is rigging their debates and would rather coronate Hillary Clinton.

“Americans want new ideas, new leadership and a new direction from their next President. Any one of our highly qualified candidates would be a better president than Hillary Clinton and offer the new direction Americans want and need." 

What They Are Saying About Rand Paul at the CNN Reagan Library Debate

WTAS: Sen. Rand Paul's Debate Performance

WASHINGTON, D.C. In case you missed it, here's what they are saying about Sen. Rand Paul's performance and messaging during tonight's CNN Republican Primary Debate:

Rand is right: "Sometimes both sides in a civil war are evil." -Andrea Tantaros
 
Rand Paul just gave the smartest comments on foreign policy from a GOP debate stage in decades. -Tim Carney

@RandPaul is right: Sometimes intervention makes us less safe; many have backfire. We need a new foreign policy, not repeats of failed one -Nick Gillespie

@RandPaul makes a good point after CarlyFiorina says don't talk to Russia:  Reagan wasn't afraid to talk to USSR. -Paul Begala

Great point by Rand Paul. You MUST keep talking to others. He invokes Reagan and Gorbachev. And he's 100% right. - Rolands Martin

Whoa, Rand Paul talking about foreign policy right now like a person who reads newspapers, not a character in an action movie.-Jonathan Chait
 
Rand Paul hits back directly and intelligently. No dodging or politispeak.-Frank Luntz

What They Are Saying About Marco Rubio at the CNN Reagan Library Debate

What They Are Saying About Marco Rubio at the CNN Reagan Library Debate

The Weekly Standard: Marco Rubio Dominates on Foreign Policy

@KevinMaddenDC: This Marco Rubio on stage tonight strikes the most fear in Democrats re: a general election. #CNNDebate

@RichLowry: Rubio has been good when he's gotten a chance, about 3 times by my count

@charlescwcooke: The former hasn’t spoken much tonight. But for my money the long-term winners of this debate are Marco Rubio and Carly Fiorina.

@GeraldFSeib: Marco Rubio hasn't had many openings in this debate, but he has seized them pretty well.

@HotlineJosh: Rubio, not getting many pitches. But two home runs -- both on f policy.

Watch Marco Rubio: My Grandfather Taught Me The American Dream In Spanish
 

@tobyharnden: Powerful almost spine-tingling moment for Rubio as he talks about his Spanish-speaking grandfather. Can see why Clintonland fears him.

@StephenFHayes: Rubio just stole the Spanish-language exchange between Bush/Trump and made it a moment.

@JeffZeleny: We interrupt this Trump-Bush fight for @marcorubio to inject an optimistic page from his biography.  He wins this moment. #CNNDebate

@EdMorrissey: Very good answer from Rubio on using Spanish on the campaign trail. "I want them to hear from me, not a Univision translator."

Lindsey Graham 2016 Campaign Manager Christian Ferry Statement on Tonight's CNN Reagan Library Debate

STATEMENT IN RESPONSE TO TONIGHT'S CNN REAGAN LIBRARY DEBATE

Alexandria, VA – In response to Senator Graham's performance in this evening's CNN Reagan Library debate, campaign manager Christian Ferry today released the following statement:

"There was one person on the stage tonight ready to serve as Commander-in-Chief on day one: Lindsey Graham.  Like Ronald Reagan facing down the Evil Empire, Lindsey Graham has the uncompromised determination to destroy radical Islam and keep American families safe.

"The most important job of the President of the United States is to be the Commander-in-Chief of the greatest military in the world.  Tonight, Lindsey Graham showed he is better prepared than any candidate running for president on either side of the aisle.  He has a plan to defeat radical Islam and the experience to execute it.  Senator Graham has been a near lone voice calling out President Obama for his failed policies and he is singularly prepared to repair the damage that has been done by this administration.

"There is no question that the clear winner of tonight’s debate, the person ready to lead on the first day in the Oval Office, is Lindsey Graham."

Lineup Revealed for CNN GOP Debate at the Reagan Library in California

Lineup Revealed for CNN GOP Debate at the Reagan Library in California

The stage is set for the CNN Reagan Library Debate in California, with Carly Fiorina joining 10 other leading Republican presidential candidates at 8 p.m. ET.

Thursday marked the close of the two-month window for determining eligibility based on averages of national polls. The results were based on 14 polls including interviews with more than 6,000 potential Republican primary voters. The top 10 candidates overall - plus Fiorina, whose average support places her within the top 10 in polls conducted after the first debate held August 6 - have all qualified for the 8:00 p.m. debate next Wednesday in Simi Valley. The remaining five candidates will appear during an earlier debate beginning at 6:00 p.m.

The overall rankings based on an average of all qualifying polls for the 16 candidates who met the requirements for participation are:

1) Donald Trump: 23.929
2) Jeb Bush: 11.500
3) Scott Walker: 9.429
4) Ben Carson: 8.929
5) Ted Cruz: 6.286
6) Marco Rubio: 5.643
7) Mike Huckabee: 5.571
8) Rand Paul: 4.714
9) John Kasich: 3.214
10) Chris Christie: 3.143
11) Carly Fiorina: 2.229
12) Rick Perry: 1.814
13) Rick Santorum: 1.214
14) Bobby Jindal: 1.057
15) George Pataki: 0.529
16) Lindsey Graham: 0.471

The rules for inclusion were amended late last month so that any candidate who made the top 10 in an average of polls conducted after the Fox News/Facebook debate held on August 6 would also be included in the later debate. Fiorina is the only candidate to move from the bottom six to the top 10 in that post-debate average.

Here are the averages for qualifying polls conducted after the August 6 debate and released by September 10:

1) Donald Trump: 27.8
2) Ben Carson: 14.0
3) Jeb Bush: 9.2
4) Ted Cruz: 7.4
5) Scott Walker: 5.6
6) Marco Rubio: 5.4
T-7) Carly Fiorina: 4.4
T-7) Mike Huckabee: 4.4
9) Rand Paul: 3.2
10) John Kasich: 3.6
11) Chris Christie: 2.8
12) Rick Perry: 1.08
13) Rick Santorum: 0.8
14) Bobby Jindal: 0.56
15) George Pataki: 0.44
16) Lindsey Graham: 0.28

Former Virginia governor Jim Gilmore, who participated in the August 6 debate, did not meet the criteria for inclusion in next Wednesday's debate. Candidates were required to average 1% support in any three polls released during the two-month window. Out of the 14 polls released during that time, Gilmore had 1% support in only one poll.

The post-debate polls were also used to determine the order that the candidates would appear on stage. Trump will anchor the center of the stage for the 8:00 p.m. debate, flanked by Carson to his right and Bush to his left. Walker, Fiorina, Kasich and Christie, in that order, will stand to Bush's left, while Cruz, Rubio, Huckabee and Paul will appear to Carson's right.

In the earlier debate, Perry will stand center stage, with Jindal and Graham to his left and Santorum and Pataki to his right.

The overall average includes results from a Fox News poll released July 17; a Washington Post/ABC News poll released July 20; a CNN/ORC poll released July 26; a Quinnipiac University poll released July 30; a NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll released August 2; a Monmouth University poll released August 3; a Fox News poll released August 3; a Bloomberg Politics poll released August 4; a CBS News poll released August 4; a Fox News poll released August 16; a CNN/ORC poll released August 18; a Quinnipiac University poll released August 27; a Monmouth University poll released September 3; and a CNN/ORC poll released September 10.