The Second Republican Debate, Who Actually Won?

In this episode of The Optimistic American, Paul Johnson reviews the second republican debate. He shares how Independent and unaffiliated voters will determine the next President and how they view the major talking points from the debate.

• Paul starts by describing how the second republican debate will affect Independent voters.
• The effect of Independent voters' impact on primaries are not easy to poll.
• According to Paul’s background in presidential campaigns, Independent voters will determine the winner in the New Hampshire, and the debate will undoubtedly shape their opinions. 
• The debate at the Reagan Library raised Ronald Reagan's unique qualities that set him apart from other presidents.
• Paul goes through critical points from the debate and how each contestant addressed the controversial issues plaguing America today.
• Some of the main topics covered include:
  1. The Federal Deficit. Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie said his top priority would be to rein in federal spending.
  2. Growing Powers of the Presidency. Mike Pence critiqued Donald Trump's new plan to centralize power in the Presidency if he wins, and shared his thoughts on why we should not increase the power of the presidency; instead make the federal government smaller.
  3. Child Care. Tim Scott talks about the ever-increasing childcare costs and how lowering taxes will mean Americans will have more in their pockets to take care of their families.
  4. The Ukraine Issue. Arguably the most important question asked in the debate. The presidential candidates showed a deep divide over America's involvement in the war. Supporters of Ukraine included Christie, Halley and Pense. Opponents included DeSantis and Ramaswamy.
  5. Abortion Rights. The pro-life and pro-choice debate was another controversial issue regarding being 100% pro life versus finding middle ground.  Paul believes this will be crucial in swaying the independent voters.
• Paul supported Halley’s position on fixing healthcare in America until we figure out how to reduce claims costs.
• In healthcare, there is no better way to do that than the private sector route. If allowed to do so, the private sector can do a better job of cutting claims costs than the government.
• The candidates discussed whether AI technology is good or bad for Americans. Paul explains that although AI technology may have some risks, it's a much bigger risk if we allow China to get AI technology before we do.
• For Paul, the clear winners from the debate were Governor Nikki Haley and former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. Both had a solid performance and will undoubtedly see their numbers grow.

 

 

Mentioned in This Episode:

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Addictive Ideologies: Finding Meaning and Agency When Politics Fail You by Dr Emily Bashah and Hon Paul Johnson

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Dr. Emily Bashah

A Nation of Victims: The Decay of the American Character by Charles J. Sykes