NH GOP "Voters First Forum" **live commentary thread**

[dudeabides]

Trump stated the reason why he declined to attend is because the NH Union refuses to endorse him, according to McQuiad if I heard him correctly.

You did hear that correctly. The New Hampshire Union Leader is a serious publication, so it's no surprise they won't endorse Trump. However, if Trump were a serious candidate, he'd go to the event anyway because maybe he could win them over.

[dudeabides]

I spotted Christie's wife in the crowd.  Also may have seen Judd Gregg.

The average age of the audience has got to be about 60 years old.

Bad for Rand. Good for Cruz re: age.

I also saw Mary Pat Christie.

[dudeabides]

My impressions from what I saw:

- Lindsey Graham's position on boots on the ground is going to be very unpopular, he deserves credit for standing up for what he believes in
- Rick Santorum is more on message this time than he was four years ago
- Carly Fiorina is articulate, but sounds like a politician
- Ben Carson isn't angry enough for the tea party, perhaps he's actually trying to be a strong general election candidate
- Marco Rubio is trying to be the foreign policy candidate
- Chris Christie is really trying hard to be the John McCain of this election
- Rand Paul is trying to convince voters his libertarian conservatism is the path to victory
- Ted Cruz is slick
- Jeb Bush came across as the most presidential and knowledgeable
- Scott Walker has the best argument for nominating a "fresh face"
- John Kasich is copying Jeb Bush's message in some respects
- Bobby Jindal is the qualified conservative (compare him to Cruz & Carson) in the race
- Pataki is able to sound more conservative because of the planned parenthood issue

[dudeabides]

My impressions from what I saw:

- Lindsey Graham's position on boots on the ground is going to be very unpopular, he deserves credit for standing up for what he believes in
- Rick Santorum is more on message this time than he was four years ago
- Carly Fiorina is articulate, but sounds like a politician
- Ben Carson isn't angry enough for the tea party, perhaps he's actually trying to be a strong general election candidate
- Marco Rubio is trying to be the foreign policy candidate
- Chris Christie is really trying hard to be the John McCain of this election
- Rand Paul is trying to convince voters his libertarian conservatism is the path to victory
- Ted Cruz is slick
- Jeb Bush came across as the most presidential and knowledgeable
- Scott Walker has the best argument for nominating a "fresh face"
- John Kasich is copying Jeb Bush's message in some respects
- Bobby Jindal is the qualified conservative (compare him to Cruz & Carson) in the race
- Pataki is able to sound more conservative because of the planned parenthood issue

Did we not watch the same forum? Bush performed terribly. It was abysmal.

I'll go back and watch, I saw only the beginning and the end.

[dudeabides]

Perry, Kasich, and Santorum had similar arguments.

[dudeabides]

Like what I saw from Christie and Kasich. Kudos to Graham as well.

Those $2.3 billion in "tax cuts" Christie talked about is primarily corporate welfare.

[dudeabides]

Like what I saw from Christie and Kasich. Kudos to Graham as well.

Those $2.3 billion in "tax cuts" Christie talked about is primarily corporate welfare.

Just wanted to reiterate that Bush did horribly. Not sure if you saw those previous messages.

I did, again, I only saw the first and last parts, I didn't see about half of the event.

If people buy Christie's B.S. then he could do well in New Hampshire.

[dudeabides]

Which candidate mentioned Reagan the most?

Cruzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Cruz and Perry are both delusional if they think they can win in November '16, especially Cruz.

[dudeabides]

Where can I buy swag merch from Jeb's "swag store".

I can't find it.  

I'm sure dudeabides would be happy to PM it to you.

I am thankful to the posters here who have respectfully disagreed with me, and I am thankful to the posters who clearly are my allies. Some like to attack me for my support of Governor Bush, they call me a troll or say that I’m delusional. That’s fine, I can take the heat. But, I think my critics should at least understand where I come from and why I support Jeb Bush for President.

I am optimistic about the future of America, but Barack Obama’s policies have failed us, and he would rather divide people than appeal to our hopes and dreams. I believe in the principles of limited government, free markets, and a foreign policy where America is a leader in the world, but not the police of the world, and where we always protect our security interests. In January, I researched several prospective presidential candidates, their values, and their records. I’ve admired Jeb Bush’s leadership for years and found that on the economy and reforming government, he’s the candidate with the best track record. He also has diversity of experience, isn’t afraid to make decisions, and he appeals to people’s hopes in an era when we have a President who wants people to vote based on their fears. I also happen to agree with Jeb Bush on the issues.

I knew going into this process I could not support Rand Paul because of his opposition to Iranian sanctions, the Patriot Act, and his lack of judgement in foreign affairs. I knew going in that Ted Cruz can’t win and is too inexperienced. Donald Trump is to the left of Hillary Clinton and is clueless on the economy and foreign policy. I like and admire Scott Walker, John Kasich, Bobby Jindal, Carly Fiorina, Mike Huckabee, Marco Rubio, Lindsey Graham, and I’ve gained respect for Rick Perry. But, simply put, Jeb Bush is the best qualified, he’s got the best record, I agree with his vision, and he is the best able to defeat the Democrats and lead this country.

So, for the last time. I do not profit from supporting Jeb Bush. I do not volunteer for Bush's campaign, though I will in due time. I am not with Jeb Bush on 100% of the issues, but I am on most things. I don't think his father and brother were great Presidents, I think they were good, and I'm not judging Jeb on George H.W. or George W's record, that wouldn't be fair. I see the candidate's flaws - he has embraced common core and I get that the fact that he had investments in companies that benefited from Obamacare could cause problems for him. But I will defend facts AND my opinions, and the rights of others to express their opinions. 

[dudeabides]

Where can I buy swag merch from Jeb's "swag store".

I can't find it.  

I'm sure dudeabides would be happy to PM it to you.

I am thankful to the posters here who have respectfully disagreed with me, and I am thankful to the posters who clearly are my allies. Some like to attack me for my support of Governor Bush, they call me a troll or say that I’m delusional. That’s fine, I can take the heat. But, I think my critics should at least understand where I come from and why I support Jeb Bush for President.

I am optimistic about the future of America, but Barack Obama’s policies have failed us, and he would rather divide people than appeal to our hopes and dreams. I believe in the principles of limited government, free markets, and a foreign policy where America is a leader in the world, but not the police of the world, and where we always protect our security interests. In January, I researched several prospective presidential candidates, their values, and their records. I’ve admired Jeb Bush’s leadership for years and found that on the economy and reforming government, he’s the candidate with the best track record. He also has diversity of experience, isn’t afraid to make decisions, and he appeals to people’s hopes in an era when we have a President who wants people to vote based on their fears. I also happen to agree with Jeb Bush on the issues.

I knew going into this process I could not support Rand Paul because of his opposition to Iranian sanctions, the Patriot Act, and his lack of judgement in foreign affairs. I knew going in that Ted Cruz can’t win and is too inexperienced. Donald Trump is to the left of Hillary Clinton and is clueless on the economy and foreign policy. I like and admire Scott Walker, John Kasich, Bobby Jindal, Carly Fiorina, Mike Huckabee, Marco Rubio, Lindsey Graham, and I’ve gained respect for Rick Perry. But, simply put, Jeb Bush is the best qualified, he’s got the best record, I agree with his vision, and he is the best able to defeat the Democrats and lead this country.

So, for the last time. I do not profit from supporting Jeb Bush. I do not volunteer for Bush's campaign, though I will in due time. I am not with Jeb Bush on 100% of the issues, but I am on most things. I don't think his father and brother were great Presidents, I think they were good, and I'm not judging Jeb on George H.W. or George W's record, that wouldn't be fair. I see the candidate's flaws - he has embraced common core and I get that the fact that he had investments in companies that benefited from Obamacare could cause problems for him. But I will defend facts AND my opinions, and the rights of others to express their opinions. 

That's a nice statement, but this chit chat here is more about debate performance, and less about who the Pubs should nominate, and who would make the best POTUS out of the bunch. I am open to Jeb, but thought his performance was undisciplined and lacking. He needs to get his act together, and soon, or he's going to fall by the way side imo.

The point of my statement was to illustrate to those who are attacking me that I am not a troll and have no delusions.

I appreciate what you are saying, and I thank you for being respectful.

Interesting how dudeabides only shows up after Jeb leaves the stage...could they be the same person??!!

Stop, okay?

I know what it's like being harassed for liking a candidate a lot. Doing that only encourages support, and it causes breaking up with an otherwise highly knowledgeable people. Dudeabides is one of our most frequent posters. I may disagree with what he has to say, but I will defend his right to say it. Please stop attacking him needlessly for energetically backing a candidate while some of us find everyone in 2016 hard to be excited about. Dudeabides:

"I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it."

I appreciate your'e kindness and I'm sure we agree on some things.

[dudeabides]

I watched the parts with Governor Bush and my observation is that while he knew his facts on foreign policy, he seemed nervous discussing it. When the conversation changed to domestic issues, he became more comfortable and thus articulate. Clearly, he needs to become more comfortable speaking about foreign policy. It's opposite of his father.