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

[Kingpoleon]

Kasich, Paul and Walker did best IMO.

Yes, in the sense they accomplished the most for themselves. Christie was good, but I don't think he branched out, and took a risk anywhere.

Bush and Rubio were the big losers in the top tier I think. Fortunately for them, this event does not matter much. But it suggests the limits of their abilities.

I wonder if Kasich will start eating into the Jeb vote.

Possibly, but many undecideds are likely thinking "So, they talk about balancing the budget, but none do that. Then they go off on their social conservative rants - I mean stances." I suspect some are wondering if there's an actual moderate to back.

- John Kasich is copying Jeb Bush's message in some respects

As in, he took all of Bush's talent away?

[Likely Voter]

God, that moderator was awful. He's pretty rude, too.

The way he bristled at that light hearted question about speed-dating showed a high level of douche-ness. I think he was a terrible moderator. He never pressed anyone. We didnt learn anything here that we havent in various other interviews with these people. None ever felt any pressure.

[Horsemask]

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

[dudeabides]

Perry, Kasich, and Santorum had similar arguments.

[Oswald Acted Alone, You Kook]

Which candidate mentioned Reagan the most?

[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.

[Horsemask]

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.

[Vega]

God, that moderator was awful. He's pretty rude, too.

The way he bristled at that light hearted question about speed-dating showed a high level of douche-ness. I think he was a terrible moderator. He never pressed anyone. We didnt learn anything here that we havent in various other interviews with these people. None ever felt any pressure.

Yeah, and he wasn't even trying to hide his bias towards Walker. I don't know why he was chosen.

[Donald Trump 2016 !]

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.

I hope you're aware that Bush was a complete disaster tonight.

[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.

[Kingpoleon]

God, that moderator was awful. He's pretty rude, too.

The way he bristled at that light hearted question about speed-dating showed a high level of douche-ness. I think he was a terrible moderator. He never pressed anyone. We didnt learn anything here that we havent in various other interviews with these people. None ever felt any pressure.

"I love Scott Walker!!!!"

Also, his response to Kasich taking over the interview was hilariously nonchalant.

[Higgs]

Performed at least ok:
Walker, Paul, Kasich, Christie, Graham, Carson, Fiorina, Cruz, Santorum, Perry, Jindal

Performed poorly:
Bush, Rubio, Pataki

[Donald Trump 2016 !]

"at my swag store" -Jeb Bush

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

Huh. Totally forgot about this.

[Kingpoleon]

If you like Jeb Bush, I have a "swag store" to sell you.

Was that like the most blatant and worst attempt at pandering to young people ever?

[#TheShadowyAbyss]

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

[Kingpoleon]

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

At Lindsey Graham's "9/11, 9/11, 9/11!!!"

[Nyvin]

I didn't watch the whole thing, but it seemed kinda boring.   They all basically said they support the exact same things in the exact same ways and then the only real competition was based on who had the roughest up-bringing and childhood.

[Donald Trump 2016 !]

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

I can't find it.  

[Horsemask]

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.

[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. 

[Mr. Morden]

Here is the NY Times writeup on this event:

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/04/us/politics/confrontation-is-avoided-in-forum-for-republican-presidential-candidates.html?_r=0

[The Other Castro]

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

[Torie]

Here is the NY Times writeup on this event:

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/04/us/politics/confrontation-is-avoided-in-forum-for-republican-presidential-candidates.html?_r=0

Pedestrian write up, but then not much time to write it up.