As many of you know, the first round of Republican debates is over. The candidates put their best face forward, and their closing statements were really their opening statements, pushing them up or down in the polls.
This is only the beginning of each of their journeys, whether they're experienced (Huckabee, Perry) or inexperienced in the field of politics (Fiorina, Carson). From initial feedback, it was one of the most successful debates that many have witnessed in a long time. By successful, I mean, not a lot of interrupting or rudeness, although there was some, and each candidate had the opportunity to speak at least several times during the course of the debate. You can say what you want about Fox News, but the questions were predominately straight forward and the moderators had little need to moderate. I turned off the TV feeling a little better about America.
The men and women who debated were educated, had mostly thought through their answers, and were mainly respectful of each other. I saw throughout the night candidates nodding in recognition that their opponent's answer had resonated with them, and they concurred with their statement. Although it could be argued that what many of them were saying was hot air, it was eloquently strung together hot air. Throughout the night, many candidates stuck to what they believed in, refusing to be apologetic about past actions or religious beliefs, even correcting the moderator about their stance. Many of the candidates made me laugh (with them, not at them). Sometimes, it was so funny because it was so true; a lot of truth was spoken at this debate. Everyone can agree that it is chilling to the core that some Iranians (probably many others around the world) wish death to America and Americans. Everyone can agree that as President Obama finishes his term, we need a strong leader in the White House. Maybe one of these men or woman will be that leader.
I honestly could not pick a winner from the primetime debate. Everyone did well, some better than others, as always. I won't divulge all of my opinions about each of the candidates right now, but I was glad that the underdogs had the opportunity to surprise everyone. A large portion of America was gathered around a television or a laptop, all sitting on the edge of their seats, silently (or not so silently) cheering on their favorite candidates. Everyone who tuned in was participating in something pretty similar, hearing all of the appropriate buzz words and stump speeches done by each of the candidates and forming opinions about each candidate.
I happened to be sitting with my family watching the debate. We certainly do not all have the same outlook about candidates, or issues facing our country, just like America as a whole, but we are a family. After we turn off the debate, we have to sleep in the same house, eat around the same table, and still love each other. After the election is over, America really needs to come together and at least tolerate, and maybe even respect and love each other. I gained a little hope that America can do that when I watched what the debaters did after the event was over. I saw Rand Paul immediately start the handshakes. Soon, everyone was shaking hands, saying kind (I like to think, kind) things to each other. Everyone's families came out to congratulate them, and they were all together, encouraging each other.
I feel a little better about America after the dfebate because if opponents can do that (even if it might be just for the camera), maybe other Americans can do that, too.
