FOX News Channel Debates in Cleveland--Main Debate Reactions     Thursday, August 6, 2015


MAIN DEBATE
Time Rec'd
 Title

BUSH
Aug. 6 - 11:09 p.m.
 JEB WINS DEBATE WITH OPTIMISTIC VISION AND CONSERVATIVE RECORD

CARSON

super PAC

CHRISTIE
Aug. 8 - 6:25 p.m.
 What They're Saying, Volume III: Christie had a "really strong performance"
Aug. 7 - 12:45 p.m.
 What They're Saying, Volume II: “Christie Was Forceful”
Aug. 7 - 12:05 p.m.
 What They're Saying: Christie “Consistently Appeared Presidential Tonight”

CRUZ
Aug. 7 - 1:30 a.m.
 ICYMI: Frank Luntz: #GOPDebate "Great News for Ted Cruz"

HUCKABEE
Aug. 7 - 12:18 p.m.
 GOP focus group and leaders agree: Huckabee wins debate

KASICH

super PAC

PAUL
Aug. 6 - 11:08 p.m.
 Senator Paul hits a 'Rand Slam' in Cleveland
Aug. 6 - 4:55 p.m.
 Rand Paul to Prescribe Constitutional Conservative Vision at First Republican Debate

RUBIO
Aug. 7 - 8:11 a.m.
 Conservatives Say Marco Won Debate
Aug. 7 - 1:20 a.m.
 Rubio Wins First Debate

TRUMP
Aug. 6 - 11:16 p.m.
 Donald J. Trump Excels at First Republican Primary Debate

WALKER
Aug. 7 - 1:48 a.m.
#GOPDebate: Gov. Scott Walker Takes On Hillary, Shows Presidential Potential
Aug. 7 - 1:23 a.m.
 Gov. Scott Walker Talks Winning Debate Performance on FOX News' "Hannity"
Aug. 7 - 12:23 a.m.
 Rick Wiley Statement on Governor Walker's Debate Performance

MORE

Jeb 2016, Inc.
August 6, 2015  11:09 p.m.

JEB WINS DEBATE WITH OPTIMISTIC VISION AND CONSERVATIVE RECORD

 
Miami, FL — Jeb Bush won the debate demonstrating presidential leadership by offering an optimistic economic vision that stood in sharp contrast to the subpar record of Barack Obama and pessimistic plans of Hillary Clinton. He also presented a unifying, conservative message of reform on education and immigration that the crowd in Cleveland responded to enthusiastically.  
 
Jeb knows he can fix what ails America, because he’s done it as a successful, conservative, accomplished governor. 
 
Here are two highlights from the debate: 
 
 
Watch here: Jeb: School Choice Pioneer Who Beat the Teachers Union
http://bit.ly/1DudR8P 
 
GOV. BUSH: No. I don't. I don't believe the federal government should be involved in the creation of standards directly or indirectly. The creation of curriculum or content. It is clearly a state responsibility. I'm for higher standards, measured in an intellectually honest way with abundant school choice, ending social promotion and I know how to do this, because as governor of the state of Florida I created the first statewide voucher program in the country. The second statewide voucher program in the country and the third statewide voucher program in the country. We had rising student achievement across the board. Because high standards, robust accountability, ending social promotion in third grade. Real school choice across the board. Challenging the teacher's union and beating them is the way to go. And florida's low income kids had the greatest gains inside the country. Our graduation rate improved by 50%. That's what I'm for.
 
Watch here: Jeb: The Democrats are Wrong: We Can Grow this Economy and Create Jobs
http://bit.ly/1HuBA3K 
 
GOV. BUSH: There are 6 million people living in poverty today, more than when Barack Obama got elected. 6.5 million people are working part time, most of whom want to work full time. We've created rules and taxes on top of every aspiration of people, and the net result is we're not growing fast, income is not growing. A 4% growth strategy means you fix a convoluted tax code, you get in and you change every aspect of regulations that are job killers. You get rid of Obamacare and replace it with something that doesn't suppress wages and kill jobs. You embrace the energy revolution in our country. This President and Hillary Clinton who can't even say she is for the XL Pipeline even after she's left? Give me a break, of course we're for it. We should be for these things to create high sustained economic growth. And, frankly,  fixing our immigration system and turning it into an economic driver is part of this as well. We can do this.  
###
The 2016 Committee [pro-Carson super PAC]
August 7, 2015  11:49 a.m.

Frank Luntz: Surprising Performance by Carson

Last night marked the true beginning of the race for the White House.

Our man, Ben Carson, did very well by all accounts. In fact, the post-debate conclusion of the Frank Luntz focus group on Fox News was nearly unanimous, Ben Carson had the surprise performance of the evening!

“Ben Carson Surges Past Walker”

The poll conducted by the Drudge Report just after the debate showed Carson surging past Governor Scott Walker into third place.

That's consistent with the earlier Breitbart survey headline showing that their readers now have Ben Carson in third place.

Other good news of the week included a win by Ben Carson in an official survey conducted by the Washington State Republican Party of Republicans in that state.

But, back to the debate…

Ben Carson’s primary problem is name identification.  Right now only 50% of Republicans across the United States know who Ben Carson is.

And, even among those who know his name, a still smaller number know his story and his positions on the issues.

That’s why the primary focus of The 2016 Committee is getting the book, Ben Carson, Rx for America into the hands of prospective Republican primary voters, caucus goers, and convention attenders.

We ordered 640,000 in our initial run and those are almost out of stock.

That's why we are ordering another 500,000 this week, including 50,000 Spanish language version copies of the book.

Don’t get me wrong.

Ben Carson is doing well in Iowa and the other early delegate selection states because we have been there since 2013.

We took a page out of Barack Obama’s successful long shot campaign in 2008, and began beating the drums for Carson early.

And, it has paid off.

As you know, Iowa GOP Chairman Jeff Kaufman recently said that Ben Carson has the “Trifecta” needed to win the Iowa Caucus—enthusiasm, organization, and money.

In fact, did you know that Ben Carson has more individual donors than any other candidate in this race?

That’s right, Ben Carson has more donors than Hillary Clinton, and more donors than every other Democrat or Republican candidate for president.

Ben Carson also has more volunteers than any other candidate for president in either party.

And, more Iowans have donated to Ben Carson than they have to any other candidate for president in either party.

Jeff Kaufman, the Iowa Republican Chairman says that Ben Carson also has the best organization in Iowa.

What does all this mean?

It means a lot of things.

It means that the media has no clue as to the depth and breadth of this citizen driven Ben Carson for President effort.

It means that Ben Carson has the organization, the people, and the means to win the race for the White House.

It means that Ben Carson is positioned to win.

Flying under the media radar has its advantages.  As Ronald Reagan said, it’s always good to be underestimated.

Now’s the time to double down.

Chris Christie for President, Inc.
August 8, 2015

What They're Saying About…

Christie had a "really strong performance"
“Christie Left Everything He Had On The Field And It Paid Off”
________________________________________

LifeZette: “Gov. Chris Christie … Final Grade: A” (Jon Conradi, “Grading the Candidates,”LifeZette, 8/7/15)
  • “[G]ov. Christie left everything he had on the field and it paid off.”
  • “Christie’s tense exchange with Senator Paul came off as passionate, rather than mean spirited. During the exchange Christie lampooned the libertarian-minded senator for putting rhetoric on liberty above the safety of the American people, to big applause.”
  • “Christie also gave deft answers to questions on New Jersey’s economic and budgetary situations. … Christie demonstrated he deserved to be there.”
Weekly Standard’s Fred Barnes: “Chris Christie. A great night for him. He won the biggest blowup of the debate, mopping the floor with Rand Paul on the subject of national security.”(Fred Barnes, “Here's Who Gained, Faltered, and Remained Unaffected,” Weekly Standard, 8/7/15)

The Hill’s Bob Cusack: “Christie had a very good night.” (Fox News’ “Happening Now,” 8/7/15)

Laura Ingraham: “I think Chris Christie did really well.” (Fox News, “Fox & Friends,” 8/7/15)

Weekly Standard’s Stephen Hayes: “Chris Christie had some good answers, I think strong exchanges like the one that we showed from Rand Paul.” (Fox News’ “America's Newsroom,” 8/7/15)

Mika Brzezinski: “A good night for Chris Christie. … Feisty, and on mark.” (MSNBC’s  “Morning Joe,” 8/7/15)

Willie Geist: “He was good last night … Particularly that exchange with Rand Paul. I thought he clearly won that exchange, back and forth, with the eye roll and everything. … He did well.” (MSNBC’s  “Morning Joe,” 8/7/15)

Star-Ledger: “[C]hristie shined in a heated exchange with U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, which experts say succeeded in more than justifying his presence on the GOP primary stage.”(Claude Brodesser-Akner, “Christie, On Offensive At 2016 Debate, Escapes Trump's Shadow, Experts Say,” Star-Ledger, 8/7/15)   
  • “Reed Galen, a deputy campaign manager for U.S. Sen. John McCain's 2008 White House bid, was thoroughly impressed with the volley of blows. ‘He just leveled Rand Paul with his response,’ said Galen. ‘In that exchange, he gave way better than he got.’” (Claude Brodesser-Akner, “Christie, On Offensive At 2016 Debate, Escapes Trump's Shadow, Experts Say,” Star-Ledger, 8/7/15)
Fox News’ Ed Henry: “Chris Christie … the Clinton camp was telling me they thought he exceeded expectations more than any other Republican.” (Fox News’ “Happening Now,” 8/7/15)
  • “[T]hey say, they told me behind closed doors, they thought Chris Christie was calm, confident and he brought his A-game last night.”
John Heilemann: “I think that exchange illustrated Christie at his best.” (Bloomberg's “With All Due Respect,” 8/7/15)

Gloria Borger: “Honestly I thought Chris Christie doesn’t get enough credit because he had a substantive debate with Mike Huckabee over entitlement reform … So we had a substantive debate over surveillance and over entitlements … Let's give Chris Christie some credit here.”  (CNN’s “The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer,” 8/7/15)

Jeff Zeleny: “He managed to pack a lot in there and remind people that he could keep America safe.” (CNN’s “The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer,” 8/7/15)

Rep. Peter King: “I thought Chris Christie demolished Rand Paul.” (CNN’s “The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer,” 8/7/15)

Nick Morgan, Public Words Inc.: “So as Christie leans into that podium he's both saying I'm getting comfortable here, and I’m creating more of a connection between me and the audience… It felt like a conversation. It felt like he was being honest and open and talking to us, the audience.” (CNN’s “Anderson Cooper 360,” 8/7/15)

Lt. Gen. Tom McInerney: “I would tell [the next president] what Governor Christie told Senator Paul … I strongly support what Governor Christie said.” (Fox Business Network’s “Risk and Reward with Deidre Bolton,” 8/7/15)

Kayleigh McEneny: “Chris Christie had great economic positions.” (Fox Business Network’s “Risk and Reward with Deidre Bolton,” 8/7/15)

Fred Barnes: “In several debates with the other candidates, Chris Christie of New Jersey won both. It was a really strong performance.” (Fox Business Network’s “Lou Dobbs Tonight,” 8/7/15)

Carrie Sheffield: “I liked when he was talking about reforming entitlements, reforming social security… He defeated Huckabee in my opinion.” (Fox News’ “Fox & Friends Saturday,” 8/8/15)
Chris Christie for President, Inc.
August 7, 2015
What They're Saying About…

“Christie Was Forceful”

“New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie … Did A Good Job Of Speaking Plainly While Defending Policies”

________________________________________

The Washington Post’s Jennifer Rubin: “New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie touted his economic record and stuck by his tough stance on anti-terrorism, getting into a shouting match with Rand Paul and accusing him of blowing hot air while he was busy defending Americans from terrorists.” (Jennifer Rubin, “The first debate,” The Washington Post, 8/6/15)
  • “That said, it did highlight Trump’s clownishness and allow serious contenders — especially Rubio, Bush, Kasich and Christie — to shine.”
  • “He also lowered the boom on Huckabee for suggesting we can’t touch Social Security or that cutting lawmakers’ retirement benefits would solve the problem of runaway retirements. He was specific and tough on foreign policy, admonishing Rand Paul who insisted we should eliminate all foreign aid including that to Israel.”
Charles Krauthammer: “But overall, I think the winners were Cruz, Rubio, and Huckabee, and Christie. Because of the way I think he bested Rand Paul in the debate about eavesdropping and national security.” (Fox News, The Kelly File, 8/6/15)

CNN’s S.E. Cupp: “I think Chris Christie and Marco Rubio had a great night tonight... the only person I thought had a terrible night was Rand Paul. He looked pretty childish haranguing Chris Christie for the hug.” (CNN, Anderson Cooper 360, 8/6/15)

Ed Rollins: “[H]e showed moments of leadership, had some good answers.” (Fox Business Network, Lou Dobbs Tonight, 8/6/15)

MSNBC’s Andrea Mitchell: “I think Chris Christie has done well in his responses on 9/11 and some of those issues.” (MSNBC, The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell, 8/6/15)

Steve Schmidt: “Christie has been strong.” (MSNBC, The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell, 8/6/15)

Business Insider’s Hunter Walker: “I think Christie, Rubio, and Kasich all did pretty well tonight and will get more notice.” (Twitter, 8/6/15)

Forbes’ John Zogby: “Chris Christie – he got to tout his record and also show why he is a conservative on issues like the Patriot Act and the military. But he offered the straight talk that angry voters are looking for while at the same time showing that he has taken on some special interests while he has made New Jersey a better place.” (John Zogby, “Kasich, Bush And Christie Won The First GOP Debate,” Forbes, 8/6/15)

Fox News’ Chris Stirewalt: “Well, obviously the Rand Paul/Chris Christie just like absolute volcano over the NSA was a hinge point in the debate....But that was the very best. It just was the best I've seen.” (Fox News, The Kelly File, 8/6/15)

Marc Thiessen: “I think Christie really did a good job. I think his exchange with Rand Paul and his exchange with Huckabee. He showed himself to be a fighter without being too New Jersey. I think he did a really good job.” (Fox News, The Kelly File, 8/6/15)

Janine Driver: “Chris Christie is going to be seen as more likable here. So Chris Christie even though he can be a pitbull, he has this lean, and this is evaluating. He's leaning to the right and the left, this is evaluating right then and there it’s creating a system, what’s important, what are the priorities here. And so Chris Christie is very interesting. He has no trouble saying that this is the priority.” (Fox Business Network, Loud Dobbs Tonight, 8/6/15)

The Washington Post: “Christie issued a sharp retort: ‘That’s a completely ridiculous answer,’ he said, saying Paul’s experience on national security matters is limited to ‘blowing hot air’ on a congressional subcommittee.” (Karen Tumulty and Philip Rucker, “Donald Trump roils the Republicans’ firstdebate,” Washington Post, 8/6/15)

The Weekly Standard’s Stephen Hayes: "Rubio and Christie did very well." (Twitter, 8/6/15)

Hugh Hewitt: “On points, he gave A’s to Christie, Kasich, Rubio and Walker.” (James Hohmann and Elise Viebeck, “Megyn Kelly out-Foxed Donald Trump,” The Washington Post - The Daily 202, 8/7/15)

National Review Online’s Rich Lowry: “Christie was forceful.” (Rich Lowry, “A Fabulously Awful Night For Donald Trump,” National Review Online, 8/6/15)

Politico’s Matt Friedman: “Overall it was a good night for him, if not a great one...His argument with Rand Paul was possibly the most memorable exchange of the night, and he seemed to get the better of it. A lot of people liked his specificity on his Social Security plan.” (Politico New Jersey Playbook, 8/7/15)

The New York Times’ Frank Bruni: “That back-and-forth was debate platinum, because it was simultaneously fiery and substantive, impassioned and important, a perfect distillation of the two sides of an essential, necessary argument.” (Frank Bruni, “A Foxy, Rowdy Republican Debate,” New York Times, 8/6/15)

Des Moines Register’s Kathie Obradovich: “New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie...did a good job of speaking plainly while defending policies that conservatives have criticized. Christie engaged in a spirited but civil mini-debate with Huckabee over the need to reform Social Security and Medicare. Christie’s idea of slowly phased-in changes to the retirement age and means testing seems more realistic and would likely play better with a conservative crowd than Huckabee’s idea of maintaining the programs as they are and paying for it with a “fair tax” on consumption.” (Kathie Obradovich, “Several winners in GOP debate,” Des Moines Register, 8/7/15)

Buck Sexton: “Chris Christie hit his stride on entitlements.” (“So, who won the Republican debate?,” CNN, 8/7/15)

Tom Rogan: “New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie showed spark by challenging Rand Paul on national security and Mike Huckabee on entitlements.” (“So, who won the Republican debate?,” CNN, 8/7/15)

The Washington Post’s Stephen Stromberg: “New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, Ohio Gov. John Kasich and Florida Sen. Marco Rubio won the debate. Christie gave forceful and sometimes detailed answers, particularly on reducing public benefits for wealthy seniors, without seeming angry.” (Stephen Stromberg, “Forget Trump. These three candidates shined through the low moments in the first GOP debate.,” Washington Post - Post Partisan, 8/7/15)

The Boston Globe’s James Pindell: “[B]ut Christie showed better overall during the evening. After narrowly qualifying for this debate, Christie won by going toe-to-toe with his party nemesis.” (The Boston Globe - Ground Game, 8/7/15)
Chris Christie for President, Inc.
August 7, 2015

What They're Saying About…

Christie “Consistently Appeared Presidential Tonight”

“Chris Christie Is Hitting It Out Of The Park”

________________________________________

CNN’s Ashley Killough: “Chris Christie has consistently appeared presidential tonight.”

Christian Broadcasting Network’s David Brody: “@ChrisChristie is showing tonight why he's a serious presidential candidate. #CBN2016 #GOPDebate”

Tucker Martin: “Charles Krauthammer calls Chris Christie one of the winners of tonight's debate”

National Review Online’s Jonah Goldberg: “Christie definitely wins on math/merits…”

The Iowa Republican’s Craig Robinson: “@GovChristie is having a good debate.  Allowed to engage others, tout his issues, and avoid his weaknesses.”

Forbes’ Clare O'Connor: “This is all making Christie look eminently sensible.”

The Virginian-Pilot’s Donald Luzzatto: “This is why Christie wins”

Politico’s Marc Caputo: “Christie: sharp”

National Review Online’s Eliana Johnson: “Strong debate for @GovChristie, I think he'll help himself, lucky he made it on the stage.”

Christian Broadcasting Network’s David Brody: “I think @ChrisChristie is going to move up in the polls after tonight's debate. #CBN2016 #GOPDebate”

The New York Times’ Matt Apuzzo: “...Christie has played the economic policy guru tonight.”

MSNBC’s Touré: “Christie has the GOP id rage thing that Trump is owning, but Christie has actual policy ideas and Trump has just Trumpyness.”

The Atlantic’s Peter Beinart: “.@GovChristie + @marcorubio are having the best nights #GOPDebate”

The Washington Post’s Chris Cillizza: “Best in the 1st round of answers (in order): Rubio, Kasich, Christie.”

The Houston Chronicle’s Vernon Loeb: “The governor's are all quite effective -- Kasich, Bush, Christie, Walker.”

TIME’s Michael Scherer: “So far Rubio, Christie and Kasich are showing themselves to be more comfortable debaters than Bush and Walker. #establishmentdrama”

Houston Chronicle’s Brian M. Rosenthal: “Christie & Walker were both asked the same Q, onecon trouble in state. Christie strongly answered. Walker went to talking points. #GOPDebate”

Christie Hit “It Out Of The Park” On New Jersey Economic Record...
Grover Norquist: “Chris Christie is hitting it out of the park talking about what he did despite a Dem legislature. Very cool.”

CNN’s Ashley Killough: “Strong answer from @GovChristie on New Jersey's economic woes.”

New Hampshire Union Leader’s Drew Cline: “Excellent response by Christie, a ton of info within the time limit.”

Ralston Report’s Jon Ralston: “Christie parries this calmly, beautifully.”

Sabato's Crystal Ball Geoffrey Skelley: “Christie very sharp, answer was perfect in length. Showed why he's balanced budgets. #gopdebate”

The New York Times’ Jonathan Martin: “Christie gave a nice answer on the NJ economy.”
“Truth Bombs From Christie On Entitlement Reform” ...

Laura Ingraham: “Everyone afraid to discuss entitlement except @ChrisChristie”

Townhall’s Guy Benson: “Truth bombs from Christie on entitlement reform.  Very important issue.  Gotta face reality. #GOPdebate”

TIME’s Zeke Miller: “Strong Christie answer on entitlement reform.”

CNN’s John Avlon: “One hour in, Christie becomes the first to talk deficit and debt plan in detail.”

Wall Street Journal’s Damian Paletta: “Entitlement reform is Christie's wheelhouse. He's got his facts down.”

BBC’s Anthony Zurcher: “Christie wants to be candidate who "tells it like it is". Going after Social Security is how he'll show it, but it's a dangerous issue”

The New York Times’ Nick Corasaniti: “This question is in Christie’s wheelhouse. Entitlement reform the first issue he tackled, before he was a candidate”

The Weekly Standard’s Stephen Hayes: “On entitlements, Christie with specifics and solutions, Huckabee with mostly vague generalities.”

Politico’s Ben White: “Christie much more serious about entitlements than Huckabee. Cutting Congress' retirement program is just a talking point. #GOPDebate”

theBlaze’s Buck Sexton: “The sweet spot for Christie so far tonight is entitlement reform. #GOPDebate”

The Washington Post’s James Hohmann: “Christie is playing the part of truth teller; Huckabee sounded like a Dem just now but comes across as the guy who will protect benefits.”

Erick Erickson: “Christie is showing some solidness on the welfare state issue.”

Politico’s Anna Palmer: “Christie touches 3rd rail of politics w/ reform plan on social security.”

Marketplace’s Kai Ryssdal: “Christie talking some sense here.”

National Review Online’s Jonah Goldberg: “Christie definitely wins on math/merits.”

Yahoo Politics: “This is a substantive policy debate btw Christie & Huckabee on entitlement reform. Both are saying things other Rs are afraid to say. Kudos.”

Washington Examiner’s Philip Klein: “Christie benefited from that exchange, I think. Was truthful and he was on the right side of conservatism.”

Christie “Lowered A Well-Deserved Boom” On Defending America ...

Fox News’ Ed Henry: “Boom -- @ChrisChristie got the better of that exchange w @RandPaul #GOPDebate”

CNBC’s John Harwood: “Christie won that exchange with Paul”

Jon Thompson: “Great comeback from @ChrisChristie on the dumb hug attack from Rand.Christie shows why he's a leader. #GOPDebate”

Save Jersey’s Matt Rooney: “.@ChrisChristie just lowered a well-deserved boom on Rand Paul and all those at both ideological extremes living in fantasy land.”

Mary Katharine Ham: “But Rand went full Paul with the yelling and then the silly hug thing, which Christie parried very well.”

San Antonio Express-News’ Elaine Ayala: “Christie: no apologies for Patriot Act”

CNN’s S.E. Cupp: “Rand Paul looked pretty childish vs. Christie.”

Cruz for President
August 10, 2015

CRUZ CAMPAIGN EXPERIENCES FUNDRAISING SURGE FOLLOWING DEBATE

Over $1 million raised in the 100 hours after the debate

HOUSTON, Texas — In the 100 hours since the first debate, the Ted Cruz campaign has seen an extraordinary outpouring of financial support. In those few days the campaign:

  • Raised $1,092,157
  • Received over 10,000 contributions
  • Online contributions averaged $54.77
  • Our webpage had 295,911 page views
  • Our posts on Facebook generated 20,457,661 impressions
  • Our tweets generated 12,332,304 impressions

All of this coincides with NBC releasing a poll this weekend showing a national outpouring of support with Cruz surging to second place overall with 13 percent nationwide.

As the Washington Post reported, “The most Googled candidate in the debate at any point was Ted Cruz — with 67 percent more searches at his peak than the next most-searched candidate’s peak.”

Also over the past 100 hours, Cruz has been engaged in a bus tour across the so-called “SEC primary” states. From South Carolina to Georgia to Alabama to Tennessee (and on to Mississippi and Arkansas and Oklahoma), every event has been standing room only – with hundreds or thousands coming out to support he campaign. RSVPs for each event surged over 50% in the hours following the debate.

The wave of grassroots support is growing. The outpouring of financial support shows that Americans are ready for someone who will tell the truth and has consistently done what they said they’d do. They are ready for a consistent conservative who has fought to break the Washington Cartel and will fight to make America great again.

###

Cruz for President
August 7, 2015

ICYMI: FRANK LUNTZ: #GOPDEBATE “GREAT NEWS FOR TED CRUZ”

Sen. Cruz also discusses tonight’s debate with Sean Hannity

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Following tonight’s Republican presidential debate on Fox News, Frank Luntz conducted a focus group on the Kelly File where he noted that the result was “great news for Ted Cruz.” The video of the segment is available here:

Also this evening, Sen. Cruz joined Sean Hannity to give his reaction to tonight’s debate where he discussed why he believes the 2016 presidential election could be much like the Reagan Revolution of 1980. Video is available here:

Additional video of Sen. Cruz’s responses from the debate as well as press releases from the Cruz for President campaign highlighting Cruz’s record as a consistent conservative may be found at tedcruz.org/debate.

###

Huckabee for President
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 7, 2015
MEDIA CONTACT
Alice Stewart

 NEWS RELEASE

GOP focus group and leaders agree: Huckabee wins debate 

CLEVELAND- The support for former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee's performance at last night's GOP presidential debate was unanimous, particularly Frank Luntz's GOP focus group panel on Fox News, which said Huckabee had the "best line of the night." When asked who "exceeded expectations," Luntz's entire focus group raised their hands in agreement. Here are a few remarks:

"Best line of the night" -Frank Luntz's Fox News focus group panel 

"Huckabee brought down the house," -World Net Daily, leading conservative website

"[Huckabee] was the star of the Luntz focus group show. When he spoke, the feedback soared. He didn't sugarcoat his social conservatism. He scored with his critique of the sad shape the military is in." -Fred Barnes, Weekly Standard

"[Huckabee's closing line] was a show-stopping zinger," -USA Today.

"Let's face it, Governor Huckabee knows how to SPEAK." -Laura Ingraham, conservative radio show host and commentator

"Huckabee's religious answers were moving but so was his defense of Social Security, his advocacy of the fair tax, and his castigation of Wall Street." -Newsmax, leading conservative website.

"Mike Huckabee did well tonight," -Bret Baier, Fox News debate host, when asked to list "debate winners"

"Based on style & crowd reaction: 1. Rubio 2. Mike Huckabee..." -Marc Caputo, Washington Post (via Twitter)

"Rubio, Cruz and Huckabee have come across the most polished and comfortable." -Chuck Todd, NBC News (via Twitter)

"Huckabee's passion on the Iran question was answer of the night for me so far. Right on the facts. Right on the intensity." -David French, National Review (via Twitter)

"[Huckabee] provided a succinct and utterly convincing critique of the Obama administration's weak bargaining against Iran and strong statements on how political correctness is hampering the military." -Michael Barone, Washington Examiner

#  #  #
New Day for America [pro-Kasich super PAC]
August 6, 2015  10:49 p.m.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Contact: Connie Wehrkamp

What They're Saying About John Kasich's Debate Performance

POLITICO: “Kasich is knocking it out of the park. Upbeat & optimistic. Strong performance.” (John Bresnahan Twitter Feed, twitter.com, 8/6/15)

 

CNN: “Hometown crowd aside, John Kasich is having a strong night, drawing on his experience as governor, Budget chairman and former cable TV host.” (Jeff Zeleny Twitter Feed, twitter.com, 8/6/15)

POLITICO: "Kasich is best on upbeat economic message. He makes people believe it, very good." (John Bresnahan Twitter Feed, twitter.com, 8/6/15)

POLITICO:"Kasich has very strong answers on Medicaid expansion. He's always been a policy guru." (John Bresnahan Twitter Feed, twitter.com, 8/6/15)

New York Times: "Kasich on fire so far" (Alex Burns Twitter Feed, twitter.com, 8/6/15)

Los Angeles Times: "Kasich offers forceful defense of expanding Medicaid in Ohio." (Seema Mehta Twitter Feed, twitter.com, 8/6/15)

Los Angeles Times: "John Kasich is occupying Jeb Bush territory: joy, optimism, miracles, lifting up." (Kathleen Hennessey Twitter Feed, twitter.com, 8/6/15)

Washington Examiner: ".@JohnKasich avoided lecturing as he described his position on Medicaid expansion. Solid response. #GOPDebate" (David Drucker Twitter Feed, twitter.com, 8/6/15)

Laura Ingraham: "Kasich is smart--didn't take the bait to trash @realDonaldTrump." (Laura Ingraham Twitter Feed, twitter.com, 8/6/15)

BuzzFeed: "Wow, John Kasich is a better version of Jeb Bush." (Andrew Kaczynski Twitter Feed, twitter.com, 8/6/15)

Ari Fleischer: "Kasich is killing it. Hopeful. Uplifting. Optimistic. And he has an appeal to those who think the GOP doesn't care." (Ari Fleischer Twitter Feed, twitter.com, 8/6/15)

Ari Fleischer: "Kasich makes a great case for helping the poor. He can connect with people who struggle – and that's good for the GOP." (Ari Fleischer Twitter Feed, twitter.com, 8/6/15)

CBS News: ".@JohnKasich: "Economic growth is the key to everything." #GOPDebate." (CBS Evening News Twitter Feed, twitter.com, 8/6/15)

Cincinnati Enquirer: "Last @JohnKasich answer exactly what he needs to do. Asked abt Hillary? Sure, answer, but do it by quickly getting to resume & philosophy." (Chrissie Thompson Twitter Feed, twitter.com, 8/6/15)

NPR: "Trump winning our unscientific online live poll of who's winning the debate, but Kasich is popping to a clear second" (Domenico Montanaro Twitter Feed, twitter.com, 8/6/15)

Northeast Ohio Media Group: "This is the first time a wide audience will hear Kasich's Medicaid answer. And it is an appeal to pragmatism, not ideology." (Henry Gomez Twitter Feed, twitter.com, 8/6/15)

##

Rand Paul for President
August 6, 2015  11:08 p.m.

Senator Paul hits a 'Rand Slam' in Cleveland

WASHINGTON, D.C.-  Senator Rand Paul tonight proved he is the one Republican candidate willing and able to defeat the Washington Machine and return America on a prosperous path. Senator Paul stood up for conservative principles and was not afraid to shake things up, while also offering substantive solutions and policies.
"Tonight, Senator Rand Paul proved he's a Constitutional conservative who will defend the entire Bill of Rights. Senator Paulwill fight and do whatever it takes to protect America and the principles of liberty and opportunity that have made America great.  

It is Senator Paul's message of opportunity and liberty that has resonated across the country--a message that has allowed SenatorPaul to reach across the aisle and share conservative principles in places Republicans don't go like Detroit, the South Side of Chicago, Ferguson, the Urban League, and UC Berkeley.

We need a conservative who can bring in new voters to the Republican party--a conservative who will fight for our principles and beat Hillary Clinton. Senator Paul demonstrated tonight why he's the only candidate who can beat Hillary Clinton--he's willing to fight for what really matters," said Doug Stafford, Chief Strategist. 
###
Rand Paul for President
August 6, 2015 4:55 p.m.

Rand Paul to Prescribe Constitutional Conservative Vision at First Republican Debate

WASHINGTON, D.C.-   TONIGHT, Sen. Rand Paul will be participating in the first Republican debate, sponsored by the Fox News Channel and co-sponsored by Facebook. The debate will take place in the Quicken Loans arena in Cleveland, Ohio and will be moderated by Bret Baier, Megyn Kelly, and Chris Wallace of the Fox News Channel.

During the debate, Senator Paul will outline his constitutional conservative vision for America, where fiscal responsibility will combine with competition and innovation to usher America into a new age of prosperity. To this end, Sen. Paul will discuss his new 'Fair and Flat' tax plan, which will eliminate the cumbersome 70,000-page tax code, and replace it with a 14.5 percent flat rate. Sen. Paul understands that America will return to prosperity when more money is left in the pockets of those who earned it.

Sen. Paul will also explain his views on national security, which he views as the federal government's number one priority. Sen. Paul follows President Reagan's mantra of 'Peace Through Strength,' and understands the importance of defending American interests, rather than constantly intervening abroad.

Finally, Sen. Paul will discuss the importance of upholding the Constitution and the entire Bill of Rights. Sen. Paul is unique among presidential candidates in that he supports each citizen's right to privacy afforded by the 4th Amendment, and opposes the ability of the federal government to examine citizens' data records without a warrant.

Grassroots supporters and activists throughout the country are gathering for over 80 debate watch parties. Checkout Rand Paul's Facebook page to find a watch party near you. To further join the conversation, supporters should visit randpaul.com, follow @RandPaul as well as @Team_Rand on Twitter, along with hashtags #StandwithRand and #GOPdebate.

The debate will be broadcasted live on the Fox News Channel at 9:00pm ET.

###
Rubio for President
August 7, 2015  8:11 a.m.

Conservatives Say Marco Won Debate

FOX’s Elisabeth Hasselback: “Many people believe that Marco Rubio actually stole the show, and came out looking quite presidential.” (FOX News, 8/7/15)

Peggy Noonan: “Marco Rubio was fresh, crisp and poised. Hillary Clinton, he said, won’t be able to lecture him on living paycheck to paycheck because ‘I was raised paycheck to paycheck.’ He has successfully staked out the future as his theme—one that of course is underscored by his youth.” (Peggy Noonan, Op-Ed, “Fireworks at the Republican Debate,” The Wall Street Journal, 8/7/15)

  • Noonan: Marco “has successfully staked out the future as his theme.” (Twitter, 8/7/15)

FOX New’s Chris Stirewalt: “The best individual performance was that of Marco Rubio ... Rubio, like Walker, passed a key plausibility threshold.” (Chris Stirewalt, “Fox News First -- It was YUGE! GOP debate rocks Cleveland,” FOX News, 8/7/15)

Guy Benson: Marco’s “first few answers were focused, informed and smoothly delivered. He's likable. He's fresh. He's smart. Offered an early chance to punch at Jeb Bush, he turned his answer into a clever contrast point regarding Hillary Clinton.” (Guy Benson, “Analysis: Rowdy, Memorable Republican Debate Lives Up to Hype,” Townhall, 8/7/15)

Stephen F. Hayes: “Rubio Wins the Main Event” (Stephen F. Hayes, “Rubio Wins the Main Event,” The Weekly Standard, 8/7/15)

  • Hayes: “[Rubio] consistently gave strong and substantive answers that at times emphasized the compelling story of his family and at others demonstrated his depth of knowledge on the subject matter discussed.” (Stephen F. Hayes, “Rubio Wins the Main Event,” The Weekly Standard, 8/7/15)

John Podhoretz: “Rubio emerges as the party’s brightest star” (John Podhoretz, “Rubio emerges as the party’s brightest star,” New York Post, 8/7/15)

  • Podhoretz: Marco “stuck to substance, and his fluid speaking style and unique talent for extemporaneously combining eloquence with fact set him above and apart from the other nine men on stage.” (John Podhoretz, “Rubio emerges as the party’s brightest star,” New York Post, 8/7/15)

  • Podhoretz: “[I]t was Rubio’s night, because it was really the first time that Republican voters got to see what those who pay extraordinarily close attention to the ins and outs of the electoral game have learned about him: He is the best off-the-cuff speaker in American politics. His first answer was the evening’s most impressive in bringing the argument for his candidacy down to the basic needs and interests of the voters.” (John Podhoretz, “Rubio emerges as the party’s brightest star,” New York Post, 8/7/15)

Mary Katharine Ham: “[Rubio] really made the best of his time.” (Mary Katharine Ham, “Trump says “questions were not nice,” Rubio makes best of his time,” Hot Air, 8/7/15)

  • Ham: “Rubio was calm, above-the-fray, and characteristically smooth and eloquent. His first answer … was a symbol for his entire debate performance.” (Mary Katharine Ham, “Trump says “questions were not nice,” Rubio makes best of his time,” Hot Air, 8/7/15)

Jonathan V. Last: “Rubio was good all night—if we were doing a sabermetric ranking of the candidates, he lead the field. Easily.” (Jonathan V. Last, “The Best, Classiest Debate Ever,” The Weekly Standard, 8/6/15)


Rubio for President
August 7, 2015  1:20 a.m.

Rubio Wins First Debate

FOX News’ Chris Wallace: “In terms of winners, Marco Rubio did very well.” (FOX, 8/6/15)

Charles Krauthammer: “That [clip] you showed of Rubio, I thought, was the best expression of his campaign, and was the best way to take on Hillary.” (FOX, 8/6/15)

MSNBC’s Chuck Todd: “You talk to Democrats and they are concerned about [Rubio] because Rubio presents that generation contrast.” (MSNBC, 8/6/15)

MSNBC’s Chuck Todd: Rubio is “a dangerous opponent for Hillary Clinton.”“Are we really going to go backwards in generations or do we go forward to GenX, which is Rubio. Which as Americans. we usually want to move forward. That's what makes him a dangerous opponent for Hillary Clinton.” (MSNBC, 8/6/15)
​
American Conservative Union’s Matt Schlapp: I think Marco Rubio scared [Hillary Clinton].” Chris Matthews: “Put yourself into the body and mind of Hillary Clinton right now. Who scared her?” ACU’s Matt Schlapp: “Who scared her? … I think Marco Rubio scared her. I think that he, in so many ways, resembles the kind of opponent she fears.” (MSNBC, 8/6/15)

Fox News reports that Marco Rubio had the best individual performance. "The best individual performance was that of Marco Rubio, whose high-energy delivery, one-liners and policy riffs will undoubtedly win back some of the supporters who have drifted from his column of late." (Fox News First, 08/07/15) 

The National Journal reports that Marco Rubio underscored why he would be a strong opponent to Hillary Clinton and that he was one of the winners that emerged from the debate. “Of the three candidates most likely to win the nomination—Marco Rubio, Jeb Bush, and Scott Walker—the senator from Florida had the best night. He seemed to grow in confidence as the debate wore on, culminating in a rousing speech explaining his opposition to abortion rights. More than anything else, however, he underscored again and again why he would be a strong opponent against Clinton. ‘If I'm our nominee, how is Hillary Clinton going to lecture me about living paycheck to paycheck?" Rubio asked. "I was raised paycheck to paycheck. How is she going to lecture me about student loans? I owed over $100,000 just four years ago.’” (Winners: Trump, Kasich, Rubio, The National Journal, 08/05/15)

The Washington Examiner reports that Marco Rubio had some of the best lines of the night and that he won the debate. “Rubio's responses were well-reasoned and pointed, he also had some of the best lines of the night. His comment about Hillary Clinton not being able to lecture him about living paycheck-to-paycheck when that's how he was raised was poignant and allowed him to remind the audience of his compelling life story. His comments about immigration included simple facts about the nature of who is coming to this country and the reality of the current visa program.” (Marco Rubio won the main debate, but Carly Fiorina won both, The Washington Examiner, 08/06/13)

The Washington Free Beacon reports that Marco Rubio won the first debate. “Marco Rubio won the first GOP presidential debate on Thursday night. … He made the most of each question, demonstrating not only a grasp of detail but also an ability to deliver his views cogently and succinctly.” (Rubio Wins, The Washington Free Beacon, 08/06/15)

The Washington Post’s Chris Cillizza: “The Florida Senator … was terrific on Thursday night.” (Winners and losers from the first Republican presidential debate, The Washington Post, 08/06/15)

The Washington Post’s Chris Cillizza: “He was poised, on message and seemingly entirely at ease.” (Winners and losers from the first Republican presidential debate, The Washington Post, 08/06/15)

MSNBC’s Chuck Todd: Marco’s “skills as a communicator came out tonight very strong.” (MSNBC, 8/6/15)

MSNBC’s Andrea Mitchell: “I think Marco Rubio has done really well. He has been smart and concise and strong.” (MSNBC, 8/6/15)
The Guardian’s Sabrina Siddiqui: Marco Rubio was “an early winner”.  “Marco Rubio, on the other hand, seems to have come out as an early winner based on the initial reaction. He stuck a lot more to policy when he was offered a chance to engage with Trump on immigration, he passed on it, except for pointing out that Trump donated to everyone but him and to his opponent instead Charlie Crist in the Florida Senate race. He really didn't seem to acknowledge him. He seemed to focus more on the policy issues at hand. That made him seem more statesman like. A lot of early reaction seems to imply that Marco Rubio gained a lot from the first debate.” (MSNBC, 8/6/15)

TWEETS …

Politico’s Ben White: Winner of tonight's debate: Rubio. Strong, consistent, detailed, optimistic. Real winner: America for getting to watch Trump-sanity. (Twitter, 8/6/15)

The Daily Caller’s Matt Lewis: “Rubio hitting his message about generational change hard.” (Twitter, 8/6/15)

The Reno Gazette Journal‎’s Jon Ralston: “Rubio is hitting home runs.” (Twitter, 8/6/15)

The Washington Free Beacon’s Matthew Continetti: My post on the debate: Rubio wins. (Twitter, 8/6/15)

Politico's Marc Caputo: “Marco Rubio closes the way he opened: strong, getting applause.” (Twitter, 8/6/15)

The Weekly Standard's Steve Hayes: “Rubio's answer to the question combing God & veterans was masterful. Answered the Q, took a red-meat shot at Dems, addressed veterans.” (Twitter, 8/6/15)

Susan B. Anthony’s Mallory Quigley: “.@marcorubio slams it out of the park on #prolife question! History will look back and judge how we treat the unborn. #GOPDebate” (Twitter, 8/6/15)

Vox's Ezra Klein: “Rubio is better at delivering his story than any other GOPer and better at selling Republican policies than any other GOPer.” (Twitter, 8/6/15)
  • Klein: “Rubio just sounds much surer-footed on policy than the others on the stage.” (Twitter, 8/6/15)
The Associated Press' Steve Peoples: “And enter Rubio, sounding like the adult in the room after the Trump-Paul squabble.” (Twitter, 8/6/15)

S.E. Cupp: “Finally. Rubio shows at least one person up there can look presidential.”(Twitter, 8/6/15)

Republican Strategist Rory Cooper: “Rubio doing more with his time than any other candidate...on every answer.” (Twitter, 8/16/15)

Donald J. Trump for President
August 6, 2015  11:16 p.m.

Donald J. Trump Excels at First Republican Primary Debate

Mr. Trump is Number One in all National Polls and Continued his Dominance with a Strong Debate Performance in Cleveland 
 
(Cleveland, Ohio) August 6th, 2015- Donald J. Trump was the unequivocal winner of tonight's first Republican Primary debate hosted by FOX News.  Mr. Trump, the definitive first place candidate in all recent national and state polls, proved himself to be a skillful debater, out performing his rivals with decisive responses and swift counter-attacks. Mr. Trump excelled in what was his first ever debate against a group of all talk, no action politicians.
 
Mr. Trump stated, "I am very proud of my great performance tonight. I am not a debater, but I am a winner. If I am elected I will make this country a total winner --- I will Make America Great Again."
 
Mr. Trump condemned the incessant calls for political correctness and instead called for action. Mr. Trump also addressed the total epidemic of illegal immigration and promised to secure the border once and for all with an impenetrable wall. Mr. Trump spoke about his great success as a businessman and discussed his pro-life stance. Mr. Trump's truthful talk continues to resonate with voters across the country as he shares his vision to Make America Great Again. 

____
also a Trump tweet

Donald J. Trump for President
@FoxNews you should be ashamed of yourself. I got you the highest debate ratings in your history & you say nothing but bad,"
Scott Walker Inc.
August 7, 2015  1:48 a.m.

#GOPDebate: Gov. Scott Walker Takes On Hillary, Shows Presidential Potential

Cleveland, Ohio – Gov. Scott Walker delivered a strong, steady, and most of all, presidential performance at the Fox News debate tonight. Walker devoted his time on stage to taking on Democrat Hillary Clinton and sharing his record of reform and results in Wisconsin. See highlights of the debatebelow.

In Case You Missed It:

WATCH: Scott Walker: Russians know more about Hillary's email server than Congress

WATCH: Scott Walker slams Clinton-Obama foreign policy

WATCH: Scott Walker: Hillary thinks you grow economy by growing Washington

WATCH: Gov. Scott Walker's Closing Argument: It wasn't too late for Wisconsin, it's not too late for America

What They Are Saying:

WisPolitics: Walker Focuses On Clinton During 10-Way GOP Presidential Debate: “Walker said Republicans should be spending a lot of time on Clinton, because ‘Everywhere in the world that Hillary Clinton touched is more messed up today than before she and the president took office.’ The line, which he regularly uses in his stump speech, drew applause from the audience. The guv received one of his best responses of the night when asked how he would respond if Russian President Vladimir Putin’s took actions to destabilize NATO allies such as Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. Walker used the question to get in another dig on Clinton, noting a recent cyberattack by Russia.” (JR Ross – August 6, 2015)

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Walker focused his criticism not on his fellow Republicans, but on Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton. When asked about national security, Walker said, "It's sad to think, but right now Russia and the Chinese government know more about Hillary Clinton's email server than members of the United States Congress." The second-term Republican governor also touted his everyman image, saying in his closing statement that he's "a guy with a wife and two kids and a Harley," and noting that he's been described as "aggressively normal." (Mary Spicuzza & Patrick Marley – August 8, 2015)

National Review: "Scott Walker won with 'I defunded Planned Parenthood long before any of these videos came out.' In his closing statement, he described himself as 'aggressively normal.' He really does seem unflappable, no matter the question or the arena. To some people, that might come across as boring. But if our tastes have changed to the point where we dismiss Walker because he’s not flashy enough, we’re throwing out a good talent. (Jim Geraghty – August 6, 2015)

Washington Examiner: "In Thursday night's debate, he came across as more honest and relatable than the other candidates, as he usually does." (Timothy P. Carney – August 6, 2015)

New York Times: “Gov. Scott Walker of Wisconsin deftly defended an absolutist position against abortion while boasting of his three statewide victories in his own swing state. … Mr. Walker appeared fluent on policy…” (Patrick Healy & Jonathan Martin – August 6, 2015)
On The Twitters:

@wpjenna: Scott Walker also went after Hillary Clinton much more than anyone else. His message was clear: He knows how to fight Democrats.

@AriFleischer: Walker's line on Hillary's server is the best line of the night so far.

@LATSeema: Walker gets in a dig that the Russians or Chinese know more abt Hillary's emails than Congress. [T]he crowd likes it. #gopdebate

@mateagold: Good Walker zinger on Hillary emails

@hughhewitt: Judging by Twitter, @ScottWalker just passed @marcorubio and @JohnKasich w/ @HillaryClinton and bayonets line

@LukeRussert: Walker ready for #IranDeal Q-strong answer, says he'd tear up deal and put forward new sanctions.

@stephenfhayes: Walker embraces "aggressively normal" in his close. And his #Harley.

@jameshohmann: Walker close: I'm a guy with a wife and two kids and a Harley. #HesJustLikeUs

###
Scott Walker Inc.
August 7, 2015  1:48 a.m.

Gov. Scott Walker Talks Winning DebatePerformance on FOX News' "Hannity"

Following his commanding performance in the Fox News debate, Gov. Scott Walker sat down with Sean Hannity to discuss Hillary Clinton's record as "deceiver-in-chief" and how he is the best positioned person in the race to defeat her. See the full transcript and video below.

Transcript:

SEAN HANNITY:  Welcome to a special edition of "Hannity." We're gonna be checking in with, let's see, Donald Trump, Ted Cruz, Scott Walker, who's going to join us in a minute. We'll check in with John Kasich, Chris Christie, and Mike Huckabee. So stay with us on this busy night. But first joining us, the great Governor of the great state of Wisconsin, Scott Walker.  Governor, how are you? 

SCOTT WALKER: I'm great. 
 
HANNITY: Good to see you. Did you have fun out there? 
 
WALKER: Yeah, I did. It was pretty entertaining. Yeah, I'm right next to Donald Trump, so of course it's entertaining.  
 
HANNITY: So it couldn't have been that bad right? Let's talk about this. One of the things that came up in the debate for you was the issue of abortion and the exemption for whether or not the mother's life is in jeopardy.

WALKER: Yeah, I said it's a false choice. There is always a better option out there. I've said for years medically there's always a better choice than choosing between the life of an unborn baby and the life of the mother. So that's just a false choice out there. That was my point. there's always better choices out there. Medically that's just a non-issue.  
 
HANNITY: You defunded planned parenthood in the state already before these tapes came out.  

WALKER: I did - four - almost four and a half years ago, Right at the beginning of my time. I was a leader on that long before the videotapes, long before all the talk out there. That's why when people talk about a pro-life record in this race- I've actually done that. I've defunded planned parenthood, passed pro-life legislation, been a leader in that.
 
HANNITY: One of the interesting laws that you passed in Wisconsin was the ultra sound law. And these planned parenthood tapes, interestingly, would use ultra sound to quote "preserve the body parts". What was your reaction to that?

WALKER: Amazing because at the time, they went after us on that very issue even though they're using it. It’s just remarkable but even on that, I tried on that issue, certainly on foreign policy, instead of picking fights with fellow Republicans, many of whom I admire and I'm good friends with, to bring the fight back to Hillary Clinton. She’s defending Planned Parenthood. She’s extreme in terms of abortion. We’re the ones who are with the mainstream on this and on everything else. You name it. Hillary Clinton should be the person we're talking about.

HANNITY: Immigration is such big a issue and in the past, you had taken the position that you had but you changed, evolved. Explain the evolution.

WALKER: For me it was a combination of things. Looking at the president's horrible mishandling of this issue, it’s why I joined with 25 or 24 other governors, I was the 25th, one of the first to sign on to the lawsuit that’s now blocked the illegal action of the president from last year. And I looked, I talked to border state leaders. I talked to the American people. I think people want someone who listens to them and I made it clear. Secure the border. Enforce the laws. No amnesty. And I’m fairly unique in this sphere, I believe we should have a policy about legal immigration that gives priority to American working families and their wage.
HANNITY: A lot of people know your record as governor, know the fights that you've had against unions. But you've really made an effort to reach out to foreign governments and foreign leaders. Tell us about the experience you've had meeting with the Saudis and Egyptians and Israelis.

WALKER: It was earlier this year when I met with many of the Persian Gulf leaders, it was amazing. I said set aside the Iran deal for a moment, and asked them what's the biggest worry you have in the world today? They said the disengagement of America. That just shows us the Obama/Clinton doctrine of leading from behind is not working, and we've got to do something different about it. When I met with Benjamin Netanyahu when I was in Israel, I didn't just meet with him - I'm an ally, I'm a supporter of his and he's a great leader -  but I also met with Herzog, the opposition leader, because i wanted to make it clear that if i'm president, there is no daylight between me and the state of Israel.

HANNITY: It looked like in the debate you had made a decision. When you talked about Hillary, everything that she has touched is worse off. Was that a decision - you were going after the guys on the stage--

WALKER: Well I was listening to this exchange they were having and I wanted to talk about Hillary Clinton. Think about these e-mails. This woman could be --

HANNITY: The FBI investigation, a criminal investigation.

WALKER: Her problem is real right now. She could be the deceiver-in-chief, you certainly can't trust her to be the commander-in-chief and I think the more time we spend focusing on who is best going head to head against her the better off we are. I'm a new fresh face. She's a name from the past. I'm someone from outside Washington, she's about as inside Washington as you can get. And I've actually done things.

HANNITY: What did you think of Trump being the only person on the stage to say he wouldn't support them?

WALKER: Well it's wrong. I mean when you think about Hillary Clinton, I think any of the ten of us tonight, and any of the people on earlier would be infinitely better qualified and much better for America and for the world to be president than Hillary Clinton.

HANNITY: All right. Governor, good to see you. Thank you for stopping by.

###
Scott Walker Inc.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AshLee Strong
August 6, 2015  rec'd August 7

Rick Wiley Statement on Governor Walker's Debate Performance

Cleveland, Ohio – Walker for America campaign manager, Rick Wiley, tonight issued the following statement regarding Governor Scott Walker’s performance in the Fox News debate:

“Gov. Scott Walker did exactly what he needed to do during tonight’s debate. He was unflappable, fluent on the issues and above all, presidential. He delivered a commanding performance, keeping his eye on the GOP’s real opponent in this race: Hillary Clinton. Gov. Walker’s record of successful reforms in Wisconsin reads like a wish list of conservative policy prescriptions. It is unmatched in the field of 2016 hopefuls, and as Gov. Walker continues to introduce himself to Americans during debates and on the campaign trail, support for him and his brand of bold, successful conservative reforms will only grow.”

###

Emotient
August 7, 2015

Emotion Reading Technology Analyzes Republican Presidential Candidates Faces For Sentiment During Primary Debate

Emotient First to Use Emotion Reading Technology to Reveal Authentic Candidate Reactions On Stage

Trump Predominantly Displays "Anger," Cruz Exhibits "Sadness," Kasich Exclusively "Neutral"

SAN DIEGO, Aug. 7, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Emotient, which helps organizations better understand audience reactions to media, messages and experiences via proprietary emotion-reading algorithms and analytics, tonight measured the expressions of the 10 candidates on stage during the first Republican Presidential Primary Debate aired on FOX News. This is the first time emotion-reading technology has been used to analyze a Presidential Primary Debate.

Emotient's software reads the expressions of individuals and crowds to gain insights and assess authentic emotions and responses to stimuli, such as a message, a question or an exchange. The technology is able to verify whether a crowd or individual is feeling fear, contempt, disgust, joy, anger, surprise or sadness at a particular moment.

Emotient's emotion-reading algorithm measured and analyzed the faces of the debate's 10 candidates, identifying the dominant and most consistently expressed emotion of each participant during the course of the two-hour televised event. The findings include:

  • Donald Trump predominantly conveyed "anger" while on camera.
  • Ted Cruz's visage almost exclusively expressed "sadness" on air.
  • Jeb Bush revealed a mix of "neutral", "surprise" and "joy" according to Emotient's algorithm.
  • Scott Walker most predominantly displayed "neutral" and "fear" while on camera.
  • Mike Huckabee exhibited a mix of "neutral" with "anger" on screen.
  • Ben Carson revealed an almost equal mix of "neutral", "contempt" and "joy" while on camera.
  • Marco Rubio displayed an even blend of "neutral", "surprise" and "joy" on air.
  • Rand Paul expressed "neutral", "surprise" and "contempt" on screen.
  • Chris Christie displayed a combination of "neutral" and "surprise" on camera.
  • John Kasich was almost exclusively "neutral" according to Emotient's analysis.

About Emotient – Face Reading & Automated Expression Analysis

Emotient, Inc., is the leading authority in facial expression analysis. Emotient software translates facial expressions into actionable information that helps companies make better decisions based on audience response to media, products and experiences. Emotient facial expression technology is currently available through the EmotientAnalytics web service or the Emotient API. Automated emotion measurement can generate insights that increase revenue across many industries including advertising, media and entertainment, consumer goods, retail, enterprise sales, healthcare and education.

Emotient was founded by a team of six PhDs from the University of California, San Diego, who are the foremost experts in the application of machine learning, computer vision and cognitive science to facial behavioral analysis. Its proprietary, patented technology sets the industry standard for accuracy and real-time delivery of facial expression data and analysis. Emotient was named a Gartner 2014 Cool Vendor and was recognized as a 2015 TiE Top 50 Startup.

For more information on Emotient, please visit www.emotient.com.

Democratic National Committee
August 6, 2015  11:16 p.m.

THIS WAS THE REPUBLICAN PARTY’S OUTREACH EFFORT?

If tonight was supposed to demonstrate the Republican Party’s new commitment to broadening its base, then they failed miserably.  On the 50th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, they failed to mention ballot access once.  They all support harsh voter restrictions.  Scott Walker dodged the one question offered that directly referenced Black citizens.  Jeb Bush, Marco Rubio, Rand Paul and everyone else up on stage proposed economic policies that disproportionately harm communities of color.
 
If the Republican Party wants to demonstrate that it’s #CommittedToCommunity, its candidates need to go beyond using nicer words and demonstrate that commitment through polices that actually uplift communities of color.
 
But they won’t. Every single presidential candidate opposes increasing the minimum wage, wants to repeal the Affordable Care Act, and supports harsh voting restrictions that disproportionately impact minorities.  The tone of their message won’t change the content of their message.
 
 
EVERY SINGLE 2016 GOP CANDIDATE WANTS TO REPEAL THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT
 
Scott Walker Said “Hands-Down” He Would Repeal Obamacare All-Together. LARRY KUDLOW: “You would repeal ObamaCare all-together.” GOV. SCOTT WALKER: “Hands-down.” [Kudlow Report, CNBC, 11/19/13]
 
Rubio: “I Want To Fully Repeal Obamacare.” [Sunshine State News, 10/31/13]
 
Jeb Bush: “We Should Repeal Obamacare.” JEB BUSH: “Where I think- and to unravel this I think we have to push power back to the states, I think we should repeal Obamacare if given the opportunity and replace it- you can clap, that’s fine.” [Jeb Bush Town Hall, Tempe AZ, 5/14/15]
 
Ted Cruz: “I Intend To Make 2016 A Referendum On Repealing Obamacare And If I'm Elected President, We Will Repeal Every Word Of Obamacare.” [Voters First Forum, Manchester NH, 8/3/15]
 
Rand Paul Touted Himself As An “Original Cosponsor” Of A Bill To “Fully Repeal” Obamacare. “As you may know, in the 113th Congress, I am an original cosponsor of S. 177 , which would fully repeal the government takeover of our health care system.” [Issue: Health Care, Office of Senator Paul, accessed 8/4/15]
 
Trump Claimed That To Make America Great Again “We Have To Repeal Obamacare.” “‘If I’m elected president,’ he announced, ‘we will make America great again.’ To begin with, ‘we have to repeal Obamacare,’ he said, adding that Obamacare’s biggest effects won’t begin until President Obama is safely out of office and, Trump says, on the golf course.” [Breitbart, 6/16/15]
 
Ben Carson: Obamacare Is “The Worst Thing That Has Happened In This Nation Since Slavery.” “Dr. Ben Carson didn’t mince words: Obamacare is ‘the worst thing that has happened in this nation since slavery.’ [Washington Times, 10/11/13]
 
Christie: “We Need To Get Rid Of…Obamacare.” “Christie also faulted Obama for calling for new government programs. ‘You never hear him talk about entitlements, except to create a new one, which nobody wants, and we need to get rid of in Obamacare,’ Christie said.” [Bloomberg, 3/27/15]
 
Kasich: I Have Never Supported Obamacare, And “I Believe It Should Be Repealed.” “ ‘From Day One, and up until today and into tomorrow, I do not support Obamacare,’ the Republican governor said on Monday evening. ‘I never have, and I believe it should be repealed.’” [Politico, 10/20/14]
 
Perry: We Need To Repeal Obamacare Which “Has The Potential To Destroy The Republic.”  “Among those changes, he [Perry] said, are a repeal of President Barack Obama’s health reforms — legislation that he argued repeatedly ‘has the potential to destroy this republic’ — as well as an emphasis on the core elements of government identified in the U.S. Constitution, including preserving a strong military and securing the nation’s borders.” [Peoria Journal-Star, 5/27/15]
 
Huckabee Pledged To Repeal Obamacare. “Huckabee, the former Arkansas governor, insisted Thursday he would only sign one pledge in his campaign for the GOP’s 2016 nomination — his ‘pledge to the people,’ containing 17 different planks ranging from ObamaCare repeal to opposing same-sex marriage.” [The Hill, 5/14/15]
 
Fiorina: “Obamacare Needs To Be Repealed.” [Bloomberg, 5/4/15]
 
Graham: “We Will Use Every Tool In The Toolbox To Repeal And Replace Obamacare.” “Whether it’s an outright repeal, a state-based ‘opt-out’, delaying implementation of its major provisions, or withholding funding, we will use every tool in the toolbox to repeal and replace Obamacare.” [Press Release, Office of Senator Graham, 1/26/11]
 
Bobby Jindal: Anything Short Of Outright Repeal Of Obamacare Is “Ridiculous.” “But like Price and other House Republicans, the Louisianan [Jindal] did make it clear that replacing Obamacare with an alternative such as America Next would first involve a repeal of the president's plan. Anything short of outright repeal, he said, ‘is ridiculous.’” [Newsmax, 4/3/14]
 
George Pataki Called For The Repeal Of The “Oppressive” Affordable Care Act. “[George] Pataki outlined issues he plans to push on the campaign trail, including a lifetime ban on members of Congress becoming lobbyists, repealing ‘oppressive laws like ObamaCare and Common Core’ and eliminating ‘excessive taxes that crush small businesses.’” [The Hill, 5/28/15]
 
Santorum Supported The Repeal Of The a Affordable Care Act. “Here’s where he [Santorum] stands on ten key issues…Obamacare: Repeal it.” [PBS, 5/27/15]
 
2016 REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES OPPOSE THE MEDICAID EXPANSION
 
Jeb Bush: “I Think Expanding Obamacare’s Medicaid Mandate Is Wrong.” [Jeb Bush, AFP Road to Reform, 7/22/15]
 
Rubio Opposed Medicaid Expansion In Florida. “Senator Marco Rubio is distancing himself from Florida governor Rick Scott, who recently expanded his state’s Medicaid program. Rubio’s position is shared by former Florida governor Jeb Bush, who reportedly told state lawmakers that he is against the expansion.” [National Review, 2/26/13]
 
Walker Refused To Expand Medicaid In Wisconsin, Which Could Have Provided Coverage For Thousands More Wisconsinites. “Governor Scott Walker’s controversial decision to turn down federal money that would have expanded health care coverage to the poor is once again being debated. Two new reports have been released — one showing thousands more could have been covered, and the other saying the state’s BadgerCare program faces a huge shortfall.” [FOX 6, 7/2/14]
 
Ben Carson On Medicaid Expansion: “It Doesn't Make A Lot Of Sense To Invest A Lot Of Our Eggs In Something That Doesn't Work.” [Hannity, Fox News, 3/29/13]
 
Ted Cruz Called Obamacare’s Medicaid Expansion “Unconstitutional.” “Obamacare’s unconstitutional, unfunded mandate to expand Medicaid in our state has gained some attention.”  [Ted Cruz, Breitbart, 2/16/14]
 
Rand Paul Attacked The Medicaid Expansion. “Paul received applause when he said the Affordable Care Act should be repealed. He was critical of Medicaid expansion, in his home state and in the Granite State. ‘The problem is, money doesn’t grow on trees,’ he said.” [New Hampshire Union Leader, 3/21/15]
 
Rick Perry Called Medicaid Expansion “Federal Blackmail.” “The governor drew a standing ovation when he said Texas didn’t succumb to ‘federal blackmail’ by taking increased federal funding to expand the Medicaid program under President Barack Obama’s signature health care law.” [Associated Press, 6/5/14]
 
Fiorina Attacked The Medicaid Expansion Saying It Was Wrong To Give Millions Of Americans Access To Health Insurance. “Republican Senate candidate Carly Fiorina is telling an insurance industry group that she will work to repeal President Barack Obama’s health care reforms if elected on Nov. 2… The former CEO of Hewlett-Packard Co said it was wrong to put 16 million uninsured people into Medicaid, the state-federal health care program for the poor, disabled and aged, because it is poorly run. She did not say how those individuals should get health coverage.” [Associated Press, 10/21/10]
 
Graham Opposed Expanding Medicaid In South Carolina, Saying His State “Was Right To Reject It…We Cannot Afford This Burden.”“U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement on the Obama Administration call for South Carolina to expand Medicaid eligibility under Obamacare. ‘Given all the problems they have created, you would think the White House would be trying to plug some of the holes in this sinking ship known as Obamacare. Instead, they are out there recruiting more people to come on board. We shouldn’t buy a ticket on the Titanic. Governor Haley and our state legislature understand the simple fact that expansion of Medicaid called for under Obamacare is unsustainable. South Carolina was right to reject it. We cannot afford this burden.’” [Press Release, Office of Senator Graham, 11/20/13]
 
Bobby Jindal Opposed Medicaid Expansion Saying Support For Expansion Was A “Foolish, Shortsighted, Short-Term Position.”“But Jindal, who once served as Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, said that if Medicaid were expanded in Louisiana, the number of people who would move to Medicaid from private insurance would exceed the number of uninsured residents who would gain coverage. ‘I told my hospitals I thought that [supporting Medicaid expansion] was a foolish, shortsighted, short-term position,’ he said. ‘” [Washington Times, 9/22/14]
 
Mike Huckabee Said Convincing Governors To Accept The Federal Medicaid Expansion Was “The Classic Sales Tactic Used By Opium Pushers Worldwide” And That Free Money Upfront Would “Get The Suckers Hooked” Before The Federal Government Would Cut Off Funding. “Not to toss out ‘I told you so’s,’ but when the liberal media were excoriating Republican governors as fools for rejecting Obamacare and turning down all that federal sugar, many of us pointed out that it was the classic sales tactic used by opium pushers worldwide: lots of free OPM (Other People’s Money) up front to get the suckers hooked; then the federal stash would be cut off, leaving the states with millions of citizens dependent on government-paid health care and the state scrambling to supply it.” [Mikehuckabee.com, 12/29/14]
 
GOP PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES CONTINUE TO OPPOSE RAISING THE MINIMUM WAGE
 
Jeb Bush Opposed The Government Raising The Minimum Wage: “We Need To Leave It To The Private Sector.” “Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush said Tuesday the federal government should not be involved in raising the minimum wage during a campaign stop in South Carolina. ‘We need to leave it to the private sector,’ he said when asked whether raising the minimum wage is a good idea, according to video from the event on YouTube.” [The Hill, 3/17/15]
 
Walker Called The Minimum Wage A “Lame Idea.” “Scott Walker appeared to take aim at the national minimum wage on Monday evening, referring to it as one of many ‘lame ideas’ pushed by Democrats … ‘The left claims that they're for American workers and they've just got just really lame ideas - things like the minimum wage,’ Walker said. ‘” [Washington Post, 7/14/15]
 
Rand Paul, Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio And Lindsey Graham Voted To Block Consideration Of The Minimum Wage Fairness Act In 2014. “On Cloture on the Motion to Proceed (Motion to Invoke Cloture on the Motion to Proceed to S. 2223 )” [S.2223, Vote 117, 113th Congress,  4/30/14]
 
Rand Paul Said The Market Rather Than The Government Should Determine The Minimum Wage. BLITZER: “Do you believe in a minimum wage?” PAUL: “Well, I think when you look at raising it, all of the studies show that if you raise it, you get more unemployment. So, really, the market place does a better job at determining what –“ [CNN, 1/28/13]
 
Trump Said He Would Not Increase The Minimum Wage. “Trump said he would not increase the minimum wage, adding that the U.S. needs to bring back jobs from places like Mexico, China and India.” [Politico, 6/18/15]
 
Kasich Did Not Support Raising The Minimum Wage. “Kasich: Doesn’t want to alter the minimum wage.” [Lima News, 11/1/14]
 
Chris Christie: “I’m Tired Of Hearing About The Minimum Wage. I Really Am.” [Politico, 10/21/14]
Perry: “I Don’t Think It’s Government’s Business To Be Setting The Minimum Wage.” Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn: “And I still haven't heard from Rick about the minimum wage. How about it?” PERRY: “I don't think -- I don't think it's government's business to be setting the minimum wage out there.” [Crossfire, CNN, 2/21/14]
 
Carly Fiorina Opposed Raising The Federal Minimum Wage. “Ms. [Carly] Fiorina generally believes that reducing government regulations helps to spur the economy, and she opposed the 2009 federal stimulus program as a wasteful use of taxpayer money. She opposes raising the federal minimum wage, saying doing so ‘will hurt those who are looking for entry-level jobs.’” [New York Times, 5/4/15]
 
Huckabee Did Not Support Raising The Minimum Wage And Called It A Government Intrusion. The New York Times wrote on the minimum wage: “Mike Huckabee, considered something of an economic populist for his support of preserving entitlements, has come out against an increase, calling it a government intrusion.” [New York Times, 5/8/15]
 
Bobby Jindal Opposed Efforts To Raise The Minimum Wage Nationally And In Louisiana. “Jindal said he would not be in favor raising the minimum wage nationally or in Louisiana at this time because the country's economy isn't strong enough.” [The Times-Picayune, 2/26/14]
 
Pataki Attacked The Idea Of Raising The Minimum Wage. Pataki: “What people don't understand, what isn't being said is the other side of the equation is there is not one economist who doesn't realize when you raise the minimum age, you increase the unemployment rate.” [Bloomberg TV, Interview, 5/21/15]
 
GOP PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES SUPPORT HARSH VOTING RESTRICTIONS
 
Jeb Bush Signed A Law Limiting Early Voting And Restricting Voting Locations. “Early voting proved to be so popular in its first test in Florida last year that election supervisors wanted to expand the hours and add more locations. But the Republican-controlled Legislature rejected both requests, and on Monday Gov. Jeb Bush signed a law limiting the hours of early voting and confining it to election offices, city halls and libraries. The new law limits early voting to no more than eight hours a day, changing the old law that allowed early voting at least eight hours a day. Early voting also cannot be held more than eight hours on any weekend, and it must end the Sunday before the election.” [St. Petersburg Times, 6/21/05]
 
Rubio Suggesting Slashing Florida’s Early Voting Period In Half – Removing The First Week –Saying That First Week “Was Really Not Cost Effective.”  RUBIO: “But we also know, for example, that in the early stages of the - of campaigns, we used to have a two-week voting period in Florida. The cost-benefit analysis of the first week of voting was really not - was really not cost effective. In essence, the number of people voting versus the cost to local governments to comply or to carry out that voting were - the turnout just didn't justify the expenditure in the first week.” [The Buzz, Tampa Bay Times, 6/13/12]
 
Kasich Signed A Bill To Restrict Early Voting And Same-Day Registration. “Yesterday, Kasich signed Senate Bill 238, which eliminates ‘Golden Week’ — when Ohioans could register and vote on the same day — and shortens early voting by a week.” [Columbus Dispatch, 2/22/14]
 
Politifact: Wisconsin’s Voter ID Law Signed By Scott Walker Was One Of The Nation’s Strictest.“Gov. Scott Walker has signed a photo ID requirement for Wisconsin elections starting in 2012. . . Even in its new form, Wisconsin’s law is one of the most restrictive, based on our research on acceptable IDs and voting procedures for those without IDs.” [Politifact Wisconsin, 6/12/11]
 
A Federal Court Ruled A Texas Voter ID Law Signed By Perry Violated The Voting Rights Act. “The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the 2011 Texas law runs afoul of parts of the federal Voting Rights Act — handing down the decision on the eve of the 50th anniversary of the landmark civil rights law…Other Republican-controlled states, including Wisconsin and North Carolina, have passed similar voter ID measures in recent years, but the Texas law signed by then-Gov. Rick Perry is widely viewed as one of the nation's toughest.” [Associated Press, 8/5/15]
 
Ted Cruz Touted His Defense Of Voter ID Laws. “Ted Cruz has successfully defended laws requiring voters to show identification and other voter fraud prevention laws that are vital to preserve the integrity of our elections.” [Ted Cruz for Senate, accessed 8/13/12]   
 
·         Ted Cruz Said He Would File An Amendment That Would Allow States To Require Proof Of Citizenship To Register To Vote. “In an effort to counteract a Supreme Court decision Monday, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) said he intends to file an amendment to immigration reform legislation that allows states to require proof of citizenship to register to vote.” [Talking Points Memo, 6/17/13]
 
Trump: “The Concept Of People Walking In And Voting Without Identification Is Absolutely Insane.” [Newsmax, 6/8/15]
 
HEADLINE: “Rand Paul On Voting Rights Act: ‘We Have A Black President’” [Real Clear Politics, 6/25/13]
 
Ben Carson Said Opponents Of Voter ID Laws Were “Manipulators.” CARSON: “A classic example of this kind of manipulation is the effort to convince minority voters that anyone advocating officially recognized identification cards is racist, concocting tales of voter fraud. Manipulators will claim that their opponents are trying to suppress the vote by demanding identification cards in areas where they fear they won’t do well electorally.” [Ben Carson, One Vote: Make Your Voice Heard, pg.38-39, 10/9/14]
 
Christie Vetoed A Bill That Would Have Brought The State In Line With 33 Other States And The District Of Columbia With Some Form Of Early Voting.  “Democrats are pushing for early-voting initiatives that would keep certain polling places open for days or weeks at a time before an election. The goal is to increase voter convenience and turnout, and to also provide mechanisms to ease election chaos that can be created by a natural disaster like superstorm Sandy. New Jersey would join 33 other states and the District of Columbia with some form of early voting. But Gov. Christie vetoed an earlier attempt, and Democratic supporters of the legislation expect that could happen again.” [Editorial, Daily Record, 6/7/14]
 
Santorum: “I Support Voter ID. In My Opinion, The Only Reason You Don’t Have A Voter ID Is You Want To Continue To Perpetrate Fraud.” “ [Think Progress, 3/29/12]
 
Huckabee: “Let's Stop The Phony Nonsense That Requiring An ID Disenfranchises Voters Who Are Old Or Black. I'm Getting Old, And Obama Is Black, And It Didn't Disenfranchise Either One Of Us.” [Huckabee, FOX News, 10/27/12]
 
Bobby Jindal Applauded The Supreme Court’s Ruling That Gutted The Voting Rights Act. “The Supreme Court didn't strike down the pre-clearance rule itself. The justices invalidated the formula that has required mainly Southern states to get Washington's approval for voting laws, saying it does not account for racial progress and societal changes across the country. Gov. Bobby Jindal applauded the high court's ruling. .” [Associated Press, 6/25/13]
 
Graham Supported The Supreme Court’s Ruling That Gutted A Key Part Of The 1965 Voting Rights Act. “The U.S. Supreme Court issued a ruling Tuesday that a key part of the 1965 Voting Rights Act is unconstitutional. ….U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-South Carolina, said after the ruling, ‘Section 4 of the Voting Rights Act was a necessary tool to preserve voting rights, but due to the reform and advances in South Carolina election law, it is no longer necessary. The Supreme Court noted this tremendous progress in South Carolina's electoral system and it was the underpinning of their decision. I concur with the Court that our state has made tremendous progress.’” [WBTW, 6/25/13]