GOP Debate: It Was All About Trump Versus the Rest of America

As GOP debate comes to an end and the US gears up for the ‘Big Tuesday’.

Republican presidential candidates, Ben Carson, from left, Sen. Marco Rubio, businessman Donald Trump, Sen. Ted Cruz, and Ohio Gov. John Kasich during the Republican Presidential Primary Debate, 25 February 2016. (Photo: AP)

The CNN Republican Debate concluded in Texas few days before the ‘Super Tuesday’ in United States when 12 States will vote for candidates of respective parties. However, this final showdown between the 5 GOP candidates remaining in the race was anything but short of entertainment (if that is what you were looking for).

For the first time, someone got under Donald Trump’s skin and no they weren’t Muslims or other religious minorities. As the country inches close to the most crucial test in the presidential race, here are the most memorable quotes from the debate. As you read, trust us, these quotes will not disappoint your funny bone if you see the humour in this (counters provided wherever necessary).

As usual businessman and real estate developer Donald Trump stole the show. His vociferousness never fails to amuse, he is easy to offend and first to react. But now he has bigger plans for the ‘wall’ he wants to build on the US-Mexico border and his opinion on Gaddafi may differ from the rest of USA, here are his ‘outstanding’ statements:

Republican presidential candidate, businessman Donald Trump, regards Republican presidential candidate, Sen. Marco Rubio, left, and Republican presidential candidate, Sen. Ted Cruz, during a Republican presidential primary debate,   February 25, 2016, in Houston. (Photo: AP)

Trump At His Best

On former Mexican President Vincente Fox saying, “I’m not going to pay for that f**king wall!”

Donald Trump: I will (build the wall), and the wall just got 10 feet taller, believe me.

On the issue of Libya:

Donald Trump: We would be so much better if Gaddafi were still in-charge.

Insults for Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz:

Donald Trump: Rubio is a Choke artiste, Cruz is a liar.

The issue of Israel and Palestine

Donald Trump: I am a good negotiator

Trump’s last statement may have been too little too late. His take on policy issues have often been termed ‘flawed’ and his supporters didn’t seem to care.

Republican presidential candidate Marco Rubio speaks during a campaign stop, February 26, 2016, in Oklahoma City. (Photo: AP)

Rubio Counters Trump

But this time, Senator from Florida Marco Rubio had been well prepared to take on Trump, much to everyone’s surprise.

The issue of Israel and Palestine:

Marco Rubio’s counter to Donald Trump: The Palestinians are not a real estate deal, Trump.

On Donald Trump’s stance on immigration:

You’re the only person on this stage that’s ever been fined for hiring people to work on your projects illegally

Here is Trump’s counter: I am the only person on stage who’s hired anyone at all.

On Donald Trump’s inheritance (After Trump mentioned Rubio’s financial history):

Marco Rubio: He would have been selling watches if it weren’t for his inheritance.

On Donald Trump in general:

Marco Rubio: He is repeating himself, he is repeating himself, (and) he is repeating himself.

Republican presidential candidate Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, speaks at the National Religious Broadcasters convention, February 26, 2016, in Nashville, Tenn. (Photo: AP)

Ted Hits Out At Trump

Ted Cruz, the senator of Texas now joins the squabble. It is his turn! And he did the unthinkable, he actually ‘sided’ with his fellow GOP candidate Marco Rubio. This is a surprise folks because GOP candidates usually agree on only one thing- hailing insults! So here are his best moments hitting out at Donald Trump:

On the issue of immigration:

In 2013, when I was leading the fight on the ‘gang of 8’ amnesty bill (Immigration Reform Bill), where was Donald? He was firing Dennis Rodman on ‘Celebrity Apprentice’.

On Trump being in Court over Trump University:

“It’s a fraud case. His lawyers have scheduled a trial for July,” Cruz said.

If you want to think about if this man is the nominee, having the Republican nominee on the stand in court being cross-examined about whether he committed fraud — you don’t think the mainstream media will go crazy on that?

Ted Cruz

Trump’s Advice: I know you’re embarrassed (over the poll results in Texas not favouring you) and I know you’re embarrassed but keep fighting, Swing for the fences.

Between all this, one candidate felt very dejected and he is retired neurosurgeon Dr. Ben Carson; Trump may have had Centre stage but his squabble with Rubio and Ted Cruz took away the spotlight. His numbers may have declined largely in the polls, however he scores high on this list of memorable moments.

Republican presidential candidate, retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson takes a question in the Spin Room after a Republican presidential primary debate at The University of Houston, February 25, 2016, in Houston. (Photo: AP)

Ben Carson’s Memorable Moments

On every issue of the CNN debate:

Ben Carson: I want someone to attack me.

On the issue of electing Supreme Court judge of United States:

Ben Carson: (While selecting the Supreme Court Judge) the fruit salad of their life is what I will look at.

No one could figure out what Carson was thinking at this point. Probably you can take a wild guess!

Gay people have the same rights but marriage equality gives them ‘extra rights’.

Ben Carson on gay marriage

Governor of Ohio John Kasich can possibly empathize with Dr. Ben Carson because his silence was anything but voluntary, however there is one issue Kasich spoke off, which may ruffle a few feathers:

On the issue of Gay Marriage:

John Kasich: I believe in traditional marriage, the Supreme Court has ruled in favour of Gay marriage, I have moved on from it

And so we call it the dirty game of politics and arguably entertaining too!

(The writer is a freelance journalist based in Cleveland)