By Lina Bryce
This week’s CNN GOP Debate managed to squeeze in some much-needed discussion on some major issues ailing this country, such as the government’s role in the drug war and our foreign policy. However, it certainly did not fall short in providing some embarrassing, and simply downright awkward moments on behalf of the Republican Candidates for the 2016 Presidential race.
1. Jeb Bush enjoying that low-high five a little too much.
After having suffered the remarks from Donald Trump that he was “low-energy”, Jeb joked that his Secret Service Codename would be Eveready, “it’s very high energy, Donald”.
Trump laughed and nodded in agreement before Jeb would reciprocate with the slap heard ’round the world. It almost appeared that Jeb took advantage of this opportunity to slap Trump as hard as could.
2. Trump: “Why is Rand Paul even here?”
Watch video clip of the exchange here: Donald Trump Says Rand Paul Shouldn’t Even Be Here
Annoyed that there were 11 candidates as a result of CNN’s debate criteria for the debate, which otherwise would have left Sen. Rand Paul out of it, Donald Trump invoked Paul’s name during a response to a question that had nothing to do with Rand Paul and was specifically directed at Donald Trump and Carly Fiorina.
3. Sen. Rand Paul calling Jeb Bush out on his marijuana hypocrisy
“There is at least one prominent example of someone who’s said they’ve smoked [weed] in high school,” Paul said.
“…But the bottom line is … we say we support the 10th amendment until we start talking about this.” He also said the war on drugs had led to “a racial outcome”.
After an awkward reluctance to mention this individual by name, Jeb Bush took ownership of it and said, “He’s talking about me.” After a moment passed when a question would be directed towards Carly Fiorina, She brought up the subject again, doubling down on addressing Bush’s past marijuana use.
4. Dr. Carson and Trump’s awkward high five/handshake.
If there were ever an image that could describe the intellectual divide between Retired Pediatric Neurosurgeon, Ben Carson and Billionaire, Donald Trump, it is this one.
5. Trump’s emoji-like facial expressions
When moderator, Jake Tapper quoted Bobby Jindal saying that he wouldn’t want “such a hothead with his finger on the nuclear codes,” and then asked Carly Fiorina if she agreed, Trump distracted the audience as well as the camera for all viewers at home to see the facial contortions Trump made during her response to that question. We can likely expect these to be forever memorialized through internet memes.
6. Trump unabashedly connecting vaccines to autism
After Dr. Ben Carson’s response citing medical research data and with Trump looking skeptical, Carson replied, jokingly, that Trump is a “good doctor”.
7. Sen. Marco Rubio’s attempt to make a funny at his own expense
“I’m also aware that California has a drought. And that’s why I made sure I brought my own water.”
Sen. Rubio may have brought his own water, but it did little to quench his dry sense of humor. Rubio’s overall performance may have been a grand slam, but his attempt at being funny was strikeout.
8. Sen. Ted Cruz’ creepy introduction
Sen. Ted Cruz apparently prepared an introduction that was probably supposed to invoke a warm and compassionate feeling, instead it came off as one that was over-rehearsed and almost evangelical-like. Then, he concluded his saccharine introduction with a low-hushed tone, followed by an anti-climatic and awkward silence from the audience.
They didn’t buy it.
9. Sen. Rand Paul’s secret service code name
After all the candidates answered this light-hearted question, “What would your Secret Service Codename be?”, some with very humorous and appropriate names, one might have anticipated a stellar response from the last person who had the most time the consider how he would answer. One might also expect a succinct, one-word response that sums up his liberty-leaning perspective of the Republican Party.
Paul’s response: “Justice Never Sleeps”.
10. Carly Fiorina breaking Trump
“I think women all over this country heard very clearly what Mr. Trump said,” Fiorina said, responding to a question from CNN’s Jake Tapper and drawing loud applause from the audience.
Trump attempted to patch up the rift, replying,
“I think she’s got a beautiful face and I think she’s a beautiful woman.”
The look on Fiorina’s face after his remark exemplified the sentiment of everyone watching at that moment.