Twitter Users React to the #GOPDebate
Like the ones before it, the fourth GOP Debate caused an enormous social media reaction. The internet was abuzz with users weighing into the debate from all ends of the political spectrum. Using the hashtag #GOPDebate, anyone with an internet connection could give their two cents on how the candidates were doing. Here is a list of ten rather notable tweets from various users on Twitter.
10. What does it mean to be?
Marco Rubio was of the opinion last night that American industry needs less philosophers. Ironically, Rubio didn’t elaborate, which raises the question; what is a philosopher, and why does it matter to him so much what majors people pick? For someone who claims to be against government in business, he seems to care a little too much about what jobs people do.
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It’s also important to note that there are jobs which degrees in philosophy help with, like authors , teachers, and so on, but no one puts “philosopher” on an application in hopes of being hired. Twitter user @Tipsilon points this out.
Naturally, the dumbest Americans think “philosopher” is a real job. #Rubio#GOPDebate#facepalm#lambstoaslaughter
— Karla Holland (@Tipsilon) November 11, 2015
9. Donald Trump’s Backseat Driving
Donald Trump revealed his impulse to micro-manage during the debate, and was even booed for questioning why Carly Fiorina kept interrupting people. Trump also demanded John Kasich not interrupt Jeb Bush during his answers. Since Trump has a habit of trying to lead when not invited to do so, it makes you wonder if he will show up to the White House on move-in day regardless of if he’s elected or not.
Our very own Lina Bryce had this to say about Trump’s moderating skills:
Now @realDonaldTrump is telling @FoxBusiness how to run the debate. I’m not authoritarian lol #RandRally
— Lina Bryce (@LinaBryce1) November 11, 2015
8. Don’t Teach Me to Make Careful Investments, Teach Wallstreet Not to Con Me!
John Kasich has stood out from other Republicans, especially on issues like gay marriage. Not only that, but the Ohio governor began to sound like a Democrat when talking about income inequality in America, stating:
“They need a good ethics lesson on a regular basis to keep them in check so we the people do not lose.”
Ironic is the fact that John Kasich served on the board of Lehman Brothers prior to the financial meltdown. Despite this, Kasich now believes ethic seminars are what Wallstreet needs, and he wants to run them.
John Kasich should learn what greed really is from the legendary Milton Friedman. When asked about greed by Phil Donahue, Friedman responded with:
“Well first of all, tell me, is there some society that you know that doesn’t run on greed? …The world runs on individuals perusing their separate interests. The great achievements of human history have not come from government bureaus…
“So the record of history is absolutely crystal clear: That there is no alternative way, so far discovered, of improving the lot of the ordinary people that can hold a candle to the productive activities that are unleashed by a free enterprise system.”
VIDEO: Milton Friedman – Greed
In addition, Twitter user @ELaw31 agrees that an “ethics seminar” is going to little to solve the problem of dishonesty with Wallstreet:
WAIT A MINUTE…..an ETHICS lesson is going to help Wall Street be less greedy? Shut….the fuck….up. #GOPDebate
— Eddie Law (@ELaw31) November 11, 2015
7. Carly Fiorina’s Warmongering
Carly Fiorina is perhaps one of the biggest hawks currently running for presidency. Even Donald Trump, who described himself as “the most militaristic person there is” doesn’t believe the US should be the world’s policeman the way Fiorina does.
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Twitter user @ThomasDunne80 sums it up best:
Does @CarlyFiorina realize that Russia is annoyed enough with America and any more pushing might attract an aggressive response. #GOPDebate
— Thomas Dunne (@ThomasDunne80) November 11, 2015
6. Trump Likes Putin a Little Too Much
Donald Trump has said time and time again that he would have a great relationship with Russian President Vladmir Putin. It’s no surprise they get along so well, seeing as how they’re both authoritarian billionaires who want power over most of the globe. Maybe if Trump is elected, they’ll both come to the conclusion this town ain’t big enough for the both of ’em.
Two things that Trump loves are deportations and Putin. Why not deport Trump to Putin? It seems like a match made in heaven right?
If @realDonaldTrump loves Putin so much, can we deport him to Russia? #GOPDebate
— Chris Johncox (@ChrisJohncox) November 11, 2015
5. Even More Warmongering…
As Rubio unleashes his inner neo-con, more and more people who are sick of the constant wars drift away from the establishment GOP. Rubio creates a false dichotomy of safety vs debt, as if the solution to our problems in the middle east is to raise more money to bomb hospitals and send our troops into harms way. Rand Paul correctly addressed Rubio’s blood lust by saying that more national debt actually serves to make the country less safe.
Our own Josh Guckert agrees that bankrupting the country in the name of endless war is a terrible idea:
So, according to @marcorubio, you’re not committed to a national defense unless you’re willing to bankrupt the country to pay for it.
— Josh Guckert (@JoshGuckert) November 11, 2015
4. The Republican Party: Not So Old and White
The Democrats may have lost a majority in the house, senate, and state governorships over President Obama’s tenure, but despite the party’s emission of failure in the electorate, they’ve also lost arguments. No longer can liberals scream “the GOP is a bunch of old, white men” as they could in ’08 and ’12. They must now actually put forth effort to discredit their opponents. As usual, they will likely fail at that, too.
@AliSpengola on Twitter summed up the diversity in an amusing way:
Holy freakin’ diverse, though. Compared to the past, this #GOPDebate looks like a damn liberal arts college brochure.
— Ali Spagnola (@alispagnola) November 11, 2015
3. Trump isn’t a History Fan
Trump rails against illegal immigration. It’s one of his favorite talking points. After all, some argue his comments on illegal immigration propelled him to his position as front runner of the GOP candidates. However, Trump’s constant bashing of immigrants whose only crime was crossing an imaginary line ignores our country’s history.
Sure, we’re a country of hard workers, as Trump mentions, but our own Avens O’Brien reminds us that we owe more to immigrants than Trump will admit:
Trump, we’re also a country of immigrants. #GOPDebate
— Avens O’Brien (@avensobrien) November 11, 2015
2. Putting Your Money Where Your Mouth is
There’s nothing better than seeing someone called out for their hypocrisy, and Ted Cruz is certainly a hypocrite. Not only did Cruz railed against bailouts for the banks while his wife worked for a banking firm, but he called for even more American interventionism abroad to fight “terrorism”.
@LibertarianWing deserves a prize for this epic response to Cruz’s call for war:
Ok, now Ted Cruz acting like a warmonger, he should go enlist! #GOPDebate
— Libertarian Nation (@LibertarianWing) November 11, 2015
1. Trump Got Stumped, Couldn’t Stall the Paul
When Trump attacks people, he often uses ad hominem and responds to criticism with personal insults. He has no base in factual analysis and molds his campaign on rhetoric and appeal to emotion, like Bernie Sanders. However when faced with the facts, Trump’s fear mongering arguments quickly fall apart. Rand Paul demolished Trump during the debate to such an extent that the commercial debate was cancelled for a follow up.
@VanityFair’s reaction is priceless.
That rare moment when your debate move is so good, they skip the commercial break https://t.co/9z8w1kgOmn #GOPDebate pic.twitter.com/nUyh5tqqrm
— VANITY FAIR (@VanityFair) November 11, 2015