Full 5th CNN Republican Primary Debate

Cruz and Rubio battled over Rubio’s support for a 2013 Senate bill that would have given immigrants who are in the US illegally a path to citizenship. Huckabee was the only candidate who had previously debated on the main stage. The fact is, for seven years I had to make these decisions after 9/11. Whether to use certain actionable intelligence, or not to. He is without a precedent and so his political career will continue to follow its own course as his candidacy rumbles through America. “And for what? It’s not like we have had victory”, Trump said.

From these opening salvos the evening’s martial tone was set, as each GOP candidate tried to outdo each other in depicting the evils of ISIS, magnifying the threat of terrorism, and pledging to take every possible step – including violations of worldwide law – to keep America safe. During his tenures, New Jersey had a front row seat in the global war against terror, starting with the attack on the World Trade Center and involving a plot to kill soldiers at New Jersey’s Joint Base MDL. “Think about just what’s happened today”, Christie said.

Blitzer and his co-questioners Dana Bash and Hugh Hewitt were widely praised for their handling of the debate by journalists and other viewers on Twitter.

On Christie: “I thought Chris Christie acquitted himself well”.

Russian President Vladimir Putin also incurred Graham’s wrath, with the SC senator cutting the macho world leader where it hurts. Let’s say the moral dimensions of the issue were not fully explored.

On no-fly zones: “Yes, we would shoot down the planes of Russian pilots if they were stupid enough to think that this president is the same feckless weakling that the president we have in the Oval Office is right now”.

During that debate, Paul told viewers that if they want World War III, Christie is their candidate. “You know, you started off over here, Jeb”. “I’ve gained great respect for Republican leadership. and for, in different forms, everyone on the dais”, Trump said in his close-up moment. It’s having that kind of judgement.

“You’re not going to be able to insult your way to the presidency”. I would have assumed by now that people had a firm grasp on the candidates, or would be too sick of them to care to tune into yet another debate before primary season begins.

The final Republican undercard debate of the year is now under way. Christie seemed to stay above the fray, how did that play?

Sen. Rand Paul is a unique player, the anti-Trump, and his passionate, articulate defense of constitutionalism earned him at least one more round of looks from the anti-big government purists of the tea party movement that elected him. Under Obama this whole government doesn’t work.

“It’s so dysfunctional under Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton”. They’re not coming into this country, and if I’m president and if Obama has brought some to this country, they are leaving.

Each of the candidates argued that he or she knows how to ensure the safety of American citizens and the nation’s security.

KASICH: “No. I don’t think it is [a good idea]”. Early on, Bush also reminded Trump that back in September 30, Trump had said, “ISIS is not our fight”. Rubio and Cruz sort of dominated with their debate.

Christie continued to emphasize his experience as a governor and federal prosecutor, this time slamming several senators on the stage.