With much interest, millions of us watched the second Republican debates. As many have stated, this could very well be the most important election America has had in decades…or ever. We are at a point where any direction is better than the one in which we are headed. I listened to all fifteen of the candidates as they took advantage of the few moments each were allowed to speak. Most of them did very well at getting their points across and making statements they felt were important to their particular interest…becoming our next president.
I find it encouraging that so many have joined the race and that they realize the great need our country has for strong leadership. I think we all know how destructive our present administration’s policies have been to our country and our people. Never have I seen our country so divided and people so quick to insult, offend and spout out their opinions with little or no regard for other people’s feelings or ideas. A total lack of respect for everyone and everything, selfish attitudes and hatefullness has taken over too many in our population.
Racial tensions have only increased over the last seven years and progress made in other areas has suffered. Government and financial Support for our military and our defense system is at an all-time low….not to mention the respect we once knew as the world’s strongest leader of peace. When our President ignores the constitution and disregards his responsibilities in order to further his own interests, there begins a movement among some of the people to do the same…. and law enforcement becomes a problem.
Most of the candidates seemed to agree that the most pressing problem facing America today is the growth of Isis and other terrorist groups in the Middle east. Several of them mentioned their concerns for Israel and how Obama’s deal with Iran might affect our relationship with them. Though not the same, each had ideas how to handle this situation and promised to carry them out if elected….along with improving America’s image.
As with the first debates, the questions seemed to be posed with the intent of causing , or adding to, conflict between Donald Trump and some of the other candidates. Mr. Trump, I thought, did a much better job this time answering the legitimate questions on policy and his ideas about immigration, though way too much time was spent trying to get him to apologize to Carly and Jeb Bush’s wife for comments about them and women in general. There were several good one-liners passed back and forth…. along with some good points made.
The need for de-funding Planned Parenthood was a concern for all and most got a chance to comment on it, if only briefly.
Every one was quick to mention their accomplishments… as was Christie, who called them on it. The New Jersey Governor tried to make it clear that the election wasn’t about him, but about the people of America who would elect him. I did learn a little more about how he might lead.
Now that I think about it, the debates were a lot like watching an episode of The Apprentice….maybe that was CNN’s intention all along. I watched every episode of Celebrity Apprentice from its beginning. Many times, in the boardroom, Donald Trump asked leading questions about what had happened among the members of each team and who did what to help or hinder the most. He encouraged the celebrities to voice their hostilities or disagreements with each other….often leading to tears and harsh words. That was the main attraction of the show. Hopefully, this wasn’t what drew so many viewers to the debates.
In spite of some tense moments, everyone displayed a sense of humor and it was evident that each one is very serious about their purpose and very determined to have their voices heard. As for who won the debate….everyone has their opinion. I think Marco Rubio did a very good job and probably will rise in the polls because of it. It would be great if we could have all of these people working together in Washington to improve our government, but only one thing will insure a win for America….that is a President and other officials who recognize that God is our true leader. It will take all of us praying and working together to get our country back on track and headed in the right direction. Let us pray for His supreme guidance in choosing our next President and encourage everyone to vote accordingly.
James 5:16…”The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”
