"The Sunday Political Brunch" -- September 20, 2015

Dr. Mark Curtis, Ed.D., is a freelance Political Reporter based in New England and a Political Analyst for KGO Radio Am-810 San Francisco.

(Providence, Rhode Island) – Well the second Republican debate is now in the books, and it was another raucous occasion. Four lower-tier candidates debated in the first hour; then 11 upper-tier combatants went at it for over three hours. There were some sharp-elbowed lines, plus some funny zingers, and some practical political fallout. Let’s brunch on that this week:

“H20” – The funny lines started right off the top in the 30-second introductions. Noting that California is in a drought – and parodying his own dry-mouth response to the State of the Union Address a few years ago, in which he awkwardly grabbed and gulped a bottle of water – Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) started the debate by noting, “I brought my own water!” It was a cute line for those who remember his earlier drink of water that was lampooned on “Saturday Night Live” and elsewhere by late-night comedians (photo above).

“Ouch!” -- In perhaps his only memorable line of the night Governor Scott Walker (R-WI) skewered both President Obama and Republican frontrunner Donald Trump. Walker said of Trump’s TV show and candidacy, “We don’t need an ‘Apprentice’ in the White House, we already have one.”

“Be Careful of What You Wish For” – Upstart contender Governor John Kasich (R-OH) made a rather poignant observation about the nasty tone of the Republican debates to date. If he were at home watching, he said, “I’d be inclined to turn it off!” But Wednesday night’s CNN debate was a smash. It was the largest audience to watch CNN in the past 35 years. The public is really engaged in this campaign (last month’s Fox debate was even higher rated). Kasich – in fact has benefited from this – with a boost in poll numbers, and wide praise for his perceived competence in governing at the state and federal level.

“Touché” – When former frontrunner and former Florida Governor Jeb Bush came right out on the attack against Donald Trump, the billionaire businessman said to Bush, “More energy tonight, I like that!” It was a clear slap at Bush’s snoozer of a performance in the Fox News Channel debate in August. Pundits said Bush had to significantly pick up his energy level – and, at least according to Trump – Bush did!

“Touché, Times Two!” – When Donald Trump and Carly Fiorina got into a showdown over their respective business resumes that made them each wealthy beyond most peoples’ wildest dreams, Governor Chris Christie (R-NJ) chimed in about members of the middle class, including an unemployed 55 year-old steel worker. “They could care less about your careers,” Christie said to loud cheers.

“Who Won?” – By my estimation, former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina won this debate hands down. She not only had poignant remarks about her career – “I went from secretary to CEO,” she also spoke emotionally of her step-daughter’s drug related death in 2009. She received the largest applause of the night when she condemned controversial practices inside Planned Parenthood, when she said plainly, “This is about the character of this nation.” Fiorina – who has never held elective office – also spoke eloquently and forcefully about military needs and foreign policy issues. She’s in this race! In fact, a post-debate CNN Poll now has Fiorina in second place with 15 percent of the vote, to Trump’s 24 percent.

“Other Winners” – Bush for a more forceful performance; Kasich for stressing that he was “captain of the team” last time the federal budget was balanced; Huckabee for being an unapologetic hard-right conservative; and, Rubio, for explaining why he speaks Spanish at some events: “I want people to hear the answers from me (in Spanish), not from a translator at Univision.”

“Trending Downward” – Dr. Ben Carson is eloquent and inspiring, but when it comes to laying out specifics on issues such as foreign policy, he gets all confused and tongue-tied. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) hardly got to speak. Ditto for Senator Rand Paul (R-KY). Wisconsin Governor Walker got in one good line, but was otherwise lackluster.

“Clear the Deck” – The debate stage is just too crowded with 11 people. In fact, the four candidates in the lower-tier debate – Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC); former Governor George Pataki (R-NY); Governor Bobby Jindal (R-LA); and, former Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) – actually got a lot more air-time than many of the debaters in the main event. It’s time for party elders, to gently tap about seven or eight of these folks on the shoulder and say it’s time to move on. The Republican message nationally won’t get any traction with 17 people all shouting at the same time.

“The One to Watch” – Some pundits were foolishly writing Donald Trump’s political obituary the next day, because he was more low-key and wasn’t his usual combative self. He’s still in this for the long haul based on solid poll numbers and his deep-pocket, self-funded campaign. But keep your eyes on Fiorina and how she appeals to many women who are disaffected by Hillary Clinton. Remember earlier this year when about 30 percent of female voters in Iowa were hoping Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) would run, but opted out. Many women – of all political stripes – say it’s time for the first female President. Fiorina could steal Secretary Clinton’s thunder!

Who do you think won the debate? Who are your nominee predictions in both parties? Let us know by clicking the comment button at www.MarkCurtisMedia.com.

© 2015, Mark Curtis Media, LLC.

Photo courtesy: FoxNews.com