All eyes were on Donald J. Trump, the leading candidate in the Republican polls, during the Republican Presidential debate Wednesday night in Simi Valley, Calif.
But as Trump revealed his self-described braggadocios ways, other candidates began to vie for the spotlight, and most importantly, the screen time necessary for reaching viewers and ultimately voters.
We’ve rounded up the five most important takeaways from the debate so you don’t have to watch the three hour spectacle.
1) Every candidate hates Trump.
“I may be an entertainer, but I will tell you this; what I am far and away is a businessman, and that’s the kind of mindset the U.S. needs,” Trump said when Fiorina criticized his reality television stardom.
Former Fla. Governor Jeb Bush looked like he might punch Trump, and it was only the first minute. Maybe it’s because Trump insulted Bush’s Mexican-American wife on Twitter.
“Do we want that kind of character and careless language to be negotiating with Iran? I’m concerned with having [Trump] in charge of nuclear codes,” said Ky. Senator Rand Paul.
2) Carly Fiorina is here to stay.
Fiorina, former CEO of Hewlett Packard, held her own among the boys’ club of debaters. She was assertive and articulate, and political analysts are saying, while Trump dimmed, she “shined.”
When moderator Jake Tapper asked her to respond to Trump’s comment about her face, she stayed composed, even when Trump called her “a lovely woman.” She went off on a small tangent at the end–something about Lady Justice and Lady Liberty–but other than that, Fiorina excelled.
3) Sen. Marco Rubio was poised under pressure.
And definitely the most sweaty. But still poised.
Other candidates attempted to answer the question of immigration reform (looking at you, Dr. Ben Carson), but Fla. Senator Marco Rubio told a touching story of his immigrant Cuban grandfather growing to love America, especially then-President Ronald Reagan.
Rubio asserted that the best way to provide upward mobility is through free enterprise and limited government. He then described his economically-motivated, modernized immigration system in which immigrants can be citizens based on what they contribute to America economically.
4) Domestic issues were hotly disputed.
Splinters within the GOP were most evident during the debate over domestic questions, including the Supreme Court, the Second Amendment, and vaccines.
Paul set himself apart from his counterparts when Tapper brought up marijuana, claiming that the war on drugs producing racially and economically biased outcomes. Paul said he supports medical marijuana, citing a child’s epilepsy as a worthy recipient.
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie highlighted the difference between medical marijuana and recreational marijuana, and he believes legalization of recreational marijuana will lead to dangerous outcomes.
5) We now know every potential presidential security code name.
Here are the highlights.
Scott Walker: Harley, for his love of motorcycles
Jeb Bush: Everready, a type of battery because it’s “high energy”
Donald Trump: Humble
Mike Huckabee: Duck Hunter
Rand Paul: Justice Never Sleeps
