Republican Candidates Prepare to Hit Trump at Second Debate

[bkepley]

Philip Elliott
Time

'Trump is going to see what low-energy looks like,' an ally to Jeb Bush says

The Republicans’ second presidential debate is shaping up to have all the hallmarks of a Hollywood blockbuster: drama, high-speed collisions and, of course, the fiery explosions. Donald Trump, of course, is getting the star billing at the CNN production.
...
Inside rival campaigns, advisers are all trying to come up with a plan to deflate Trump. During the first debate, most tried to keep Trump at arm’s length and, with the exception of Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, none tried to confront Trump on his thin record as a Republican. That approach worked for the first session, but it’s not a winning strategy going forward, especially with Trump outpacing more serious candidates in the polls by factors of three or four.

“We kept waiting for him to do himself in. That hasn’t happened, so it’s time to help that process along,” one adviser to a Trump rival said. Added a second campaign’s strategist: “If we don’t as a party change our posture, we’re looking at another President Clinton. Hillary will beat Donald Trump in 49 states if he’s our nominee. And I’m not sure she doesn’t pick up Texas, too.”

More here: http://time.com/4035673/republican-debate-preview/?xid=homepage

[alicewonders]

Bad idea.  They should use their time more wisely - by promoting themselves.  God knows it's the only time people will be paying attention to them. 

 

[Longiron]

The Regan Library is small and can only hold about 200. The RINOGOP only gave tickets to the RINO pundits like the Kraut, Will and any other pundit that is against TRUMP and CRUZ.  Expect a lot of atta boys for BUSHIE or any other RINO. CNN probably have the biggest rating in years. If TRUMP is smart he will say the next debate on MY terms or no DEBATE. We will see? Let the talk show hosts like Levin, Rush and Bill Whittle ask the questions and we will find out who the real candidates are vs the pretenders. 

[truth_seeker]

The Reagan Library includes the Air Force One Pavillion, with a capacity of 1,600, if they hold it there.

We will just have to wait, watch and see.

http://www.reaganfoundation.org/listviewp.aspx?session_args=CXGO/floOLnoh+TxOqpJzw==&p=PLN60002LC&tx=0&h1=0&h2=0&sw=pe_locations&lm=plananevent&args_a=cms&args_b=79&argsb=N

[NavyCanDo]

Bad idea.  They should use their time more wisely - by promoting themselves.  God knows it's the only time people will be paying attention to them. 

 

I would agree they will go farther in this debate following Washington's 110 Rules of Civility & Decent Behavior, and try to look presidential,  rather than going on the attack. But the strategy may also be to let those with little to lose, do the attacking and let top tier candidates stay above the fray. Look what it did to Dr. Ben Carson. He went into the last debate with 6% poll numbers, and rose in the polls at an unbelievable rate, where Trump shot up just a few points.

Per the FOX Poll

Early Aug           Early Sept
Trump 24 %         27%
Carson 6%           23%

He Carson does that again, he could easily surpass Trump in the polls, higher than the margin of error.