Whether you agree with [Donald Trump] or not, his candor and politically incorrect speech is refreshing.
Welcome to the September Money issue of NorthBay biz magazine. This issue delivers insights into financial topics that impact the health of our local economy. Also included in this issue is a not so serious special report on pet-friendly companies doing business in the North Bay, as well as a look at some businesses that take children’s parties in a new direction. So please enjoy all the stories, special features and columns in the area’s only locally owned, formerly glossy business publication—NorthBay biz.
I watched the first republican presidential debate on Fox News and came away with a host of impressions and a few surprising observations. To start, I was pleased to hear from the onset that this debate, unlike so many others, wasn’t going to be a series of softball questions lobbed up so that candidates could regurgitate poll-tested talking points as answers.
It’s widely believed that Fox is a conservative news outlet, but it sure didn’t sound that way as it conducted the debate. As it unfolded, I began to think I’d tuned into CNN or MSNBC; the questions became more personal and pointed, putting the responding candidate clearly on the defensive. Questions were asked that candidates weren’t prepared to answer, resulting in responses more spontaneous than rehearsed. Good stuff, but in the process maybe the most important two issues facing the country—the economy and jobs—were largely ignored.
Here’s a tip to the news organizations conducting future debates: If you’re interested in attracting a vast viewing audience, emulate Fox’s strategy and ask tough questions that reveal not only the candidate’s content, but character. At this critical juncture in our nation’s history, the electorate needs clear insight into each candidate’s nature, not a distortion delivered through the lens of a network’s ideology.
Overall, the candidates performed surprisingly well in a tough environment on a crowded stage. Trump, the current front-runner in the polls, avoided any disastrous clashes with the other candidates and even managed to garner flattering remarks from two of his rivals during the debate. He did, however, clash with the debate moderators, who seemed to have consulted with the DNC in crafting some of the questions directed Trump’s way.
I’ll say this about Trump: Forget for a moment that he’s an egotistical, overbearing legend in his own mind. He’s done his fellow candidates a favor by tapping into a seething river of discontent in a vast number of Americans concerned about the current direction of the country. Whether you agree with him or not, his candor and politically incorrect speech is refreshing. He’s pushed voters’ buttons by not pulling any punches when talking about illegal immigration, profligate spending and ill-conceived foreign policy. Consequently, even though he’s ill prepared to be president and probably isn’t even personally liked, his message resonates and has propelled him into the early lead for the republican presidential candidacy. I believe the other candidates recognize this and will probably follow his lead (each in their own way) to become more forceful and direct with the American people. A good thing.
For what it’s worth, I thought Cruz, Carson and Huckabee did well delivering memorable, spot-on responses. The biggest surprise to me was Bush, who seemed to blend into the background on the big stage. Christie and Paul, despite their one heated exchange, did nothing to distinguish themselves, while Kasich and Walker came across in much the same fashion. Rubio, despite an eloquence of delivery, also failed to deliver any memorable message. In the earlier debate, Fiorina did remarkably well in separating herself from the others onstage and will probably get a bump up to the big stage as a result of her excellent performance.
As the presidential campaign unfolds over the coming months, I’d like to hear some/any candidate begin invoking the “wallet rule” as it applies to government. Simply put, the wallet rule is this: This Friday night, you go out with your wallet in your pocket. Next Friday night, you go out with my wallet in your pocket. Now answer this question: On which Friday night did you have more fun? Government is always operating on other people’s money. So it’s little surprise, given human nature, that waste, fraud, abuse and unaccountability rule the day—and why we’re $17 trillion in debt.
I believe America wants a candidate who believes in America’s greatness—a candidate who runs with optimism about the future and the inherent strength of its people. A platform of growth and prosperity that measures success based on how many jobs are created, not on how many more people are receiving welfare benefits. The country desperately needs a new president that unifies us by finding common purpose, not one who divides by emphasizing differences and casting every imaginable minority group as victims. It’s a time to come together as a nation. As President Lincoln proclaimed 157 years ago, “A house divided against itself cannot stand.”
That’s it for now. Enjoy this month’s magazine.
