GOP Debate - Good Televison, Bad Candidates

If you missed the Republican presidential debate, go watch it on the Internet. This union member found it thoroughly entertaining - both amusing and somewhat frightening at the same time.

First the fright factor.

The cast of characters includes men, and only men, like Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, who successfully led a war against unions in his state, signing legislation that took away their right to collectively negotiate the terms of employment on behalf of workers.

Union power has been sapped, membership plummeted and Walker wants to take his anti-union crusade to the national stage.

On social issues, Walker would take away a woman's right to choose whether to continue a pregnancy even if it was the result of rape or incest, and even if the procedure is deemed necessary to save the mother's life. 

The sleepy-eyed Wisconsin governor, meanwhile, would repeal the groundbreaking Affordable Care Act, which has resulted in 22 million of previously uninsured receiving health coverage and better care.

Those views, at least broadly, are in line with most or all of the other GOP candidates on the stage. 

The 10 candidates stood at podiums that stretched across the entire stage at the Quicken Loans Arena.

On the far right of stage, there was U.S. Senator Rand Paul, who came across like an angry terrier pulling against his leash.

On the far left, N.J. Gov. Chris Christie strained to project a nice and calm demeanor. But he couldn’t stop his transformation into the Jersey Hulk during one exchange with the curly-haired Republican/Libertarian from Kentucky.

And at center stage was Donald Trump.

The reality television star/businessman didn't disappoint.

He refused to rule-out running as a third-party candidate, triggering more than a few boos from the crowd. He boasted about showering politicians with money to obtain favors. He angrily defended filing for bankruptcy in four business deals, and then declared he was best suited to make America great again.

When moderator Megyn Kelly suggested Trump wasn’t presidential material because he has referred to women as “fat pigs, dogs, slobs, and disgusting animals,” Trump essentially told her to lighten up.

“What I say is what I say. And honestly Megyn, if you don’t like it, I’m sorry. I’ve been very nice to you, although I could probably maybe not be, based on the way you have treated me. But I wouldn’t do that.”

Not very presidential. But pretty good for TV.