GOP first debate surprises Phoenix political observers

PHOENIX — The inaugural Republican presidential debate featuring 10 candidates gave voters and political insiders a chance to see the field in action.

Hosted by Fox News on Thursday night, the 90-minute debate put former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, Dr. Ben Carson, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, Sen. Ted Cruz (Texas), former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, Ohio Gov. John Kasich, Sen. Rand Paul (Kentucky), Sen. Marco Rubio (Florida), business mogul Donald Trump and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker and their opinions on display in Cleveland, Ohio.

At a watch party in the Valley, a common theme among some in the crowd was the moderators’ aggressiveness toward Trump.

Megyn Kelly asked Trump when he actually became a Republican, and she hammered him about his public insults of women, calling them “fat pigs” and “dogs.” Wallace pointed out that Trump had filed for bankruptcy more than once.

Trump was not the sole focus of the moderators’ bared teeth, but it was most noted.

• Mike O’Neil, KTAR political expert: “These Fox News moderators were not holding back. They found the most damaging questions they could ask of each individual. They set the tenor of the debate. It was like they were trying to start a bar fight. … I don’t know if this is how we should pick a president but it was sure good entertainment.”

• Stan Barnes, political consultant: “I don’t think anyone really lost. They all did well, however, Ohio Gov. John Kasich had the breakout night. He stood out for his authenticity. …

“Trump behaved about the way everyone thought he would. He was rude, abrupt and over the top. … It was really biased against Trump and I’m not necessarily a Trump supporter but anyone watching that debate could see the moderators were biased.”

• Chris Herring, Maricopa County Young Republican Professionals: “…I think the debate’s really telling about who is a serious candidate right now and who is not.”

KTAR’s Jim Cross and Cooper Rummell contributed to this report.

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