LOTF Special Events Thread

[The World Capitalist Confederation]

"I think the only quackery going on is your madness, Congresswoman. You constantly make me out to be this far-right lunatic. It's always the same slander, the same dirty words.

You clearly have no understanding of fascism nor national socialism, Congresswoman. Maybe you should stop hurling insults at people and understand what you're talking about.

Enough lies. It's time for the truth."

Congresswoman Diane Paulson
Republican Presidential Primary Debate
FOX News

“It is time for the truth! And the truth is that your proposed policies are far from the constitutional conservatism that made America the greatest nation on earth. You’re calling for nationalistic and socialistic expansions of government on all fronts in a nation founded on limited government.”

“It is time for the truth! And the truth is that your policies are far from conservative or Republican in any sense of those words. Enough lies, Mr. Secretary, it’s time for the truth.”

She made eye contact with Porter then turned back to the audience.

Porter looked at Paulson, then back at the audience, unbowed by her remarks.

"Fascist, Nazi, socialist, call me whatever you like. But if you ever think that you'll make me cower...You're wrong. Whichever hateful slur you come up with next - it won't matter. Whichever dirty word you call me next - it still won't matter.

You may not understand who I am, but I understand who you are. Let me tell the people who you are, Ms. Paulson. You don't believe that this country is a Christian nation, nor do you support the idea of family values.

You think men are nothing but animals, left to fend for themselves. Your ideology is not the ideology of a civilised society: it is the ideology of barbarism and of vultures. You want the truth? Here it is:

You are no conservative, no Republican. You're just an anarchist in a suit, Ms. Paulson. I am not about to sit here and let you rip apart the foundations of the civilised world, and you must understand that.

Libertarianism, fundamentally, is a ideology that stands AGAINST civilised society, AGAINST morality and AGAINST the very concept of civilisation itself. I will not let you wage war against civilisation, Ms. Paulson, understand that."

[Velahor]

(Image)
Congresswoman Diane Paulson
Republican Presidential Primary Debate
FOX News

“It is time for the truth! And the truth is that your proposed policies are far from the constitutional conservatism that made America the greatest nation on earth. You’re calling for nationalistic and socialistic expansions of government on all fronts in a nation founded on limited government.”

“It is time for the truth! And the truth is that your policies are far from conservative or Republican in any sense of those words. Enough lies, Mr. Secretary, it’s time for the truth.”

She made eye contact with Porter then turned back to the audience.

Porter looked at Paulson, then back at the audience, unbowed by her remarks.

"Fascist, Nazi, socialist, call me whatever you like. But if you ever think that you'll make me cower...You're wrong. Whichever hateful slur you come up with next - it won't matter. Whichever dirty word you call me next - it still won't matter.

You may not understand who I am, but I understand who you are. Let me tell the people who you are, Ms. Paulson. You don't believe that this country is a Christian nation, nor do you support the idea of family values.

You think men are nothing but animals, left to fend for themselves. Your ideology is not the ideology of a civilised society: it is the ideology of barbarism and of vultures. You want the truth? Here it is:

You are no conservative, no Republican. You're just an anarchist in a suit, Ms. Paulson. I am not about to sit here and let you rip apart the foundations of the civilised world, and you must understand that.

Libertarianism, fundamentally, is a ideology that stands AGAINST civilised society, AGAINST morality and AGAINST the very concept of civilisation itself. I will not let you wage war against civilisation, Ms. Paulson, understand that."

Congresswoman Diane Paulson
Republican Presidential Primary Debate
FOX News

“Was Thomas Jefferson an anarchist? Was Ronald Reagan an anarchist? Was (not-Ron Paul) an anarchist? These great American leaders shared my passion for limiting the power of government. But nobody in their right mind would call any of those men anarchists.”

“You’re grasping at straws, but you’re going to sprain your wrist if you keep reaching so far for them. Your attempts to attack my beliefs and the beliefs of our nation’s founders seem silly and unfounded and are based in absolute falsehoods.”

[The World Capitalist Confederation]

Porter looked at Paulson, then back at the audience, unbowed by her remarks.

"Fascist, Nazi, socialist, call me whatever you like. But if you ever think that you'll make me cower...You're wrong. Whichever hateful slur you come up with next - it won't matter. Whichever dirty word you call me next - it still won't matter.

You may not understand who I am, but I understand who you are. Let me tell the people who you are, Ms. Paulson. You don't believe that this country is a Christian nation, nor do you support the idea of family values.

You think men are nothing but animals, left to fend for themselves. Your ideology is not the ideology of a civilised society: it is the ideology of barbarism and of vultures. You want the truth? Here it is:

You are no conservative, no Republican. You're just an anarchist in a suit, Ms. Paulson. I am not about to sit here and let you rip apart the foundations of the civilised world, and you must understand that.

Libertarianism, fundamentally, is a ideology that stands AGAINST civilised society, AGAINST morality and AGAINST the very concept of civilisation itself. I will not let you wage war against civilisation, Ms. Paulson, understand that."

Congresswoman Diane Paulson
Republican Presidential Primary Debate
FOX News

“Was Thomas Jefferson an anarchist? Was Ronald Reagan an anarchist? Was (not-Ron Paul) an anarchist? These great American leaders shared my passion for limiting the power of government. But nobody in their right mind would call any of those men anarchists.”

“You’re grasping at straws, but you’re going to sprain your wrist if you keep reaching so far for them. Your attempts to attack my beliefs and the beliefs of our nation’s founders seem silly and unfounded and are based in absolute falsehoods.”

Porter got ready to strike at his next point.

"Absolute falsehoods? I wouldn't think so. You still didn't address any of my other points, so I will reiterate, once again. You do not believe that America is a Christian nation, and you scorn upon the very phrase of family values.

You may not be an anarchist, but you certainly aren't a conservative or a Republican either."

[Dentali]

Richardson: "Secretary Porter you are the one who clearly doesn't understand Libertarianism or the values on which our country was founded. While I am a Conservative and not a Libertarian I acknowledge the importance of their values and admire them, namely the focus on small government, free markets and individual liberty. There are concepts cherished by generations of Americans and Republicans, that have led us to greatness."

"Our nation was founded to fight against an encroaching and repressive Government, so naturally the founders intentional build our Government in a way which limited its powers and maximized individual liberty. This didn't lead to anarchy, it led to prosperity. Small government, accountable government that serves to protect individual liberty is the cornerstone of our country, that is undeniable and it is this sacred truth that libertarianism is based on."

"Conservatives and Libertarians do not agree on every issue, but we hold many of these same core values and beliefs, the same core values and beliefs this nation was founded on. I for one am proud to see Libertarians as part of the Republican Party, and I am proud to call Congresswoman Paulson a friend."

[Gordano and Lysandus]

Governor Jonah Prendergast Jr. of West Virginia

"Libertarianism has an important place in the conservative national conversation. It keeps us to the mark. It reminds us not to overstep the bounds of the authority that the federal government has, as designed by the Framers. It ensures we do not encroach on the power of the states, or of the individual. I recognize that as a conservative, as someone who touts and celebrates the Judeo-Christian roots of our law. As someone for whom family values are very important. Without libertarianism, without the contributions of people like Congresswoman Paulson, we do not have a holistic conservative ideology. We must defend against harm to the traditional family, and against harm to the small business. We must defend against harm to the rights of the states, and against harm to national whole. We cannot do that if we do not take lessons from libertarianism. It is valid, even if I disagree with it, and it is especially far more valid than what our actual opponents - the Democrats - are putting forward, which is a war on personal liberty, a war on the economic recovery, and a war on the American worker."

[Velahor]

(Image)
Congresswoman Diane Paulson
Republican Presidential Primary Debate
FOX News

“Was Thomas Jefferson an anarchist? Was Ronald Reagan an anarchist? Was (not-Ron Paul) an anarchist? These great American leaders shared my passion for limiting the power of government. But nobody in their right mind would call any of those men anarchists.”

“You’re grasping at straws, but you’re going to sprain your wrist if you keep reaching so far for them. Your attempts to attack my beliefs and the beliefs of our nation’s founders seem silly and unfounded and are based in absolute falsehoods.”

Porter got ready to strike at his next point.

"Absolute falsehoods? I wouldn't think so. You still didn't address any of my other points, so I will reiterate, once again. You do not believe that America is a Christian nation, and you scorn upon the very phrase of family values.

You may not be an anarchist, but you certainly aren't a conservative or a Republican either."

Congresswoman Diane Paulson
Republican Presidential Primary Debate
FOX News

“I believe that America is a nation made up of many people, of all colors and creeds, that all adhere to the basic Christian values of loving your neighbor, free will, nonviolence, and fair treatment of all, no matter their religious beliefs.”

“I believe in family values, and I myself am a devout member of the Assembly of God church and have been since I was a teenager. But I am a vocal critic of economic leftists like yourself using religious buzzwords to bully people into submitting to authoritarianism. I believe that we should honor and respect God’s word and the values on which this country was founded, where you abuse the word of God to bully people into submitting to your big-government agenda.”

“Christ was put to death as he was considered treasonous for speaking out against the Roman Empire and the Pharisees. So forgive me if I’m not really phased by your criticisms of my beliefs. Jesus Christ suffered much worse at the hands of authoritarians than I ever will.”

[The World Capitalist Confederation]

Porter got ready to strike at his next point.

"Absolute falsehoods? I wouldn't think so. You still didn't address any of my other points, so I will reiterate, once again. You do not believe that America is a Christian nation, and you scorn upon the very phrase of family values.

You may not be an anarchist, but you certainly aren't a conservative or a Republican either."

Congresswoman Diane Paulson
Republican Presidential Primary Debate
FOX News

“I believe that America is a nation made up of many people, of all colors and creeds, that all adhere to the basic Christian values of loving your neighbor, free will, nonviolence, and fair treatment of all, no matter their religious beliefs.”

“I believe in family values, and I myself am a devout member of the Assembly of God church and have been since I was a teenager. But I am a vocal critic of economic leftists like yourself using religious buzzwords to bully people into submitting to authoritarianism. I believe that we should honor and respect God’s word and the values on which this country was founded, where you abuse the word of God to bully people into submitting to your big-government agenda.”

“Christ was put to death as he was considered treasonous for speaking out against the Roman Empire and the Pharisees. So forgive me if I’m not really phased by your criticisms of my beliefs. Jesus Christ suffered much worse at the hands of authoritarians than I ever will.”

"So you don't fundamentally believe in the idea that we are a Christian nation with Christian morals and a Christian society?"

[Velahor]

(Image)
Congresswoman Diane Paulson
Republican Presidential Primary Debate
FOX News

“I believe that America is a nation made up of many people, of all colors and creeds, that all adhere to the basic Christian values of loving your neighbor, free will, nonviolence, and fair treatment of all, no matter their religious beliefs.”

“I believe in family values, and I myself am a devout member of the Assembly of God church and have been since I was a teenager. But I am a vocal critic of economic leftists like yourself using religious buzzwords to bully people into submitting to authoritarianism. I believe that we should honor and respect God’s word and the values on which this country was founded, where you abuse the word of God to bully people into submitting to your big-government agenda.”

“Christ was put to death as he was considered treasonous for speaking out against the Roman Empire and the Pharisees. So forgive me if I’m not really phased by your criticisms of my beliefs. Jesus Christ suffered much worse at the hands of authoritarians than I ever will.”

"So you don't fundamentally believe in the idea that we are a Christian nation with Christian morals and a Christian society?"

Congresswoman Diane Paulson
Republican Presidential Primary Debate
FOX News

Paulson looked at Porter.

“You didn’t listen to a word I said did you?”

She paused, then continued.

“I think the great Christian author Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who was tortured in a Nazi concentration camp, said it best. ‘Judging others makes us blind, whereas love is illuminating. By judging others we blind ourselves to our own evil and to the grace which others are just as entitled to as we are.’ Your choice to insist that America conflate sin with crime is a pharisaical judgement of the lives of other Americans, and as a result, has left you blind to your own evil.”

"As President, I will choose to enact policies that reflect the God that I know and have known since I was young. Policies that reflect the love that God has shown us, and the love that God has instructed us to show our neighbors."

[Greater Arab State]

Moderator (Mike Oxlong): “Mr. Wolf, your father has similarly floated policy changes to prevent gun violence, only to backtrack under pressure. What makes your promises any different?”

“The difference is that the President was forced to make concessions in order to ensure that the main elements of the Wolf agenda were delivered, something which is clearly visible in the strong economic performance of the US economy over the past years.

However, I feel that we can advance the agenda established by my father in a manner that is bipartisan, I am willing to sit down with the Democrats and agree bipartisan legislation to safeguard Americans from gun crime if they are willing to sit down with myself and the rest of the Republican leadership to agree to greater protections of the American people from illegal immigrants.”

[Dentali]

Moderator (Mike Oxlong): “Mr. Wolf, your father has similarly floated policy changes to prevent gun violence, only to backtrack under pressure. What makes your promises any different?”

“The difference is that the President was forced to make concessions in order to ensure that the main elements of the Wolf agenda were delivered, something which is clearly visible in the strong economic performance of the US economy over the past years.

However, I feel that we can advance the agenda established by my father in a manner that is bipartisan, I am willing to sit down with the Democrats and agree bipartisan legislation to safeguard Americans from gun crime if they are willing to sit down with myself and the rest of the Republican leadership to agree to greater protections of the American people from illegal immigrants.”

Richardson: Your father was forced to make concessions on guns to keep a strong economy? Can you please elaborate?

[Greater Arab State]

“The difference is that the President was forced to make concessions in order to ensure that the main elements of the Wolf agenda were delivered, something which is clearly visible in the strong economic performance of the US economy over the past years.

However, I feel that we can advance the agenda established by my father in a manner that is bipartisan, I am willing to sit down with the Democrats and agree bipartisan legislation to safeguard Americans from gun crime if they are willing to sit down with myself and the rest of the Republican leadership to agree to greater protections of the American people from illegal immigrants.”

Richardson: Your father was forced to make concessions on guns to keep a strong economy? Can you please elaborate?

Wolf Jr: “Essentially, my father was forced to make concessions on some issues, such as guns in order to push other aspects of the Wolf agenda and to maintain unity within the Republican Party.”

[Dentali]

Richardson: Your father was forced to make concessions on guns to keep a strong economy? Can you please elaborate?

Wolf Jr: “Essentially, my father was forced to make concessions on some issues, such as guns in order to push other aspects of the Wolf agenda and to maintain unity within the Republican Party.”

Richardson considered pushing hard on this line of questioning but decided he would be better with Wolf Jr. and Prendergast playing off one another.

"Let me ask you this... are Governor Prendergast and your father then far apart on the gun issue? As your father supports some gun control measures while Prendergast rejects any of them?"

[Sanabel]

Moderator (Mike Oxlong): “Thank you for your answers. Let’s move on to our second topic of the evening, with a question directed at all of the candidates.”

He looked at his notes briefly, before continuing.

“In 2016, Arnold Wolf won the electoral college by an overwhelming margin, thanks primarily to his ability to narrowly flip longtime Democratic states in the Midwest. This debate tonight is being held in one such midwestern state that has been solidly Democratic for generations- but one that Arnold Wolf also came within two percentage points of also flipping during the last election. According to many experts, these states that used to comprise the so-called blue wall could now swing either way. However, in the 2018 midterms, many returned to being solidly Democratic.

So my question to you is, how do you intend to win these states in 2020, especially given only two people on this stage have ever won a competitive statewide race? And what do you see as the path forward for the GOP in this election and beyond?”

[Velahor]

Moderator (Mike Oxlong): “Thank you for your answers. Let’s move on to our second topic of the evening, with a question directed at all of the candidates.”

He looked at his notes briefly, before continuing.

“In 2016, Arnold Wolf won the electoral college by an overwhelming margin, thanks primarily to his ability to narrowly flip longtime Democratic states in the Midwest. This debate tonight is being held in one such midwestern state that has been solidly Democratic for generations- but one that Arnold Wolf also came within two percentage points of also flipping during the last election. According to many experts, these states that used to comprise the so-called blue wall could now swing either way. However, in the 2018 midterms, many returned to being solidly Democratic.

So my question to you is, how do you intend to win these states in 2020, especially given only two people on this stage have ever won a competitive statewide race? And what do you see as the path forward for the GOP in this election and beyond?”

Congresswoman Diane Paulson
Republican Presidential Primary Debate
FOX News

"Arnold Wolf listened to the American people. He spoke his mind, and through that, spoke the words that were in the minds of so many Americans."

"I plan to listen in the same way. As an investigative reporter, I learned the value of listening."

"Arnold Wolf also tuned into the desperation that many Americans in the small towns and Rust Belt cities across America are experiencing. Many cities and towns in middle America never recovered from the 2008 crash. His message to 'Make America Great Again' struck a chord in these places. Many hard working Americans just want their country back, their jobs back, and to make a livable income."

"I am in tune with the same needs of the American people. My trade and tax plans will return jobs to America, with 4.3 million jobs gained from my tax plan alone. The Prosperity Plan will also increase the incomes of everyday Americans by 16 percent. Both are direct improvements to the quality of life of the Americans"

"I believe in the hard working men and women of the United States, and I will listen to their needs and fight against the swamp of Washington . By emphasizing the Republican values of Liberty, Peace, and Prosperity, the values that are at the core of what it means to be an American, the GOP can find success not only in 2020, but for decades to come."

[Sanabel]

Moderator (Mike Oxlong): “Representative Paulson, you and President Wolf take very different perspectives on trade. According to polling, many Republicans, even a plurality in some studies, would now consider themselves to be in favor protectionism. How do you square that difference?”

[The World Capitalist Confederation]

Moderator (Mike Oxlong): “Thank you for your answers. Let’s move on to our second topic of the evening, with a question directed at all of the candidates.”

He looked at his notes briefly, before continuing.

“In 2016, Arnold Wolf won the electoral college by an overwhelming margin, thanks primarily to his ability to narrowly flip longtime Democratic states in the Midwest. This debate tonight is being held in one such midwestern state that has been solidly Democratic for generations- but one that Arnold Wolf also came within two percentage points of also flipping during the last election. According to many experts, these states that used to comprise the so-called blue wall could now swing either way. However, in the 2018 midterms, many returned to being solidly Democratic.

So my question to you is, how do you intend to win these states in 2020, especially given only two people on this stage have ever won a competitive statewide race? And what do you see as the path forward for the GOP in this election and beyond?”

Porter tapped his fingers on the podium, ready to speak once more.

"In 2016, there were great masses of this nation, great masses of men and women, alienated from the political system. These are the people who don't vote - not because they are apathetic, but because they are alienated. They are alienated by the great structures of power emanating from the halls of Washington, left behind by the great machinery of power within our country.

Today, we see a stark and great divide between the government and its people. Today, very few Americans, if any, trust in their government. Democracy is being eroded, and it is coming from the top. Special interests, lobbyists, they control the politicians.

In order to win the faith of the American people, we must, with full swiftness, restore the sanctity of government to Washington. There are millions of people out there, dispossessed and left behind, that trust no politician, that have lost faith in the system.

We need someone new - first it was Wolf, now it's me - to restore the faith of the people in the political process once more. Democracy is at stake in this election. Because this isn't about Republican or Democrat - this is about the people and the elite. We will win, not through becoming RINOs, but through becoming the party of the people.

My movement doesn't stand with lobbyists, or with special interest groups, it stands with the people. And that is how we will win - not through big money or through a backdoor - but through the masses of people. We will fulfill the great promise, passed on from generation to generation, so that this nation once more shall have a government ruled by the people, for the people!"

[Velahor]

Moderator (Mike Oxlong): “Representative Paulson, you and President Wolf take very different perspectives on trade. According to polling, many Republicans, even a plurality in some studies, would now consider themselves to be in favor protectionism. How do you square that difference?”

Congresswoman Diane Paulson
Republican Presidential Primary Debate
FOX News

"Thank you Mr. Oxlong. Firstly, I'm not running against President Arnold Wolf, I'm running against a field of candidates who have very little experience in international trade agreements and American trade policy. My twenty-five years of experience with these matters has taught me that protectionism can yield short-term benefits but is unsustainable as a permanent policy. On the other hand, I applaud the work that President Wolf has done setting China straight in its manipulative trade policies, and while we favor different approaches, we are of the same mind when it comes to the damage that China has done to the global economy."

"President Ronald Reagan had the exact free trade policy that I do right now. A free trade attitude with strong agreements with our allies that prioritize mutually beneficial trade, while keeping our hands on the steering wheel and not letting China or Russia take control of the global economy."

"Do you know what President Reagan's free trade policies did? They ushered in a twenty-year long period of economic prosperity after his presidency. They brought more jobs back to America than any other President in our history. And they were partially responsible for toppling the totalitarian Soviet regime."

"Americans weren't born in 2016; American know that sometimes we need different approaches for different situations. Wolf's trade policies have helped give the system a much-needed short-term shock, but now it is time to put in long-term Republican trade policies into effect."

"Finally, most of our economic advancements in Wolf's time as president have come from deregulation, something that he values deeply and something that if you know anything about me, you know I support."

[Greater Arab State]

Moderator (Mike Oxlong): “Thank you for your answers. Let’s move on to our second topic of the evening, with a question directed at all of the candidates.”

He looked at his notes briefly, before continuing.

“In 2016, Arnold Wolf won the electoral college by an overwhelming margin, thanks primarily to his ability to narrowly flip longtime Democratic states in the Midwest. This debate tonight is being held in one such midwestern state that has been solidly Democratic for generations- but one that Arnold Wolf also came within two percentage points of also flipping during the last election. According to many experts, these states that used to comprise the so-called blue wall could now swing either way. However, in the 2018 midterms, many returned to being solidly Democratic.

So my question to you is, how do you intend to win these states in 2020, especially given only two people on this stage have ever won a competitive statewide race? And what do you see as the path forward for the GOP in this election and beyond?”

“The 2016 election saw the American people taking back control of their future through the election of President Wolf and ensure that the United States is kept great.

I pledge to continue the policies implemented by my father’s administration.

On day one of a Wolf Jr administration, we will begin the process of constructing a wall along the southern border, beginning with strengthening existing protections. I’m pledging this because I realise the great anxiety that the American people feel as a result of the constant stream of illegal immigrants across the southern border, and the damage caused to American communities as a consequence.

Furthermore, I pledge to ensure that American industry, and American workers continue to see the benefits experienced as a result of the current administration’s focus on placing out trade back into balance, thus enabling America to start winning again and allow the American people to enjoy even greater levels of economic prosperity.

I believe that I am in a unique position to continue the successes of the current administration as a result of my experience within business, experience which will allow this country to continue to place its trade into balance and improve the situation of blue collar Americans.”

[The World Capitalist Confederation]

Moderator (Mike Oxlong): “Representative Paulson, you and President Wolf take very different perspectives on trade. According to polling, many Republicans, even a plurality in some studies, would now consider themselves to be in favor protectionism. How do you square that difference?”

Congresswoman Diane Paulson
Republican Presidential Primary Debate
FOX News

"Thank you Mr. Oxlong. Firstly, I'm not running against President Arnold Wolf, I'm running against a field of candidates who have very little experience in international trade agreements and American trade policy. My twenty-five years of experience with these matters has taught me that protectionism can yield short-term benefits but is unsustainable as a permanent policy. On the other hand, I applaud the work that President Wolf has done setting China straight in its manipulative trade policies, and while we favor different approaches, we are of the same mind when it comes to the damage that China has done to the global economy."

"President Ronald Reagan had the exact free trade policy that I do right now. A free trade attitude with strong agreements with our allies that prioritize mutually beneficial trade, while keeping our hands on the steering wheel and not letting China or Russia take control of the global economy."

"Do you know what President Reagan's free trade policies did? They ushered in a twenty-year long period of economic prosperity after his presidency. They brought more jobs back to America than any other President in our history. And they were partially responsible for toppling the totalitarian Soviet regime."

"Americans weren't born in 2016; American know that sometimes we need different approaches for different situations. Wolf's trade policies have helped give the system a much-needed short-term shock, but now it is time to put in long-term Republican trade policies into effect."

"Finally, most of our economic advancements in Wolf's time as president have come from deregulation, something that he values deeply and something that if you know anything about me, you know I support."

"Are you implying that President Wolf's policies were shortsighted? Because if so, that would be a very false and highly incorrect statement."

[Velahor]

(Image)
Congresswoman Diane Paulson
Republican Presidential Primary Debate
FOX News

"Thank you Mr. Oxlong. Firstly, I'm not running against President Arnold Wolf, I'm running against a field of candidates who have very little experience in international trade agreements and American trade policy. My twenty-five years of experience with these matters has taught me that protectionism can yield short-term benefits but is unsustainable as a permanent policy. On the other hand, I applaud the work that President Wolf has done setting China straight in its manipulative trade policies, and while we favor different approaches, we are of the same mind when it comes to the damage that China has done to the global economy."

"President Ronald Reagan had the exact free trade policy that I do right now. A free trade attitude with strong agreements with our allies that prioritize mutually beneficial trade, while keeping our hands on the steering wheel and not letting China or Russia take control of the global economy."

"Do you know what President Reagan's free trade policies did? They ushered in a twenty-year long period of economic prosperity after his presidency. They brought more jobs back to America than any other President in our history. And they were partially responsible for toppling the totalitarian Soviet regime."

"Americans weren't born in 2016; American know that sometimes we need different approaches for different situations. Wolf's trade policies have helped give the system a much-needed short-term shock, but now it is time to put in long-term Republican trade policies into effect."

"Finally, most of our economic advancements in Wolf's time as president have come from deregulation, something that he values deeply and something that if you know anything about me, you know I support."

"Are you implying that President Wolf's policies were shortsighted? Because if so, that would be a very false and highly incorrect statement."

Congresswoman Diane Paulson
Republican Presidential Primary Debate
FOX News

"Absolutely not Mr. Secretary. They were the right policies for the right time. But 2020 is not 2016, and I am going to stick by the policies that have a track record of long-term success. Wolf's trade policies were step one to fixing our economy, my policies are the logical next step in ensuring economic prosperity for everyday Americans"

[Meelducan]

First Republican Primary Debate, St. Paul, Minnesota

Eric Shun looked directly at Bernie Porter.

"Secretary Porter, are you saying you won't accept any donations from Special Interest Groups and Lobbyists? Some would argue, especially after the rallies you hosted have been attended by many neo-nazis, that your movement will push away voters of an ethnic minority. How do you expect to win these voters back, both in primary states such as South Carolina and later in the general election?"

[The World Capitalist Confederation]

First Republican Primary Debate, St. Paul, Minnesota

Eric Shun looked directly at Bernie Porter.

"Secretary Porter, are you saying you won't accept any donations from Special Interest Groups and Lobbyists? Some would argue, especially after the rallies you hosted have been attended by many neo-nazis, that your movement will push away voters of an ethnic minority. How do you expect to win these voters back, both in primary states such as South Carolina and later in the general election?"

"I believe that we must make deracialise the issue of border security. We shouldn't make it about race or even immigration - it should be about protecting our children from drug traffickers, slave gangs and all those sorts of horrible people. My movement stands for every American, no matter their race. I'm not a racist - nor have I ever been. Let me be clear here - supporting border security doesn't make you a racist.

I admit that, at times, I have used overly charged rhetoric. However, I assure people out there that I am not a racist. I have no prejudice against any people simply because of their skin colour."

[Meelducan]

First Republican Primary Debate, St. Paul, Minnesota

"Arnold Wolf Jr, are you running solely on your father's platform? Some people would say your father only won key midwestern states such as Michigan and Wisconsin by luck and being seen by many as the lesser of two evils. Do you think you can hold the key midwestern states if you are selected to be the Republican Nominee, especially with your father's policies?" Eric Shun asked the Wolf cub.

[Dentali]

Moderator (Mike Oxlong): “Thank you for your answers. Let’s move on to our second topic of the evening, with a question directed at all of the candidates.”

He looked at his notes briefly, before continuing.

“In 2016, Arnold Wolf won the electoral college by an overwhelming margin, thanks primarily to his ability to narrowly flip longtime Democratic states in the Midwest. This debate tonight is being held in one such midwestern state that has been solidly Democratic for generations- but one that Arnold Wolf also came within two percentage points of also flipping during the last election. According to many experts, these states that used to comprise the so-called blue wall could now swing either way. However, in the 2018 midterms, many returned to being solidly Democratic.

So my question to you is, how do you intend to win these states in 2020, especially given only two people on this stage have ever won a competitive statewide race? And what do you see as the path forward for the GOP in this election and beyond?”

"The reason Republicans lost the Presidency in 2012 but won it in 2016 is because they were able to present a vision for the country, President Wolf spoke to Americans that were long shouting in the dark... they felt forgotten and undervalued by both parties... Cities like St. Paul, Pittsburgh, Detroit, and countless small towns across the country have suffered from policies from both parties forgetting individual Americans and caring more about the bottom line. NAFTA and automation, do they increase economic growth at the end of the day? Yes they do... but that growth doesn't benefit the people who worked in the factories whose jobs just got replaced. And the workers that keep those jobs haven't seen wages really grow in decades."

“The utter despair and desperation in the Rust Belt, the destruction and death in our inner cities, is due in large part to the erosion of industrial jobs, an erosion we cannot blame solely on bad trade deals, automation. It has been a long slow march, motivated by quick profits, a death by a thousand cuts and a thousand short sighted decisions. There is dignity in work, the act of creating something, in the industry that built the nation and we must restore that as part of not just our economic life, but as part of the spirit of the nation.”

"What is central to my campaign is the American Industrial Plan, a plan that recognizes the importance of states like Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin. The Wolf Tax cuts are vital, and my first priority as President will be to make them permanent, but we also need to set the nation on a righteous task of rebuilding out industrial might. That's not just how we raise the tide of prosperity for American workers, but how we take on growing threats like China."

”A stable, healthy, and wealthy workforce in turn lends itself to renewed commitments to family, to community. That is in the national interest. National Security and Job Creation go hand in hand, and a booming economy means nothing if the wealth is concentrated is New York and Silicon Valley. When I go across the country I hear again and again that people don't feel like Government works for them, the work for corporations, big tech, big pharma, that trend has to end. The American people need to feel they are our top priority.”

[Meelducan]

First Republican Primary Debate, St. Paul, Minnesota

Richardson's Mic cut out after the word China.

"Governor, do you think President Wolf has done enough through his policies to bolster Republican support in the mid-west to secure these states in 2020? He promised more employment and to rejuvenate the automobile industry along with others, yet more and more of the factories are closing down and moving to our neighbors. For example, why should people in Michigan vote for you, and the same promises that haven't been fulfilled yet?"