Big Republican field looking to deflate Trump in 2nd debate

Deflate Trump? Who better to lead the Klown Car, but an orange-faced, unnaturally colored, certified Huckter?™

put a Charlie Chaplin mustache under turnip's comb over and you know who he's channeling

I still can't believe voters in the US think he's relevant. He's an ass, a blowhard, a guy who's in love with no one but himself. Imagine him in the Oval Office! I'm sure he's have the walls covered in mirrors, a mirror ball hanging from the ceiling and a mirrored floor so he could peer up visiting women's skirts. Wake up America!

You folks who bash Trump just don't get it. The majority of the public is tired of lifetime politicians who have done nothing outside of run for office. This edited line from the first paragraph sums it up pretty nicely.

"Donald Trump remains the target and has so far proven untouchable despite a series of remarks that would have undone a more traditional candidate."

We've tried Hope and Change (Pres. Obama) and Compassionate Conservatism (Former Pres. Bush) and a slew of others but nothing gets done. Let's try something different.

Go Trump!

I still can't believe voters in the US think he's relevant. He's an ass, a blowhard, a guy who's in love with no one but himself. Imagine him in the Oval Office!

I felt the same way about Obama as well and my fears turned out far worse than I imagined.

I'm sure he's have the walls covered in mirrors, a mirror ball hanging from the ceiling and a mirrored floor so he could peer up visiting women's skirts. Wake up America!

With the exception of peering under ladies skirts, I'm quite sure Baracks ceilings are covered with mirrors or at least every room in the White House.

The majority of the public is tired of lifetime politicians

No. The majority of Republicans.

Gelendestrasse, I don't think you realise how appropriate your comment really is for the current environment. In times of struggle and perceived injustice the masses will often turn to nationalistic (fascist) leaders to lead them out of the stagnant darkness. History does repeat itself, simply because people never really get past their baser instincts.

The majority of the public is tired of lifetime politicians

The majority of Japan Today posters are tired of the site being constantly hijacked by American politics.

I felt the same way about Obama as well and my fears turned out far worse than I imagined.

I fully agree. Sorry to say, but Trump's resume is far thicker than Obama's was in 2008. Until he became a senator, Obama was an academic, he had never worked at a real job in his entire life. His rating as a professor was only 60% positive. We have no idea how he did as a student as Harvard or Columbia, because, unlike Bush, Kerry, or any other candidate, Obama has never released his university transcripts. During his two years as a senator, Obama never sponsored a single piece of legislation.

If someone like Obama could be elected as president, Trump certainly has more than a fair chance, particularly when you look at the other candidates.

He's a shill for the Democrats. A real candidate wouldn't go so far out with his comments. Too bad no birdies singing the contents of the phone call he had with Bill Clinton prior to starting his campaign.

Well, I agree with equal opportunities, even for the insane - though I think allowing 15 of them to run for president is a bit much. It's almost mean, not mentioning the mockery the GOP have made of the presidents office since a black man became president.

Wonder if they'll be asked substantive questions, such as, "Do you agree that Congress should fund the budget?"

The majority of Japan Today posters are tired of the site being constantly hijacked by American politics.

Sorry you may not like it, but American politics shapes and influences a lot of the world geopolitics and whatever you may think about America that's just how it is. If it weren't big, NO one would cover it. Most politicians or politics for that matter worldwide is very boring compared to American politics. Most people think think it is very entertaining at least interesting to say the least. People for the most part generally speaking are very interested if you want to know world leaders want to know and need to know. Because the outcome will affect everyone worldwide in the long run.Because the outcome will affect everyone. Also it's news and people love drama and politics and you always go with a lead story and this IS THE leading story. It would be irresponsible and bias if JT DIDN'T cover it. But if other posters don't like it, there are plenty of other threads to view. They can skip and browse the threads of their choice.

not mentioning the mockery the GOP have made of the presidents office since a black man became president.

Carson seems to be doing very well, second after Trump, what's your spin on that?

Way to go, Gov. Pataki. You don't have a chance, but you delivered the line of the night: “There’s a place where religion supersedes the rules of law: It’s called Iran.” Perfect.

Sam: The majority of the public is tired of lifetime politicians Black Sabbath:No. The majority of Republicans.

We'll see. I think you are incorrect. Obama won in part because he was not seen as a traditional politician. I think Trump scares the hell out of you and other posters because he may actually win. This election really boils down to two issues; securing the border and protecting American soverignty. Add to that the overall distaste of professional politicians and you have to believe that this could be the year things really change.

On a different note, while I enjoy the hysterics on this page such as the references to Hitler, the comparisons to clowns, and warnings of facism, it would be nice to see something resembling an argument from those of you who think Trump is the second coming of Satan.

samwatters, do you have any idea what Trump might do as president? He's issued no policy papers, his past is checkered with flip-flopping, and his popularity is built on demagogic utterances of impossibility (e.g., make Mexico pay for a wall).

What entertains me about Trump supporters is just that: Ask them why they support him and they'll answer that he's not a traditional politician; ask about specifics and the' get as vague as he.

None of them are real. They're holograms. There's isn't a dime of difference between any of them, Republicans or Democrats.

Buffoons electing buffoons.

How did it come to this? As a serious question can somebody please explain to me why a buffoon like Trump has gained so much traction? Is the talent pool that shallow?

How did it come to this? As a serious question can somebody please explain to me why a buffoon like Trump has gained so much traction?

I said the same thing 7 years ago about the current guy. Welcome to my world.

Is the talent pool that shallow?

Have you even seen the Dem candidates?

You better enjoy this while you can, when the DNC has their debates, they'll be happy if they get 1/3 of the audience this debate is getting tonight.

@bass

Thanks for the feedback. I was actually hoping for so non-partisan input. I know that the democrats with Herr Hillary are not much chop either, but my question still stands. Why is it that one (or both) of the major parties in what professes to be the world's leading democracy can only come up with such freaks as potential leaders? Without going overboard on the political correctness issue, Trump's comments on Hispanics, women, Japan, etc.. (ad nauseum) should have condemned him to the political fringe. Meanwhile, Clinton's background of dodgy deals, etc., should have disqualified her also. But these two clowns are the frontrunners at the moment.

'How did it come to this? As a serious question can somebody please explain to me why a buffoon like Trump has gained so much traction?

I said the same thing 7 years ago about the current guy. Welcome to my world.'

Seven years ago you had McCain running with Palin. Serious Republicans winced at that suicidal idea. But, as you stated as a non-partisan, you'd vote for anyone to stop the Democrats. I think we have an idea of what your world looks like.

Answer the question rather than churning out the same 'but the Dems/libs/socialists....' replies. It is tiresome.

Meanwhile, Clinton's background of dodgy deals, etc., should have disqualified her also.

Would you care to elaborate?

One reason JT is so often inundated with comments on the US politics stories is that US citizens make up the majority of English speaking foreigners in Japan. and like many expats they have very strong views about what is going on back home. As for Trump, US voters will get what they deserve if he carries on to the nomination. Clinton vs Trump is evidence of how inane US politics has become. its why their foreign policy is so puerile, their domestic economy is basically a combination of a printing press and a pork barrel and their cultural hegemony continues to lead us into ever more ridiculous and dumb and downright degrading directions.

@Laguna.

1.) Trump has stated that he will withhold aid if Mexico doesn't pay for the wall. 2.) Trump has had professional success not related to politics which is something none of the last three presidents can claim. 3.) Trump will be hard pressed by everyone including the media which will lead to a watchdog media rather than the "fan club" we have now. 4.) Trump doesn't need this job which means he will be more likely to do what he says rather than kiss up to donors and special interests. 5.) I've seen what regular pols can't and won't do. Let's give Trump a chance.

Go Trump!

Thanks for backing up my point, Sam!

BTW, the New York Times reported their latest polling shows only 15 percent of Republicans would not back Donald Trump if he were to get the nomination, and that the 15 percent who would refuse are all members of the GOP elite.

So I agree with your sentiment, at least: Go Trump!

Do you have any idea what Trump might do as president?" Well, the same could be said about most of the other presidents and current candidates.

"He's issued no policy papers..." He will in time. Obama never produced a budget!

"...his past is checkered with flip-flopping..." Actually that not true. He supported candidates based on the business climate at the time. You can’t flip-flop if you’re not running for office. Besides, can you name one politician to whom this does not apply?

"...and his popularity is built on demagogic utterances of impossibility (e.g., make Mexico pay for a wall)." Now you're being lazy or dishonest. In regards to Mexico he said he would force them to pay for the wall or he would cut off the aid they enjoy. That is a solid position.

Look, you don't like Trup and I do. That's fine. I know what the others can't or won't do---and Trump may be the same---but he deserves a chance. Go Trump!

There's isn't a dime of difference between any of them, Republicans or Democrats.

That is an ignorant statement. All one has to do is look at the last seven years and the eight years prior. Huge difference. Huge. Simply and clearly huge. Republicans wreck things and Democrats fix what the republicans destroy. LIke the economy for example. Wise up. If Gore became President instead of the boy blunder the world would be totally different right now, for the better.

Well, Sam, as I said, it's not so much that I dislike the guy as much as it is that I am mystified. I would dearly love to see him win the GOP nomination for multiple reasons, one of which is how he would fare in the general election. Best of luck!

Thanks, Laguna! Actually my favorite candidates would be either Carly Fiorina for her promises to streamline government through current technology (do we really need thousands of congresspersons, staff and assistants to represent the people when the people can do that themselves with their smartphones?) or Ben Carson for his simplification of the tax code (10% from everyone and close any and all loopholes). But I know from 50 years of life that the current establishment will not allow that. Government exists by-and-large to protect itself and especially now with immigration at its crossroads, I believe that the Democrats want amnesty that will guarantee them 30 million extra votes over the next decade and I believe that would be the end of the US as we know it (and while some may enjoy such a scenario I would not). I don't believe that either Carson nor Fiorina has the muscle and gall to stand up against the establishment, hence my love for Trump. But a Trump administration followed by either a Fiorina or Carson administration sure sounds good to me. Thanks for the debate!

Do you have any idea what Trump might do as president?" Well, the same could be said about most of the other presidents and current candidates.

"He's issued no policy papers..." He will in time. Obama never produced a budget!

"...his past is checkered with flip-flopping..." Actually that not true. He supported candidates based on the business climate at the time. You can’t flip-flop if you’re not running for office. Besides, can you name one politician to whom this does not apply?

"...and his popularity is built on demagogic utterances of impossibility (e.g., make Mexico pay for a wall)." Now you're being lazy or dishonest. In regards to Mexico he said he would force them to pay for the wall or he would cut off the aid they enjoy. That is a solid position.

Look, you don't like Trup and I do. That's fine. I know what the others can't or won't do---and Trump may be the same---but he deserves a chance. Go Trump!

Oh come on! The key thing about trump is his ability to simplify issues into black and white, and USA ABOVE all other countries and to popularize hating ethnic minorities. that's all there is to trump, as he does not understand the complexities of the world, and his admiration of the Russian fascist Putin says it all. A fascist does not respect "laws," customs, and traditional / appropriate behavior. He believes only in his "orders" and that will be sufficient in and of itself. So, a person believing this,is, in the end, a fascist!!!

Oh come on! The key thing about trump is his ability to simplify issues into black and white, and USA ABOVE all other countries and to popularize hating ethnic minorities. that's all there is to trump, as he does not understand the complexities of the world, and his admiration of the Russian fascist Putin says it all. A fascist does not respect "laws," customs, and traditional / appropriate behavior. He believes only in his "orders" and that will be sufficient in and of itself. So, a person believing this,is, in the end, a fascist!!!

Well........

1.) I think the President of the United States should put the well-being of the United States first. That's what the leaders of other countries do so I would like my president to do the same.

2.) Trump does not hate minorities; he (and most of the country) want controlled immigration. Controlled immigration does not equal racism or bigotry. What was that you were writing about...simplying issues into black and white.....?

3.) There is plenty of video footage of Trump criticising Putin but I'm not suprised you haven't seen it. Ideology over facts, right?

4.)"...and his admiration of the Russian fascist Putin says it all. A fascist does not respect "laws," customs, and traditional / appropriate behavior. He believes only in his "orders" and that will be sufficient in and of itself. So, a person believing this,is, in the end, a fascist!!!" I hope Trump wins just so I can keep reading comments like this! Hate does not equal insight.

Go Trump!

There's isn't a dime of difference between any of them, Republicans or Democrats.

Tell that to the people of Iraq.

Tell that to the people of Iraq.

Which ones? You must be talking about the 500,000 mothers who's children died for lack of clean water from...wait for it.....BILL CLINTONs sanctions.

Grow up!

That is an ignorant statement. All one has to do is look at the last seven years and the eight years prior.

Or you can look at the last 7 years of what we have now. 45 million people on food stamps, $18 Trillon in debt. 39% increase in unemployment benefits, laughing joke in the world, None of our enemies fear us, in fact, we are now giving all of our enemies a pass, race relations at its worst and on and on....

Huge difference. Huge. Simply and clearly huge.

You got that right. There is a reason why people like Trump. The last 7 years have been a complete nightmare!

Republicans wreck things and Democrats fix what the republicans destroy.

So that explains why the Dems lost the House and the Senate and a large percentage of state houses, it's because they are so good at fixing things, right? ROFL

LIke the economy for example. Wise up.

Again, you made my point for me, and now you know what Trump is on fire!

If Gore became President instead of the boy blunder the world would be totally different right now, for the better.

If Gore would have been president, the US would have ceased to exist as we know it and did you know the boy blunder was a better student in university than Gore. By the way, were is Gore these days....ROFL!!!