The Pain The Public Wants

The public wants last night’s debate — two men of the future of their parties, not octogenarians of the past. But it was painful to watch. I gave up, went to the Cowboys game with bourbon, and returned later to watch at a higher speed.

If you like DeSantis, he won. If you like Newsom, he won. If you like Trump, Newsom won. If you are a persuable Republican, DeSantis won. There really was little to lose for either man, barring a blowout.

Newsom gets credit from the left for defending Joe Biden and going to Fox News with Sean Hannity moderating. If he failed, he could blame the network and moderator.

DeSantis gets credit for debating Newsom and being a champion of the right against the Governor of California. He even got to point out that Newsom’s father-in-law prefers Florida.

Look, objectively, I think both men did well given the format. I think the more notable thing is the people on the right who have loudly said they are not endorsing Trump, but used the opportunity to criticize DeSantis. There are a lot of moral cowards who are privately for Trump and publicly trying to placate all sides. Shame on them. Likewise, it is rather pathetic to see all the Trump supporters cheering on Gavin Newsom.

DeSantis did well. Trump will not debate anybody. DeSantis will debate everybody and take them all to task. He defended his COVID policies against the tyrannies of both California and what Trump tried to demand. He defended conservative economic policies. He showed himself to be a solid debater.

Newsom just made up facts and smiled. He would never agree to basic presuppositions and attacked DeSantisn constantly. He made it casual with “Ron” as his rebuttal. Again, Newsom had nothing to lose. He could go Vivek Ramaswamy and make wild accusations, knowing progressives will love him for it, and Biden will, too.

Here’s the reality. Trump won’t debate. A debate between Biden and Trump probably won’t happen. Last night, two men were willing to debate, be challenged, and argue for their convictions.

Both men should be commended for doing what their party leaders will not. It is rather sad that the men who could lead will rise to the occasion, and the men who are leading can only rise with Viagra.

But my gosh it was painful to watch.