It’s over.
The first Republican debate of 2016 may have had fewer bodies on stage, but much of the same, tired conservative talking points were spouted with vigor and virtually no push-back — only matched by the level of vitriol spread through right-wing Twitter.
The night started off with approval and a shout out from 21st Century Fox head honcho Rupert Murdoch:
Another big debate tonight. Thanks Roger Ailes again for another great production. Keep 'em coming better and better than competitors.
— Rupert Murdoch (@rupertmurdoch) January 14, 2016
But despite the well wishes, right-wing Twitter (and the South Carolina audience) were quick to egg on a more serious sparring match:
Christie calls 0bama a petulant child. SCOOOOOOOOORE!
— . (@BasediBrett) January 15, 2016
"China is running over President Obama like he was a child." I heard that and thought of this. pic.twitter.com/EEsKrwTVia
— Jim Geraghty (@jimgeraghty) January 15, 2016
Jeb! Muslim terrorism is an act of love.
— Ann Coulter (@AnnCoulter) January 15, 2016
Rubio still sounding like a Soviet spy: do not, I am, is not, I have, we are, he has. English speakers say: I'm, isn't, I've, we're & he's
— Ann Coulter (@AnnCoulter) January 15, 2016
Again GOP candidates, please bring up the rape epidemic being carried out in Europe by crowds of Muslim, asylum seeking men #GOPDebate
— Katie Pavlich (@KatiePavlich) January 15, 2016
@marcorubio correctly identified the EPA as the Employment Prevention Agency. They are job killers. #GOPDebate
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) January 15, 2016
The rest of Twitter just didn’t seem up for the mocking at this tedious, sixth GOP debate:
I just fact checked this debate. There are none.
— Go to Bluesky to save your brain — L O L G O P (@LOLGOP) January 15, 2016
Factcheckers watching the #GOPDebate like pic.twitter.com/PZlsKmGySc
— @hayesbrown.bsky.social (@HayesBrown) January 15, 2016
I like the audience shots – takes the myth that the Republicans are a bunch of angry old white people…and proves it
— Bill Maher (@billmaher) January 15, 2016
Fox anchor just blamed Obama for having oil prices TOO LOW. Is there anything they won't blame him for? #GOPDebate
— Cenk Uygur (@cenkuygur) January 15, 2016
Wide Shot Reveals Florida Man Apparently Also at Debate pic.twitter.com/vqX4V06i1A
— Florida Man (@_FloridaMan) January 15, 2016
Set fire to the room. Do it now. #GOPDebate
— Francis J. Underwood (@RepUnderwoodSC) January 15, 2016
Watch a recap of the debate below:
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