Answers: Republican debate

Did you watch the Republican debates last week? What were your impressions?

FROM OUR INBOX

I thought the panel tried to set up Donald Trump by the first question and the lack of questions regarding policies and issues. Aside from the Chris Christie/Rand Paul crossfire or the Donald Trump/Rand Paul exchange there wasn't much debating. For me, the debate did nothing to help candidates gain support. I have not made a decision for whom I would vote in the caucuses. However, my favorites were Ben Carson, Donald Trump, Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz.

Becky E.

Monona

Why not have a separate debate for these presidential seekers without Trump? Give these people a chance to freely express their views without the constant interruptions of Trump. That last debate was a Trump alone debate. No one else had a chance.

Dorothy K.

Cedar Rapids

In these debates, the moderators refuse to address important issues like getting the United States out of the United Nations and getting the U.N. out of the U.S. Add to these equally important issues such as abolishing the Federal Reserve and the IRS and getting us out of tax-supported boondoggles such as the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the Commodity Credit Corporation etc. The moderators were interested mostly in political correctness and liberal-appeasing, misleading questions and issues.

Lan N.

Cedar Rapids

FROM FACEBOOOK

Susan E.: I do not think we need to hear more about Planned Parenthood and candidates tooting their own horns. We need to discuss critical issues to improve our country that have been long ignored or not fully addressed and solved. The media should not ask questions. The voters should.

Robert P.: Actually, it did help me decide. I'm voting for Megyn Kelly.

Heath T.: I would like to see more debates before I can make a decision. I think having fewer candidates on stage would help each get more face time to answer serious questions. Maybe break it into three debates instead of two.

Daniel S.: I think Sen. Marco Rubio hit a home run with intelligent answers that look forward from the challenges of today. He was well-spoken and presented clear arguments and solutions. Better yet, I think he best displays the qualities of a good leader more than any of the other candidates, and I hope my fellow conservatives look to him as a viable candidate who can appeal to all voters. He's not someone Democrats want to see as the Republican nominee.

Will A.: They all did a great job of convincing me that I don't want to vote for any of them.

Terry S.: Please stop calling these political media events debates. They aren't. Aside from the exchange between Chris Christie and Rand Paul nothing about this remotely resembled a debate. I'd love to see a good debate.

Bob F.: I was surprised how Donald Trump came off, can see why GOP leaders don't like him. He holds feet (ideas and actions) to the fire. Also, Ted Cruz was knowledgeable and smooth. Rest were less than expected or needed if elected.

Lauren R.: I'm a Democrat, and I thought Ben Carson and Carly Fiorina showed themselves as thoughtful and aware. I might vote for one of them.

Randall H.: I watched the debate and think whether you like Trump or not, he can get things done, as he said. He will get my vote.

Mindy L.: Trump is the best thing to happen to the Democratic Party in a long time.

June D.H.: Never watched!

Kathy B.: I have tried very hard to be well-informed on each candidate. Fox News didn't give each one a fair amount of time to talk about the serious issues. But I have great respect for Ben Carson and Carly Fiorina.

Mike D.: Pertinent questions were NEVER asked but rather attacks I felt were totally irresponsible!

Sandra M.: I am looking for someone with the leadership potential to remain calm and rational without espousing the same old rhetoric that leads to hurting the poor and middle classes. I honestly believe that I could vote for Ben Carson, Marco Rubio, Carly Fiorina or John Kasich. We need someone with the image of a leader.