Live Blog: Six Men Standing (and one dead Justice) for Tonight’s Republican Debate
Posted: February 13, 2016 Filed under: 2016 elections, Live Blog | Tags: Antonin Scalia, CBS, dead, Republican Debate 2016 South Carolina 133 Comments
Well, tonight’s Republican Debate will surely be a lively matter. CBS gets the honorsat 9 p.m. EST.First, there are only six candidates left and we’ve determined they pretty much hate each other. Also, we’ve got the issue of one dead Supreme Court Justice. Antonin Scalia–perhaps one of the most evil men I’ve had the displeasure of reading–died in his death in a Texas Hotel while joyously killing small animals. According to our Constitution–which is the thing that Fat Tony did his damnedest to rewrite–President Obama will appoint a new justice with the advice and consent of the Senate. Currently, the Republicans are no longer a party that wishes to govern under our Constitution and SCOTUS with Scalia has become their enabler. They’re a party of insurrection and some of the worst of them will be up on that podium tonight trying to impress the voters in the home state for the nation’s historical insurrectionists. So, the rhetoric will be amped up as they compete to eulogize the dead man in black.
The six remaining Republican presidential candidates will be on stage in Greenville, South Carolina Saturday night for the CBS News Republican debate.
The stakes are high for the remaining candidates, as they head into a period of the primary season that relies less on retail politicking. A strong debate performance could be crucial as the candidates try to reach the voters who are next in line to cast their ballots — in South Carolina and Nevada.
South Carolina will determine the survival of Jeb Bush among some of the others. It seems clearly to be in its historical insurrectionist corner with the xenophobic narcissist Donald Trump. However, there are 
other narcissists on the stage. The Punditry is betting on a Trump-Cruz slugfest.
After splitting the first two votes, the New York billionaire has relentlessly hammered away at Cruz on everything from his campaign’s tactics to what Trump sees as the Texan’s character flaws. And on Friday, Trump warned that he has standing to sue Cruz over questions of his birth and constitutional eligibility to serve in the White House.
“If @tedcruz doesn’t clean up his act, stop cheating, & doing negative ads, I have standing to sue him for not being a natural born citizen,” Trump tweeted of his rival, born in Canada to an American mother.
Asked about the threat, Cruz did not back down. “There’s more than a little irony in Donald accusing anybody of being nasty given the amazing torrent of insults and obscenities that come out of his mouth on any given day,” he told reporters. “Suddenly every day he comes out with a new attack.”
Trump is expected to carry these attacks onto the stage on Saturday at the final candidate forum before South Carolina votes. It’s a fight Cruz’s allies say they are ready for, as they prepare to assault Trump’s Republican credentials with an eye on the conservative, religious and security-focused voters throughout the south.
The dynamics on Fat Tony’s demise will likely mean a group orgy of ass kissing. The Republicans have already promised to to block any potential nomination by the President. McConnell indicated that the next 
president should pick the new SCOTUS. This seems like a dead end argument to me. The Election math is clearly behind the D’s this time and any obstruction would likely create an avalanche of Obama Supporters to the Polls. I’m not the only one who thinks this.
Just 18 days ago, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was asked about nominating President Barack Obama to the Supreme Court and she said, “That’s a great idea!”
Politico reported:
Asked by an Iowa voter at a town hall event here what she thought of appointing President Barack Obama to the Supreme Court if she were to become president, Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton seemed delighted by the prospect. “I’ll tell you, that’s a great idea!” a beaming Clinton told the crowd of 450 packed into a theater, noting that she’d never heard the question before.
Well. It’s an even greater idea if it is something that would happen immediately after the election, effectively motivating the same turnout as surprised the beltway for Obama in 2012.
They may posture for awhile, but they will also have to avoid going on any recess to avoid a recess appointment that would likely sail through a Dem-controlled Senate. Again, the math indicates this a statistically likely outcome. Also, if the Republicans manage to nominate one of their more obnoxious candidates, it will bring record numbers of minorities and women to the polls in states that aren’t safely red.
The 2016 elections are the Democrats’ best shot at wresting back control of the Senate for the rest of the decade, given that the 2018 off-year elections will force Democrats to defend 25 of the 33 seats on the ballot (including the two seats held by independents who caucus with them).
In a recent interview, Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus acknowledged the steep challenges Republicans face in 2016. When asked how Republicans will overcome the Democrats’ huge Electoral College advantage next year, Priebus summed up his party’s chances for the presidency this way: “[W]e have to be about perfect … and the other side can be about good. And so the fact is that we do have the higher burden.” In a year like 2016, their burden will extend beyond the presidential to the Senate as well.
So, go ahead Rethugs, pick a fight! Sounds really good to me. As for the Scalia death, I couldn’t be more celebratory. It’s difficult for me to read anything the man wrote without seeing the face of evil. He was an “originalist” only when it suited his politics and theology. He didn’t die under any kind of tragic circumstances other than he’s rotting in hell right now by his own religious beliefs since no priest heard his last confession. Ironic that. This does impact the election and we can only hope and pray that it removes that 5th vote that seeks to maintain white male, christian hegemony in all aspects of life. Next month, a huge abortion case is on the docket.
This would be the case of Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt.
Docket No. Op. Below Argument Opinion Vote Author Term 15-274 5th Cir. Mar 2, 2016 TBD TBD TBD OT 2015 Issue: (1) Whether, when applying the “undue burden” standard of Planned Parenthood v. Casey, a court errs by refusing to consider whether and to what extent laws that restrict abortion for the stated purpose of promoting health actually serve the government’s interest in promoting health; and (2) whether the Fifth Circuit erred in concluding that this standard permits Texas to enforce, in nearly all circumstances, laws that would cause a significant reduction in the availability of abortion services while failing to advance the State’s interest in promoting health – or any other valid interest.
Again, I believe that the Republicans should hope Obama appoints a moderate and just go with it because a Clinton appointment with a Dem majority senate would rock their world. Well, see if POTUS takes the in your face or practical route.
Here are some reactions from SCOTUS blog.
The most immediate implications involve the presidential election. President Obama of course has the power to nominate a successor, with the consent of the Senate. In the ordinary course, because the opening was unexpected, the nomination would not be forthcoming for a couple of months and then the confirmation process would take several more months.
Theoretically, that process could conclude before the November election. But realistically, it cannot absent essentially a consensus nominee – and probably not even then, given the stakes. A Democratic president would replace a leading conservative vote on a closely divided Court. The Republican Senate will not permit such a consequential nomination – which would radically shift the balance of ideological power on the Court – to go forward.
There is the related question of the Court becoming an issue in the election. Before today, it was unlikely that many voters would choose a presidential candidate for this reason, given the importance of issues like the economy, terrorism, and immigration. But the fact that there is an immediate vacancy – and a vacancy that could tip the Court’s ideological balance – makes the future of the Court much more concrete.
In the political primaries, the Court is not an issue that divides candidates of the same party. Both Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders, for example, are clear that they would want to appoint a more liberal successor that would oppose decisions like the Citizens United campaign finance ruling. The leading Republican candidates would all make clear their support for a nominee who would oppose the Court’s rulings upholding the Affordable Care Act.
In the general election, the Court is also an issue that tends to drive the base of each party, so it may be most relevant to turn-out rather than to changing voters’ minds. In general terms, conservatives have been more focused than progressives on the Court as a presidential legacy. But both parties have groups of voters – on the left, supporting abortion rights, and on the right, supporting gun rights and opposing abortion, for example – for which the Court has outsized importance.
Because there remains almost a year in his Term, President Obama is likely to feel an obligation to put forward a nominee rather than completely accede to Republican objections to confirming anyone. That may also be good presidential politics, as Democrats seek to paint Republicans as obstructionists. Three potential nominees are easy to identify from among current appellate judges: from the D.C. Circuit, Patricia Millett and Sri Srinivasan; and from the Ninth Circuit, Paul Watford.
But tonight we live blog the sound and the fury from some of the most extremist candidates the Republicans can offer. Then, there’s Jeb Bush who is just more of the same old same old.
Let’s dig in!
peej
Carissa
bostonboomer
ecocatwoman
mablue2
peggysue22
quixote
skydancingguestblogger
Mona (aka Wonk the Vote)
Sky Dancing 
Joy Reid says Sanders campaign is way ahead of Clinton in organizing on the ground in SC.
You actually don’t need much in terms of offices in a Southern Black state if you have the churches and the ministers with you. They bus their congregants to the polls and do all the GOTV for you. I was amazed down here when I first saw it in action.
Do you think Reid is that biased? She quotes a lot of people saying there no enthusiasm for Clinton.
Yes, she wrote the book, Fractured, and she trying to split the vote, against Hillary.
Did you read her book, Fannie?
Yes, and I ended up tossing it. I really didn’t like her take on Hillary and Obama, very much a black man and she was the white woman………..and all the other stuff in between. She started right away selling her book while doing the news. Her bias is showing, too bad for her.
She trying too damn hard to stay in the fame, isn’t she.
Mercy, I am just about sure what Cruz is going to say tonight.
Well,we got the obligatory nod to the death of Fat Tony and the announcement that it would be the first question.
I’m looking at some of his opinions that I was shocked when I read them the first time out. I have to say, this guy will not be remembered in a positive light by future generations. Even when he writes for the majority he’s mean-spirited an hateful. Plus, he was an originalist only when it was convenient. Most of the time it was his personal theology, bigotry and politics that guided his thoughts. The constitution was the last thing he ever actually had in mind.
Trump refers to the Senate Majority Leader as “Mitch.”
You don’t not elect a constitutionally mandated position based on the whims of an election year and election. These rethugs are nuts if they think that’s a good strategy.
Trump, we need to stop, delay, delay, delay………whut……the bomb is dropped on our Country, and we are going to do what? Delay, Delay, Delay.
Kasich………..I wouldn’t have any divisions. Bullshit, he needs to talk about the Planned Parenthood bill on his desk.
Good Lord, Ben Carson just suggested we change the Constitution on SCOTUS terms because we live longer
My eyes are rolling.
Carson, I’m a doctor and people live too long let’s change lifetime appointments, but lets loook at it first.
Rubio is back on speed. NANANANANANANANA May Scalia’s ideas live long and prosper.
Actually, these candidates are playing on the death of Anthony Scalia………….Most people I’ve talked to are respectful, not digging in on the hate.
JEB! Records hide bad things. It’s not our fault when the Senate finds them out. Obama can’t find a single one we will like.
Cruz is afraid. OMG things might change.Principled constitutionalists only apply.
Hey ashol Cruz, as president you can’t confirm, all you can do is nominate.
The proper answer might have been to agree to leave it.
Trump. No iraq, Rubio, is he growing a war
beard?
Korea first.
When I see Rubio speak on something, it feels like he’s repeating words that he studied but he has no idea what they mean. He can parrot stuff but he can’t think on his own.
I’ve never seen any politician talk that fast. Ever.
Is Trump losing his voice? He sounds hoarse and he’s not shouting at the top of his lungs.
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lol
Is there something wrong with Ben Carson? I always get the feeling he’s stoned.
It’s weird.
He can write his own prescriptions, you know.
Seriously……..I mean the man said he studied history.
Carson you were a doctor, so how do you handle the world calls? Judgement.
Sounds like Bernie Sanders.
Carson is so dumb. Why is he still in the race?
Just as dumb as the three questions about how to prepare yourself and asked questions of your National Security people……….
Fucking Trump is going to chop some fucking heads off.
This is exactly why he is still in the race.
I’m still confused why the audience boo’d the moderator for correcting Cruz on the facts.
Hubby talked and I missed it so I didn’t get what was said.
Any attack on NATO is an attack on us. The world wants us as “civilized” people to lead.
JEB is so wrong Trump says get rid of ISIS first.
JEB! TRUMP IS A MAN WHO INSULTS HIS WAY TO THE NOMINATION.
Jeb needs a break out moment badly.
Yep.
Jeb needs to go home and spend time with his family.
For sure his mother………..Hey Bush, we were under attack when you brother was at the wheel. Now here comes Rubio, Clinton should have killed Saddam……….oh mother fuckers.
Cruz the greatist threat is IRAN tear apart the treaty. ISIS utterly defeat them air power and Kurds are boots on the ground. ??We are arming the Kurds, aren’t we now?
Climate change de-stabilized the Middle East, not just us.Well good for JEB! standing up for his family. he has to do this.
Trump and Sanders agree that the War in Iraq was stupid and they each had “good judgment about it in 2002.
Yep.
Make you wonder why did Sanders confirm Hillary as SOS
I am loving this sniping between Trump and Bush!
Kasich. Sunnis and Shia have never gotten along, the West mis-drew the map.
Interesting Rubio standing up for Bush and JEB! smiles.
Rubio, the Constitution is not a living and breathing document, kind of like his Bible, I imagine. The opposite of which is dead.
Oy
http://m.motherjones.com/politics/2016/02/6-cases-now-decided-justice-scalias-death
Trump, you said you would not touch entitlements and we would need 7.5 growth. How? I will save SS by bringing back jobs. Well, volume could work. GDP is flat and this county is dying. Waste fraud and abuse. We will get those dead 106 year olds.
Cruz- the middle class was left behind. We get growth by lowering taxes and here we go flat taxes and no IRS. No VAT, its flat, along with more of the same, yadayada
Family Formation…………….I’d rather see Beyoncé on Formation.
Lol.
Rubio, why should a conservative push a child credit? Its like a tool for a business, and its their money.
Kasich, Ohio, Medicaid expansion, we lower cost for homeless and mentally ill. We went to a surplus our credit is strong
JEB! Repeal Obamacare, even though Kasich did a good job. Kasich I did better Invokes Reagan. CATO institute thinks Kasich is at the bottom. Kasich is sick of negative campaigning. I don’t wonder.
Poor Ted Cruz, they aren’t asking him enough questions tonight.
Probably because Cruz keeps lying.
This whole thing is astonishingly old. Trump is still the only one that sound like he has unspecified different ideas. More people working means a bigger tax base. And the Medicaid arguments amongst Trump, JEB! and Kasich are reasoned
Immigration. Trump I want to take care of everyone in this country. Mexico will build our wall.
Rubio, I’ll talk a lot and then the Americans will decide what to do.
Cruz.. Don’t go door to door, use the list. No amnesty. Rubio-Schumer plan shows where he is. Rubio, says Cruz is not a purist. Liar, liar, liars everywhere. This exchange is like watching out of control teenagers on meth.
JEB! show respect to the immigrants who are legal. It’s weak to disparage women disabled and McCain. Trump thinks Bush is the weakest on immigration.
This debate is hilarious.
I just wondering the WTF, is it the candidates or the audience who seem to be going nuts.
I’m expecting wrestlers and ring refs to come out … They’re all insane!
Kasich we are going to loose this election to Clinton if we keep this crap up. Path to legalization we are not going to drag 12 million people out of their homes.
Now you know why Kasich did well in NH.
Lose
Did Trump say something about Jeb mooning some one?
yeah, clearly that was an inside joke that I don’t know.
His exact words “we are a fixin’ to lose to Hillary Clinton”…………..hahaha.
From his thin lips to the ears of the Greater Ethos
funny, heehaw
Carson Of you want to get rid of poverty get rid of regulations
So people can die young on the job instead
I wish they would ask him why in the hell is he up there on stage?
I know, it just smacks you up side of the head.
Economy. Cruz. Dad’s $115 and underwear. lift the burden on small business.
When it comes to poverty, I think about my Dad coming from Cuba with $100 in his underwear – I mean to tell you, talk about dirty money.
Carrier, We will tax you if you move to Mexico, people were crying and angry. See, he hits it again.
Trump you have to have flexiblity, I am a common sense conservative. Private eminent domain.
You nasty, nasty mother fucker, with dirty money in your underwear.
Cruz. Trump: Cruz will say anything and today there were robo calls in SC telling them, just like he did with Carson, that I wasn’t running.
This is exhausting to get anything out of.
It’s kindergarten before naptime!
I am getting sleepy, sleepy. This is by the far the worst. Here’s Carson, I am not a politician and will never be a politician………..sleepy, I’m getting sleepy.
ha aww, I have no strength left
Everybody, head to the boarder.
Three people might be capable of talking to Assad, without their head getting chopped off.
I just hope they do the chopping themselves.
Carson- free education is a non starter. Nest eggs are gone and it’s governments fault.
JJ, where are you. Tell you instead of having a bell or buzzer, they need to have a midget come out with a hammer and hit ’em in the damn knee.
Trump I am open. I spent million, JEB! spent 44 and I came in first. Cut out the profanity. I didn’t say fuck you, you bleeped it so it looked worse.
JEB! emotional and Trump went bankrupt 4 times. Trump I used the laws, just like th ebiggest leader. but JEB! put so much debt in FL that it crashed after it was out.
Whats up with these moderators?
Don’t, no don’t ask, I’m crying….where in the world did they come from.
They are going to blame this whole mess on CBS, and no is ever coming back for a debate with them.
Jeb is horrified that so many Americans can’t make a $500 car payment. I’m sorry, that’s a big goddamned car payment. Jeb is shocked that some people couldn’t make that. OMG, you mean some people can’t afford a Lexus?!
I know. Sheesh! Another out of touch Bush!
Rubio I want the new Reagan, but if not I’ll do.
Rubio, you can’t answer questions, maybe you would like to come out of your corner and ask some questions. Rubio: Do you hear voices in your head too. Do you feel like a flop, I know I am going to change.
Closing, thank goodness. Kasich, the Lord made all of us special and its up to you to fix it. You double down.
Lord, South Carolina here I come.
Carson the first generation expected to do worse. Pick me, I’m up on Stalin and I’m not political.
JEB! We got wet and windy and beaten down and came back from it. You can too.
Rubio, difficult times,life is at conception 2 sex marriage, Israel,
Cruz, do you want a deal maker or me. See this is why he is scary, he is just waiting for the Apocalypse. Everything else is a game.
He needs to be deported back to Canada. They have better mental health facilities.
Trump vote for me, I’m all the horrible things you think, But I want to live and so some of you will too.
Here’s Jeb: I’m a man with a slow hand……….
Here’s Rubio: I’m a man in Robot Mode
Here’s Cruz: Dearly Beloved we are gathered here
Here’s Trump: Check out Saturday Night, I say it three times a day, check me out.
Heeehee
I hope some of these folks get whittled down soon, this is hard work and not very informative. Or maybe there is no more information.
You said it Roof, and you done good.
Thanks Fannie.
Here the night’s selection:
You do remember the show, don’t you.
Haaa, it’s great!
That’s me in the blue.
Lovey!!
yes, in the show she was married to the millionaire. Thanks Sweet Sue, and Roofingbird
Lol, She was pretty successful and it looks like an interesting life. Not a bad person to be.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natalie_Schafer