Carly puts the boys to shame

There were two debates and one clear standout.

Much like she’s been doing the last several months on the campaign trail, Carly Fiorina lit up the debate stage last night in Cleveland. There were, of course, two debates: the happy hour one (in which Carly participated) for those who weren’t polling in the top 10, and the primetime one for those who were.

We were strong advocates for Carly participating in the main event, no matter what the polls said, but Fox News didn’t agree.

Turns out, it didn’t matter.

Carly’s performance lit up social media well after the first debate had ended, and many folks were calling for her to participate in the second one. That didn’t happen, but it was clear that, of the 17 debate participants, Carly had made the biggest and best impression. She really did put the boys to shame with her direct, spirited manner.

On Trump:

“Well, I don’t know. I did not get a phone call from Bill Clinton before I jumped in the race. Did any of you get a phone call from Bill Clinton? I didn’t. Maybe it’s because I hadn’t given money to the Foundation or donated to his wife’s Senate campaign. Here’s the thing that I would ask Donald Trump, in all seriousness. He is the party’s front-runner right now, and good for him. I think he’s tapped into an anger that people feel. They’re sick of politics as usual. You know, whatever your issue, your cause, the festering problem you hoped would be resolved, the political class has failed you. That’s just a fact. That’s what Donald Trump taps into. I would also just say this. Since he has changed his mind on amnesty, on health care, and on abortion, I would just ask what are the principles by which he will govern?”

On Hillary:

“Hillary Clinton lies about Benghazi. She lies about e-mails. She is still defending Planned Parenthood. And she is still her party’s front-runner. 2016 is going to be a fight between conservatism and a Democrat party that is undermining the very character of this nation. We need a nominee who is going to throw every punch, not pull punches, and someone who cannot stumble before he even gets into the ring. I am not a member of the political class. I am a conservative. I can win this job. I can do this job. I need your help. I need your support. I will, with your help and support, lead the resurgence of this great nation. Thank you.”

On challenging the status quo:

“This is a great nation. It is a unique nation. In all of human history, and on the face of the planet. Because here our founders believed that everyone has a right to fulfill their potential, and that that right, they called it life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, comes from God and cannot be taken away by government. We have arrived at a point in our nation’s history where the potential of this nation, and too many Americans is being crushed by the weight, the power, the cost, the complexity, the ineptitude, and the corruption of the federal government. And only someone who will challenge the status quo of Washington, D.C. can lead the resurgence of this great nation. I will do that.”

Why she should be president:

“Well, I would begin by reminding people that at this point in previous presidential elections Jimmy Carter couldn’t win, Ronald Reagan couldn’t win, Bill Clinton couldn’t win, and neither could have Barack Obama. I started as a secretary and became ultimately the chief executive of the largest technology company in the world, almost $90 billion in over 150 countries. I know personally how extraordinary and unique this nation is. I think to be Commander in Chief in the 21st century requires someone who understands how the economy works; someone who understands how the world works and who’s in it — I know more world leaders on the stage today than anyone running with the possible exception of Hillary Clinton — understands bureaucracies, how to cut them down to size, and hold them accountable; understands technology, which is a tool but it’s also a weapon that’s being used against us. Most importantly, I think I understand leadership, which sometimes requires a tough call in a tough time. But mostly the highest calling of leadership is to challenge the status quo, and unlock the potential of others. We need a leader who will lead the resurgence of this great nation, and unlock its potential once again.”

What did you think of Carly’s performance? Has your opinion of her changed after the debates? Let us know what you’re thinking in the comments below!