Tuesday night’s Republican presidential debate on Fox Business was a long haul for viewers. Yet as with the last GOP debate, ratings will reflect an audience who couldn’t help but watch grown men (and one woman) in suits interrupt the bejesus out of each other. Indeed, the interrupting got out of hand and, at one point, chronic interrupter Donald Trump called out Carly Fiorina by asking, “Why does she keep interrupting everybody? Boy, it’s terrible.” The record for the most insertions, however, went to John Kasich.
One hilarious development involved the attending reporters’ WiFi password, which may have been “StopHillary.” Otherwise, this debate wasn’t nearly as scandalous as the Fox News debate in August. Yet again, Bernie Sanders held his own offstage with the most retweeted tweet of the debate audience.
We already have the biggest military in the world, yet veterans sleep out on the streets. Will Republicans talk about this? #GOPDebate
— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) November 11, 2015
During the debate itself, the moderators hung back and did not court attention. The live studio audience was unusually loud and frequently unleashed choruses of boos. Outside the venue, Trump was both welcomed and rejected by way of respective signage:
The topics covered during the debate included economics, immigration, health care, and the military. All candidates wished to cut taxes. Trump yammered more about his wall. Carly Fiorina reminded everyone of her desired three-page tax code. Jeb Bush wants to repeal most existing regulations in favor of… who knows what alternative. At one point, Jeb turned into a smarty pants and sarcastically said, “Thank you for allowing me to speak at the debate.” This was largely directed towards Trump, but also a way for Jeb to put on his big boy pants because of this forever association.
https://twitter.com/Diane_7A/status/664307376972046336
Poor Rand Paul failed to make a splash, and Twitter busily paid attention to the well-hydrated Marco Rubio.
Trot out those taking points, Marco. Stay on message or you'll be reaching for that water bottle. #GOPDebate pic.twitter.com/5ELJswIPm0
— Secular Talk🎙 (@KyleKulinski) November 11, 2015
Rubio’s standout debate line — “We need more welders and less philosophers” — prompted a sizable reaction.
"More welders, less philosophers." –Marco Rubio clearly nailing the obvious crisis of too many philosophers. #GOPDebate
— Bob Cesca (@bobcesca_go) November 11, 2015
Rubio just lost the philosopher vote
— James Taranto (@jamestaranto) November 11, 2015
Gotta say, Rubio is impressively articulate and lucid with his commentary
— Stacey DASH (@staceydash) November 11, 2015
We've now reached the "my dad was poorer than your dad" stage of the debate.
— Vince Mancini (@VinceMancini) November 11, 2015
Rubio’s Candy Crush impressed many tweeters who called him gangsta.
The Google search spike when Marco Rubio mentioned Candy Crush at the #GOPDebate pic.twitter.com/Amzw9ZdoRS
— Adrian Carrasquillo (@Carrasquillo) November 11, 2015
Rubio. Candy Crush. Gangster.
— Maeve Reston (@MaeveReston) November 11, 2015
Rubio – Candy Crush
Cruz – Sugar Subsidies
WHAT APP IS THAT#GOPDebate— Ed Wiley (@EdWiley) November 11, 2015
Naturally, celebrities were quick to weigh in, especially when there was opportunity for Ben Carson hammer jokes.
Anybody gonna watch the debate tonight? Dr. Ben Carson has requested that there be a glass of spring water, and a HAMMER behind his podium.
— Arsenio Hall (@ArsenioHall) November 10, 2015
This is boring. Let's get to the part where Ben Carson attacks his mom with a hammer.
— Bill Maher (@billmaher) November 11, 2015
Bill Maher kept on talking, but here are few of his Twitter highlights.
Jeb Bush: Should i even stick around or, maybe beat the traffic?
— Bill Maher (@billmaher) November 11, 2015
Biggest applause is to upbloat even more the military budget. Hard to say who's the bigger tools, the candidates or the audience.
— Bill Maher (@billmaher) November 11, 2015
Yeah, Trump talking about nukes, i gotta go or i won't sleep tonight. Peace out!
— Bill Maher (@billmaher) November 11, 2015
The always critical Patton Oswalt rooted for Carson’s black Jesus portrait, but took shots at most candidates.
If the black Jesus from Ben Carson's painting walks out onto this stage he's got my vote. #GOPDebate
— Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) November 11, 2015
Fiorina: "Try not to think of a praying mantis in a wig when you look at me. See? You can't." #GOPDebate
— Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) November 11, 2015
Bush: "My dad and my brother got to do this it's my turn you're all poop-mouths I hate you." #GOPDebate
— Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) November 11, 2015
Carson: "During the 2 hours of this debate, horrific shit has happened. Thank you." #GOPDebate
— Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) November 11, 2015
Ann Coulter surfaced to say inappropriate things for attention.
Putin is more popular in Russia than Rubio is in Florida.
— Ann Coulter (@AnnCoulter) November 11, 2015
Rubio rehearses his speeches like a dumb cheerleader nervous about her presentation to sorority sisters.
— Ann Coulter (@AnnCoulter) November 11, 2015
Here are a few more reactions, including a very unimpressed Hillary Clinton.
We now go live to John Kasich at tonight's #GOPDebate pic.twitter.com/c7VfBxnkWp
— Tim Williams (@realtimwilliams) November 11, 2015
Can we get a cut away shot to the very frustrated buzzer operator
— Hugh Hewitt (@hughhewitt) November 11, 2015
#GOPdebate pic.twitter.com/vqbB3Tpf5r
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) November 11, 2015