By Will Bontrager
There will be 10 candidates squaring off in the first Republican presidential primary debate Thursday night. They are governors, former governors, senators and businessmen. Although these figures have all been in the public eye for quite some time, there seems to be one name above all muttered, shouted, praised or groaned among the sea of candidates running — Donald Trump.
No matter if people agree with him or not, after talking to the citizens of the city, it is impossible to ignore that he has cast a tremendous shadow over this area. Love him, hate him, remain indifferent, people are speaking about him. Who will be the decisive winner after the smoke clears? Local people voice their opinions.
“Trump has a better chance to win this first debate than anybody else. Why? Because he isn’t scared. He has the money to back it up. Money is power these days. He has flip-flopped a bunch of times on the issues though. I’m not sure why he does that but its probably for political gain.
“He says he is a Christian, but he is vague about it…he names no denomination. Honestly I think he worships (money). But I like his chances. He knows how to run a business. Running a country is probably no different than a business in a way.”
—Nick Evans
Trump is going to mess up towards the end of the debate. He is going to say something wrong. That man will say anything and do anything at all. He was on a roll but he should have kept his mouth shut about Senator John McCain. He don’t need to say things like that.”
—Bobby Galloway
“I had seen a show about a prison break with the drug lord who threatened him(Trump) when he escaped. That is how I heard of him. As for who is going to win the debate, I really don’t follow it. Good luck to all of them is all I can say. I heard Trump’s name more than anybody though.”
—Jacolby Boone
“Trump will win. He doesn’t pussy-foot around. He’ll lock horns with all of them.”
—Debbie DeFee
“Our votes don’t matter and our opinion doesn’t matter either. They will elect who they want but Trump will probably win this one. I like some of what he says.”
—Justin Pope
“I think Scott Walker has a great chance. He just has great experience as a governor. He’ll talk to you like you are a real person and not as someone lower than him. He cares about the immigration problems and Iran.”
—Steven and Jennifer Jerry
“It would be Trump. You can’t intimidate him. They will try to but it won’t work.”
—Barbara Sawyer
“Trump’s the only one that wants to do something about the border. He don’t need anyone’s money. You certainly can’t buy him off. I think he said the wrong thing about McCain and his time in service though. He was wrong about that, but he’s still got my vote.”
—Bill Kersh
“I’m not sure about any of the candidates chances. As a Christian I am looking for a voice of representation. Trump says he is. Whether he truly is or not remains to be seen.”
—Sandy Carter
“I know Trump isn’t winning. Honestly I think he is going to get demolished. He has made too many racial remarks. That is not good especially with the racial heat going on right now. He must not realize how many Hispanics are in the United States. He might be able to buy a great hairpiece but he can’t buy himself a victory. He’s just going to have to eat his words.”
—Geremy Hughes
“I’m going to give an opinion of my co-worker instead.
“This debate is going to be against two people. The Bush(Jeb Bush) who is relying on his name, and Trump. Everyone else just blends in to the background. And when it is done, Trump is going to kill Bush. Even though Trump’s mouth gets him in so much trouble.”
—Andrea Fogle