I've been watching the Republican debate on CNN. It struck me how polite they were in the way they all spoke to each other, even if the substance of some of the things they said was fairly strong.
It was interesting to see people who I have only read about in the past. Mike Huckabee a religious ultra conservative, comes across as a pleasant person. Ted Cruz looks at the camera and gives a trust-me leer, creepy. Ben Carson and Ciara Fiorina (?) are complete nut jobs.
Jeb Bush came across to me as a reasonable person, not well able to handle this type of debate, not unlike our own Enda.
I hate to admit it but Trump impressed me. On relations with Russia, he would talk to Putin, Fiorina would strengthen the 6th fleet. On taxation he believes in a progressive tax system, I don't think any of the others do. On Iran again his instinct is talk rather than bomb.
The over the top statements are designed to draw attention to himself, and the media go along with that fully, the underlying reality is a lot more nuanced than the initial appearance. As for the something terrific on health care, still waiting to hear more.