Late on December 14 the last television debates between US presidential candidates from the Republican Party took place in Las Vegas. During the debates organized by CNN, billionaire Donald Trump, whose rating is the highest, again reiterated his idea that Muslims must be forbidden from entering the US. “We must build a wall,” he stated. As a response, ex-governor of Florida Jeb Bush said that such attitude to Muslims will impede America’s fight against the Islamic State. He called Trump a candidate of chaos, unable to become a commander needed to provide the country’s security.
COMMENTARIES
“THIS IS A GREAT RISK FOR REPUBLICANS TO STAKE ON TRUMP”
Oleksandr TSVIETKOV, professor, Diplomacy Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine:
“Speaking about Trump’s phenomenon, we should pay attention to the fact that he followed in the footsteps of Reagan, started to exploit the rhetoric which is popular at the home market. Apart from that, he looks very good in front of the cameras with his aggressive style.
“But for the Republicans it is a high risk to stake on Donald Trump, because he cannot restrain himself and might exceed the limits of party interests in his rhetoric.
“Therefore before the primaries which will start on March 1, 2016, Republicans should come up with four candidates, with one of them for sure standing the chances to win in the elections. As for Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio, they haven’t become the leaders of the Republicans, but they are close. They are serious candidates nominated by the political establishment in these elections. Both of them have proved to be successful senators.
“Everyone speaks about Trump, but America is tired of such a demagogue. He uses speculative mottos. But he is a good speaker and possesses great energy. Till now he has overwhelmed all his rivals who came close to the second place. In particular, his one or two phrases were enough to crush Jeb Bush.
“Now Bush needs to work hard in order to become one of the four candidates who will continue to compete next year. Currently it is clear that Cruz and Rubio stand the best chances to become two of the four leading candidates.”
“THERE IS NO POSSIBILITY THAT RU SSIAN PROPAGANDA WILL AFFECT THE RESULTS OF THE U.S. ELECTIONS”
Oleksandr MOTSYK, ex-ambassador of Ukraine to the US:
“Indeed, those were this year’s last debates, but the story is not over. In my opinion, the struggle will go on, and it is too early to say which Republican candidate will reach the finish line.
“As for Trump’s high ratings, populism is very popular in the world these days. Unfortunately, it can happen to anyone. But I know the American electorate, which is educated. And I have no doubt that it will elect the strongest candidate from the Republican and the Democratic parties. And we will witness a serious competition between two candidates, a Republican and a Democrat.
“All countries want to have a strong leader, but it doesn’t mean that all countries will fall for the populist promises that will not be fulfilled. The world is following the path where leaders must be wise, first and foremost. They must show quite wise and well-weighed approaches to solving all the problems, both in the country, and on the international arena. But it doesn’t mean there shouldn’t be toughness. There are many situations when you need to be tough, but this Russian propaganda bacillus is, unfortunately, affecting the entire world. I don’t think something that is not typical of the American democracy can strike root in a country with a 250-year-long history of strong democracy. In my opinion, there is no possibility that the Russian propaganda will affect the results of the US elections.
“We all know that traditionally the internal factor plays the crucial role at America’s elections, but of course the external factor has its effect too. And based on the combination and balance of these two factors the new American leader is elected.”
