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New Day

Post-Debate Coverage. Aired 6:30-7a ET

Aired September 17, 2015 - 06:30   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

[06:30:03] AMANDA CARPENTER, CNN POLITICAL COMMENTATOR: I mean, this is kind of stuff that isn't the conservative bloodstream by any means. Also, let's talk about Donald Trump, as candidates talked more about issues, he faded away.

CHRIS CUOMO, CNN ANCHOR: Do you think his number goes down in the next poll?

CARPENTER: It's hard to say because he's been so bulletproof in this experience so far. But he did not hang on to pose issues.

MATT SCHLAPP, REPUBLICAN STRATEGIST: His numbers are not going down.

CUOMO: Won't go down?

MATT SCHLAPP: His number's not going down. He appealed to the same voters he's been appealing to. They don't want details on policy. They want him to take a 2x4 to Washington.

ALISYN CAMEROTA, CNN ANCHOR: Mercedes, who stood out to you, good or bad?

MERCEDES SCHLAPP, REPUBLICAN STRATEGIST: Well, obviously, Carly dominated the stage. It was amazing with that first answer. I think we were waiting for that big punch against Trump. But she really made up with it along in the performance.

I'd also say, obviously, Senator Marco Rubio when he talked about the foreign policy, very substantive, able to, again, go after Trump on that issue. Saying you got to be ready with day one.

I think Jeb Bush came across with a lot of humor and really able to be more relaxed and again take a punch at Donald Trump. Again, Donald Trump, there was a point where he was speechless. There was like 37 minutes of silence that you didn't hear Donald Trump. Quite frankly, he was so uncomfortable talking about any issues except for immigration which going back to Matt's point, the niche, which is where he's comfort zone.

CUOMO: Also, we did see Donald Trump level his answer on immigration. He didn't change it but there was more heart, a little bit more empathy. But this wasn't about a measuring stick for him. Although you make a great point as the conversation elevates will he match pace?

I still think Donald Trump had a test last night. He had to stand next to Jeb Bush and say you are not stronger than I am. Did he get it done? Here's an example for you to judge and it deals with Jeb Bush's wife. Take a listen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DANA BASH, MODERATOR: Did Mr. Trump go too far in invoking your wife?

JEB BUSH (R), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: He did. He did. You're proud of your family just as I am.

DONALD TRUMP (R), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: Correct.

BUSH: To subject my wife into the middle of a raucous political conversation was completely inappropriate. And I hope you apologize for that Donald.

TRUMP: Well, I have to tell you, I hear phenomenal things. I hear your wife is a lovely woman.

BUSH: She is. She's fantastic. She's the love of my life.

(CROSSTALK)

TRUMP: This is the total mischaracterization.

BUSH: She's right here.

TRUMP: Good, good.

BUSH: And why don't you apologize to her right now?

TRUMP: I won't do that because I said nothing wrong. She's a lovely woman.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

CAMEROTA: Amanda, that was just like an awkward sandwich right there. I mean, what was happening? Who do you think came out better in that exchange?

CARPENTER: Well, listen, Jeb had to show he was willing to engage Donald Trump in this debate. He tried to do it several times. If I were being attacked and my husband was standing up for him. I wouldn't expect him to say I hope you apologize. He should have said apologize now. A lot of women were listening to that.

CAMEROTA: Matt?

MATT SCHLAPP, REPUBLICAN STRATEGIST: Well, not a woman clearly. But I think it was a good exchange. And I think Jeb was feistier in this debate. Look, he's not -- Jeb doesn't come across as a schoolyard bully. Jeb comes across as the bookish kid who is thoughtful. But he fought back.

CAMEROTA: Mercedes, what was your impression? MERCEDES SCHLAPP: Well, for Governor Bush, I mean, his strongest

point was clearly the W., talk about his brother and keeping America safe. That exchange was important. And obviously for Jeb, the one area you don't go to is his wife, with Columba Bush. So, I think what he said, is wait a second, we got to stop attacking not only my wife but immigrants in general. So, I think he was throwing in his remarks.

CAMEROTA: Mercedes, Matt, Amanda, great to get all your different perspectives. Thanks so much being with us here.

CUOMO: All right. Let's get to Mick in New York. She's got a look at the headlines and what's going on in the world for us -- Mick.

MICHAELA PEREIRA, CNN ANCHOR: Yes, obviously, we'll get back to the debate ahead.

But, first, we have some breaking news overnight. At least five people are dead, several others are hurt, following that powerful 8.3 magnitude earthquake that hit central Chile Wednesday. The quake hit northwest of the capital of Santiago and triggered massive waves along the coast. A million people have been evacuated so far. Massive flooding submerged several communities.

We're getting some reports of strong aftershocks. Tsunami alerts meanwhile has been posted for Peru, Hawaii, Southern California and New Zealand. We'll keep an eye on that situation.

Also, breaking this morning, Burkina Faso's government in jeopardy, heavy gunfire by presidential security forces. Multiple reports saying they were warning shots to disperse a group at the capital's main square. The Burkina Faso's interim president and prime minister, saying they had dissolved the countries political institutions and vowed to organize inclusive elections.

General Motors is expected to admit that 2 mislead the government in faulty ignition switches tied to at least 100 deaths.

[06:35:03] This admission comes as part of a criminal settlement with the Justice Department. An official announcement is expected as soon as today. GM has recalled millions of vehicles to fix the ignition switches at a cost north of $4 billion. A GM spokesman declined to comment.

Six thirty-five, the crew and I have been enjoying some empanadas out here. How is the Mexican food in California, kids?

CAMEROTA: Oh, oh, you had to do that to us.

PEREIRA: I know that's a weak spot.

CAMESROTA: Yes, it is.

All right. Michaela, eat up, we'll be back shortly.

CUOMO: The race changed last night. The question is, who is it good for? Who was it bad for?

Right now, Dr. Ben Carson is running a strong second for the Republican nomination. Some are suggesting he may not stay there. Did he do enough? We're going to talk about Carson's debate with one of the members of his team, his friend and business manager, Armstrong Williams.

There he is. Good to have you, sir. We'll talk to you in a moment.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

CHRISTINE ROMANS, CNN CHIEF BUSINESS CORRESPONDENT: Welcome back. Time for CNN money now, your money.

The Federal Reserve is behind closed doors, debating whether to raise interest rates for the first time in almost a decade. A big story for your money. It's a key moment, the final sign of the chi's return to normal led by fed Chief Janet Yellen, policy makers must determine if the U.S. economy is strong enough to take away the low interest rates that have been propping up the U.S. economy and the stock market for six years.

Here's how you'll feel it. When the rate hikes, banks raise the prime rate, car loans, home equity lines of credit, private student loans.

Some good news is, the inevitable rate hike, and it is inevitable, it will be gradual. If you're on the fence about buying a home, you still have time to lock in that low rate. The Wall Street divided on whether it happens today, but it could.

Back in a moment.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

[06:41:06] CAMEROTA: They were trying to set up you against Donald Trump in terms of how you felt about deporting the 11 million undocumented immigrants. But it seems you didn't take the bait.

BEN CARSON (R), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: I didn't, and I offered him an opportunity to explain how that could be done.

CAMEROTA: But he didn't do it.

CARSON: Not surprising.

CAMEROTA: I mean, did you think that he gave enough specifics?

CARSON: Probably not at this stage of the game.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

CAMEROTA: That was part of our post debate interview with Dr. Ben Carson commenting on the performance of his biggest rival on stage last night, Donald Trump.

So, how did Carson do on everything?

Let's bring in Armstrong Williams. He's Dr. Ben Carson business manager and a conservative host on Sirius XM Radio.

Armstrong, great to see you.

I want to start with that moment, because that was a great opportunity for Dr. Carson that he didn't take. Donald Trump didn't explain how he was going to deport the 11 million estimated undocumented immigrants here. And Dr. Carson could have gone at him stronger, somehow, he seemed to be treating Trump with kid gloves, what do you think?

ARMSTRONG WILLIAMS, DR. BEN CARSON BUSINESS MANAGER: Good morning.

He was not treating anyone with kid gloves. Actually, it's just his style. He feels that the American people are intelligent enough to understand that the question was not answered. And he did not need to remind him, because he's just not combative.

But I'll tell you that may surprise you and Chris is that Dr. Carson was far better last night than he was in the first debate. He's getting more and more comfortable with the format. The format allowed a lot of conversation back and forth.

Dr. Carson clearly wants to be a gentleman. He doesn't want to get in your face. He wants to state his position. He got a chance to state a position, whether it was on the minimum wage. Whether he was talking about the free phones, there's nothing free. Whether he was talking about Iraq he got into foreign affairs.

And so, you know, Dr. Carson continues as he is to gain momentum, to gain steam, and we don't think in any way that his favorability ratings will be impacted in any way. He will remain steady. It's never been his goal of the campaign to always search ahead because you become the target. As long as you stay within the top five, he's very satisfied with that.

CUOMO: OK. Well, then it comes to your measure of success. I've moving my hand back and forth, maybe no, maybe yes, Armstrong, because some people say he didn't do enough to solidify himself as number two. You're saying he's OK being in the top five.

But it goes to the demeanor of a fighter. People want a fighter for them right now, especially in tough times. Dr. Carson said he's from Detroit. Last night, he had a chance to take on fights but he didn't. He's shown a little bit of a tendency to avoid scrutiny.

As you know, he's in no rush to come back on the show at least with me because he doesn't like what happened about saying that gay is a choice.

Doesn't he have to start fighting a little bit more for what he says himself and what others say and defend his own positions and show that he's better?

WILLIAMS: You know, fights take place in many arenas, Chris. Doesn't necessarily mean they take place in a national debate where you have little time going back and forth and you have 11 people on the stage.

When Dr. Carson is in Iowa, in South Carolina, in New Hampshire and these other places and these formats, people see his fight. They see his spine. They see his backbone. They see he ask explain these issues in great depth. He goes back and forth.

And that is why when Dr. Carson, when he's out in these rural areas, when he's out among the people, away from the big lights of the cameras, he's able to connect.

It just does not play to his strength. Sometimes, you have to realize the strength and weaknesses of people that you know. Dr. Carson will not be the combative one. He'll never be aggressive. You'll never see kind of the fire in him that saw in others. You just have to accept it.

And I think people realize, when you've been a pediatric surgeon for almost 30 years, you have to remain calm, you have to remain engaged with every movement of that body.

[06:45:04] It's not going to change all of a sudden because he's on a national stage and he's a presidential candidate. We don't have those expectations for him because it's just not realistic.

CAMEROTA: But, you know, Armstrong, there was something else going on, particularly in terms of body language. It wasn't that he was picking a fight with Donald Trump. He almost seemed differential. They shared a high five, they were touching each other, there was a handshake.

What was that about?

WILLIAMS: Well, of course, you know the answer to that, Mr. Trump obviously was the one who initiated all the high-fives, the handshakes. It was not Dr. Carson. What do you think Dr. Carson is going to do? He's not going to reach back? He's not going to high- five him back.

He's a gentleman. Of course, that would have been awkward situation not to engage him.

CUOMO: Armstrong, I get it. But you sound like you're making the case for somebody to be the chief neurosurgeon in a hospital. Being president of the United States is not something that just plays out in private. You engage the people publicly.

You know this, and you know how to do-it-yourself very well. It can't be when he's with 14 people he's very strong. When he's in front of 14 million, he likes to sit back. This is a leader's job. It's about coming out and being your best on the biggest stage.

And the question is, will he do that better going forward, what's your thought?

WILLIAMS: Chris Cuomo, listen, he's better at that with the 14 million than he is with 11 people on stage.

Listen, Dr. Carson is Dr. Carson. The American people understand his gentleness, but hey can see his fire. They can see his strength. There's no -- without question, that he's a leader.

But, Chris, you and I both understand that leaders are sometimes formed differently. And they're formed differently for our times. And while you may feel you need the fight of a Donald Trump, and the fire of a John Kasich, sometimes you need that calmness because it can be very effective with the Putins and the kinds of strife that we see in the world and the domestic policies that we have to confront in this country.

While you may want more from Dr. Carson, I understand you want more because it's more entertaining, it's more pleasing to the eyes and ears. But for Dr. Carson, he will always be a quiet, thoughtful, intellectual, very methodical and very decisive leader. It's not going to change much between now and the next presidential elections. It's just not going to change. It's who he is.

CAMEROTA: Yes, and voters seem to be responding that he is different. You're right about all of that, Armstrong Williams. Thanks so much for being on NEW DAY. Always great to talk to you.

WILLIAMS: Thank you both.

CUOMO: Again, as a study and contrast, Dr. Carson -- we'll have you on again, Armstrong. Thank you.

Dr. Carson popped in the polls but so did Carly Fiorina. Boy, did she go about it differently than Dr. Carson and everybody else on that stage. She's here this morning. We're going to talk to her live about how she brought it last night. What was her thinking and how did it go in her opinion and what does it mean going forward? Wait until you see how she went at Donald Trump and the rest of the field.

We also have New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, he played an interesting role, in the 8:00 hour.

We got the other side. We've got Senator Bernie Sanders here. What did he think about last night and how does he size up?

Stay with us.

CAMEROTA: Also, we'll tell you about what real voters think. Were any minds changed --

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[06:52:29] CAMEROTA: Welcome back to NEW DAY.

Last night, the Republican debate took center stage. And this morning, we want to hear from the voters and the viewers. So here with us is Jacob Kohlhepp. He's an undecided voter who was leaning towards Marco Rubio heading into last night. Dale Thomas, a Carly Fiorina supporter. And Mario DiPasquale who plans to vote for Donald Trump or at least he did until last week. We will ask him now.

Thanks so much guys for being here.

So, you all watched on television. None of you were in the actual hall.

Mario, let me start with you. What did you think about Donald Trump's performance?

MARIO DIPASQUALE, DONALD TRUMP SUPPORTER: I thought it was wonderful. I thought he held his own. He did very well. He was a bit toned back but Donald Trump speaks exactly what the U.S. needs to hear.

CUOMO: All right. Let's play a little of what he said last night, and then we'll ask you what you think. Go ahead.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

TRUMP: First of all, Rand Paul shouldn't even be on this stage.

I never attacked him on this look and believe me, there's plenty of subject matter there.

I heard Governor Pataki who by the way was a failed governor in New York. A very serious failed -- he wouldn't be elected dog catcher.

Folks in Iowa found out about the job you did in Wisconsin, all of a sudden, you, too.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

CUOMO: When you hear him taking people on, whether it's in response or gratuitously, Mario, what about it makes you like him more?

DIPASQUALE: Well, Donald Trump is a very savvy businessman. He knows exactly what he wants. He knows what the United States needs. Donald Trump taking on people who have attacked him is simply his way of getting back. But Donald Trump knows exactly what his plan is for the U.S.

CUOMO: Do you think you heard those plans?

DIPASQUALE: I don't think I've heard all of them. I think I've heard enough to get my vote in his corner.

CAMEROTA: Dale, what did you think of Carly Fiorina's performance?

DALE THOMAS, CARLY FIORINA SUPPORTER: I thought Carly did a fabulous job. I definitely thought she won the debate hands down. She's smart, she's savvy and she's got the right face to lead this country.

CAMEROTA: There you go. And that was a big moment, where she said the women around this country have heard you clearly in response to what Donald Trump said. What did you think was her breakout moment?

THOMAS: I thought that definitely was her breakout moment, I have respect for a woman who can use a scalpel instead of a sledgehammer to get the job done. And she did. She did a fabulous job.

CAMEROTA: There you go.

THOMAS: Very impressive.

CAMEROTA: Jacob, what stood out to you?

[06:55:01] JACOB KOHLHEPP, UNDECIDED VOTER: I think Carly Fiorina definitely stood out a lot. I think that like we said before, she was concise, she was on point. She wasn't afraid to fight back, which is something that I think is really important.

I think she represented California voters really well. I think it's great that we have again someone not from the political class rising up. The last time we saw that, we saw something really great. That would be Ronald Reagan. So --

CUOMO: You were leaning toward Marco Rubio going into this?

KOHLHEPP: I was, yes.

CUOMO: Is it because you look like him or is it because he says something, what resonates?

KOHLHEPP: Well, it's definitely not because I look like him. No, definitely not.

I think what resonates with me is that Marco is able to present points really concisely and also clearly. I listened to him talk several times. He never messes up. He keeps on point. He keeps on message. And every single time he says something, he knows what he's talking about.

CUOMO: A good demonstration of that came on foreign policy where he shone a little bit. So, let's take a look.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JAKE TAPPER, MODERATOR: Are you saying that you have the knowledge to be the president that Mr. Trump does not have?

SEN. MARCO RUBIO (R-FL), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: Well, that's because -- well, you should ask him questions about the foreign policy that the president will confront because you better be able to lead on the first day, not six months from now, not a year from now. On the first day in office, our president could very well confront a national security crisis. You can't predict it. Sometimes, you can't control it.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

CUOMO: Now, you said you saw other people, Carly, thought did well, you liked that he's from California. Did Rubio help or hurt himself in your estimation last night?

KOHLHEPP: I think he wasn't allowed to speak as I would personally like. But I think every time he did speak, he showed that he had the knowledge, that he had the courage and that he had the messages to really get across. I think people like Rubio and Carly really reach out and resonate with people of my generation, the millennial generation.

And I think that's because Rubio is able to present conservative points in a way that really hits home with people. I think he's able to be principled, while also being kind and uniting. I think that really showed during the part where he discussed how his grandfather came from Cuba. How he adopted conservative principles, even though he didn't fully speak English.

CAMEROTA: His own personal narrative just resonate with you.

KOHLHEPP: Yes.

CAMEROTA: Mario, I want to ask you about Donald Trump again, because of the things that they asked him last night -- Jake Tapper tried to get specifics out of him about the 11 million undocumented immigrants, how will he deport? And he didn't get a specific.

Are you OK with him not explaining his plan?

DIPASQUALE: I'm OK with that. What you saw last night was every other politician already telling us how arduous this task was going to be. Each and every one of them said what a fiasco it would be to do this.

Donald Trump is not speaking of that. Donald Trump knows the issue. The issue is that wall. It has to be built. He knows that moving them out is not something that can't happen, it has to happen.

CUOMO: The how, to you, you think he'll figure out?

DIPASQUALE: He's a business man, he's a builder. He's an engineer. He knows exactly how it will be done.

Besides, moving them out isn't really the issue. We've got to build that wall. We need that wall built. We need it done. Everything starts at the wall.

Inside that wall, things will start to develop. Things will start -- together, it will become focused for the U.S.

CAMEROTA: Mario, Dale, Jacob, thanks so much for coming in this morning and sharing your thoughts with us. Great to hear how voters feel this morning.

KOHLHEPP: No problem.

THOMAS: Our pleasure.

DISPAQUALE: Thank you. CAMEROTA: We have so much more of our continuing debate coverage. Let's get right to it.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

TRUMP: More energy tonight, I like that.

FIORINA: I dare Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama to watch these tapes.

GOV. CHRIS CHRISTIE (R-NJ), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: I'm a Republican in New Jersey.

FIORINA: And this about is changing the system.

SEN. RAND PAUL (R-KY), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: His visceral response to attack people on their appearance.

TRUMP: I never attacked him on his look.

MIKE HUCKABEE (R), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: We are in fact the A-team.

BUSH: Forty years ago, I smoke marijuana.

SEN. LINDSEY GRAHAM (R-SC), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: First thing I'm going it do as president, we're going to drink more.

CHRISTIE: You're both successful people, congratulations.

FIORINA: I think women all over this country heard very clearly what Mr. Trump said.

TRUMP: She's a beautiful woman.

BUSH: It's very high energy, Donald.

(LAUGHTER)

(APPLAUSE)

(END VIDEOTAPE)

CAMEROTA: Good morning, everyone. Welcome back to this special post- debate edition of NEW DAY. Michaela, of course, is in New York with other news.

Chris and I are coming to you live from the Reagan Library in Simi Valley, California, home of the second Republican debate. It was seen right here, of course, on CNN last night. And this was anything but the Donald Trump show. In fact, some people say that he receded into the background as other candidates took center stage.

CUOMO: And I'll tell you one reason if people believe that, it was so is because of the woman who was sitting right next to us right now.