The O'Reilly Factor 2/26/16 - Bill O'Reilly analyze Republican Debate & Donald Trump Marco Rubio Ted Cruz Performance "As usual, there are analysts saying who won and lost the debate last night. That's meaningless because it's really up to you the voter and the real test will come on Super Tuesday, just four days away. There is now one undeniable fact: Donald Trump is the clear favorite. So last night his two main contenders went after him hard. It was entertaining but did not really advance public policy. A couple of specific things from the debate. Trump was criticized by the Washington Post and others for saying our borders are 'like Swiss cheese.' The Post says Trump is exaggerating, but that's not the point. The southern border is not secure, narcotics continue to flow through it at an astounding rate and any thug who wants to get in here can. So Trump is smart to make border security a cornerstone of his campaign. It's interesting to watch the left wing respond to the Trump phenomenon. Even though the press tries to pump up Senator Sanders, nobody really believes that he will defeat Hillary Clinton for the nomination, so there's little drama in that race. But at this point three Republicans could still become the GOP nominee. Before South Carolina, Mr. Trump's lead was kind of hypothetical. Now it's reality. Many pundits believe Marco Rubio won last night's debate, but that's your call. Responsible American voters have now seen the Republicans hash it out ten times, yet it is estimated that 6% of GOP voters are still undecided and others could change allegiance if other candidates drop out. That is what keeps Rubio and Cruz going, because it's really hard to be undecided about Donald Trump, you either like him or you don't. Rubio took a page out of the Trump playbook - take it to your opposition. Unlike past debates, the Florida senator did not concentrate on Ted Cruz, he went after the poll leader. For his part, Trump stood firm and fought back the way he always does, using a mixture of disdain and pointed criticisms. If Marco Rubio or Ted Cruz can stay very close, then it's on to the big March 15th vote in Florida - a must win for any Republican nominee. Also, if Trump beats Cruz in Texas on Tuesday, the senator is done. As for the other two candidates on the stage, I thought John Kasich did a very good job because he concentrated on policy and he has been very successful in Ohio. There is no question the man knows what he's talking about, but he just can't overcome the three frontrunners. As for Ben Carson, what can you say? He's a good man who's waged a dignified campaign but has no shot. Summing up, Rubio and Cruz gave Trump their best shots. Trump took the heat and did not buckle. You the voter make the ultimate call. That's where the spin really stops." Hillary Clinton vs Donald Trump What if the polls hold up and the general election comes down to Hillary Clinton vs. Donald Trump. The Factor asked Eric Bolling and Geraldo Rivera to look ahead to that hypothetical matchup. "Donald Trump won't hold back," Bolling predicted, "and he's already shown that. When Hillary Clinton suggested Trump is a misogynist, he went right after Bill Clinton and the Clintons cowered in the corner. Trump won't be afraid to do that again. The Latino vote will be the decider in the national election." Rivera agreed, and predicted that Trump will try mightily to court the Hispanic vote. "Watch Trump take a hard turn on the Latino and immigration issues. He has already started by softening the 'forced immigration' talk. He's saying you can go home, touch base, and then come back in twelve months. He's trying to design a policy that is compassionate and practical." FNC's Kirsten Powers, a liberal Democrat, provided her assessment of the GOP debate. "Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio finally came ready to tangle with Donald Trump," she began. "Rubio was particularly strong, he was able to do it with confidence and a smile on his face. At the same time, Trump didn't really get rattled and he had a strong night. When he seems very reasonable, he can appeal to people who weren't with him already." Powers also opined on Hillary Clinton's criticism of Trump, who is her former friend and benefactor. "A lot of people think Donald Trump is going to be the nominee and Hillary Clinton has to prepare for that possibility. She also has to explain why she used to be friends with him." The Factor added, "If Trump gets the nomination he will go after Hillary Clinton like no one has gone after another political candidate, but she has an army of political assassins to fight back."

• published: 27 Feb 2016
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