BY LOREEN BERLIN: Round two of the Republican presidential debates took place miles away in Simi Valley at the Ronald Reagan Museum last week, and Stanton-ites gathered at the northwest county Republican headquarters to watch.
But most are far from decided.
The residents say they are listening, learning and observing those vying for leadership of the United States.
Candidate and businessman Donald Trump stood center stage because he's leading in the polls.
BY LOREEN BERLIN: Round two of the Republican presidential debates took place miles away in Simi Valley at the Ronald Reagan Museum last week, and Stanton-ites gathered at the northwest county Republican headquarters to watch.
But most are far from decided.
The residents say they are listening, learning and observing those vying for leadership of the United States.
Candidate and businessman Donald Trump stood center stage because he's leading in the polls.
He was flanked by Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and Doctor Ben Carson. In all, 11 candidates sparred that night.
Most of the topical issues were brought up by moderators. However, the difference this time, was that the candidates directed their conversations to each other, leading to some heated exchanges and a few agreements.
Here's what some of the local residents, who asked that their full names not be used, thought at the end of the debate:
Jonathan said he's looking at all of the candidates.
"I'm looking for someone from both political parties," he said. "Are they helping deaf people? Because the deaf community doesn't have a voice and can't hear and express themselves to the Congressmen. Who will look out for them?"
A president of a federated club said: "I was impressed with Marco Rubio tonight," she said. "I hadn't seen much of Rubio before and I learned much more about him tonight. He has a maturity about him. We know Carly because she's a Californian; I think she did a great job and I like Ben Carson too as do many Republican women."
"I became more convinced that Ted Cruz would be the best all around for president," said David Hobart. "Each candidate had something to say; Ted is experienced, conservative and has values.
"I became convinced I would not vote for Carson and Trump; it's their view and why they opposed Bush going into Iraq," added Hobart. "Trump speaks out on important issues, but there are too many up there who don't. Before Bush went into Iraq, the Democrats believed Iraq had weapons of mass destruction and after the war, a high-level military person said they did have WMD and said he witnessed those WMD being transported to Syria."
Dolores said she thought the second debate was better than the first.
"The second debate was more natural," she said. "Trump would have to grow up. I like Fiorina and Rubio, but what do you do? I'm going to have to wait. I'm leaning toward Carson. We need someone who can take charge. Obama is out playing golf. Reagan made sure he was behind the desk in charge of government.
"I thought Trump was different tonight; more friendly and down-to-earth, but he needs to learn how to take criticism and accept people as they are."
"Ted Cruz, that's who I've been leaning toward, but Fiorina did a good job; I thought they all did a good job," said John. "I think Rubio knows what's going on in the Middle East and that we should have kept a mini-force in Iraq. Obama created a vacuum and created ISIS, so now we have people fleeing Syria. I feel bad for those countries."
Steve said most of the candidates have conservative viewpoints.
"Rand Paul would be least conservative but I would support him; I don't have a number one candidate yet, as I want to see how they progress and see the Republicans vs. Democrats. That's a bit divisive. I concur with Christie. Let's see what they're supporting."
Former Stanton Mayor Ed Royce, Sr., soon to be 90, attended the debate.
"I thought it was a very good program. We have all the reasonable shades of candidates and opinions; it was very well done. It didn't change my opinion. I think Carly would do an excellent job and her views correspond with my views."
What is clear is Republicans want a leader who can fix what they see as a broken America, which was aptly expressed by New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and others.
"Someone who's lived in a system forever can't tell if it's broken," Fiorina said. "A leader challenges status quo," adding that she would rebuild the military. "Vladimir Putin needs to sense strength."
Rubio said Obama wants to use the United Nations to give away America's sovereignty and that there is a threat of of Iran building a nuclear bomb.
"We need to rebuild our strength so we don't have to go it alone; we are stronger when we work with our Western allies," said Rubio.
All agree that the new president officially taking office in January of 2017 needs to not only be a leader, but be one from the first day in office and lead America.
Stanton City Councilman David Shawver and wife Jennifer Shawver co-hosted the evening with Mayor Al Ethans. The headquarters is at 11296 Beach Blvd. in Stanton.
Recently-elected Assemblywoman Young Kim, contender for the U.S. Senate, was once again in the audience, as were some of her family members.
