The recent GOP Presidential Candidate debate held on CNN saw a heated exchange between the candidate and anchor Don Lemon over issues of the civil war, gun rights and racial tensions. The exchange began when the anchor asked the candidate about his stance on the civil war and its causes.
The candidate, who is known for his conservative views, responded by asserting that the civil war was fought primarily over states’ rights rather than over slavery. He argued that the northern states were seeking to impose their values and beliefs on the southern states, and that this led to a conflict that could have been avoided through better understanding and compromise.
However, Lemon challenged the candidate’s view by pointing out that the southern states had seceded from the Union specifically because of their desire to preserve the institution of slavery. He cited several historical documents, including the declarations of secession made by several southern states, which explicitly stated that their reason for leaving the Union was to protect the institution of slavery.
The candidate, however, remained unconvinced and continued to argue that the civil war was not fought over slavery. He argued that the issue of slavery could have been resolved peacefully through compromise, and that the war was a result of political disagreements rather than moral ones.
The exchange quickly became heated, as the two men argued back and forth over their differing perspectives on the causes of the civil war. At one point, the candidate accused Lemon of trying to twist his words and paint him as a supporter of slavery, which Lemon adamantly denied.
The debate then turned to the issue of gun rights, with the candidate again espousing his conservative views on the right to bear arms. He argued that the second amendment was a fundamental right of Americans, and that it should not be restricted by government regulations or laws.
However, Lemon challenged the candidate on this issue as well, pointing out that the US has one of the highest rates of gun violence in the world, and that many Americans have lost their lives to gun violence in recent years. He argued that there needed to be some regulations on the ownership and use of firearms to prevent such tragedies from occurring.
The candidate remained steadfast in his position, arguing that gun control laws would only serve to disarm law-abiding citizens and leave them vulnerable to criminals who would obtain guns illegally anyway. He also pointed out that many of the mass shootings that had occurred in recent years had been carried out by individuals who obtained their guns illegally.
The debate then took a more personal turn, with Lemon asking the candidate about his views on race relations in the US. The candidate, who had been accused of making racially insensitive comments in the past, defended himself by pointing out that he had a record of promoting diversity and inclusivity in his business and personal life.
He argued that the US was a great country because of its diversity and that all Americans, regardless of their race or ethnicity, should feel valued and appreciated. He also pointed out that he had many African American supporters who believed in his message of conservative values and individual rights.
However, Lemon challenged the candidate on this issue as well, pointing out that his past comments and actions suggested a lack of sensitivity and understanding when it came to issues of race. He argued that the candidate needed to do more to show that he was committed to promoting equality and inclusion, rather than just paying lip service to these ideals.
The exchange ended with the two men still at odds over their differing perspectives on race, gun rights, and the civil war. While the debate was certainly heated and tense, it also highlighted some of the key issues and challenges facing the US today.
The issue of the civil war, in particular, remains a contentious issue for many Americans, with some arguing that it was fought primarily over states’ rights, while others argue that it was fought to end the institution of slavery. Similarly, the issue of gun rights remains a topic of heated debate, with some arguing that the second amendment is an absolute right that should be protected at all costs, while others argue that gun control laws are needed to prevent further tragedies and loss of life.
Overall, the exchange between the GOP Presidential Candidate and anchor Don Lemon was a powerful reminder of the importance of open, honest, and respectful debates about issues that matter to Americans. While both men might have had differing perspectives on these issues, they approached the conversation with a willingness to listen and learn from one another, which is a lesson that all Americans can take to heart as they try to navigate the complex issues facing their country today.