Debate focus group unanimously picks Cruz winner
A group of South Carolinians overwhelmingly decide Ted Cruz won 2016's first presidential debate.
A focus group of South Carolinians overwhelmingly chose Senator Ted Cruz as the winner of the first presidential debate of 2016 on Thursday night.
The group of 26 Republican voters was assembled by pollster Frank Luntz at the request of Fox News Channel. When Luntz asked them, 'Who won this evening?" They unanimously yelled, "Cruz."
The highlight of the debate, and the moment that seemed to resonate most with these voters, was the exchange between Cruz and Republican front runner Donald Trump after the real estate mogul renewed his suggestion that Cruz may not be eligible to serve as President of the United States given his birth in Canada to an American mother.
The focus group believes Cruz flat-out beat Trump with his response.
"I would suggest we focus on who is best prepared to be commander because that's the most important question facing the country," Cruz said, in a moment that polled highly favorable with the focus group.
- Cruz comes under attack from Rubio and Trump during 2016’s first GOP debate
- In primaries, Latinos could be decisive in places like Texas, Florida and Nevada
- Obama gives immigration short-shrift at State of the Union; focuses on GOP attacks
- Ted Cruz’s outsider image doesn’t always match with his political insider past
- Transfer out of Costa Rica of Cuban migrants headed to U.S. begins
- Ted Cruz says McCain is questioning his citizenship because he secretly backs Rubio
"There are other attorneys, and very, very fine constitutional attorneys that feel that because he was not born on the land he cannot run for office," Trump said, in a moment that was highly unfavorable with the voters.
"I have spent my entire life defending the Constitution before the U.S. Supreme Court, and I'll tell you I'm not going to be taking legal advice from Donald Trump," Cruz responded.
Voters in the group said Cruz "handled" Trump, and referenced the Texas Senator's delivery as "eloquent" and "level headed." A few voters defended Trump saying, "Donald Trump is just making a point that this is a weakness in the Cruz campaign that the Democratic Party is going to go after, whether it's fair or not, we all know the Democrats they don't play fair."
More from Politics
Fox News Politics
Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more Fox News politics content.
By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time.