Rick Sanchez: What did we learn from New Hampshire? Debates matter

Gov. John Kasich cheers with supporters Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2016, in Concord, N.H. (ap)

The Hillary Clinton campaign has hit a wall in New Hampshire. One built by Bernie Sanders, but fortified by none other than Bill Clinton himself.  This week when the Clinton campaign found itself down – way down – because voters showed a preference to Sanders over Clinton, the former president chose to go on the attack.

[John Kasich] along with Jeb Bush, has consistently taken the high road, while other candidates played to the extremes. Kasich was rewarded and delivered the promise to Latinos across the United States that the Republican Party has not yet truly forsaken them.  

— Rick Sanchez

Quoting the joker, “Why so serious?” It’s not that Bill Clinton isn’t a great resource, undoubtedly the best resource available to any candidate of either party. But you really have to know when to hold them and when to fold them, no? For a former president to attack a standing senator after a tie in Iowa and lead in New Hampshire is at the very least — premature. Result: New Hampshire feels the burn and delivers a huge win for Sanders.

Then there’s Donald Trump, who got nowhere near the record number of votes that Sanders did, but he did best the field nonetheless. The big surprise wasn’t so much who did well, but in fact who didn’t. Senator Marco Rubio came in expecting a second place showing, instead he finished in 5th. The obvious reason: one of the worst debate performances of the election cycle. His constant repetition of the same memorized line was a sign of immaturity and nervousness that had been on display before — most notably during his response to the president’s State of the Union speech.

If we learned anything from New Hampshire, it’s that Rubio needs to find that fluid, organic realness displayed last night by Bernie Sanders. I’ve never heard Sanders talk about his immigrant parents, but as an immigrant myself I can tell you that I was moved. It didn’t sound opportunistic or Machiavellian. It sounded like a guy talking about his mom and dad. Rubio never fails to talk about his parents. And it always sounds like a speech.

In fact, Sanders’ comments about his parents were so moving that even Trump was obviously touched by it. In an attempt to sound human, Trump began his victory speech by addressing his parents. It didn’t work. It wasn’t him.

Maybe the biggest winner in New Hampshire was Ohio Governor John Kasich, “rhymes with basic.” Kasich was determined to stick to his guns ignoring Iowa and emphasizing New Hampshire. He, along with Jeb Bush, has consistently taken the high road, while other candidates played to the extremes. Kasich was rewarded and delivered the promise to Latinos across the United States that the Republican Party has not yet truly forsaken them.

While Trump, Cruz, Rubio and Carson have played to the extreme on the issue of immigration reform – competing with each other to see who would treat undocumented immigrants worse – and were rewarded with the top four spots in Iowa; Kasich and Bush have been unwilling to go there. In New Hampshire, both finished in the top four.

Maybe, just maybe, the GOP can get Hispanic votes this November after all.  I’ll keep my fingers crossed.