Donald Trump's Despicable Debate

February 16, 2016

Writer

The Context

Back live on the air following Presidents Day, Pat and Stu filled in for Glenn on The Glenn Beck Program. Top on their minds was the most recent GOP debate in South Carolina, particularly Donald Trump's performance, which took political discourse to an all-time low.

"The guy is despicable," Pat said. "And has he proven it any more than he did on Saturday night? I mean, just despicable."

Stu agreed.

"The single worst debate performance of any candidate I've ever seen," he said.

The Boos Have It

Trump was booed nine times for his behavior which bordered on angry and psychotic. Rather than focus on issues and solutions, Trump took to name calling and attacking his fellow presidential hopefuls. The audience responded accordingly, especially when the real estate mogul attacked Jeb Bush on foreign policy, blaming his brother, President George W. Bush, for the terror attacks on 9/11 that brought down the World Trade Center buildings.

"Has that ever happened? Has there ever been a debate in the history of politics in which one of the candidates was booed six, seven, eight, nine, times?" Stu asked.

Trump --- seemingly without evidence --- blamed the booing on lobbyists and donors supporting Bush.

Double Standard

During the previous presidential debate, Marco Rubio suffered a loss in polls and votes in New Hampshire after what the media labeled a bad debate performance. He was blasted for repeating talking points multiple times in an exchange with Chris Christie, who has now dropped out of the race.

"It's the end of his life. The man might as well just move out of the country because he's such a disgrace to this nation," Stu joked about Rubio.

Yet Trump's despicable debate performance in South Carolina hasn't seemed to hurt him in the polls or with his supporters. Likewise, the media has given him a platform to complain about the Republican Party and threaten a third party run --- which he promised not to do.

Common Sense Bottom Line

Donald Trump is not fit for the presidency. He is not the man of character and honor we need at this hour. He is not a true conservative, and has changed his opinions to suit the political climate. Learn the truth about Donald Trump's character --- in his own words and actions --- in our Donald Trump series. The choice for president has never been more critical.

Below is a rush transcript of this segment, it might contain errors:

PAT: Glenn is off today. So Stu and I are filling in. Pat and Stu and Jeffy is here too. A lot, of course, happened over the weekend. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia died. And we have to get to the G.O.P. debate from Saturday. We do that, right now.

(music)

PAT: Welcome to the GlennBeck.com Glenn Beck Program with Pat and Stu and Jeffy too. So, yeah, Antonin Scalia died over the weekend. That was tragic, of course, for his family. It's horrific for the country. I mean, we'll get into that coming up. Also, we'll have the debates -- we should stop doing the debates on Saturday night. I hate the Saturday night debate. Can we do it during the week? I don't want to watch a debate on Saturday night. First of all, I don't care about the debate on the weekend, okay.

JEFFY: You don't care about it on the weekday.

PAT: I care about it on a weekday, okay? Don't bother me about your dumb debate on a start Saturday night. I have other stuff going on. Okay? I got other stuff.

STU: Is it connected to the Democratic proposal to like make sure nobody watches it?

PAT: I guess that's what it is.

STU: I mean, they got really big ratings. 13.8 million or something watched it, which is five million more than the last Democratic debate. 5 million more. Pretty impressive.

PAT: Pretty good. The Democrats, I don't know where they get off thinking they have this thing in the bag or they can pummel the G.O.P. like they are because all indications are otherwise. All indications are that they're in trouble.

STU: I think a big part of that is the current frontrunner of the Republican Party.

JEFFY: Yes.

PAT: That could be.

STU: They're like, "Oh, we're running against that guy."

PAT: We got this in the bag.

STU: Oh, okay. We should be good. Let's run the socialist. Let's see how that works out this time.

PAT: And it might work out for them okay if they do, if Trump gets the nomination. The guy is despicable. And has he proven it any more than he did on Saturday night? I mean, just despicable. Was that not angry, mean --

STU: The single worst debate performance of any candidate I've ever seen.

PAT: I thought it was.

STU: Think about it from the perspective of -- Marco Rubio came out, and he apparently repeated a line from his stump speech a couple times in a debate, and it's the end of his campaign. It's the end of his life. The man might as well just move out of the country because he's such a disgrace to this nation.

PAT: Yeah, go back to Cuba.

STU: Donald Trump was booed more than over a half dozen times, where his own party was supposedly the one holding it.

PAT: Over and over again.

STU: Which I say supposedly, because I don't see how there's any evidence other than the fact that he apparently registered as a Republican, there's any other evidence that he actually is a Republican.

Has that ever happened? Has there ever been a debate in the history of politics in which one of the candidates was booed six, seven, eight, nine, times? Those are your lobbyists.

PAT: I don't think so. And that's his thing. That's his thing.

Those are Jeb's donors. Those are Jeb's donors. I don't have any donors. I just have my wife and my son here. I'm just a little guy. I don't have a bunch of big donors. I'm self-funded.

STU: Yeah, which is weird because then someone should go to his campaign team and figure out where the embezzled funds are going that are coming from the giant donate button on his website. They should really track that one down. Because someone is funneling millions of dollars to some vacation resort, some, I don't know, Bugatti. Someone is buying something awesome with the money coming in. Because for some reason they continue to have a donate button even though they claim they're self-funding.

PAT: Yeah, he's despicable. Here's what he said. They started out the debate in a very somber way, talking about Antonin Scalia.

DONALD: Well, I can say this. If the president -- and if I were president now, I would certainly want to try and nominate a justice, and I'm sure that -- frankly, I'm absolutely sure that President Obama will try and do it. I hope that our Senate is going to be able to -- Mitch and the entire group is going to be able to do something about it in times --

PAT: Mitch and the entire group. It's Mitch and the Entire Group performing today. One show only! Mitch and the Entire Group!

STU: That's really bad.

PAT: The guy doesn't know Mitch McConnell's last name is. He doesn't know what the US Senate is called. He can't think on his feet.

DONALD: We could have a Diane Sykes, or you could have a Bill HEP Pryor. We have some fantastic people. But this is a tremendous blow to conservatism. It's a tremendous blow frankly to our country.

PAT: Conservatism.

VOICE: So just to be clear on this, Mr. Trump, you're okay with --

STU: Stop for one second. I love that he's naming a couple of justices there. Obviously he knows that last time he tried to improv that answer, he named his sister, which he now claims was a joke, which it was not a joke at all.

PAT: No.

STU: He claimed his sister who was a hard-core abortion activist in the courts.

PAT: Big-time leftist.

STU: Big-time leftist. Overturned the partial-birth abortion ban. To remind you, partial-birth abortion is opposed by about 90 percent of the American people. They overturned that. He initially names her as a good Supreme Court justice. Now he comes back with a couple of names. I really wish -- you know, Cruz did okay in the debate, I thought. He wasn't unbelievable, but did pretty well. I would have loved to have seen Cruz push back on those names because you know he knows who those people are.

Really, Don, so what exactly makes you think Diane Sykes would be a great choice? Can you name any one of the -- how about this, give me one way she ruled once? How about that?

PAT: It's so easy to take this guy apart, and nobody will. Except Jeb. I mean, Jeb is the only one with the giblets to do something about him.

JEFFY: He's trying. Yes, he is.

PAT: And I think it's because he's so far behind, he's got nothing to lose. With Cruz, it's just too risky right now. And so I think he's trying to walk that fine line of not pushing too hard because you don't want the blowback coming from that blowhard. So it's a tough line to walk. But he had more to say --

JEFFY: It's already coming.

PAT: I know. I know.

VOICE: -- nominating somebody.

DONALD: I think he's going to do it whether I'm okay with it or not. I think it's up to Mitch McConnell and everybody else to stop it. It's called delay, delay, delay.

PAT: Oh, he did -- it's called we have a country, okay?

STU: It's called we have a country.

Featured Image: Republican presidential candidates (L-R) Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), Donald Trump and Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) participate in a CBS News GOP Debate February 13, 2016 at the Peace Center in Greenville, South Carolina. Residents of South Carolina will vote for the Republican candidate at the primary on February 20. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

The Woodrow Wilson strategy to get out of Mother’s Day

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I’ve got a potentially helpful revelation that’s gonna blow the lid off your plans for this Sunday. It’s Mother’s Day.

Yeah, that sacred day where you’re guilt-tripped into buying flowers, braving crowded brunch buffets, and pretending you didn’t forget to mail the card. But what if I told you… you don’t have to do it? That’s right, there’s a loophole, a get-out-of-Mother’s-Day-free card, and it’s stamped with the name of none other than… Woodrow Wilson (I hate that guy).

Back in 1914, ol’ Woody Wilson signed a proclamation that officially made Mother’s Day a national holiday. Second Sunday in May, every year. He said it was a day to “publicly express our love and reverence for the mothers of our country.” Sounds sweet, right? Until you peel back the curtain.

See, Wilson wasn’t some sentimental guy sitting around knitting doilies for his mom. No, no, no. This was a calculated move.

The idea for Mother’s Day had been floating around for decades, pushed by influential voices like Julia Ward Howe. By 1911, states were jumping on the bandwagon, but it took Wilson to make it federal. Why? Because he was a master of optics. This guy loved big, symbolic gestures to distract from the real stuff he was up to, like, oh, I don’t know, reshaping the entire federal government!

So here’s the deal: if you’re looking for an excuse to skip Mother’s Day, just lean into this. Say, “Sorry, Mom, I’m not celebrating a holiday cooked up by Woodrow Wilson!” I mean, think about it – this is the guy who gave us the Federal Reserve, the income tax, and don’t even get me started on his assault on basic liberties during World War I. You wanna trust THAT guy with your Sunday plans? I don’t think so! You tell your mom, “Look, I love you, but I’m not observing a Progressive holiday. I’m keeping my brunch money in protest.”

Now, I know what you might be thinking.

“Glenn, my mom’s gonna kill me if I try this.” Fair point. Moms can be scary. But hear me out: you can spin this. Tell her you’re honoring her EVERY DAY instead of some government-mandated holiday. You don’t need Wilson’s permission to love your mom! You can bake her a cake in June, call her in July, or, here’s a wild idea, visit her WITHOUT a Woodrow Wilson federal proclamation guilting you into it.

Shocking Christian massacres unveiled

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Is a Christian Genocide unfolding overseas?

Recent reports suggest an alarming escalation in violence against Christians, raising questions about whether these acts constitute genocide under international law. Recently, Glenn hosted former U.S. Army Special Forces Sniper Tim Kennedy, who discussed a predictive model that forecasts a surge in global Christian persecution for the summer of 2025.

From Africa to Asia and the Middle East, extreme actions—some described as genocidal—have intensified over the past year. Over 380 million Christians worldwide face high levels of persecution, a number that continues to climb. With rising international concern, the United Nations and human rights groups are urging protective measures by the global community. Is a Christian genocide being waged in the far corners of the globe? Where are they taking place, and what is being done?

India: Hindu Extremist Violence Escalates

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In India, attacks on Christians have surged as Hindu extremist groups gain influence within the country. In February 2025, Hindu nationalist leader Aadesh Soni organized a 50,000-person rally in Chhattisgarh, where he called for the rape and murder of all Christians in nearby villages and demanded the execution of Christian leaders to erase Christianity. Other incidents include forced conversions, such as a June 2024 attack in Chhattisgarh, where a Hindu mob gave Christian families a 10-day ultimatum to convert to Hinduism. In December 2024, a Christian man in Uttar Pradesh was attacked, forcibly converted, and paraded while the mob chanted "Death to Jesus."

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) recommends designating India a "Country of Particular Concern" and imposing targeted sanctions on those perpetrating these attacks. The international community is increasingly alarmed by the rising tide of religious violence in India.

Syria: Sectarian Violence Post-Regime Change

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Following the collapse of the Assad regime in December 2024, Syria has seen a wave of sectarian violence targeting religious minorities, including Christians, with over 1,000 killed in early 2025. It remains unclear whether Christians are deliberately targeted or caught in broader conflicts, but many fear persecution by the new regime or extremist groups. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a dominant rebel group and known al-Qaeda splinter group now in power, is known for anti-Christian sentiments, heightening fears of increased persecution.

Christians, especially converts from Islam, face severe risks in the unstable post-regime environment. The international community is calling for humanitarian aid and protection for Syria’s vulnerable minority communities.

Democratic Republic of Congo: A "Silent Genocide"

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In February 2025, the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an ISIS-affiliated group, beheaded 70 Christians—men, women, and children—in a Protestant church in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo, after tying their hands. This horrific massacre, described as a "silent genocide" reminiscent of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, has shocked the global community.

Since 1996, the ADF and other militias have killed over six million people, with Christians frequently targeted. A Christmas 2024 attack killed 46, further decimating churches in the region. With violence escalating, humanitarian organizations are urging immediate international intervention to address the crisis.

POLL: Starbase exposed: Musk’s vision or corporate takeover?

MIGUEL J. RODRIGUEZ CARRILLO / Contributor | Getty Images

Is Starbase the future of innovation or a step too far?

Elon Musk’s ambitious Starbase project in South Texas is reshaping Boca Chica into a cutting-edge hub for SpaceX’s Starship program, promising thousands of jobs and a leap toward Mars colonization. Supporters see Musk as a visionary, driving economic growth and innovation in a historically underserved region. However, local critics, including Brownsville residents and activists, argue that SpaceX’s presence raises rents, restricts beach access, and threatens environmental harm, with Starbase’s potential incorporation as a city sparking fears of unchecked corporate control. As pro-Musk advocates clash with anti-Musk skeptics, will Starbase unite the community or deepen the divide?

Let us know what you think in the poll below:

Is Starbase’s development a big win for South Texas?

Should Starbase become its own city?

Is Elon Musk’s vision more of a benefit than a burden for the region?

Shocking truth behind Trump-Zelenskyy mineral deal unveiled

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President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have finalized a landmark agreement that will shape the future of U.S.-Ukraine relations. The agreement focuses on mineral access and war recovery.

After a tense March meeting, Trump and Zelenskyy signed a deal on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, granting the U.S. preferential mineral rights in Ukraine in exchange for continued military support. Glenn analyzed an earlier version of the agreement in March, when Zelenskyy rejected it, highlighting its potential benefits for America, Ukraine, and Europe. Glenn praised the deal’s strategic alignment with U.S. interests, including reducing reliance on China for critical minerals and fostering regional peace.

However, the agreement signed this week differs from the March proposal Glenn praised. Negotiations led to significant revisions, reflecting compromises on both sides. What changes were made? What did each leader seek, and what did they achieve? How will this deal impact the future of U.S.-Ukraine relations and global geopolitics? Below, we break down the key aspects of the agreement.

What did Trump want?

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Trump aimed to curb what many perceive as Ukraine’s overreliance on U.S. aid while securing strategic advantages for America. His primary goals included obtaining reimbursement for the billions in military aid provided to Ukraine, gaining exclusive access to Ukraine’s valuable minerals (such as titanium, uranium, and lithium), and reducing Western dependence on China for critical resources. These minerals are essential for aerospace, energy, and technology sectors, and Trump saw their acquisition as a way to bolster U.S. national security and economic competitiveness. Additionally, he sought to advance peace talks to end the Russia-Ukraine war, positioning the U.S. as a key mediator.

Ultimately, Trump secured preferential—but not exclusive—rights to extract Ukraine’s minerals through the United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund, as outlined in the agreement. The U.S. will not receive reimbursement for past aid, but future military contributions will count toward the joint fund, designed to support Ukraine’s post-war recovery. Zelenskyy’s commitment to peace negotiations under U.S. leadership aligns with Trump’s goal of resolving the conflict, giving him leverage in discussions with Russia.

These outcomes partially meet Trump’s objectives. The preferential mineral rights strengthen U.S. access to critical resources, but the lack of exclusivity and reimbursement limits the deal’s financial benefits. The peace commitment, however, positions Trump as a central figure in shaping the war’s resolution, potentially enhancing his diplomatic influence.

What did Zelenskyy want?

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Zelenskyy sought to sustain U.S. military and economic support without the burden of repaying past aid, which has been critical for Ukraine’s defense against Russia. He also prioritized reconstruction funds to rebuild Ukraine’s war-torn economy and infrastructure. Security guarantees from the U.S. to deter future Russian aggression were a key demand, though controversial, as they risked entangling America in long-term commitments. Additionally, Zelenskyy aimed to retain control over Ukraine’s mineral wealth to safeguard national sovereignty and align with the country’s European Union membership aspirations.

The final deal delivered several of Zelenskyy’s priorities. The reconstruction fund, supported by future U.S. aid, provides a financial lifeline for Ukraine’s recovery without requiring repayment of past assistance. Ukraine retained ownership of its subsoil and decision-making authority over mineral extraction, granting only preferential access to the U.S. However, Zelenskyy conceded on security guarantees, a significant compromise, and agreed to pursue peace talks under Trump’s leadership, which may involve territorial or political concessions to Russia.

Zelenskyy’s outcomes reflect a delicate balance. The reconstruction fund and retained mineral control bolster Ukraine’s economic and sovereign interests, but the absence of security guarantees and pressure to negotiate peace could strain domestic support and challenge Ukraine’s long-term stability.

What does this mean for the future?

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While Trump didn’t secure all his demands, the deal advances several of his broader strategic goals. By gaining access to Ukraine’s mineral riches, the U.S. undermines China’s dominance over critical elements like lithium and graphite, essential for technology and energy industries. This shift reduces American and European dependence on Chinese supply chains, strengthening Western industrial and tech sectors. Most significantly, the agreement marks a pivotal step toward peace in Europe. Ending the Russia-Ukraine war, which has claimed thousands of lives, is a top priority for Trump, and Zelenskyy’s commitment to U.S.-led peace talks enhances Trump’s leverage in negotiations with Russia. Notably, the deal avoids binding U.S. commitments to Ukraine’s long-term defense, preserving flexibility for future administrations.

The deal’s broader implications align with the vision Glenn outlined in March, when he praised its potential to benefit America, Ukraine, and Europe by securing resources and creating peace. While the final agreement differs from Glenn's hopes, it still achieves key goals he outlined.

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