Donald Trump's fatal mistake in the second Republican debate

The message of the night was "show no weakness." Trump flinched.

Donald Trump flinched
(Image credit: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Carly Fiorina probably won Wednesday night's spirited Republican presidential debate at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. The former Hewlett-Packard chief executive wasn't a strong presence in the last half of the debate, but in a three-hour, policy-heavy marathon you win by having the most memorable (positive) moment. Fiorina had two, and they were early on, when people were tuned in.

The first was an emotional and graphic (but highly misleading) soliloquy on Planned Parenthood and fetal tissue recovery. The other (more TV friendly) one was her equally polished, equally rehearsed retort to Donald Trump's infamous criticism of her visage:

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Peter Weber, The Week US

Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.