At GOP debate, Jeb Bush fights Donald Trump over proposed Muslim ban


Donald Trump's proposal to ban all Muslims from visiting the U.S. was the most discussed moment of his campaign, Fox Business host Maria Bartiroma said at Thursday's GOP debate. She then asked Trump if he wanted to reconsider his proposal. "No," Trump said. "We have to stop with political correctness." He also said that his "many Muslim friends" have thanked him for the proposal, telling him it is time for the U.S. to stop being "the stupid country."
Jeb Bush stepped in. "I hope you'll reconsider," he told Trump, explaining that the Kurds, the most reliable U.S. ally in the fight against the Islamic State, are Muslim, as are the Sunni Arabs we need for the ISIS fight. Fixing the visa program is needed, Bush added, but "all Muslims? Seriously?" He later reiterated that Trump's Muslim ban is "unhinged" and "big talk." Trump shot back, repeating ""I want security for this country. I want security," and suggesting that in America's Muslim-American community, "there's something going on, and it's bad."
Bartiromo then asked all the other candidates if they agreed with Trump. Gov. John Kasich (Ohio) sided with Bush, but Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) attacked ISIS, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) attacked Obama, and Ben Carson said the U.S. should consult Israel and Jordan on immigration.
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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.
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