Donald Trump attacked Senator Rand Paul right out the gate at this week’s presidential debate, saying he shouldn’t be on stage because “he’s number 11.” That led to an exchange where Rand Paul noted the “sophomoric quality” to Donald Trump’s attacks, and Trump fired back in truly sophomoric fashion: By insulting Rand Paul’s appearance right after he denied doing it:
RAND PAUL: I think really there’s a sophomoric quality that is entertaining about Mr. Trump, but I am worried. I’m very concerned about him — having him in charge of the nuclear weapons, because I think his response, his — his visceral response to attack people on their appearance — short, tall, fat, ugly — my goodness, that happened in junior high. Are we not way above that? Would we not all be worried to have someone like that in charge of the nuclear arsenal?
JAKE TAPPER: Mr. Trump?
(APPLAUSE)
DONALD TRUMP: I never attacked him on his look, and believe me, there’s plenty of subject matter right there.
(LAUGHTER)
That I can tell you.
Nick Arnold is a researcher for American Principles In Action.
