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| Candidates at the GOP Debate in Las Vegas, Source: Washington Post |
As Representative Michelle Bachmann
so aptly put it, “I hope tonight’s the one night that what happens in Vegas
does not stay in Vegas”. And the candidates may have woken up with a headache but the cause was less likely due to heavy drinking and more likely the result of a hit from a fellow candidate . Last night was the fifth time these seven candidates met since
Labor Day. This time, the Western Republican Leadership Conference debate was
held at the Venetian Hotel’s conference center in Las Vegas and was hosted by
CNN. Noticeably absent from the rambunctious affair was former Governor Jon
Huntsman Jr., who boycotted the debate after Nevada decided to move up its
caucuses ahead of New Hampshire, a move that is against Republican National Party
rules. This move can be seen as significant tactic considering the New
Hampshire primary may be held during the end of December. Huntsman’s decision
to side with New Hampshire may be a last stitch attempt to gain votes there.
Tuesday’s debate was no doubt the
most aggressive of all debates so far mostly because each candidate is aware
that there is less than three months until the primaries begin. Throughout their
two hours on stage is seemed that every candidate found it necessary to berate
another peer about various policies and even moral standards. Although many
believed that Herman Cain, former CEO, would be in the spotlight for his faulty
economic plan entitles the 9-9-9 plan. He has also received attention for controversial
public remarks about immigration and same sex marriage. Despite Cain’s hiccups,
the candidates only seemed to focus on him for a short amount of time. Each
candidate on stage repudiated the 9-9-9 plan claiming that it would raise the
taxes of mostly middle class citizens. This information comes from a study
organized by nonpartisan Tax Policy Center that was released Tuesday. The analysis
found that those making less than $100,000 would suffer from a tax increase
while it would lower the taxes of 95% of the nation’s millionaires. Despite these facts, Cain continues to defend
the plan and insists that no one understands it. However, it does not seem like
Cain is willing to explain it to anyone.
Similar to past debates, former
Governor Mitt Romney received a slew of attacks from fellow candidates however
on Tuesday night it seemed that he had trouble defending himself. The common
matchup between Romney and former Governor Rick Perry was especially present at
the debate in Las Vegas. Perry introduced the issue of immigration, even though
he himself had been under fire for his policies on the matter. Perry sited five
year old newspaper reports that claimed Romney had hired illegal immigrants to
service his lawn. In a heated moment the two candidates shouted over each other
and at one point Romney even put his hand on Perry’s shoulder and insisted that
is he wanted to be president, he should let both people speak. The behavior of
both candidates was definitely different from past debates. Perry has
experienced rather lackluster performances at the past two debates and decided
to come out Tuesday the most aggressive he has ever been. Also although the
Romney campaign had wanted to go into this debate expecting to win over the non
supporters, it did not work out that way.
Basically every candidate had
something to say to Romney, who is still trying to characterize himself as the
only realistic and plausible nominee. A significant attack came from former
Senator Rick Santorum who has had difficulty appealing to the public although
he hopes to be the conservative alternative to Romney. Santorum grilled Romney about
the healthcare system he set up in Massachusetts and its supposed inspiration
for Obama’s national healthcare system. Santorum claimed that Romney both
inspired and supports the “Obamacare” that Republicans seek to appeal.
The debate as a result of the
nearing primaries and the candidate’s plea to win support and attention became
the feistiest debate of them all. The candidates focused on issues like foreign
aid, religious values, and most importantly bickering. Surprisingly the topic
of the economy was largely ignored. Since the Republican Primary calendar has
become a virtual mess, the candidates must go into the next phase of
campaigning. The first primary can be held as early as the end of December in
New Hampshire. It would not be a surprise to see the candidates begin to camp
out in the state in order to begin the stretch to the convention at the end of
the summer.
Sources:
**Below is a video clip from the debate of Herman Cain defending his infamous 9-9-9 plan.
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