The fourth GOP debate Tuesday night was a more intimate occasion with only eight candidates on the stage after lower polling candidates Chris Christie and Mike Huckabee were moved to the earlier debate. The primetime debate focused largely on the economy and policies, but here are 5 specific takeaways compiled by news editor Sam King.
1. Knock knock… who’s there?… It’s John Kasich
The biggest takeaway from Tuesday’s debate came from Governor Kasich. He demanded the moderators’ attention, spoke powerfully and made sure the viewers knew exactly where he stood on topics. Although he was a little dicey towards the end (at one point receiving boos from the audience) Kasich came away from the debate in a good position to see a raise in his poll numbers.
2. Jeb! or Jeb?
This debate was not the first sign of trouble for the Bush campaign, but it was the most public. At the past few debates, the former governor was able to command some control and some attention, but Bush only served as, essentially, comic relief during the debate. Bush has also been facing some restructuring within his campaign, so it will be interesting to see where he stands after this debate.
3. A passing grade for the moderators
The only party who gets more attacks than Democrats during a GOP debate is the moderators, but this debate may elicit their most favorable rating yet. Sure, the candidates still spoke beyond the bell at several points, but the questions were focused (with the exception of “Whose [tax] plan would God endorse?”), pointed and met well. For the most part, it wasn’t the free-for-all the first three debates have been.
4. Carson offers little
Carson went into last night’s debate in a position of having some ground to make up after a week of media allegations and digging into his past. When asked to address the publicity, Carson seemed scattered and somehow unprepared to handle the questions. When asked about homeland security Carson was unclear and seemingly confused. Despite his high poll rankings, Carson is not looking optimistic at the end of a difficult week.
5. Marco? … Poll-o!
Rubio has done a great job at the last three GOP debates and Tuesday’s debate was another notch in a growing plaque of success. He was well spoken, his ideas resonated well with the audience and he really seemed confident behind the podium. Rubio surpassed Trump and Carson briefly last week, and the fourth GOP debate should only add to his growing poll numbers.
