On Wednesday night, seven Republican Presidential Candidates face off in arguably one of the most highly anticipated debates of the 2020 election cycle.
The lineup includes Donald Trump, Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio, Rand Paul, Jeb Bush, Ben Carson, and John Kasich. Each of these candidates has a unique perspective on how the U.S. should be governed, and is sure to present strengths and weaknesses.
This debate is especially important to the Republican party as it marks the beginning of the home stretch before the Iowa caucuses’ February 1st results. Trump has been leading the polls in the state so far and the pressure is on for the other candidates to make a strong impression on voters.
The topics of the debate promise to be wide-ranging and important, covering foreign policy, the economy, and even social issues.
Trump, competing against the more establishment figures of the Republican party, is sure to be a wild card. He has yet to answer tough questions on details, and this night may be his chance to prove his plans are real.
Cruz, on the other hand, is supremely focused on social issues and believes the U.S. needs to return to its conservative roots. His passionate rhetoric has been credited for getting people out to the polls, but it also relies heavily on emotion.
Rubio, used to targeting young voters and the countries growing Hispanic minority, is sure to focus on the economy and jobs. He favors tax reform as a possible solution, and his positive attitude could earn him points during the debate.
Paul, the youngest candidate in the debate, is the most conservative when it comes to monetary policy and government spending. His views could attract the conservative voters, though they may be seen as extremist.
Bush, the establishment man, will be sure to present objective solutions for government reform and financial policies. He is seen as a possible compromise candidate for both moderate and conservative Democrats.
Carson, an outsider during this debate, has taken a backseat in the polls and needs to take advantage of every minute he has to speak. He is sure to be focused on the conservative issues of religion and education, but may need to present concrete solutions to clinch the nomination.
Kasich is the only candidate with governing experience, having served as the governor of Ohio from 2011 to 2016. He is very popular in his home state, but his views on immigration, government spending, and energy policies could make or break his chances in this debate.
The night promises to be full of fireworks and shocking moments. It may define the rest of the Republican Presidential Primary and lead the nation into the era of a new President.