The fourth Republican debate held on November 10th was an attempt by the GOP contenders to prove their capacity to be the leading party in national and global affairs. It was an intense event with a lot of jockeying between the contenders to make their points as strongly as possible. How did each candidate come out on top? Here are some of the key takeaways from the fourth Republican debate.
First, front-runner Donald Trump continued to separate himself from his contenders with an assertive performance. As usual, he fired off several controversial statements that raised more than a few eyebrows, but he also presented some solid points that resonated with the audience. Trump’s main strength is his ability to make issues simple for a public that often feels overwhelmed by the complexities of policy and politics. He also presented a sense of authoritarianism, calling for stronger control on immigration and national security issues.
Second, Ben Carson made a powerful speech in which he focused on his own life story and emphasized the need for a more dominant role for the United States on the world stage. He noted that the success of his own career proves that anything can be achieved with enough hard work and determination. He drew on his ability to provide effective solutions and pointed out the weaknesses of Obamacare, Gun Control, and other issues.
Thirdly, Senator Ted Cruz was aggressive in attacking his opponents and showed that he is capable of making smart points. He strongly criticized the Obama administration for its spending policies and argued that taxes should be lower and regulations be simpler. He also highlighted the need for more effective national security and immigration policies.
Finally, former Florida Governor Jeb Bush was more subdued than his aggressive counterparts. He tried to stay focused on issues of economic growth and job creation rather than engaging in the mudslinging. He did make some controversial statements such as pushing for a federal solution to student loans.
Overall, this debate proved that the Republican contenders are capable of voicing strong positions on certain issues and that they are willing to engage in a civil exchange of ideas. From this debate, we can see a clear picture of what each candidate stands for and how his views compare to his competitors. Now, organizations and individuals can make an informed decision when they vote come November.