Tonight is the second GOP Debate (Republican Presidential debate) and it will be airing prime-time from sunny California and will feature 11 of the top candidates, this time including Carly Fiorina who has been making more of a name for herself since the first debate. Let’s take a look at what to expect tonight and see where our candidates stand.
Donald Trump is still leading in every poll and has been the talk of the town since announcing his candidacy. He continues to speak in front of hundreds or thousands of supporters, and hasn’t bitten his tongue when it comes to immigration or any other hot topic issues. Nothing seems to be slowing Trump down, even disparaging comments about women or Mexicans don’t seem to lower his numbers. Trump’s biggest problem is his understanding of facts. When questioned further about foreign policy, he stammered and confused key players in the world political field.
Ben Carson is climbing steadily in the polls and seems to be the biggest threat to Donald Trump. He is merely a few points behind Trump in key states and has garnered support from unlikely places for a GOP candidate, including a mostly blue California. Carson is very intelligent and perfectly articulates his views and ideas. What seems to be Carson’s main problem is his quiet demeanor, and Trump has already been on the attack saying that he lacks energy, also adding that the president would need to be more forceful.
Jeb Bush is experienced and yet he is struggling in this campaign. He is walking the line between ignoring Trump and using Trump’s tactics against him. Bush’s poll numbers are lower than initially expected, and he has shifted his image since his campaign began, to more directly fire back at Trump and to show more of his personality. Bush’s new campaign video features him speaking Spanish and showcases a rare appearance from his wife, who is a Mexican immigrant. This could be the key to helping Bush gain Latino votes as Trump has been vocal about his disdain for Mexicans.
Carly Fiorina will get her opportunity to face Trump tonight at the debate for the first time. Trump has already lashed out against Fiorina by attacking her looks. Fiorina has exceeded expectation so far, but has plateaued in the polls. Tonight could make or break her campaign.
Marco Rubio hasn’t been too vocal on the campaign trail lately, but is still considered a viable contender for the GOP bid. Rubio’s background and his charisma are what has helped him gain thus far, but he has struggled to break out from under the shadow Donald Trump has been casting on the other candidates. His performance tonight can help him get better footing in this race.
The CNN Republican Primary Debate will air tonight at 8 p.m. ET on CNN. The first round debate that will feature the remaining candidates who have at least 1% in the polls will air at 6 p.m. ET.