Iowa got a taste of what elections are all about on Thursday night as the Republican candidates for President came out swinging against President Obama, and in a few cases, each other. It was a crucial debate for Iowa at least, as the candidates prepare for the Iowa Straw Poll on Saturday.
The main battle of the night came between Minnesota Congresswoman Michelle Bachmann and former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty. They sparred all night on who was the better representative for the state of Minnesota. Pawlenty claimed Bachmann is a failed leader who could not stop anything that President Obama and House Democrats wanted to do the past 2 1/2 years. Bachmann slammed Pawlenty as a liberal governor who is more like Obama. Pawlenty’s going after Bachmann may have been his best shot at reviving his campaign which is dwindling in support it seems. His performance in the debate however was sub par at best and if he doesn’t have a strong showing in the straw poll, he may not be able to come back at all. Bachmann is picked by many to win the straw poll which could help her campaign.
Another battle happened between Texas Congressman Ron Paul and former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum. Congressman Paul continued to stick to principles throughout the debate including his stance on foreign wars and interventionism which struck the ire of Senator Santorum who thinks America should project itself upon the rest of the world. Santorum also went after Bachmann some and rightfully so for her stance on the 10th amendment. Santorum is another candidate who must do well in the straw poll for his campaign to survive. Congressman Paul is expected to finish in the top 3.
Other candidates failed to impress me much. Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich debated with the media more than the other candidates in a sign that his campaign is spiraling downhill as he looks to anything to hold on too. Herman Cain made a few statements but nothing of value. Former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman has a record, and he wants you to know that he has one. Besides that though he made no big showing at the debate and his stance on civil unions for gay couples does him no favors.
The front runner in the polls right now, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney had a solid showing, especially coming off the heckler incident at a stump speech earlier in the day. None of the other candidates took any jabs at Romney which may have been a mistake according to some pollsters. Many people say that the winner of the debate was a man who wasn’t even there, Texas Governor Rick Perry. Perry will officially enter the race on Saturday but was a topic in the debate last night. The straw poll is Saturday and afterwards, we may have a better picture of what may happen down the road. Then again, we may be no closer to finding out anything.
