As the next Republican debate gets underway today, Herman Cain and Mitt Romney, the two front-runners, are poised for a showdown.
When Herman Cain won the Florida Straw Poll with a surprising 22 point lead over second place, Rick Perry, it moved an obscure presidential candidate to the top of the ranks. Since then, poll after poll has illustrated a swell of support reminiscent of the Democratic support that helped get President Obama the numbers he needed to beat Hilary Clinton for the nomination in 2008.
Candidate spotlight
The Washington Post-Bloomberg Debate, starting at 5 pm Pacific Time will feature the staple of Republican presidential hopefuls that have been fighting for the nomination including Mitt Romney, Rick Perry, and Ron Paul.
The spotlight will most likely be on Cain, who was previously best know as the CEO of Godfather’s Pizza, as the other candidates try to stop his momentum.
Mitt Romney will have the added boost of an endorsement from New Jersey Governor Chris Christie who repeatedly refused to run for President despite an outpouring of pleas to jump in the race.
Another important player will be Rick Perry, who’s quick rise was followed by a string of events that NPR called “debate meltdowns.” Still, Perry isn’t the only contender that has seen 5 minutes at the top dwindle rather quickly.
In August, Senator and Tea Party favorite Michelle Bachman won the Iowa Straw Poll after aggressive campaigning in the state. Here in California, Ron Paul is a local favorite having won the Golden State’s own straw poll. Both are likely to fight hard to garner the spotlight.
The economy
The economic woes that make up the biggest hurt on President Obama’s reelection hopes will undoubtably be a huge topic during tonights debate. There will probably be a focus on the President’s Job Bill, which his administration is fighting hard to pass despite setbacks from his own party.
Wether or not the bill will be a “hail Mary” to improve the President’s approval rating on his handling of the economy remains to be seen, however it’s safe to say that any Republican support is beyond unlikely.
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