GOP hopefuls square off in round four

by Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times/Tribune News Service with permission

Republican presidential candidates Ben Carson, left, and Donald Trump during the GOP debate at the Reagan Library in Simi Valley, Calif., on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2015.

Ashley Gill, Editor-in-chief

As the primaries inch closer and closer, the Nov. 10 Republican Debate made it apparent that the race to the White House is getting increasingly intense.

The fourth GOP debate was was held in Milwaukee, WI., and aired on Fox Business. Just two weeks ago, the Republican nominees united to withdraw from the debate that was scheduled on CNBC due to conflicts with the network. Fox moderators included Maria Bartiromo, Neil Cavuto, and Gerard Baker.

While topics varied among moderators, a large portion of the questions dealt with the candidates’ take on foreign policies. The most controversial of those would be that of Donald Trump. Trump faced surprising criticism from Ohio governor John Kasich, with regards to Trump’s comments on immigrants. Trump controversially claims that all immigrants should be deported and a wall should be built on the border of the United States and Mexico. While Trump is still in the lead, he has begun to face backlash for his contentious comments.

Senator Marco Rubio is gradually stepping more and more into the spotlight. Jeb Bush’s former apprentice is becoming a leading figure in the election as a result of his friendly, yet profound demeanor. Rubio did not shy away when the moderators directed difficult questions at him, and he connected his family’s immigrant history to his take on foreign policy. Rubio even went so far to criticize fellow candidate, Rand Paul. When discussing whether America should be an international policeman to other countries, Rubio declared Paul was a “committed isolationist.”

Ben Carson kept up his earnest and polite manner, but the steadiness of his attitude offered nothing new from the candidate. Therefore, his performance may cause his poll numbers to decline. Similarly, Carly Fiorina has been an underwhelming presence among the GOP candidates. Her speaking time was minimal, and when she was given the opportunity to speak it was unimpressive.

Jeb Bush and Ted Cruz, however, became more outspoken and personable in the debate. Both candidates’ poll numbers have been rapidly increasing. Bush has previously been known for his gentle voice, which has provided Trump with material to ridicule the former governor of Florida. Perhaps because of the criticisms, Bush has started to become more aggressive which is a strategic move for his campaign.

Additionally, Cruz has used his zealous religious beliefs to appeal to the American public. His strategy appears to be working as his poll numbers have been on the rise. However, it is likely he is alienating thousands of Americans who aren’t Christian.

In the wake of this most recent Republican Debate and with a little over a year remaining before the Presidential election, it is easy to see that things are heating up in the race to the presidency. But who will triumph and take the Oval Office is still anyone’s game.