GOP debate tonight
WASHINGTON — The political veteran with the right resume, but perhaps the wrong last name. The rookie senators and their focus on foreign policy and individual rights. Governors with experience — and baggage. The never-been-elected outsiders, and, of course, the billionaire showman.
For the Republican Party, the narrowing of that vast field of presidential hopefuls begins in earnest at 9 p.m. today with the first debate of the 2016 campaign. At stake for Republicans: not only picking the candidate to represent them in the general election, but also selecting the direction the party will take as it seeks to regain the White House.
“You’re starting off with a lot of candidates who have an initial group of support that reflect a particular element of the party, but nobody is close at this point to putting together a majority coalition,” said David Winston, a Republican pollster.
As in the 2012 Republican primaries, the GOP faces a tug of war between those eager for a candidate with broad general election appeal and those who think the key to winning is nominating a fiery conservative.
But this time, the field of 17 candidates is both larger and more seasoned, making the choice Republicans will make less certain or inevitable.
While Republicans say they relish their options, it’s doubtful many expected the summer surge of businessman and reality television star Donald Trump.
The real-estate mogul will stand at center stage during today’s debate in Cleveland, thanks to his status as the top performer in several recent national polls.
With his unpredictable style and unformed policy positions, Trump doesn’t fit neatly into any one segment of the Republican Party.
That appears to be a draw to voters frustrated with Washington and career politicians, but some fear his talent for outlandish comments — whether about Mexican immigrants or Arizona Sen. John McCain — will taint the public’s view of the party.
