The first debate gave these seven candidates a national stage for voters to get a better look at lesser-known candidates such as former governors Gilmore and Pataki.
Former Gov. Pataki touted his accomplishments during his three terms as governor in the “deep blue” state of New York with a Democratically controlled legislature. Sen. Graham focused on his family’s hardships, military experience, and international experience as a senator. Former Gov. Perry focused on his economic accomplishments in Texas. Former Sen. Rick Santorum focused on his unwavering views and standing up for what he believed despite national backlash. Carly Fiorina focused on her business experience and emphasized her relationships with international leaders. Gov. Jindal focused on his past in the Senate and time as governor.
Carly Fiorina was the one candidate of the seven who took a clear swing at Donald Trump when she said “I didn’t get a call from Bill Clinton,” mentioning a report that the retail mogul received a phone call from the former president and husband of Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton.
Moderators asked the candidates in this debate full the “undercard” candidates why they were running with very pointed questions. The majority of the debate was spent by each candidate talking about their experience and how that experience would help the country if they were president.
For the most part, the candidates stayed to answering the questions and away from criticizing their fellow Republicans. There were few times when a candidate went over time, answered a different question, and refused to a fellow Republican.
The next Republican debate will be tonight on Fox News at 9 pm EST featuring the other ten candidates in the race.