The CNN/Tea Party Republican Debate provided some clear distinctions that may give us an indication of where the 2012 Republican candidates are coming from, and where they appear to be going. Jon Huntsman is the clear winner due to his economic record as Utah governor and providing jobs, as compared to Mitt Romney and Rick Perry. He seems to be the most moderate candidate out of all of them, and he was articulate, humorous, and polished. He pointed out the "divisive drama" problem between Romney and Perry, but more importantly Huntsman sent an appealing message when he said Americans needed to focus on fixing our core problems, because the answers are already here. Americans are yearning for solutions - not drama and political spins.
During the 2008 Presidential campaign, John McCain did not have a momentous beginning until he set himself up as a sacrifice, and proved it by repeatedly stating he would much rather lose a campaign than a war. Huntsman could also be the dark horse in this race, since he recently stated on UNIVISION his support of the DREAM Act. Since then, Huntsman is beginning to appeal more and more to the Hispanic community and Latin media. Huntsman's support for the DREAM Act is already having a fresh and energizing influence with the Hispanic population. The DREAM Act activists and students are a powerful influence in today's Hispanic world because of their tenaciousness and quick mobilization.
Here is how the 2012 GOP candidates managed themselves in last night's debate:
Michele Bachmann: She handled herself well regarding Perry's mistake in forcing young innocent girls to receive a vaccination. She showed her passionate side on the issue of Obama's health care plan, but did not do enough to point out the hypocrisy with "Romney Care" and how unelectable Romney is because of that. Unfortunately for Bachmann, she is likely to turn off Latino voters due to her protectionist views on immigration and her lack of knowledge on finding solutions to the broken immigration system utilizing free market principles.
Rick Santorum: The former Pennsylvania Senator showed his disdain for Perry on immigration-related issues, which is unfortunate because he did not bring any reasonable immigration solutions to the table. He brought no real meaningful discussion into the GOP debate, and bragged about his past experience instead of focusing on issues we are faced with today.
New Gingrich: He seems to have an issue with Jon Huntsman. His role appears to be one that will try to neutralize attacks on Romney and Perry. I am a little disturbed as to how he believes there is a "Civil War" in Mexico, but provided no solutions with regard to our neighbor to the South.
Herman Cain: He needs new political material. His 9-9-9 plan is not enough of an issue that will draw more people to support him.
Ron Paul: His libertarian political colors showed through. He seemed to be for putting health care burdens on churches rather than the government, and could not explain to us how the church was going to provide care to dying cancer patients.
Rick Perry: He held his ground when he was attacked on his Social Security Ponzi scheme statements in his book. That said, Perry continues to make the same mistakes John McCain made in 2008 when he moved further to the right on immigration. Perry lost a powerful and youthful Latino voting block when he referred to the DREAM Act as "amnesty," which puts him near an unforgiveable status with the Hispanic population.
Mitt Romney: He was the biggest loser and hypocrite of them all. He simply cannot be a strong opponent of Obama's health care issue because he implemented a similar plan via "Romney Care." He cannot win the economic message debate against Obama because of his record at Bain Capital, where he slashed jobs and benefits at the private equity firm. More importantly, Romney is most hypocritical as it applies to the immigration issue, when he said: "Immigrants didn't come here for a hand out." In the State of Florida, Cuban immigrants do in fact receive unique amnesty privileges as well as government benefits for a period of at least one year once their foot touches dry soil, under the Cuban Adjustment Act. Romney is either being disingenuous or he is badly informed on the immigration issue.
In looking at the direction of the Tea Party, it appears Bachmann and Santorum will continue their focus and attacks on Rick Perry's immigration history, but not at the same level of focus as they should with the hypocrisy of "Romney Care." Unfortunately, Gingrich's role seems to be one that will try to keep Huntsman at bay and in line. Newt will ultimately help bring in the southern Republican and Dixiecrat support to the winning candidate after the primary elections.
Based on last night's debate, I see a rising female problem developing for Perry as Bachmann continues to create that wedge. The stage seems to be setting up as Romney will continue to scare senior citizens into believing Perry is out to eliminate their Social Security checks. Perry has already played into Romney's hands on the immigration issue as he continues to move further to the right. It should be relatively easy for Romney to nip at Perry's Achilles heel with regard to scaring senior citizens with their Social Security checks.
Ultimately, I got a strong sense from Huntsman that he is one who wants to restore moderate and centrist views into the American political debate. We desperately need to be the United States again, and not a divided one.