Thursday’s Republican debate in Florida, which was calm, respectful and thoughtful, contrasted sharply with the rancorous and largely shallow Democratic debate in South Carolina held days earlier. In what was a largely, low-key, policy-heavy debate, domestic issues and economics took center stage, while foreign policy concerns such as Iraq were little mentioned.
The emphasis on domestic matters deprived Senator McCain of his strongest issue – his clear leadership on Iraq and the War on Terror, and forced McCain to play on slightly foreign economic turf. Senator McCain was particularly weakened by a sharp question from moderator Tim Russert in which Russert quoted McCain’s admission that he needed to be “educated” on the economy. McCain, was also treated to needling questions about his age and reputation for a mercurial temper, though McCain diffused those questions effectively and with good humor, and was later aided by Governor Huckabee who rose in defense of Senator McCain’s vigor.
Economics also proved to be a less suitable match for Governor Huckabee, who is seen as lacking authority on economic matters and has been vigorously criticized by pro-growth economic groups such as the Club for Growth. Nevertheless, Huckabee’s strongest debate moment was indeed on an economic issue - a softball question from Senator McCain involving Huckabee’s Fair Tax proposal, in which he delivered a vision for a simpler, consumer-based taxed plan along with a crowd-pleasing indictment of the IRS.
For political observers reading between the lines, it was apparent that McCain and Huckabee shared a mutual desire to be non-aggressive with one another, and signaled the possibility of a McCain/Huckabee ticket.
Tonight’s undoubted winner however was Governor Romney, who demonstrated once again a smooth, presidential style, and a considerable proficiency in fiscal and economic matters. Despite several tough questions, including another question about his faith, Romney delivered what MSNBC anchor Chris Matthews described as “commanding” answers. This sentiment was shared by viewers who participated in the unscientific text-message poll which followed the debate, and named Romney the decisive debate winner – overshadowing Senator McCain by more than 20 points. Romney’s performance also included hard-hitting jabs at Senator Hillary Clinton and a memorable, crowd-pleasing line about Americans not wanting former President Bill Clinton back in the White House “with nothing to do.” Romney also appeared to be the recepient of more questions than any other candidate, and therefore shared a concomitant plurality of valuable air-time.
Coming in last according to respondents was the normally sharp Mayor Giuliani, who delivered a less memorable and more distracted performance than usual. Though it should be noted that Giuliani was the recipient of the evening’s most overtly negative question – a call to respond to an ugly, ad homonym attack by the New York Times.
For Florida voters only now making their decisions, tonight’s debate will no doubt inure to the benefit of Governor Romney who looked and sounded every bit the chief executive. With polls already trending his way, this Boca Raton debate could prove to be the decisive moment that could catapult Romney to victory in Florida, and the unchallenged status as national GOP frontrunner.
