WASHINGTON (MEDIA GENERAL) – For the fourth time in the 2016 race for the White House, Republican presidential hopefuls gathered for a nationally televised debate — this time in Milwaukee, Wis. Below is what you need to know about Tuesday’s event in Milwaukee:
On the Issues:
The Wall Between the Candidates:
]
The issue of illegal immigration brought the Trump campaign to the forefront in summer 2015. During Tuesday’s debate, the idea of building a wall between Mexico and the United States, and deporting thousands of illegal immigrants pitted Gov. John Kasich (R-Ohio) and former Florida Governor Jeb Bush against Trump’s controversial plan.
Carson’s Controversial Comments:
“I have no problem, being vetted,” said Dr. Ben Carson when asked about allegations his autobiography contained false statements. The GOP front-runner fought back against recent media criticism and attempted to compare his situation to the controversy surrounding Hillary Clinton and the Benghazi terrorist attack.
On the Minimum Wage:
The first question of the night had to do with if the government should raise the minimum wage. Candidates Trump, Carson and Rubio all dismissed the idea as something they feel wouldn’t benefit the economy or American workers.
Who Won, Lost, and Didn’t Show Up:
For the fourth debate, one widely noticeable difference was the debate coaching Jeb Bush received his since last performance. During Tuesday’s debate, experienced political reporters agreed Mr. Bush found a new voice.
After thriving at the last FOX News debate back in August, former Hewlett Packard CEO Carly Fiornia has tried to regain momentum. Her decision to interrupt another candidate’s answer drew complaints from Donald Trump, but the audience backed her up.
The debate stage was less cramped compared to a recent CNBC debate in Boulder, Colo. after FOX Business required candidates to have 2.5 percent support in at least four recent national polls in order to qualify for the main event. The decision pushed New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee to an earlier, less prestigious discussion.
The next GOP Presidential debate is scheduled for December 15 in Nevada.
For the latest on the Race for the White House, follow national political reporter @Markpmeredith on Twittter.
