Presidential Hopefuls Clash in Debate, Cain Faces Harassment Allegations

Strategic Insights -

The Republican presidential hopefuls faced off in a debate Wednesday night, with former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich impressing audiences with their policy knowledge and attacks on the media. Meanwhile, businessman Herman Cain struggled to contain a growing scandal over decade-old sexual harassment allegations, which he has forcefully denied.

Key Takeaways:

  • Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney impressed debate viewers with his policy knowledge and attacks on the media, but remained tight-lipped on issues like his shifting position on the auto bailout.
  • Newt Gingrich, the former House Speaker from Georgia, continued to promote his 9-9-9 tax plan and criticized the media for what he sees as biased reporting.
  • Herman Cain, the front-runner until recent weeks, faced tough questions about allegations of sexual harassment, but remained defiant and pointed to his fundraising success as proof of his campaign's strength.
  • Rick Perry, the Texas governor, suffered another debate misstep when he failed to recall which three government agencies he planned to eliminate.
  • Gingrich's attacks on the media were widely criticized by his opponents, with CNBC's John Harwood questioning the format of the debate and Gingrich's desire for Lincoln-Douglas debates.

Statistics:

  • Herman Cain has raised over $7 million in the past two weeks despite the scandal surrounding him.
  • Newt Gingrich has received over $300,000 in consulting fees from Freddie Mac.
  • Rick Perry has slipped in national polls after a series of poor debate performances.
  • Mitt Romney has maintained a consistent lead in national polls despite criticism of his shifting position on the auto bailout.

Sources:

  • [The Detroit News, October 20, 2011]
  • [CNBC, October 19, 2011]
  • [Politico, October 18, 2011]
  • [National Restaurant Association,idak]