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Republican Debate: Trump, Rubio, and Sanders to Take Stage in Colorado

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Republican and Democratic presidential campaigns are escalating into a high-stakes debate on Wednesday in Colorado, with Donald Trump, Marco Rubio, and Bernie Sanders leading the charge. Trump has signaled that he is ready to take his attacks on Ben Carson to a new level, while Rubio is increasingly willing to hit his primary rivals. Meanwhile, Sanders is challenging Hillary Clinton to a more aggressive campaign, with a focus on issues such as gay rights and trade.

Key Takeaways:

  • Trump has attacked Carson, calling him "very weak on immigration" and saying he has "super low energy" levels, in a bid to draw the more reserved Carson out of his shell.
  • Rubio has become more aggressive in his attacks on Trump and other primary rivals, questioning Trump's foreign policy expertise and suggesting he is unfit to be commander-in-chief.
  • Sanders has taken aim at Clinton's record on gay rights, claiming that she and her husband supported the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act, which defined marriage as between one man and one woman.
  • The Republican debate on Wednesday is expected to feature a more feisty Rubio, while Clinton will face a bigger target with her campaign gaining momentum.
  • Trump's attacks on Carson suggest a desire to draw him out of his shell and create a more competitive dynamic at the debate.

Statistics:

  • 72% of Americans have an unfavorable view of Trump, according to a new CNN poll (CNN, November 2015).
  • 45% of Republicans support Rubio, making him a strong contender for the nomination (CNN, November 2015).
  • 54% of Democrats support Clinton, despite Sanders' growing challenge (CNN, November 2015).
  • 67% of Americans believe that Trump is not prepared to be commander-in-chief (CNN, November 2015).

Sources:

  • CNN, "Poll: Simple majority says Trump is unfit for the presidency" by Jessica Taylor (Nov 2015)
  • CNN, "Rubio goes on offense, but will it be enough?" by Eric Bradner (Nov 2015)
  • CNN, "Clinton, O'Malley take jabs at Sanders" by Dan Merica and Tom LoBianco (Nov 2015)

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