Republican Presidential Candidates Debate: Key Takeaways and Insights

Strategic Insights -

Republican presidential candidates gathered for a debate on September 22, 2011, sponsored by Fox News, Google, and the Florida Republican Party. The debate featured representatives Michele Bachmann (R-MN), Herman Cain, Newt Gingrich (R-GA), Jon Huntsman (R), Gary Johnson (R), Ron Paul (R-TX), Rick Perry (R-TX), Mitt Romney (R), and Rick Santorum (R-PA). Moderators Bret Baier, Megyn Kelly, and Chris Wallace led the discussion.

Key Takeaways:

  • Governor Rick Perry described President Obama's administration as "hell-bent toward taking America toward a socialist country."
  • Newt Gingrich confirmed that he believes President Obama is a socialist.
  • Mitt Romney labeled President Obama as a "big-spending liberal" who takes inspiration from European socialist democrats.
  • Romney emphasized the need to reduce government size, arguing that it has grown from 27% to 37% of the economy under Obama's leadership.
  • Romney's economic plan relies on free enterprise and capitalism, contrasting with his view that government is too big.
  • Jon Huntsman was asked if he supported a tax hike on millionaires, but he declined to cite any specific scenario where he would agree with a tax increase on the wealthy.

Statistics:

  • 66% of American adults believe that a tax hike on the wealthy is a good idea to tackle mounting debt (August Gallup poll).
  • The federal government has grown from 27% to 37% of the economy under President Obama's leadership, according to Romney.
  • The debate took place at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, on September 22, 2011.

Sources:

  • Federal News Service, Inc., Ste. 500, 1000 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005 USA
  • Mohammed, G. (2008). Gallup Poll Summary of Polls United States. The Gallup Organization.