Republican Presidential Contenders Criticize Obama's Foreign Policy Ahead of Debate

Strategic Insights -

The first Republican presidential debate of the 2012 cycle focused heavily on foreign policy, with five potential contenders criticizing President Obama's actions in the Middle East. The debate, sponsored by the South Carolina Republican Party and Fox News Channel, took place on a night when many expected a larger field of candidates to be present. However, top-tier candidates such as Michele Bachmann, Newt Gingrich, and Sarah Palin, who have not yet made decisions about their 2012 bids, were absent, citing the debate's criteria. Despite this, the evening's discussion centered on Obama's foreign policy, with the participants criticizing his actions in Libya and questioning his strength in the face of global threats.

Key Takeaways:

  • 5 potential Republican presidential contenders participated in the debate: Tim Pawlenty, Herman Cain, Gary Johnson, Ron Paul, and Rick Santorum.
  • The debate focused heavily on foreign policy, with all but Herman Cain expressing support for releasing the photo of bin Laden's dead body.
  • Tim Pawlenty criticized Obama's actions in Libya, stating that the president's foreign policy was not limited to the killing of Osama bin Laden.
  • Former Minnesota governor Tim Pawlenty praised the administration's role in the killing of bin Laden but argued that it was not the sole measure of America's foreign policy.
  • Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus described the Republican field as a work in progress, with many candidates still measuring the field and considering their bids.
  • South Carolina Republican Gov. Nikki Haley stated that the debate was on time, but acknowledged that some candidates may have been hesitant to attend due to concerns about the debate's criteria.

Statistics:

  • 5 potential Republican presidential contenders participated in the debate.
  • 4 potential contenders were absent: Michele Bachmann, Newt Gingrich, Sarah Palin, and Mike Huckabee.
  • 440,000 viewers tuned in to the debate, marking a strong start for the 2012 cycle.

Sources:

  • Jackie Kucinich, USA TODAY, "Republican presidential contenders criticize Obama's foreign policy ahead of debate"
  • USA TODAY
  • The debate, sponsored by the South Carolina Republican Party and Fox News Channel.