Republican Presidential Hopefuls Take the Stage at Republican Leadership Summit

As part of the Republican Leadership Summit in New Hampshire, a two-day event drawing about 500 activists and the party's entire 2016 field to the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Nashua, GOP presidential hopefuls have brought their criticisms of President Barack Obama and espoused conservative principles. The event has seen a range of speakers, from party front-runners to little-known candidates, all vying for attention and distinguishing themselves from the rest of the GOP pack.

Key Takeaways:

• Lindsey Graham warned that "9/11 is coming again" if the United States doesn't combat the rising threat of terrorism, calling for new U.S. military action in the Middle East.
• Donald Trump pitched his own book and told the audience he wasn't really enjoying himself, but considered a presidential run due to U.S. trade negotiations and diplomatic efforts being handled by "babies that don't have a clue."
• Bobby Jindal threw his support behind President Obama's efforts to negotiate massive free trade pacts with Pacific Rim countries and the European Union, but added one condition: "We need to make sure the administration actually gets it right."
• Carly Fiorina rebuked a Dallas businesswoman's comment that only men should be elected president because of women's hormones, taking a shot at Bill Clinton's White House affair with Monica Lewinsky.
• Rand Paul launched the toughest set of broadsides yet against Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton, chiding her over Benghazi, her private email server, and her family foundation's foreign donations.
• Marco Rubio framed his comments on foreign policy, the economy, and entitlement reforms around his parents and his children, calling for an overhaul of Medicare and Social Security.
• Jeb Bush tried to separate himself from his family, particularly his father and brother, and tried to strike a positive tone overall during his speech.
• Chris Christie called for settling the nation's fiscal woes by reining in federal spending and tackling specific entitlement programs, proposing a means test for those whose retirement income tops $80,000 and increasing the eligibility age to 69 for both Social Security and Medicare.
• Rick Perry, in his speech, praised his experience as Texas governor and touted his services in addressing the state's major issues during his 14-year tenure.

Statistics:

• Lindsey Graham called for new U.S. military action in the Middle East, citing the rising threat of terrorism.
• Donald Trump pitched his book but joked that he wasn't really enjoying the summit, saying he would make this country great again if he decides to run for president.
• Bobby Jindal supports President Obama's free trade pacts but notes that the administration needs to "get it right."
• Carly Fiorina criticized the statement that only men should be elected president due to women's hormones, making a reference to Bill Clinton's affair with Monica Lewinsky.
• Rand Paul criticized Hillary Clinton over Benghazi, her private email server, and her family foundation's foreign donations.
• Marco Rubio proposed overhauling Medicare and Social Security to ensure that changes don't impact people currently in the program or nearing retirement.
• Chris Christie proposed a means test for those with retirement income exceeding $80,000 and increasing the eligibility age for Social Security and Medicare to 69.
• Rick Perry praised his time as Texas governor and noted his experience in addressing the state's major issues during his 14-year term.

Sources:

• [Eric Bradner, CNN]
• [Lindsey Graham]
• [Donald Trump]
• [Bobby Jindal]
• [Carly Fiorina]
• [Rand Paul]
• [Marco Rubio]
• [Jeb Bush]
• [Chris Christie]
• [Rick Perry]