The Republican Debate Is Going To Be A Wild Free-For-All [View all]

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The Republican Debate Is Going To Be A Wild Free-For-All

by Igor Bobic at the Huffington Post

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/republican-presidential-debate_5697b629e4b0ce4964235b89?utm_hp_ref=politics

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Unlike the previous Fox Business debate in November, where both candidates and moderators struck a decidedly civil tone, the gathering on Thursday evening is likely be more of a raucous affair. With what appears to be a toss-up in polling between Trump and Cruz in Iowa, and a bare-knuckle brawl for the establishment lane between multiple candidates in New Hampshire, campaigns will be under significantly more pressure to land solid hits against their rivals for the GOP nomination.

Already, the crowded race has turned into a wild free-for-all. Candidates and their super PACs have shifted resources from mostly positive, biographical introductions in favor of negative attacks and advertisements on everything from flip-flops to each other’s fashion choices.

One of the bitterest rivalries, between friends Rubio and Bush, centers on Rubio’s shifting stance on immigration, as well as his choice of footwear -- a pair of higher heeled boots he was spotted wearing on the campaign trail. Bush subtly drew a contrast with his former mentee earlier this week, stating that he didn’t “have a height issue." The boots may not become more than a punchline in Charleston -- but immigration is sure to elicit some fiery exchanges. A recent super PAC ad backing Bush accused Rubio of flip-flopping on immigration, comparing the senator to a weathervane.

Another likely flashpoint Thursday night will almost certainly be Cruz’s eligibility to run for president, an issue that has put the Texas senator on the defense amid a barrage of attacks from Trump. Cruz, a U.S. citizen under the Constitution's “natural-born” clause, was born in Canada. The issue has never been settled in the courts, however, creating an opening for Trump and other Republicans who continue to troll Cruz over his eligibility for the presidency. The real estate mogul, who continues to lead in the polls, has said he won’t bring up the issue Thursday night -- but that doesn’t mean others won’t. If Cruz can ably respond to the matter, as well answer questions over a late-breaking New York Times story about a major loan he failed to disclose, he’ll be well-positioned to take the Iowa caucuses.



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