It’s that time again. As the election for the next GOP presidential nominee heats up, the candidates will take the stage again to argue for their issues, argue with each other, and most likely, argue with Donald Trump. The candidates have had a month since the last debate to gain more traction with the voters, fundraise, and campaign. Taking place at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California, and airing next Wednesday, Sept. 16, on CNN, this debate another opportunity for the presidential wannabes to stand out among the others. Here are five things to watch for:
1. Carly Fiorina
The former Hewlett-Packard CEO will join the men at the primetime event after her strong performance at the first GOP debate in August. After proving her ability to hit hard and strong, expect Fiorina to be unafraid to challenge other candidates, especially Trump. She has been rising in the polls and shown command on issues, striking a chord with voters and establishing herself as a worthy contender for the nominee.
2. Someone Will Attempt to Argue with Trump and It Will Probably Be Bush
As Trump continues to ridicule the other candidates, watch for at least one GOP nominee hopeful to make a run at Trump. Trump continues to lead in the polls and hog the media attention, leaving the other candidates grasping for any attention they can get. Criticizing Trump does come with risks, however, as it could taint someone as a less attractive alternative to Trump and Trump will respond in full force.
Candidate Jeb Bush is now attacking Trump directly. After Trump ridiculed Bush for being a “low-energy” candidate and for speaking Spanish too often on the campaign trail, Bush responded on Fox News:
“Donald Trump’s not going to get elected president by disparaging people, by attacking people all the time. That’s not going to work. You lift people’s spirits up to become president of the United States.”
3. A Strong Performance Again from Kasich and Rubio
Both are more moderate Republicans. While others on the stage focus on the loud-mouthed tower that is Donald Trump, Kasich and Rubio should focus on their own issues and campaigns to show the audience that they don’t need fighting tactics to prove that either of them should be the next nominee. As natural politicians with excellent speaking abilities, expect to see Rubio and Kasich to stand out again and show voters their qualifications, stances on issues, and their hopes to make America better than it already is.
4. Assertiveness from Christie and Paul While Carson Remains Quiet
If Chris Christie and Rand Paul weren’t combative enough in the previous debate, expect to see their strong viewpoints and personalities come out again. Both have indicated that they plan to be even more assertive at next week’s debate. So far, only Trump’s aggression seems to be grabbing attention and votes, but don’t expect that to hold back Christie and Paul. Will they fight Trump? Or will they fight each other again?
5. Donald Trump to Create Chaos in General
In keeping with the trend so far of his candidacy, Donald Trump will be the center of attention. Whether the target for other candidates or making others his target, Trump will continue to be entertaining, causing sparks, and most likely even more chaos in the media.
The debate will be exciting. It will be heated. It will definitely be entertaining. Someone will win, someone will lose, and Trump will be the center of attention, but that is what makes watching the debate thrilling and highly entertaining. So tune in and prepare for a great debate.
