Highlights of the Debate
Mallory George
Chief Iowa Correspondent
Moderator Carolyn Washburn proved to be a unique host of the debates and resorted to some interesting tactics. Rather than allowing candidates to speak to their characters and values, The Des Moines Register opted to show videos of some of the candidates. This happened regarding another issue as well. What purpose does this serve? Anyone can see the videos on YouTube or other online sites, but at a live debate, people expect to see live footage of the candidates answering specific questions. Thus far, the media have spent a lot of time discussing political strategy and tactics as well as personal traits of candidates, but very little time presenting the candidates' stances on issues, which are critical for voters to be educated. Spending what amounted to about 2.5 minutes showing videos was not an effective use of time.
The candidates sarcastically poked fun at one another, although there were few heated moments. When discussing tax breaks, Mitt Romney said he is not very concerned about taxes for the wealthy. When Fred Thompson took his turn, he said wished he could be in the same boat as Romney, but rather, taxes are a big concern for himself and others in his income range. Additionally and somewhat ironically, he said Romney is "becoming a pretty good actor."
Although Alan Keyes spoke eloquently, he seemed as though he was preaching to the audience, especially when his voice boomed and his head started shaking. When he was not acknowledged for certain questions, he addressed Washburn and claimed the debate was unfair and biased. She gave him the opportunity to answer the question in dispute in 30 seconds, but he pointed out that the other candidates were given one minute to answer the same question. Overall, his performance was exaggerated and seemed somewhat rehearsed. It remains a question why he was invited.
I was surprised that Mike Huckabee was not the target of the other candidates' criticism. The last Des Moines Register poll said he was leading in Iowa, so it would have been reasonable for the others to point out flaws or focus their attention on him. Rather, he received a pass.
The final question of the debate was out of the ordinary, to say the least. Washburn asked the candidates for their New Year's resolutions. The answers varied but somewhat mimicked what the candidates said in their free statements, or 30-second time slots allotted for each person to say anything they wanted to viewers. John McCain said it's vital for Americans to respect one another, while Keyes said it was important for America to return to its moral principles. Huckabee joked that he plans to be careful about anything he says because it will be exaggerated but others, like some of his statements during the debate. Mitt Romney took a diplomatic route, saying the regardless of who wins the nomination, he wants all of his opponents and himself to band together to place another Republican in office. Thompson said he was resolved to make himself a better person overall, and Ron Paul pledged to work to defend against domestic issues. Duncan Hunter advocated for creating American jobs by encouraging people to buy American goods this holiday season, and lastly, Rudy Giuliani said he wants people to realize how lucky they are to be Americans.
