Candidates Face Off In GOP Debate

This story was written by Katelyn Johnson, Daily Trojan

The debate in Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, Calif. was sponsored by CNN, the Los Angeles Times and Politico and included former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, Arizona Sen. John McCain, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and Rep. Ron Paul of Texas.

It was the first debate since former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani dropped out of the race and announced his support for McCain.

The first 15 minutes were dominated by McCain and Romney, now considered to be the two frontrunners.

CNN's Anderson Cooper asked Romney if Americans are better off than they were four years ago. Romney responded by reiterating his record as governor, and when further pressed by Cooper about today's economy, Romney said he was not "running on President Bush's record" and "President Bush can talk about his record."

Janet Hook of the Los Angeles Times asked Romney about his criticism of McCain that said he was too liberal. Romney said that while McCain is a "good Republican," many of his views are outside "conservative Republican thought."

Romney then mentioned McCain's endorsement by The New York Times and said that anyone "endorsed by The New York Times" is "probably not a conservative."

McCain fired back, saying he was endorsed by Romney's "two hometown newspapers, who know [Romney] best," including the "very conservative Boston Herald."

"I want to make sure this is not a two-man race," Huckabee said at one point in the debate. "There's another guy down here... I'd like to be in on the discussion."

Huckabee and Paul were often left out of bickering matches.

"I think the debate focused too much on McCain and Romney," said Marshall Kelner, a member of the USC College Republicans and a freshman majoring in broadcast journalism. "If they weren't going to have Huckabee and Paul talk, then why invite them?"

McCain later sided with California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, saying the Bush administration has taken the environment too lightly.

Schwarzenegger wanted to implement tougher environmental regulations on emissions requirements in California, a proposal the Bush administration rejected.

The other three candidates reiterated Schwarzenegger should be able to implement his own programs.

The war in Iraq also dominated much of the verbal sparring between McCain and Romney.

Paul said, "When I listen to this argument, I find it rather silly because they're arguing technicalities of a policy they both agree with. We have these silly arguments going on about who said what when. I think it's time to debate foreign policy."

McCain and Romney also disagreed over who was better suited to lead the economy and the military, with Romney touting his economic experience and McCain emphasizing his time in the military.

"One of the two great regrets I have in life is I didn't serve in the military," Romney said. "I'd love to have."

The candidates mentioned former President Ronald Reagan on numerous occasions. Romney said Reagan's name 19 times, while McCain used it eight times, Huckabee, seven, and Paul, three, according to CNN.

Although CNN's Bill Schneider declared Huckabee the winner because he "made sense, talked as ordinary people do and rose above politics," others had different opinions.

"I would say tonight was a draw and that it didn't really matter," said Ben Myers, a member of the USC College Republicans and a junior majoring in communication. "On the Republican side, it's already over -- I think McCain s going to be the nominee."

Kelner disagreed.

"I feel like Romney won because he distinguished himself from McCain," he said.

Many said the issues were not as important as the candidate's personality.

"I don't think any specific policy issue is important," Myers said. "I think the most important thing is electability. I feel that voters are willing to overlook some of the differences."

In the primaries so far, Huckabee has recorded a win in Iowa, Romney in Wyoming, Michigan and Nevada, and McCain in New Hampshire, Florida and South Carolina.
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