The surprising dynamics the 2016 presidential campaign suggest the second Republican debate will far more aggressive than the first. Since the first debate, the candidates gotten a little rougher, and in some cases, a bit more insane, as they try to get media attention. Ben Carson and Donald Trump, the two top runners, are also the two exceptions. Trump continues to be loud-mouthed and brash, while Ben Carson stays cool and calm. With Donald Trump dominating the race and frustrating his competition by skating over pitfalls, anything can happen.
Trump’s rivals seem to have given up on the idea he will over reach himself. Former Florida governor Jeb Bush, a low polling candidate with ridiculous amounts of money stashed in his super PAC, has begun attacking Trump directly, but with no impact. Others, such as Gov. Scott Walker of Wisconsin, who looked quite strong at the beginning, are attempting to be more forceful, but again, with no impact.
The candidates doing the worst, such as Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky and Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey, are planning to be much more aggressive during the second debate. They have nothing to lose. If their campaigns don’t get some traction with the voters soon, they’ll be joining Rick Perry as observers.
CNN changed the rules so Carly Fiorina could participate in the 8 PM debate. It’s unlikely she will be the target of any candidates, Trump being the exception, and it is quite probable she will attempt to embarrass Trump.
John Weaver, an adviser to Gov. John Kasich, said,
“A panic has set in on a number of campaigns. I’m expecting this next debate could more resemble a roller derby than a debate.”
Lacking any creative solutions on how to deal with Trump, the weaker candidates are falling back on expressions of aggression and contempt for the Donald, but it has not improved their standing. They are desperate for any kind of breakout moment to show up Trump at the Sept. 16 debates.
Newt Gingrich, who is responsible for the Republican Party’s philosophy of hating the Democrats instead of working with them, said the imperative to stop Trump’s momentum has grown increasingly urgent. He added,
“Somebody is going to make a run at Trump. I assume it will be Jeb Bush,” whose status as a presumed favorite has been dented the most by Trump.
Attacking Trump could come with a price. An attacker could get thrown off his or her own message at a crucial moment, blowing an opportunity to look and sound presidential. Additionally, anyone attacking Donald Trump risks having him blow up in their face, to be followed by a steady barrage of insults after the debate.
Anything could happen in this debate. The CNN moderator, Jake Tapper, is planning to keep the questions focused on policy issues. It will be interesting to see what they have to say about Planned Parenthood and Syrian refugees.
