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The CNN Tea Party Debate was the first of its kind. It definitely had its own flair and the audience was made up of a lot of Tea Party voters. What stood out in the debate?
My first reaction happened right at the beginning. No it wasn't during opening statements (that happened later), it was when they sung the National Anthem to begin the event. It appeared like a pretty lame political statement from the Tea Party. I am not against the National Anthem being sung at events by any means, I have just never seen it sung before a Presidential debate! Not a big deal really, but if you are going to do it at least make the most of it! I saw Romney, Huntsman, and Santorum singing along while everyone else stood there. Plus one for each of them.
The only thing that stood out to me during opening statements was when Perry used his line stating he would make Washington, DC as inconsequential in your life as possible. From a limited government zealot, that line is great. In reality, I am not so sure how great it is. How can Washington really be inconsequential? Washington writes the laws, collects our taxes, and protects the country. I am not sure I actually want them to be inconsequential in my life. What I want instead is a bigger voice!
Right out the gate questions were raised to Perry about his stance on social security. He seemed to back down and now says he wants to fix social security. No discussion on how he would do it and Romney hounded him on it. Perry didn't really bite.
At this point I started to notice the differences in the two frontrunner's body language. A side hobby of mine has been to learn about body language. This includes how it conveys information and how it can impact people's decision making on political candidates. When it comes to body language, Perry and Romney could not be more different! Romney was always looking at the person who was speaking on stage and seemed not only interested, but engaged in what was being said, even if it was something negative about him. In contrast, Perry would stare blankly at the audience and often avoid looking at anyone who would challenge his stances on issues. At one point, I even caught Perry staring into the rafters during a response by Romney!
To many, a candidate's body language does not matter, but history has shown that poor body language and even tone of voice can affect political outcomes. President Nixon is often cited as losing his bid against President Kennedy because he looked ill and nervous during the first televised national debate. President H.W. Bush may have lost his reelection bid to President Clinton after looking at his watch during a response by Clinton during one of their debates. Margaret Thatcher went through training to lower her voice because advisers thought she sounded too shrill. These things do matter. You just don't realize they do, which is why I find the whole topic fascinating.
Back to the debate, there was a lot of talk about privatization of social security accounts for younger people. That's a program I wish Bush would have gotten passed during his second term. I would definitely back it again! There was also a lot of talk about reforming the tax code, but many people don't have solid plans on how to do it except Romney, Huntsman, and Cain.
Another thing I noticed is that the crowd at this debate is definitely a Tea Party crowd. The applause lines have the sometimes unfortunate way of showing some of the Tea Party's true colors. There was a huge applause when Bachmann was asked if Bernake should be tried for treason as Perry had suggested in the past. Not for her answer, but for the idea that he should be tried for treason. In another question that stirred attention all over the media on the left, a couple of people yelled yes to answer a question posed to Paul on whether society should let a person without health insurance die because he cannot afford the care to keep him alive.
Towards the end of the debate, the questions on immigration and border control were brought up. Perry was hit hard on his stance to allow instate tuition for illegals, which also garnered several boos from the audience. Perry stood firm on his position and said it was a state's rights issue. Romney also clarified his position that he wants a fence on the border whereas Perry says a fence on the entire border isn't feasible.
Overall the debate was very feisty! So who won? I must say based on crowd response, it appeared that Rick Perry one-upped Mitt Romney this time around. Body language told a completely different story as Mitt Romney stood out as the most presidential. Of course, Perry is the new Tea Party candidate, so his win was to be expected. The question was could Bachmann come out and regain some of the support she has been losing to Perry. After watching the debate, I would have to say it appears the answer to that question is no. I would also say that it appears that everyone else 'lost' the debate. After round two, it's looking more and more like a two person race for the nomination.
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