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GOP presidential candidates debate without Bush -- again
TEMPE, Arizona (CNN) -- Four Republican presidential candidates took turns swiping at absent GOP front-runner George W. Bush in a televised debate that also featured discussion of international relations policy and Social Security. The Sunday night debate -- the first major 2000 campaign event in Arizona -- also put a spotlight on Sen. John McCain of Arizona, currently Bush's closest rival in several key states. McCain, getting a chance to debate in his home state, was joined by publisher Steve Forbes, former U.S. Ambassador Alan Keyes and Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch. The absence of Bush was keenly felt. It prompted moderator Bob Novak to ask the candidates what they would say to Bush if he had decided to attend. "I would tell Governor Bush to join me in battling special interests in Washington," said McCain. Forbes, who won the Arizona primary in 1996, said Bush believes that Washington holds the answer to issues such as education and spending. "He believes government is the way to the future," said Forbes. Earlier Sunday, Bush said he would consider raising the retirement age for Social Security benefits as a way to help extend the life of the ailing program. The debaters were asked to respond. "The Bush Social Security proposal is typical Washington: Make a promise, then break it," said Forbes. Hatch said he would consider raising the Social Security retirement age, and that "everything is on the table because we have to keep this program viable," he said.
Candidates criticize Clinton's international policyAll four candidates heaped heavy criticism on the Clinton administration's international relations policy, specifically its role in the Kosovo conflict earlier this year. "This administration has conducted a feckless, photo-op policy with no concept of what they want the world to look like," said McCain. He said President Clinton "stumbled" into the fighting there and conducted his policy in an "immoral fashion" by making decisions based on voter polls. " I won't take a poll," said McCain, "I will act in America's best interest," he said.
The four also said the United States should suspend aid to Russia until that nation's military ends its bombing of civilians in Chechnya.
Bush has announced he won't participate in any debates until a December 2 event in New Hampshire. He's already declined two similar debates in the Granite State, because of scheduling conflicts. His absence had been a source of continuing frustration to the other candidates -- but perhaps most to McCain, who is running closest to Bush in several key early primary states. In addition, Bush has committed to a December 6 debate -- also in Arizona -- a date that opened up for him after polling results in New Hampshire showed Bush in a statistical dead heat with McCain. Even so, the December 6 debate won't offer a side-by-side comparison for Arizona voters either. McCain plans to campaign in New Hampshire and New York that day. So far, Bush, Forbes, Keyes and conservative activist Gary Bauer have committed to participate. McCain has established himself as the leading alternative to Bush. In addition to his strong showing in the New Hampshire polls, McCain is running strongly in South Carolina. Both states will make their presidential picks before Arizona's February 22 primary.
Candidates face different challengesEach candidate faces different challenges with voters. Bush is the top elected official of a large state. But he needs to persuade voters he can lead effectively at a national and international level. "Gov. Bush knows that you win campaigns based on ideas," campaign spokesman Scott McClellan said. Debates allow candidates to share those ideas with voters, he said. McCain has worked on national and international issues, but as a member of Congress. He needs to show voters he is prepared to lead. The people of Arizona know McCain as their senator, spokesman Dan Schnur said. "We want the people of Arizona to know John McCain and his goals for the country." Forbes has been a successful businessman and adviser to international leaders, but has not held elected office. His challenge is to demonstrate that he can succeed in politics the way he has in the private sector. "If you expect to win, you need a candidate with clear command of the issues," Forbes spokesman Greg Mueller said. He said Forbes will show voters he is the true conservative candidate with the best chance to win. Bauer, Hatch and Keyes are still struggling to introduce themselves to many voters, who know little if anything about them. The Associated Press contributed to this report. |
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MORE STORIES:Friday, November 19, 1999
• Bush lays out foreign policy vision • McCain gets chance to debate on home turf • Des Moines Register: Top candidates back Iowa caucuses • Parties differ widely on events of 1999 Congress • Senate bill would raise penalties for making amphetamines • Gore proposes protections for worker pensions • Candidates' wives make first joint appearance • House passes bill establishing truck, bus safety agency • Linda Tripp's lawyers call for dismissal of wiretap case • House passes bill combining tax extensions, disability work incentives • Lawmakers strike accord on satellite legislation • Electoral vote tie in Mississippi governor's race • Increased payments to health care providers means higher Medicare premiums • Bush out of sight, not out of mind of Republican governors • Gore hits foreign policy highlights in DNC fund-raisers • South Carolina governor presses for vote on Confederate flag • Bradley criticizes Gore for not pushing ban in new offshore oil drilling • FBI planned sting to catch former D.C. mayor • Anti-Clinton protests erupt into riots in Greece | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Arizona Republican Primary Debate - pt. 1
Arizona Republican Primary Debate - pt. 2
