The third GOP presidential debate on Wednesday night could provide the added shot of energy many candidates need to revitalize their campaigns, or be the kiss of death for others on the verge of extinction. Here’s five things to look for in Colorado:
Will Donald Trump go after Ben Carson?
Mr. Trump, a real-estate mogul, has surrendered his first national poll to Mr. Carson, a former retired neurosurgeon, so all eyes will be on Mr. Trump to see how he reacts.
Mr. Carson, in a series of state polls, is also beating Mr. Trump in Iowa. Mr. Trump this week has already questioned Mr. Carson’s faith and energy, so will he go beyond those digs and really attack the mild-mannered gentleman who will be standing next to him?
Or will Mr. Trump reserve his challenges to take down former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, who has had a rough week retooling his campaign and trying to reassure donors he remains the establishment’s bet?
A third option is Mr. Trump does none of the above and just looks to survive the two-hour debate without making any noticeable stumbles. He still is leading in every state nationally, other than Iowa.
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Will Jeb Bush be joyful?
Mr. Bush cut his campaign’s salaries by 40 percent on Friday and spent the weekend in Houston convening with family and donors in an effort to re-gear his campaign.
On Saturday, Mr. Bush alarmed some, by saying he had “really cool” things he could be doing other than running for president, not coming across as the “joyful” candidate he promised to be.
Mr. Bush needs a strong showing tonight to prove he’s a real contender in the race, reassure donors and inspire the electorate who seem hesitant to embrace another Bush presidency.
What will Carly Fiorina do?
Mrs. Fiorina, the former Hewlett-Packard CEO, arguably won the last debate and saw her poll numbers surge, only to be deflated again between debates. Will she come as prepared and be as aggressive as the last debate?
On Tuesday she wrote an op-ed for the Wall Street Journal ripping the economics of Democratic front-runner Hillary Rodham Clinton, and Wednesday’s debate will focus on the economy.
Will she continue to take aim at Mrs. Clinton, or will she alter her focus on some of her primary competitors? Also, how will she respond to critics of her record at Hewlett-Packard and prove to the electorate that she’s best able to run the government, increase private sector jobs, wages, and bring down the deficit?
Will the gloves come off between Marco Rubio and Jeb Bush?
Both men are running in the establishment lane and fighting for its top spot. Earlier this week, Mr. Bush’s advisers dubbed the Florida senator as the “GOP Obama” signaling he’s too young and green for the position of commander-in-chief.
Mr. Rubio has taken slight jabs at Mr. Bush painting himself as a new generational leader, focused on the future — unlike “leaders from yesterday.”
Will the men spar at each other during the debate, or focus on their attention on their respective agendas and direction for the country?
Do the undercards have a chance?
There will be an undercard debate Wednesday night featuring Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum, South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham and former New York Gov. George Pataki — will anyone watch?
Mr. Graham arguably won the last debate, but that win didn’t seem to reflect much in his poll numbers or fundraising dollars.
All men are hovering in the single digits, with Mr. Jindal seeing a slight boost in Iowa.
Will this debate matter and does anyone care? And if the answer to both of those questions is “no,” how much longer can these struggling campaigns continue in the race?
• Kelly Riddell can be reached at kriddell@washingtontimes.com.
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