GOP Debate: Will They Be Mean to Cain? (The Atlantic Wire)
Tonight's Republican primary debate in Detroit will be about the economy, which means it will give Herman Cain a chance to talk about something other than how tall various women are. Cain's most popular proposal so far has been his tax plan, so he might be able to remind viewers why they started paying attention to them in the first place. On the other hand, Cain says he doesn't like to play by the old media rules, so maybe he won't duck the sexual harassment controversy at all. Rival Michele Bachmann is a diminutive lady -- perhaps Cain will ask for her assistance in explaining one more time how tall his wife is relative to his chin. He could demonstrate how it was all so innocent. So far no pundits are recommending that course of action -- those inside-the-box thinkers -- but those who love reality TV can dream.
Related: Debate Liveblog: Romney, Perry Attack Each Other
Most of Cain's rivals will probably avoid the sexual harassment allegations, First Read predicts, because they want Cain's voters and don't want to make them mad.?But The Washington Post's Chris Cillizza says Michele Bachmann might be ready to attack Cain, having already promised voters that she wouldn't blindside them with "surprises." Rick Santorum might go after Cain too, Cillizza says. As for the other candidates, CBS News reports that Rick Perry has been through several study sessions so he can perform better in this debate than in the earlier ones this fall. Perry's also been trying to show his nicer side, which means maybe we won't get a chance to see Perry and Romney yell at each other all night as we did at the Las Vegas debate.?And Jon Huntsman, who's being considered as the last-chance Not Romney candidate, needs to stand out, The Washington Post's Nia-Malika Henderson writes. He needs to " drop the broad, sweeping answers to basic questions" and the lame jokes, she says.
Related: GOP Debate Preview: Hey, We're Not So Bad
We'll be liveblogging the debate tonight here, starting around 7 p.m.
ohio ohio john beck john beck mariska hargitay gmcr ohio news