In a race that at times seems up for grabs for anyone, the Republican debate Tuesday night showcased those sometimes widely disparate opinions. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, who recently came in first on a poll with 24% support, drew criticism from his opponents for his moderate stance on immigration reform. He suggested finding a way for longtime immigrants to remain legally without tearing families apart “which have been here a quarter century.” Gingrich immediately took heat for his stance, with his opponents calling it “amnesty” and saying it would only encourage more illegal immigrants.
Former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman was able to use his past experience as former ambassador to China during the sections of the debate on foreign policy. Rep. Michele Bachman raised concern about the instability of Pakistan’s nuclear sites, calling it “potentially penetrable by jihadists.” Herman Cain, the previous frontrunner in the race, remained largely under the radar during the debate.
