"The Sunday Political Brunch" -- September 13, 2015

(Atlantic City, New Jersey) -- I am in Atlantic City watching the contestants – including my own daughter – compete for the title of “Miss America.” The competition is fierce, with each young lady trying to stay focused on her platform; trying to make cogent presentations in front of the judges and audience; and, ultimately trying to come out on top. In many respects, eleven of the Republican Presidential candidates will try to do much the same this Wednesday in their CNN/Reagan Presidential Library Debate. Let’s “brunch” on what each needs to do this week:

“I’m Paying for this Microphone, Mr. Green!” – It remains the greatest primary debate in modern American Presidential history. In 1980 – on the eve of the New Hampshire Primary – a newspaper editor tried to silence the microphone of then-candidate and former Governor Ronald Reagan (R-CA). It was a debate Reagan organized with his own campaign funds. The combative, take-charge, tough-guy, former actor prevailed; and it forever sealed Reagan’s “Don’t you mess with me” persona. (Video/photo above). Many candidates in this crowded 2016 Republican field need a similar “Reagan moment!”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OO2_49TycdE

“Trump’s Tone” – If I were his coach (and he’s his own coach), I would advise Donald Trump to tone it down now. He’s clearly the front runner, pulling way ahead. He should remember Reagan’s 11th Commandment, “Thou Shalt Not Speak Ill of a Fellow Republican!” Plus, they are debating in the Reagan Library, which is like a cathedral to conservatives. When in “church,” you should behave.

“Bush Bash” – If Trump needs to tone it down, former Governor Jeb Bush (R-FL) needs to step it up. If fact, he needs to drink three Red Bulls before he goes on stage. He played it safe in the first debate and really said nothing memorable or combative. His poll numbers went down, and Trump’s went up. Bush needs a “Reagan moment.”

“Walker’s Walk” – Like Jeb Bush, Governor Scott Walker (R-WI) really needs to wake up and smell the coffee. Walker also played it safe in the Fox debate and was completely unmemorable. Walker – the only Governor in American history to survive a recall election – has a story to tell. He’s the only politician in the U.S. who has successfully taken on the powerful public employees’ unions and won. That has made him a lightning rod, so he should take that torch and run with it, instead of downplaying it.

“Dr. Ben Carson” – As with Donald Trump, the political outsider mantle has been grabbed with gusto by Dr. Ben Carson. He is now number two in the Republican polling, with his numbers growing. Carson is inspiring, but he needs to show a better command of the facts. In a recent interview, he completely booted a discussion on specifics of foreign policy. He needs to do some serious homework. Voters like being inspired, but they want competence, too.

“Stay Calm; Be Presidential” – The surprise of the first debate was Governor John Kasich (R-OH). Political junkies like me know him, but most people beyond the Ohio borders do not. In the first debate, he came off as sober and clearly the most experienced politician on stage. Two decades in Congress – including Chair of the powerful House Budget Committee – plus two terms as Ohio Governor, make him well qualified for the Oval Office. He needs to keep saying: “Last time we balanced the federal budget, I was Chairman of the House Budget Committee!” It’s his “bumper sticker” of competence.

“I Am Woman! Hear Me Roar!” – To many voters, Carly Fiorina, is the viable alternative to Hillary Clinton. This is true of many Republicans, independents and even some Democrats who say it’s time for the first female U.S. President. Fiorina needs to say: “Of all the candidates in both parties, I’m the only one to ever run a Fortune 500 company.” She has a great personal story, and she needs to sell it. She also needs to go on the offensive, and even to be combative. When she does, she’s good.

“Chris Christie” – My advice to Governor Chris Christie (R-NJ) is “Be combative and fight, fight, fight!” Trump has stolen Christie’s “angry man” mantle, and Christie needs to reclaim his crown. If he doesn’t soon, his campaign will fade fast.

“Marco Rubio” – Did anyone speak Spanish in the first debate? If they did, I don’t remember it. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) – like Jeb Bush – is fluent is Spanish. The GOP needs a stronger Hispanic outreach this year to win the White House. Both men need to give some of their answers in this debate in Spanish, as well as in English. Look, it’s an asset, and it’s foolish not to deploy a powerful weapon. Politics is about leverage. Use it!

“Paul’s Paul” – Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) needs to continue on his frequent anti-Republican, pro-libertarian bent. People like that he’s not afraid to take on his own party about partnering with Democrats in big, intrusive government. When he gets feisty, he’s at his best.

“Huckabee” – Former Governor Mike Huckabee (R-AR) needs to keep painting himself as the true, right wing conservative in the race, all while standing in the “House of Reagan.” Huckabee has taken some controversial stances as perhaps the most conservative in the race. He needs to really “own” that and be unapologetic. After all, this is the primary, where candidates can run hard right or hard left and then run to the center in the general election.

“Cruzin’ for a Bruisin’” – Despite his surname, Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) is not fluent in Spanish. In his mixed family home, they spoke what he calls “Span-glish,” a hybrid of the two languages. Still, the Hispanic vote is up for grabs; and Cruz needs to at least speak the language when he can in the debate. This entire Presidential election may come down to two demographic groups – women and Hispanics. The GOP must do better with both.

What are your predictions for Wednesday night’s CNN debate? Click the comment button at www.MarkCurtisMedia.com.

© 2015 Mark Curtis Media, LLC.

Photo/video credit: TheMacallan223@youtube.com