spot_imgspot_img

Debate watchers overwhelmingly undecided after first GOP debate

(The Center Square) – The New Hampshire chapter of Americans for Prosperity hosted a GOP presidential debate viewing Wednesday night, with 100 packing a Manchester restaurant opining on the candidates’ performances.

Granite State voters notoriously march to the beat of their own drums when it comes to presidential primaries, priding themselves as the first in the nation to vote and “picking presidents” – making last night’s event more significant.

Greg Moore, the New Hampshire state director for Americans for Prosperity, kicked off the event by asking how many had already decided which candidate they were supporting. According to Moore, only five raised their hands.

Moore said the group seemed to be encouraged by the candidates “debating policies, not people,” characterizing the debate as “enlightening.”

Those present appeared to be most energized by businessman and political rookie Vivek Ramaswamy, according to Moore. When asked by The Center Square what attracted the attendees to Ramaswamy, he replied, “[Ramaswamy] was ready to battle anyone. [He] made an impression.”

Moore described New Hampshire voters as “world-class tire kickers” – meaning they like to put candidates through the ringer.

“We couldn’t care less what Iowa does. ‘Iowa picks corn, New Hampshire picks presidents,’” he added.

When asked which issues stood out the most to those gathered, Moore said they were drawn to the foreign policy debate – specifically the topic of sending more aid to Ukraine. Once again, Ramaswamy’s stance scored the most points.

The other issues that resonated most were the economy, especially overall spending and inflation, according to Moore. He believes the economy will be a huge factor for New Hampshire voters come primary day.

In contrast, there was little reaction to issues like abortion and the ongoing Trump legal saga.

Interestingly, a recent Granite State Poll conducted by the University of New Hampshire Survey Center found that “more than 6 in 10 New Hampshire residents believe that former President Donald Trump will be convicted in at least one of the cases” against him. Less than a quarter believe Trump will do time in prison.

Additionally, the poll found most New Hampshire residents believe Trump committed a crime in “each of the four cases for which he has been indicted.”

It’s not clear whether the poll spells trouble for the former president in the Granite State. Moore said the Trump and Ramaswamy campaigns have made considerable “investments in building a [campaign] infrastructure in the state.” He added that Ramaswamy visits the state “pretty much every week, and he has made an impression on the state.”

Despite the piqued interest in Ramaswamy’s debate performance and visibility in the state, Moore said only 20 acknowledged the debate helped them decide which candidate they would support – with one won over by North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum.

DON’T MISS OUT

Be the first to know about the latest news, giveaways, events, and updates from The Black Chronicle!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

spot_imgspot_img
spot_img

Hot this week

African and Caribbean Nations Call for Reparations for Slave Trade, Propose Global Fund

Nations across Africa and the Caribbean, deeply impacted by...

Health care company agrees to pay $22.5 million to settle claims of over billing

A health care company agreed to pay nearly $22.5...

Sports betting expert offers advice on paying taxes for gambling winnings

(The Center Square) – Tax season is underway, and...

Entertainment district benefits don’t outweigh the cost, economists say

(The Center Square) — Weeks later, after more details...

Business association ‘disappointed’ by WA L&I’s proposed workers comp rate hike

(The Center Square) – The Association of Washington Business...

Browns will move to Brook Park, Cleveland mayor says

(The Center Square) – The Cleveland Browns plan to...

Environmental agency suggests monitoring systems to detect air pollution

(The Center Square) — The Community Air Monitoring and...

Ruling on Illinois’ gun ban expected sometime after Monday

(The Center Square) – A ruling on whether Illinois’...

Nearly $10M spent in U.S. House District 14

(The Center Square) – In Georgia’s 14th Congressional District,...

Colorado lawmakers oppose increased federal control over National Guard

(The Center Square) - A bipartisan group of 124...

Lawmaker flags Sedona firearms ordinance ‘enforceability’

(The Center Square) – Arizona Rep. Quang Nguyen, R-Prescott...

Arizona tutoring program available until end of school year

(The Center Square) – The Arizona Department of Education's...

More like this
Related

Browns will move to Brook Park, Cleveland mayor says

(The Center Square) – The Cleveland Browns plan to...

Environmental agency suggests monitoring systems to detect air pollution

(The Center Square) — The Community Air Monitoring and...

Ruling on Illinois’ gun ban expected sometime after Monday

(The Center Square) – A ruling on whether Illinois’...

Nearly $10M spent in U.S. House District 14

(The Center Square) – In Georgia’s 14th Congressional District,...