GOP candidates to take on national security in S.C. debate

But new poll suggests constituents care more about troubles at home.

By Gina Smith
gnsmith@thestate.com

Posted: Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011

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What each candidate must do:

Texas Gov. Rick Perry needs to assure GOP voters that he has the ability to go toe-to-toe with President Barack Obama, a polished debater, after an embarrassing stumble in a debate Wednesday. Perry's campaign has deep pockets, but South Carolina's GOP primary in January is a must-win.

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney needs to maintain his solid debate performances and solidify his front-runner status among S.C. Republicans. Many are still lukewarm on Romney and lack enthusiasm for his candidacy.

Business executive Herman Cain may welcome a discussion of foreign policy, since it will steer talk away from reporters about his sexual harassment charges.

Former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich must build on growing momentum that shows him climbing nationally.

The rest of the GOP pack must redouble their efforts to grab air time and impress S.C. voters who, polling shows, are still impressionable. Gina Smith

SPARTANBURG Eight GOP presidential candidates will debate national defense issues tonight in South Carolina, where conservatives have been steadfast in supporting national defense and military spending.

The S.C. Republican Party and CBS will host the debate at Wofford College. The debate is expected to focus on defending the nation against terrorism, the growing nuclear threat posed by Iran and the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan.

But a new poll, out this week, suggests the candidates might be better off talking more about their proposed cures for the country's domestic troubles.

The AARP poll found the economy is the top issue for 73 percent of older people in South Carolina, a dependable GOP voting bloc. Only 3.8 percent listed national defense and terrorism as their top issue.

What those seniors think matters in South Carolina, where more than half of likely GOP primary voters will be 55 and older, according to a September poll by Winthrop University.

When AARP asked seniors how to cut government spending and reduce the deficit, they overwhelmingly chose to withdraw troops from Iraq and Afghanistan, rather than cut Medicare or Social Security. Nearly 74 percent favored troop withdrawals to cutting Medicare and Social Security benefits.

The average age of the respondents was 64. The margin of error is 4.9 percent.

"Voters believe these services are essential to them - that they paid into them their whole life and that other places need to be cut before they consider (cutting) these programs," said Greg Strimple, the AARP pollster.

The GOP candidates are split on whether to bring U.S. troops home from Afghanistan.

Perry seems to favor withdrawing them. "It's time to bring our young men and women home and as soon - and, obviously, as safely - as we can," Perry said in a September debate.

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney has said he would defer to military commanders on the issue. Meanwhile, U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann of Minnesota has criticized President Barack Obama, saying he has pulled out some troops too soon.