http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-pn-fox-south-carolina-debate-20110503,0,4969337.storyThe first debate of the 2012 Republican presidential primary contest appears set to go forward Thursday – even if there is just one major candidate on stage.
Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty is the only top-tier candidate expected to participate in the forum at the Peace Center in Greenville, S.C.
Fox News, which is producing the debate with the South Carolina Republican Party, said the other anticipated participants were former Sen. Rick Santorum, Rep. Ron Paul of Texas, restaurant executive Herman Cain and former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson.
Former Louisiana Gov. Buddy Roemer, who was originally expected to be included, will not meet Fox News’ requirement of garnering at least 1% in the most five recent national polls, said Michael Clemente, senior vice president of news for the cable news channel.
Other Republicans considered likely or possible contenders in 2012 have opted not to participate, including former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, former Ambassador Jon Huntsman, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann, and former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin.
It seems a bit strange that the big names are ducking Fox News at this point. Anyway, in addition to discussing the merits of any candidates that may or may not be exhibiting the courage to attend this debate, what questions would you ask?
I have a couple -
Do you think the people that still doubt that President Obama was born in the United States have legitimate reasons to hold those doubts? If so, please explain those reasons.
What May 1st event best demonstrated the qualities you like to see in a Commander-in-Chief - George W. Bush's 2003 speech aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln where he announced the end of major combat operations in Iraq or President Obama's 2011 speech from the White House where he announced the killing of Osama bin Laden?