GOP debate focuses on economy in wake of stimulus plan
BOCA RATON, Fla. -- Facing a pivotal primary in Florida next week, the Republican presidential candidates jousted Thursday over who has the best background to deal with the nation's economic slump.
John McCain stressed his congressional efforts to cut "pork barrel spending," Mitt Romney his business background and Rudy Giuliani his tenure as mayor of New York City.
The candidates also repeatedly criticized possible Democratic opponent Hillary Rodham Clinton, saying she and her party would increase taxes and government spending.
"We will clean up our act," McCain said, when asked about surveys showing that voters now have less confidence in President Bush and the Republican Party on economic policy. "And we will regain the confidence of the American people as being careful stewards of their tax dollars."
McCain is battling atop state polls with Romney, who said he would "run away from the record of Washington" and tap his experience as a venture capitalist, Winter Olympics organizer and Massachusetts governor.
The primary is Tuesday.
Giuliani, who is trying to salvage his presidential campaign with a strong showing here, said his performance as mayor shows he can turn around a government. Giuliani is third in the latest polls, but predicted he would emulate the New York Giants' football victory last Sunday over the Green Bay Packers. "We're going to come from behind and surprise everyone," he said.
Mike Huckabee, who has been criticized for raising some taxes while governor of Arkansas, defended his record and proposed rebuilding the U.S. infrastructure.
Ron Paul said he would "reinstate Republican principles" on lower taxes and spending. All the candidates except Paul stood by the Iraq war, and said the current strategy is now working. McCain said the war was "a good idea," but was "not worth the failures" that followed the toppling of Saddam Hussein.
Paul drew some applause from the audience by saying the war "was a very bad idea and it wasn't worth it." The 90-minute debate at Florida Atlantic University, broadcast on MSNBC, came just hours after Bush and congressional leaders announced a deal to boost the economy. The candidates said it was a good start, but all promised to do more if they got elected.
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