http://www.cnbc.com/id/45229930GOP Debate: Weak Economy Takes Center Stage Tonight
Published: Wednesday, 9 Nov 2011 | 6:22 PM ET Text Size By: Jeff Cox
CNBC.com Senior Writer
ROCHESTER, Mich. — High unemployment, a teetering economy and Europe on the brink sets a daunting backdrop for Wednesday's debate for a Republican presidential field without a clear leader. Photo: Mark Koba | CNBC.com
CNBC GOP Debate 2011
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oh, and throw in some saucy allegations of sexual misconduct against one of the leading candidates and it adds up to what should be an eventful night.
The GOP race thus far has amounted to a carousel of flavors-of-the-week, with voters unsure whether to pick quick-witted businessmen, dapper ex-governors or darlings of the tea party right.
CNBC is moderating the debate at Oakland University, which is nestled in a tony suburb that both supported President Obama in 2008 and, two years later, Republican Gov. Rick Snyder, who has waged war with the state's labor unions.
The debates have become fairly pedestrian affairs as of late. But as many as five sexual harassment allegations against front-runner Herman Cain could change that.
Jeff Cox
Senior Writer
CNBC.com
For those on campus, the battle is an important one with the future both of the country and the 40,000 students on campus in the balance.
"It's a very important event for our campus," says Theresa Rowe, chief information officer at the university. "This campus is heavily oriented toward the sciences. We're very interested to hear what the candidates have to say about supporting this area."
Among the students, though, there's high anticipation and anxiety over what the Republicans can tell them about their future, which includes questions over the economy at home and abroad, where European debt turmoil serves as a daily reminder about how uncertain conditions are ahead.
College campuses are often considered bastions of liberalism. But at Oakland, the student population seems to reflect the surrounding community — which is to say just the types of swing voters the candidates will need to upset the incumbent.
"That's pretty huge that they picked Oakland University more than any other university in the country" for the debate site, says Devon Ancell, a freshman who leans Democrat but thinks Michigan native and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney is "the most professional" among the GOP choices.
"Most people tend to look at parties and that's the way they go," Ancell adds. "That can really lead you in the wrong direction."
http://www.cnbc.com/id/45229930
