Carson, Bush Make Fla. Stop While Republican Campaigns Hold Future Debates Meeting
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson and former Gov. Jeb Bush held several events in central and northern Florida on Monday, while aides for most of the Republican presidential campaigns met behind closed doors in a Virginia hotel to take control over future debates.
They sent out a letter with a list of questions and demands for broadcasters hosting upcoming debates. The demands come after candidates criticized the handling of last week's debate hosted by CNBC.
"I think there's general agreement that the last debate was a farce and that something needs to be done about it," said Carson. "It's a waste of everybody's time when you do it that way and sometimes things have to get pretty bad before people take action."
"If you watched the debate, you probably came away thinking the election is about soundbites," said Bush.
The campaigns are asking debate hosts not to ask yes or no questions without time to provide a substantive answer, having a lightning rounds or allowing candidate to candidate questioning.
"We should all use more leverage to get more objective broadcasters and moderators," said candidate Rand Paul.
Many believe Jeb Bush was hurt during the CNBC Debate.
He's working to revitalize his campaign with a new slogan, "Jeb Can Fix It."
He is hoping to focus less on his debate performance and more on his record as governor of Florida.
On Sunday's Face The Nation, Marco Rubio said Bush has been advised to attack him.
Proof that debates still matter, Rubio is getting a boost in the polls from his performance.
He's now in third place in New Hampshire behind Donald Trump and Carson.
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