The Florida Republican Debate - A Look at the Candidate's Supporters

Eight Republican Presidential candidates took to the stage last night in Orlando, Florida. The candidates battled it out in front of 4,000 Republican activists, over 50 elected officials, and 300 credentialed media (including yours truly).

You've had the opportunity to watch the debate, analyze the transcripts or even read any number of other bloggers opinion of the events. I doubt that I have anything earth shattering to add to what you've already learned on that front so what I'm going to give you glimpse at is the supporters of each candidate. Most candidates had tables set up where supporters and campaign staff handed out literature, bumper stickers, yard signs and pitches for their guy with varying degrees of enthusiasm. Here are my impressions:

Mitt Romney - Romney's supporters seemed oddly comfortable, as if his people feel secure with his position in the various polls. Asked about Romney's perceived weakness as a social conservative they were unruffled and unconcerned. They pointed to the recent results from the FRC Straw Poll as proof that their candidate has what it takes to win over values voters.

Rudy Giuliani - By far Giuliani had the largest number of supporters. Where most other candidates had small clusters of supporters here and there with the occasional sign, large crowds of Giuliani supporters were present in every public area of the venue. They waved their printed and homemade signs enthusiastically and cheered almost constantly. His candidate table had the most goodies to pass out, the most printed literature and they were the best organized. His people were passionate.

[Another interesting note, last night I spoke to very few people who were undecided but I pressed those that were into picking a candidate. Almost every single one picked Rudy Giuliani.]

Fred Thompson - I'm a Fred supporter so I was eager to hear what the Thompson people had to say, too bad they weren't more eager to tell me. Maybe I'm being more harsh on them exactly because I want too root for their guy but I was, let's just say, underwhelmed by their presence and their enthusiasm. They knew their stuff, they could quote polling statistics right back at me but there just didn't seem to be any attempt to fire up support for Fred. I caught a glimpse of Jeri Thompson but she was swamped by people and I couldn't get near her for a comment.

John McCain - Cindy McCain doesn't believe in polls. Period. So don't bother trying to ask her about them. According to her John McCain is the only true and proven Conservative in the field, he's the toughest on the War on Terror and he's learned his lesson on immigration reform. Really! McCain's campaign people are quick and business like, they want your support but they aren't going to beg for it. They're convinced that the smart voters will vote for their guy.

Mike Huckabee - Mike Huckabee was represented by one lonely soul, an enthusiastic yet clearly overwhelmed young gentleman who passionately believes that his candidate is the only true Conservative in the bunch.

Duncan Hunter and Tom Tancredo - I'm lumping them together because at this point, support-wise, they're one and the same. Support and enthusiasm for both was minimal and consensus among most people at the event was that it's time for them both to drop out and free up resources for viable candidates. Note that with the other candidates I've linked to their site and their camp's summary of comments around the web about the debate last night. As of now Hunter's site hasn't updated with any summary or reaction from last night's debate. As matter of fact it looks as thought the site hasn't been updated at all since Oct. 15th. Tom Tancredo's site is only concerned with, what else? Illegal immigration.

Ron Paul - Ron Paul had huge printed presence at the debate. The street on the drive in was lined with Ron Paul signage and there were quite a few signs up in the hotel. So where were his supporters? It took me a while but I finally found two. One was Jessie Benton, a spokesman for the Ron Paul campaign, he was young, smart, articulate and friendly. Jessie wanted to talk primarily about Ron Paul being a Libertarian and fiscal conservative and he was passionate about his candidate. The other fellow I ran into, well let's just say he was a different sort. His primary beef was what he called the MSM's suppression of Ron Paul's popularity which he thinks should be clearly evident from all of Paul's online and telephone poll wins. When I asked him why, if Paul is so popular, there weren't more supporters in attendance he assured me that there were "legions" of supporters outside. I commented that it was currently pouring rain and he told me "That just shows how devoted they are." Okay. When he tried to convince me that all of the other Republican candidates are communists and only running to ensure a Hillary Clinton win I pulled my tinfoil cap more firmly onto my head and retreated to the media room.

~ For More ~

More photos, peeks behind the scenes and fashion commentary from The Radio Patriot.

[Photos here thanks to Ken Anthony of Rainfall.com. Thanks Ken! Ken is undecided, leaning towards Ron Paul and surprisingly normal!]