GOP debate light on jabs, heavy on substance

Tom Abrahams Image
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
Republican debate heavy of substance, light on jabs
The fourth Republican debate brought a broad focus on the economy and not much else. abc13's Tom Abrahams reports.

MILWAUKEE, WI (KTRK) -- The Republican debate in Milwaukee was not like those previously seen. Instead of a lot of personality and jabs, the debate was focused much more on policy.

Donald Trump says the difference was evident in a debate that touched on taxes, foreign policy, the economy and minimum wage.

"I thought it was very elegant," Trump says. "I mean, it stayed on business, it stayed on policy. I thought it was really elegant and beautiful."

On the minimum wage, Ben Carson said during the debate that an increase would mean less work, especially for minorities.

"Every time we raise the minimum wage, the number of jobless people increases," Carson says. "It's particularly a problem in the black communities."

RELATED: Republican debate on economic policy features flubs, funny numbers

Immigration was a hot button, too. Trump and Texas Senator Ted Cruz disagreed with John Kasich and Jeb Bush on reform.

"It's not embracing American values. It would tear communities apart," Bush says. "And it would send the signal that we're not the kind of country that I know America is."

Texas congressman Louie Gohmert, who backs Ted Cruz, says everyone on stage last night had a good showing-including the moderators of the debate.

"I thought everybody had a good moment here and there," Gohmert said. "I enjoyed it a lot more with the moderators allowing the candidates to go at each other more and not injecting themselves. "

Now that debate number four is over, all of the candidates are hitting the road on the campaign trail again, including Trump who will be in Beaumont on Saturday.