A great deal of tonight’s debate is likely to center on the main issue of national security, as this will be the first campaign forum since the Paris and San Bernadino terrorism attacks. President Barack Obama has been blasted by many of his GOP rivals for not speaking empathetically to the fears of many Americans.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, Dr, Ben Carson and Florida Sen. Marco Rubio have at times been accused of playing up the fears of Americans for their own political purposes.
The first question tonight should be: Should the American public be afraid of terrorism in the United States? The answers to this very simply question could give the people of this country a real idea as to the presidential poise of all the candidates.
Here are a few other questions that each candidate will likely be asked tonight.
How do the candidates plan to militarily defeat ISIS (ISL) while at the same time bring an end to the Syrian civil war?
Will they send U.S. troops into Syria to fight?
Will a large U.S. military presence back in the Middle East need to come as part of a collation that includes not just NATO allies but troops from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Turkey?
Will the U.S. change their visa programs by getting more access to data on travelers to the United States?
What powers should the federal government have to detect terrorist activity and what safeguards will they use to protect our civil liberties?
Will local law enforcement work closer with both the FBI and Homeland Security in making sure citizens are safe?
These are a few of the questions you can expect to hear the candidates answer tonight. Let us know if there is a question you want answered. Join us on twitter during the debate @NTFLA_Politics