WASHINGTON (MEDIA GENERAL) – The latest Republican presidential debate created plenty of controversy and must-see TV moments but is unlikely to shift the leader board ahead of the Iowa caucus and New Hampshire primary.
Thursday night’s debate in North Charleston, South Carolina, was the first televised debate of the new year. One more debate is scheduled ahead of the first voting contests and will air on the FOX News Channel on January 28.
This weekend the three remaining Democratic presidential hopefuls will meet for a debate Sunday night in South Carolina. The event, airing on NBC, could be a chance for front-runner Hillary Clinton to strengthen her lead which has shrunk in early voting states including Iowa and New Hampshire.
On Friday, former front-runner Jeb Bush received an endorsement from Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina. The endorsement comes nearly a month after the Mr. Graham dropped his own bid for the White House.
“I have concluded without any hesitation, without any doubt, that Jeb Bush is ready on day one,” said Sen. Graham during a news conference.
The endorsement is unlikely to shift the polls for the former Florida governor who remains far behind billionaire businessman Donald Trump and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz.
GOP Presidential Standings
NBC/Wall Street Journal (Jan. 9 – Jan. 13)
Trump: 33%
Cruz: 20%
Rubio: 13%
Carson: 12%
Bush: 5%
Christie: 5%
For the latest in the race for the White House, follow @markpmeredith, @alexschuman,@chanceseales on Twitter.
