Stakes Are High For GOP Debate As Trump Continues To Lead Pack
Follow CBSMIAMI.COM: Facebook | Twitter
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – The stakes couldn't be higher in tonight's republican debate.
Florida votes next Tuesday and time is running out to sway voters.
"Tonight is the opportunity for the other candidates to make their case here in Florida to all the voters and if they don't do it tonight, they may not have a chance to in the coming days," said University of Miami Professor Joe Uscinski.
Professor Uscinski figures for other candidates to have a shot at the nomination they all have to take aim at Donald Trump.
"They're really going to have to band together and really pound Trump," explained Uscinski. "They have to go after him on his business deals, some of which are unsavory. They're going to have to go after his language which many people believe is not presidential and they're going to have to make the case that he's just not the person to be in the White House."
They also have to go after Latin voters.
Senator Marco Rubio, of course, is of Cuban descent, while in Florida, we also hear Senator Ted Cruz referring to his Cuban heritage.
Actress Eva Longoria and Texas Congressman Joaquin Castro are in South Florida also pushing the importance of the Latin vote.
They're both fierce democrats and are not impressed with the republican field of candidates
"I feel like immigrants and the Latino community have been slandered this season, really slandered," said Castro.
Longoria is urging Hispanics of all backgrounds to get out and vote, but does not support either Latin candidate on the republican side.
"We are 17% of the population but one percent of elected officials," said Longoria. "That's unfortunate, because if we don't have a seat at the table, we don't have out perspective being told or represented."
