With tonight's GOP Debate on CNN only hours away, many are wondering who, exactly, is the true frontrunner in the race for the Republican nomination. Of course, Donald Trump and Ben Carson lead in many polls (both national, and statewide), and the field is extremely large and fickle. However, two contenders represent the diverging factions of the party, and to many, stand the best chance of securing the nomination. Ted Cruz is relentless in his appeal to the conservative base of the party, though he has largely avoided the controversy that inexorably follows Mr. Trump. Marco Rubio, on the other hand, is a Republican Establishment sweetheart. He presents a more moderate vision of America that the RNC hopes will help him in the general election, should he win the nomination.
As the New York Times reports, both candidates are "wunderkinds." That is to say, they are extremely adept politicians, well educated, and incredibly successful given their ages and time in Congress. The divide between these candidates is more symbolic than it seems. Although Donald Trump's clinching of the Republican nomination is a possibility, many believe it is unlikely. Thus, an alternative must be found to the incendiary, xenophobic loudmouth that has forced his way into headlines since announcing his campaign on June 16th.
Ted Cruz is now polling second nationally, behind Trump, and is leading in the most recent Iowa poll. Thus, his presence cannot be brushed off. Cruz represents the passionate base of the Republican party, which is generally anti-immigration and increasingly paranoid about America's security. Cruz has played to these political issues, and is clearly succeeding.
Marco Rubio, on the other hand, endorses a "path to citizenship" for illegal immigrants already living in the United States. The candidate also differs with Cruz on national security, saying he is "part of that coalition that worked with the Democrats like Chuck Schumer and the A.C.L.U. to harm our intelligence programs."
The contest between the two, while not currently the most high profile in the race, is extremely important for the direction of the Republican Party in the future.
