Michigan's Auto Industry Takes Center Stage at Republican Debate in Dearborn
The Republican candidates' debate took place in Dearborn, Michigan on October 9, 2007. As you might imagine, Michigan's most important industry was one of the main topics of discussion. The candidates were pretty much agreed that America needs to ween itself off of foreign sources of energy (i.e., oil). Pretty much all nine of the candidates said that the solution to America's energy needs must include alternative sources such as nuclear power, increased refinery capacity, ethanol production, and production of higher tech hybrids automobiles.
The debate was an especially important event for the Big 3. As we all know, Michigan's auto industry has been closing factories and hemoraging tens of thousands of jobs. The domestic new car marketshare of Ford, GM, and Chrysler is currently at an all time low -- just 50% according the current estimates.
The candidates each had their own unique takes on the economic situation. Senator McCain mirrored President Bush's position that the Big 3 need to take responsibility for creating compelling product that the American public will want to buy. Mitt Romney said he supports more investment in technology and research. California congressman Duncan Hunter called into question America's ability to protect its national security in the face of its massive loss of manufacturing capacity. Perhaps the most amusing debater of the evening was Fred Thompson, if only for the way he seemed to be totally out of touch with Michigan's economic situation. First, he painted a very rosey picture of the economy, calling it "dynamic" with the relevant economic indicators looking good. He finished off his upbeat assessment by stating that he would not agree to bail out the auto industry, because its problems do not arise to the level of "affecting the economy and national security."
Given the Democrats punishment of Michigan for breaking party primary rules, you would have thought the GOP debaters would have been able to take advantage of a golden opportunity to speak directly to Michigan voters on the issues that matter most. Mostly, they just looked out of touch.
