With potential Republican presidential contenders headed to Orlando to speak at an event organized by Gov. Rick Scott's political group, Neil Cavuto will have a front row seat to the political cattle show.
Seven possible Republican presidential candidates -- former Gov. Jeb Bush of Florida, Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey, former Gov. Mike Huckabee of Arkansas, Gov. Bobby Jindal of Louisiana, former Gov. Rick Perry of Texas, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida and Gov. Scott Walker of Wisconsin -- are scheduled to talk about the economy at the Let's Get to Work-sponsored event on Tuesday.
From his perch at the Fox Business Network, where he serves as senior vice president and managing editor of business news, Cavuto is one of the most influential journalists on the national scene. He currently hosts “Your World” and "Cavuto on Business” on Fox News and “Cavuto: Coast to Coast" on the Fox Business Network.
Cavuto will be live in Florida for “Cavuto: Coast to Coast” on the Fox Business Network from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday and on “Your World” on Fox News from 4 to 5 p.m. later in the afternoon.
Sunshine State News asked Cavuto Monday about his take on the event, the potential candidates’ plans for the economy and what Florida Republicans should pay attention to at this early stage in the 2016 race.
Sunshine State News: With seven possible presidential contenders talking about the economy on Tuesday, what should Republicans listen for?
Cavuto: Republican voters, or potential voters, are more in the “kicking-the-tire” stage right now. They’re eager to hear what the candidates who are coming to this event are saying about taxes and government spending. Florida voters, in particular, aren’t monolithic. Some might be interested in hearing about tax cuts, but I suspect many will be seeing such cuts as part of a bigger party message. How will this simplify government, even restrain government? The candidate who articulates that vision clearly and succinctly will be rewarded. But it can’t be a patronizing message or one without a long-term vision for setting this country on the right fiscal course.
Sunshine State News: Should the presidential candidates offer the details of their economic plans this early in the campaign or can they get away with being vague at this time?
Cavuto: Normally the candidates at this stage of the game aim to be vague. Why get caught in specifics when a sweeping vista will do just fine? The problem, though, is that with so many running, these guys have to find a way to stand out. That means offering specifics early to differentiate themselves. Stepping back, each of the major candidates coming to Orlando has outlined a plan to cut taxes. But some go even further at the risk of both poking and potentially ticking off the base. Chris Christie, for example, is already on record saying he wants to means-test Social Security and raise the retirement age. In a state like Florida, that could open him up for some criticism. But he certainly stands out. That’s what this crowded field does, too. There’s no time to waste, so for good or ill, get your policies out … fast.
Sunshine State News: What lessons can the various Republican candidates learn from Rick Scott on economic issues?
Cavuto: Good things take time. Whether you’re conservative or liberal, a proponent of big government or less government, “moving” government doesn’t happen overnight. The governor’s efforts to right Florida’s economic ship didn’t happen overnight, but it happened. Some credit the overall national improving economy. I suppose, to some degree, that’s fair. But Gov. Scott’s more sweeping efforts to encourage businesses and offer them incentives changed the impression of Florida itself as a more business-friendly state. That goes a long way, but again, it took time. No doubt, the governor will remind these candidates that the Reagan approach to cutting taxes and regulations doesn’t just flip switches overnight … even in Reagan’s case , it took a couple of years. I expect Gov. Scott to remind each and all, to stay the course, stick to their guns, and provide the road map to voters, that history proves the good results … come.
Sunshine State News: Which of the seven speakers -- Jeb Bush, Chris Christie, Mike Huckabee, Bobby Jindal, Rick Perry, Marco Rubio and Scott Walker -- are experts on the economy and which ones aren’t?
Cavuto: Since most of them are governors or former governors, the economic part comes with the territory. They have clear executive records to run on, or run from. In Christie’s case in New Jersey, the state’s credit rating has been repeatedly lowered, in the face of stubborn debt issues that still haunt him. Still, Christie will no doubt say he’s been surprisingly effective in this very blue state, and working with a Republican Congress he could be even more so as president. None of this means that Sen. Rubio is at a disadvantage not being a governor, just that his foreign policy credentials might be stronger. But on domestic issues, it’s important to remember that Rubio was among the first to offer a very coherent and reasonable tax cut plan that benefits both businesses and individuals. Each and all has a credible economic case to make. Much will depend, after this economic summit, who makes it best.
Sunshine State News: With two favorite sons from Florida and other candidates like Ben Carson and Mike Huckabee with ties to the Sunshine State, what do the various Republican hopefuls have to do to carry Florida?
Cavuto: I remember chatting with Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker on this very issue last week – was it worth the time, effort and money to try and compete in Florida when it would likely be Rubio and Bush fighting it out for the win. He made clear he would try and bring his case to Floridians, but seemed to acknowledge these two Sunshine statesmen had the “home court advantage.” I think all candidates realize Florida simply is too important to pass up. You don’t. And Florida voters likely would remember those that do.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or follow him on Twitter: @KevinDerbySSN
