From his perch on the Fox Business Network, where he serves as senior vice president and the managing editor of business news, Neil Cavuto is one of the most influential journalists on the national scene. Cavuto currently hosts “Your World” on Fox News and “Cavuto on Business" on the Fox Business Network.
The Fox Business Network will host the fourth round of debates between the Republican presidential hopefuls on Tuesday night and Cavuto will be one of the moderators. Sunshine State News caught up with Cavuto as he offered his insights on the race and Tuesday night’s debates.
Sunshine State News: Among the many criticisms leveled at the CNBC moderators for the last Republican presidential debate was their lack of questions about the economy despite that topic supposed to be the focus of the debate. Will you and the other Fox Business moderators give more attention to economic issues at Tuesday's debate?
Neil Cavuto: It’s what we do. Money is all we are about. I like to tell people that Fox Business isn’t red or blue, it’s green – just green, just money. We focus on who’s spending it, who’s wasting it, and when it comes to those who want to be the next president of the United States, who’s got the best plan to help us make more of it. I think the fact that we embrace that, and appreciate that, and the importance of that will help set a very different tone for this debate.
Sunshine State News: What are your impressions of the two Republicans leading the polls--Donald Trump and Dr. Ben Carson--and what is at stake for the two of them on Tuesday night?
Neil Cavuto: What’s perhaps most remarkable about both men is that together they account for half or more of the polled Republican support. That’s especially intriguing, given the fact that this doesn’t appear to be any fleeting fixation. Unlike other “outside the box” candidates in the past, these guys aren’t going anywhere. Even Herman Cain, who Republicans were romancing this time four years ago, told me that’s what makes this cycle different. As he put it, “people are sick and tired of being sick and tired.” I think that aptly summed up this rage, and it shows no signs of dissipating anytime soon.
Sunshine State News: Former Gov. Jeb Bush spoke less than the other candidates at the last debate and he has garnered poor reviews for his campaign so far. What does Bush need to do to regain momentum?
Neil Cavuto: The remarkable thing about Jeb Bush’s predicament is that he was an accomplished governor. Even his critics would give him that much. But that record and his considerable family brand has done little to help him stand out. If anything, it has become a detriment. If you think about it, establishment figures with proven results haven’t necessarily jelled on this national stage. Just take a look at Scott Walker and Rick Perry, two other state executives, whose own legislative successes didn’t propel them on the national political stage. Perhaps that’s because of the crowded nature of the stage, and when it comes to these debates, the unique skill sets required for this stage. It comes down to passion and effectively and succinctly connecting with people. My dad used to say you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Gov. Bush has had a few chances now to make that impression, and he hasn’t registered. The process being what it is, he’s running out of time to give voters a better impression of who he is.
Sunshine State News: Marco Rubio won high marks in the latest debate. What does Rubio need to do to keep gaining steam?
Neil Cavuto: In politics, as in life, it’s all about, “what have you done for me lately.” We’ve seen with Carly Fiorina that one breakout debate performance doesn’t necessarily translate into lasting political traction. You have to keep impressing, keep wow’ing, and keep amazing. That’s very hard, because it’s not just about delivering pithy lines or quick zingers. It’s about building on an impression you’re someone to watch – hard to do when other people on a still crowded stage are clawing for folks to watch them too. Sen. Rubio knows this whole process well. In each and every debate, he’s been solid because he’s been succinct and clear. He does his homework. People now expect that, so with each new public forum he’s got to build on that. That’s the pressure that comes with being a phenomenon. You always have to be phenomenal. Let’s just say, not easy.
Sunshine State News: Are there any dark horses you are keeping your eye on to make a big splash in the debate tonight?
Neil Cavuto: Little more than two months ago, Carly Fiorina was considered a dark horse, before an undercard debate made her a breakout star. Recently Ted Cruz has been gaining traction. Then there’s Chris Christie. Even though he failed to make the main prime time debate stage, look at the enormous reaction he’s been getting discussing drug addiction. Those comments have gone viral, not just because he tapped an important issue, but the way he tapped it and framed it. He put it in terms for a party that sometimes has difficulty coming to terms with raw and heartfelt emotionally vexing issues. That’s the kind of stuff that creates its own buzz, and for the New Jersey governor, I suspect his own political surge as well.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or follow him on Twitter: @KevinDerbySSN
