GOP Presidential Primary Debate

TAMPA, Fla. (Jan. 19, 2012) – The University of South Florida, in partnership with NBC News, the Tampa Bay Times, National Journal, and the Florida Council of 100, will host the Republican Presidential Primary Candidates Debate on Monday, Jan. 23 at 9 p.m. in USF's Theatre I. USF's Student Government is hosting a watch party on the western end of the Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza lawn, close to the theatre.

Debate Coverage

Day of the Debate Live Coverage

Dispatches from Campus

USF Student Debate Blogger Profiles

Debate Coverage

Social Media Breakdown: GOP Debate
Foursquare check-ins by candidates and a YouTube video were the highlights of the social media efforts surrounding the debate.

USF Students React to GOP Debate
Students left the watch party with mixed feelings about the debate and the candidates.

The Debate at USF: An Exercise in Free Speech
From on the streets to on-stage, the GOP Debate exemplified a university's role in nurturing free speech.

GOP Debate: Bulls in Focus
View the photo gallery of images taken throughout the day of the debate.

Republican Presidential Candidates Debate Watch Party - Jan. 23
Hosted by USF SG, the party will take place on the Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza lawn, close to the theatre.

Swing State Savvy
In analyzing Florida's political battleground, USF Professor Susan MacManus is the go-to guru.

Social Media and Politics: A Good Mix
USF expert says politicians can't overlook social media tools as a way of reaching voters and donors.

Winning Florida Important to Candidates
Florida's population, diversity and electoral votes make it an important prize for politicians.

Debate Watchers Include British and French Ambassadors
The two chief diplomats will be on campus Monday for various events and are expected to attend the GOP presidential debate.

Impact on Marshall Student Center
Preparations for Monday's debate is resulting in some changes to operations at the Marshall Student Center.

Parking Lot Information Through Debate Weekend
Some lots are closed due to the political debate on campus. Check out the impact.

Sponsors

Debate Polls

Republican Presidential Candidates

Remaining Candidates

Newt Gingrich
Former Speaker of the House
Age: 68
Home: McLean, Va.
Campaign Website

Ron Paul
U.S. Representative
Age: 76
Home: Lake Jackson, Texas
Campaign Website

Mitt Romney
Former Governor of Mass.
Age: 64
Home: Boston, Mass.
Campaign Website

Rick Santorum
Former U.S. Senator
Age: 53
Home: Great Falls, Va.
Campaign Website

Buddy Roemer
(Not invited to debates)
Former Governor of La.
Age: 68
Home: Baton Rouge, La.
Campaign Website

Withdrawn Candidates

Rick Perry
Governor of Texas
Age: 61
Home: Austin, Texas
Campaign Website
Withdrew: Jan. 19, 2012

Jon Huntsman
Former Governor of Utah
Age: 51
Home: Salt Lake City, Utah
Campaign Website
Withdrew: Jan. 16, 2012

Michele Bachmann
U.S. Representative
Age: 55
Home: Stillwater, Minn.
Campaign Website
Withdrew: Jan. 4, 2012

Herman Cain
Businessman
Age: 66
Home: Atlanta, Ga.
Campaign Website
Withdrew: Dec. 3, 2011

Thaddeus McCotter
U.S. Representative
Age: 46
Home: Livonia, Mich.
Campaign Website
Withdrew: Sept. 22, 2011

Tim Pawlenty
Former Governor of Minn.
Age: 51
Home: St. Paul, Minn.
Campaign Website
Withdrew: Aug. 14, 2011