Which federal programs would you cut?
Are too many legal immigrants coming into the country?
Would you select a running mate who is pro-life and against same-sex marriage?
Five Republican presidential candidates auditioned one-by-one before three conservative heavyweights Monday night in South Carolina to answer these types of questions at the “American Principles Project Palmetto Freedom Forum” in Columbia.
Iowa Rep. Steve King posed questions on immigration and American exceptionalism, Princeton professor Robby George, a leading conservative intellectual, prodded the candidates on abortion and marriage and South Carolina Sen. Jim DeMint asked about the country’s debt.
“That’s a difficult question because that’s a long list,” Texas Rep. Ron Paul said to laughter when asked to name things the federal government should stop doing. “I’d rather me give the list of things we should keep. That would be a short list.”
Paul continued: “We should have a system of sound money and property rights and contacts. We should have a judicial system. We should have … a defense of this country. That was not meant to be for the states. But not a heck of a lot else.”
On the same question, Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann said she’s willing to look into getting rid of the Department of Education. (RELATED: Perry pulls out of event due to wildfires back home)
“The constitution does not specifically enumerate nor does it give to the federal government, the role and duty to superintend over education,” she said.
When the topic turned to social issues, Bachmann pledged to pick a running mate who shares her opposition to abortion and same-sex marriage.
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, who made news by initially rejecting an invitation to the forum, said he talks to his wife and prays when making difficult decisions.
“I go on my knees,” he said. “I’m a person of faith and I look for inspiration.”
He also answered questions about abortion by saying he will appoint justices to the Supreme Court who will overturn Roe v. Wade, but wouldn’t endorse the idea suggested by George that Congress could override the court decision through the 14th amendment.
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, asked by King about immigration, noted that he favors establishing English as the national language, pointing out that “there are over 200 languages spoken in the Chicago school system, there are over 180 languages spoken at Miami-Dade Junior College.”
Businessman Herman Cain, also responding to a question from King, said he would “oppose amnesty in any form,” but wouldn’t go as far to say there are too many legal immigrants coming into the country.
Texas Governor Rick Perry was planning to attend, but cancelled Sunday to return to his state because of the wildfires. Other candidates — including former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman and former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum — were not invited, due to a formula devised by the group’s organizers requiring a polling average of 5 percent or more.
Invitations to the event were also sent to former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, though neither accepted the offer.
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