The GOP Field Fires Opening Shots

Republican presidential hopefuls fired their opening salvos in the Granite State on Monday night, the first major debate in the GOP’s presidential nominating battle. We’ll ask what Republicans and all Americans will be looking for now and in 2012.

Will President Obama be a one-term president?

Michelle Bachmann said so last night. The Tea Party favorite was the break-out scene stealer at the first big Republican presidential campaign debate in New Hampshire.

Campaign you say? Already? While you’re still watching Stanley Cup hockey or the Bachelorette?

Well, yes. 2012 is just around the corner in campaign time.

The Republican field of contenders is standing up. Thundering against government, regulation, public spending. Against President Obama and the bad economy.

This hour On Point: the Republicans, kicking off for 2012.

- Tom AshbrookGuests:

James Pindell, writes the “Political Scoop” blog for WMUR, the ABC affiliate in Manchester, NH. He's also political director for WMUR.com.

Roger Simon, chief political columnist for Politico, and author of “Divided We Stand: How Al Gore Beat George Bush and Lost the Presidency.”

Mark McKinnon, Republican political strategist. He worked for former President George W. Bush and 2008 Republican presidential candidate Senator John McCain.