- the moderator of the debate was wolf blitzer. this is one hour 45 minutes. [applause] from the university of north florida in jacksonville florida, this is the republican debate. they are here to tell us what they are the most qualified to take on president barack obama. members of the florida republican party are here with us. some of them will have a chance to question the candidates. our sister network cnn espanol is standing by. it will also have a chance to question the candidates. make sure to include the attached tag #cnndebate. it is now time to walk on the 2012 republican presidential contenders. it is time to welcome the two dozen 12th republican presidential contenders. joining us on stage texas congressman at ron paul. [applause] former massachusetts governor mitt romney. [applause] the former speaker of the house newt gingrich. [applause] and the former u.s. senator from pennsylvania, rick santorum. [applause] ladies and gentlemen the republican press t