I must be honest, I was impressed with how well the GOP debate went. I learned a lot about the candidates and have changed my opinion on certain ones. I also learned who Dr. Ben Carson was. But I was disappointed in some of the topics that were not discussed. What I think the people choosing the questions don't realize is that this debate should not have been focused on the republican viewers, but rather the ones that are on the fence. I am one of those viewers that watched in order to learn what direction the Republican party is going to take in this election and if it may be the better route to take compared to the Democrats. That being said, the debate should have addressed topics that each candidate would have a different answer to. The questions on abortion should not have been asked because the bottom line is all of these candidates are pro-life, we know that. These are topics that could have replaced those questions, and the last question which asked if the candidates received a message from God as to what route they should take in office. Really? Yes.

1.) Education

-- Although Common Core was "discussed," there was no talk or acknowledgment of America's decline in global rankings in math and reading: we are not even in the top 20 internationally. This is something that should be a priority of Washington. Someone should also be addressing the constant disproportional increase in cost of higher education, especially since 14.1% of the population is of the ages 18-24, who are affected by these high costs. Higher education is becoming more and more of a necessity, which means it should be more accessible. All parents and students worry about the cost of school. Giving them peace of mind is important, and that starts with addressing the problem this country has with its education system.

2.) The Economy-- Job Plans/ Minimum Wage

-- Many of the candidates threw out statistics of what the country is currently like. Yes, we are in debt; that is old news. What should have been asked was what approach these candidates would take in order to work towards slowing the constant growing debt. How would these candidates create accessible full time jobs for those who are stuck with part-time or do not have one at all? Also, surprisingly, minimum wage was not brought up at all. This subject has been discussed and evolving for years now, and I believe it is at the point where it should be a topic of debate.

3.) Cuba

-- This topic should've been discussed because, politically, it would test who sticks to their guns. Sen. Rubio is openly opposed to the recently repaired relations with Cuba, while Sen. Rand Paul actually stated it was a "good idea." It would have been interesting to ask both of these men their stance on the issue. Rand Paul was one of the only Republicans to support the agreement, but would that have changed or been twisted on live television in front of millions of viewers?

4.) Energy and the Environment

-- This is a topic that I am very upset was not discussed because it ties the environment, economics, business, and trade all together. I think this would have been a perfect question for Donald Trump since he prides himself on his knowledge of trade and China. China has the highest government investment in clean energy and is the lead producer of Solar PVs (35% of the global market). Clean energy can give countries and businesses an edge in the global market, not to mention a healthier population and planet. This topic cannot be avoided in politics any longer, and it needed to be addressed in this debate. Jeb Bush mentioned the words "clean energy" in his closing speech and was probably waiting for a question on it, but unfortunately never received one.

5.) Gun Control

-- You would think that after all of the shootings that have happened within the past four years that gun control would come up in a presidential debate. Although it is a touchy topic, it is important to know where the candidates stand on this subject. This topic is just as important as ISIS because it relates to violence happening at home. Do candidates think there needs to be change with how guns are sold and regulated? If so in what way? It has become apparent that something needs to change, whether it be more strict regulations or the candidates own answer; but they do need to have an answer because the issue will be addressed and should have been addressed at the GOP debate.