Everyone has their own pre-game routine, and that’s no different for the Republican presidential hopefuls squaring off at Wednesday’s CNN debate.
For Sen. Rand Paul on this debate day, that means going shooting — shooting the tax code, to be exact.
“I will be out shooting target practice in the morning,” Paul said on CNN’s “The Lead” Tuesday. “I will be shooting the tax code with some friends tomorrow morning, and that will be my preparation.”
It’s not too far of a stretch for the Republican presidential candidate from Kentucky; in July he chopped up the tax code with a chain saw to promote his tax plan.
But it definitely stands out as a debate warm-up ahead of CNN’s showdown Wednesday night at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley.
Some of his rivals are taking a quieter approach.
Former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina will play solitaire to stay relaxed and focused before having lunch with her husband, Frank, according to her campaign.
Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush is going to church with his wife, Columba, while Ohio Gov. John Kasich plans to fit in some policy discussions with advisers as well as a workout (we hear he likes the elliptical machine and lifting weights).
Former Sen. Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania may browse through the Reagan library again like he did before he was on the debate stage in the last presidential election. He’ll also do some more policy prep, but “he keeps it pretty low key on debate day,” said spokesman Matt Beynon.
Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal is planning to hit the gym as well as dine on a lunchtime meal of slices of pizza and a Diet Coke.
Santorum and Jindal will both be featured in the 6 p.m. debate, before the prime-time one.
The candidates will also do a walk-through of the debate venue during the day. All told, 15 presidential hopefuls will take part in two debates Wednesday night.