At the inaugural Republican debate, held on Wednesday, eight potential candidates vying for the 2024 presidential nomination engaged in a spirited battle to capture voters’ interest. Remarkably, the frontrunner, former President Donald Trump, chose to abstain from the proceedings.
The initial Republican presidential debate turned into a lively event as all eight candidates dove into intense exchanges. While some anticipated dullness in the absence of the charismatic showman, Donald Trump, that expectation was clearly shattered. Although Trump had previously dominated primary Republican debates in 2016, the competitors who gathered in Wisconsin demonstrated their capacity to generate enthusiasm without his presence.
Nevertheless, a few candidates managed to distinguish themselves from the rest, while others appeared to struggle on the periphery.
Below is an overview of the individuals who emerged as winners and those who faced setbacks.
Winners in the Republican Debate
Vivek Ramaswamy: Despite never having pursued a political position and abstaining from presidential voting between 2004 and 2020, he unequivocally commanded the Republican debate.
Wearing a wide grin and speaking with a sharp wit, he often appeared as the sole contender on the platform who derived genuine enjoyment from the proceedings. This could be attributed in part to his unexpected success as a newcomer to politics, affording him the luxury of playing without risks while occupying the spotlight.
He effortlessly parried attacks from his fellow contenders, even jesting that Mr. Christie seemed to be auditioning for a role on the left-leaning MSNBC, while Ms. Haley might be positioning herself for positions within defense contracting companies given her stance on Ukraine.
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In the midst of a climate change discussion, he asserted, “I stand alone on this stage, untethered by financial influences,” a statement that sparked a chorus of protests from his opponents.
Repeatedly, Mr. Ramaswamy positioned himself as an outsider in contrast to a group of well-established political figures. Many of his perspectives, such as advocating for Ukraine to relinquish territory to Russia, employing military measures to fortify the US-Mexico border, and imposing restrictions on US companies’ interactions with China, diverge significantly from the prevailing political norms, even within the Republican Party. However, as demonstrated by Mr. Trump in 2016, even unconventional and seemingly impractical policy suggestions can effectively capture attention.
While Mr. Ramaswamy might not possess the necessary political momentum to challenge Mr. Trump for the nomination, and his intentions might not even lean in that direction, the debate of the evening ensures that he will continue to wield influence in this race during the upcoming months.
Mike Pence: The seasoned statesman, with a background encompassing roles as a congressman, governor, and vice-president, retains a reservoir of determination.
Despite his presidential bid encountering obstacles – drawing ire from Trump supporters and skepticism from Trump critics – his wealth of experience on the debate stage proved invaluable on Wednesday night.
He initiated the offensive early, directing criticism towards Mr. Ramaswamy’s lack of experience, remarking, “This isn’t the right time for on-the-job training.”
He delivered a fervent appeal rooted in religion for nationwide restrictions on abortion. While this stance might not resonate favorably in the upcoming general election, it could potentially resonate with evangelical Republicans. These voters hold sway in pivotal states like Iowa and South Carolina, which hold significant influence in determining the party’s nominee.
When the conversation veered toward Mr. Trump in the latter part of the debate, Mr. Pence had the closing statement, asserting that he prioritized the Constitution on January 6, 2021, by refusing to overturn the election results at Mr. Trump’s request. Even a number of his opponents voiced their support for his stance.
The core challenges facing Mr. Pence’s campaign persist, but for at least one evening, he demonstrated why he was once regarded by numerous conservative Republicans as a viable presidential contender.
Nikki Haley: The ex-United States ambassador to the United Nations has consistently defied expectations, often catching skeptics off guard. Notably, she boasts an unblemished track record of electoral victories, triumphing even when she faced off against better-established Republican contenders during her bid for the South Carolina governorship.
During Wednesday’s event, she distinguished herself by promptly delivering pointed critiques directed at both Mr. Trump and the entirety of the Republican Party.
“When it comes to the substantial US budget deficit,” she asserted, “Republicans are equally responsible. It’s imperative they curtail their spending and borrowing practices.”
When the conversation shifted to the former president, she asserted that Mr. Trump held the distinction of being the “most unfavorably viewed politician in the United States.” She issued a cautionary note that the Republican Party would bear the consequences of this sentiment in the upcoming general election.
Her tenacity was also on full display. She engaged in heated exchanges with Mr. Ramaswamy regarding the continuation of US aid to Ukraine, a stance she actively supports. Additionally, she clashed with Mr. Pence over the subject of abortion, denouncing his calls for a nationwide ban on the practice as impractical and politically detrimental.
Even if she doesn’t manage to surge ahead in the current competition, her performance in the republican debate could potentially position the 51-year-old for future presidential endeavors during election cycles not dominated by a former president.
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Middle of the Pack
Tim Scott and Chris Christie: Mr. Christie played out the anticipated scenario with precision. He launched criticisms at Mr. Trump, aimed pointed remarks at Mr. Ramaswamy, and generally exuded a spirited and confrontational demeanor.
He encountered a chorus of boos upon his introduction, as well as when he criticized Mr. Trump and directed substantial attacks at Mr. Ramaswamy.
His standout moment occurred when he quipped that the political newcomer “resembles ChatGPT.” However, this particular remark didn’t endear him to the audience.
On the other hand, Tim Scott’s amiable disposition often kept him elevated above the fray during the most intense moments of the debate. While this approach might not necessarily attract a significant number of voters, it could enhance his qualifications if he’s considering positioning himself as Mr. Trump’s potential choice for vice-president.
Losers in the Republican Debate
Ron DeSantis: As the year commenced, the contest for the Republican nomination appeared poised for a showdown between Mr. DeSantis and Mr. Trump. Yet, in the interim, the Florida governor’s standing in the polls has waned.
If the remaining Republican contenders hadn’t drawn level with him before, this debate could very well have narrowed the gap.
While not a dismal showing by any means, he had his notable moments, particularly when he highlighted his military service record and advocated for more assertive government strategies to tackle the opioid crisis.
However, he mostly found himself on the periphery during pivotal moments of the debate. Mr. Ramaswamy outshone him, and candidates like Mr. Pence and Ms. Haley overshadowed him on subjects like abortion and US assistance to Ukraine. His footing seemed unsteady when the focus shifted to Mr. Trump and his recent legal challenges.
This performance wasn’t the kind that could bridge the divide with Mr. Trump. The individual who was once heralded as the Republican Party’s future emerged as a non-influential presence.
Asa Hutchinson and Doug Burgum: The former Arkansas Governor, Asa Hutchinson, secured his spot for the Milwaukee debate as the final qualifying candidate. Meanwhile, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum employed a novel approach by offering $20 gift cards to people who donated $1 to his campaign, thereby earning his place on the stage.
Both contenders were in dire need of showcasing their worthiness for being present, yet they largely remained in the background.
Mr. Hutchinson’s criticisms of Mr. Trump paled in comparison to the sharper attacks made by Mr. Christie. On the other hand, Mr. Burgum’s down-to-earth small-state conservatism failed to truly stand out.
Given the upcoming stringent qualification criteria for next month’s primary debate in California, neither candidate managed to muster the necessary momentum on Wednesday night to cultivate the level of support required for securing future appearances on the Republican debate stage.