The inaugural Republican debate unfolded as a spirited and vibrant event, featuring eight candidates engaged in energetic exchanges that illuminated their stances and perspectives.
The anticipation of a potential lack of excitement due to the absence of the charismatic Donald Trump, a true showman, was quickly dispelled. The Wisconsin debate demonstrated that the eight contenders were fully capable of generating enthusiasm without relying on the former president’s presence.
Amidst the lineup, certain candidates stood out prominently, showcasing their strengths and distinctive approaches. Conversely, others seemed to struggle to make a meaningful impact, failing to seize the moment effectively.
Here, we delve into an assessment of the winners who thrived in the spotlight and those who faced setbacks in their bid to shine on the debate stage.
Winners:
Vivek Ramaswamy: A standout figure in this Republican debate, Vivek Ramaswamy’s lack of prior public office experience and his absence from presidential voting between 2004 and 2020 did not hinder his domination of the stage. Radiating with an infectious smile and a quick wit, he seemed to be the candidate enjoying the spotlight the most. This dynamic may stem from his status as a political novice, granting him a unique opportunity to occupy the center stage without the baggage of traditional political roles.
Ramaswamy adeptly parried attacks from his fellow candidates, suggesting that Chris Christie was auditioning for a left-leaning news channel while insinuating that Nikki Haley had hidden motivations tied to defense contractors and Ukraine. He delivered a resonating line, declaring, “I’m the only person on the stage who isn’t bought and paid for,” provoking a chorus of reactions from his rivals.
Positioning himself as the outsider amidst seasoned political insiders, Ramaswamy championed views that significantly diverged from established norms. Advocating for Ukraine to cede territory to Russia, endorsing military intervention at the US-Mexico border, and pushing for bans on US companies conducting business with China, he consistently deviated from the party line. This approach mirrors the unconventional strategies employed by Trump in 2016, where attention-grabbing, unorthodox policy proposals became instrumental in generating visibility.
While it remains uncertain if Ramaswamy possesses the political capital to challenge Trump for the nomination, his performance in the debate solidifies his influence, indicating that he will continue to be a factor in the unfolding race over the coming months.
Mike Pence: Armed with a rich history as a congressman, governor, and vice-president, Mike Pence showcased his resilience on the debate stage. Despite encountering challenges within his faltering presidential campaign, which faced criticism from both Trump supporters and detractors, Pence’s adeptness in debate situations played to his advantage.
Adopting an offensive stance, Pence swiftly targeted Ramaswamy’s inexperience, underscoring that “now is not the time for on-the-job training.” He passionately advocated for nationwide abortion restrictions, catering to evangelical Republicans, a pivotal voting bloc in key states such as Iowa and South Carolina.
When the discourse shifted towards Trump, Pence secured the final word, emphasizing his commitment to upholding the Constitution on January 6, 2021, when he refused to yield to Trump’s urging to overturn election results. Support for Pence even emerged from his rivals. Despite enduring persistent challenges, his performance during the debate served as a reminder of his potential as a presidential contender, particularly among conservative Republicans.
Nikki Haley: Renowned for consistently defying expectations, Nikki Haley, the former US ambassador to the UN, once again emerged as a standout figure. Demonstrating a track record of electoral victories, even when challenging more established Republican candidates for the South Carolina governorship, Haley continued to confound skeptics.
During the debate, she garnered attention by delivering sharp criticisms aimed at both Trump and the broader Republican Party. She boldly asserted that Republicans shared responsibility for the substantial US budget deficit, advocating for fiscal restraint.
Addressing the former president head-on, Haley confidently proclaimed that Trump was the “most disliked politician in America,” foretelling potential repercussions for the party during the general election.
Undaunted, Haley engaged in vigorous exchanges with Ramaswamy over continued US aid to Ukraine and sparred with Pence regarding abortion. She challenged Pence’s call for a national abortion ban, deeming it impractical and politically detrimental.
Even if Haley doesn’t emerge as the immediate frontrunner, her performance in the debate could position her for future presidential bids in election years devoid of the pervasive influence of a former president.
In summation, the Republican debate showcased a mix of triumphs and challenges among the contenders, setting the stage for a captivating, unpredictable race as the political landscape continues to evolve.
IN THE MIDDLE:
Tim Scott and Chris Christie: As expected, Chris Christie brought his signature fiery and combative demeanor to the debate. Taking aim at Mr. Trump and delivering choice lines directed at Ramaswamy, Christie engaged in a spirited performance. However, his reception was marked by audible boos during his introduction, and his criticism of Trump prompted further jeers. His attempt to liken Ramaswamy to “ChatGPT” failed to resonate positively with the audience.
In contrast, Tim Scott’s amicable demeanor positioned him above the fray during the most heated moments of the debate. While this approach might not result in an immediate surge in voter support, it could bolster his credentials if he aspires to secure the role of Trump’s vice-presidential nominee.
LOSERS:
Ron DeSantis: Once heralded as a formidable contender in the Republican nomination race against Trump, Ron DeSantis has experienced a decline in his poll numbers since the start of the year. Regrettably, this debate may have exacerbated his dwindling standing.
Although his performance wasn’t outright disastrous, it lacked the lasting impact necessary to invigorate his candidacy. While he showcased strengths while discussing his military service and advocating for more proactive government policies against the opioid crisis, he often found himself on the periphery during pivotal moments. Ramaswamy’s dominance during the debate overshadowed DeSantis, while Pence and Haley outshone him in conversations about abortion and US aid to Ukraine. His responses to topics relating to Trump and recent indictments conveyed a sense of uncertainty.
DeSantis’s performance in this debate failed to position him as a compelling contender capable of narrowing the gap with Trump. Once touted as the future of the Republican Party, DeSantis emerged from this debate as an inconsequential presence.
Asa Hutchinson and Doug Burgum: Asa Hutchinson, the former governor of Arkansas, narrowly met the qualification criteria for the Milwaukee debate. Doug Burgum, the governor of North Dakota, adopted an unconventional approach to secure his position on the stage by offering $20 gift cards to donors contributing $1 to his campaign.
Both candidates faced the imperative of substantiating their credibility on the debate