Republican White House contenders, with the exception of Donald Trump, will gather in Miami this week for the third presidential primary debate. The political landscape has shifted significantly since their last meeting, with events such as the Israeli-Hamas conflict bringing international affairs to the forefront of US politics. This has further divided the Democratic Party and weakened President Joe Biden’s support among key demographics.
Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley has gained momentum in the race, emerging as a top contender and tying with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in the Iowa polls. Haley is likely to focus on foreign policy and showcase her expertise on the world stage, positioning herself as a strong leader with a more hawkish stance.
DeSantis, once seen as Trump’s main rival, has seen a decline in support but received an endorsement from Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds. He will need to defend his position against Haley and make a case for why he is a serious threat to Trump.
Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, running a Trump-style campaign, has faced scrutiny and a decline in favorability. He will need to show a more personal side to appeal to voters and close the likability gap.
Chris Christie has consistently polled poorly and predicts that Trump’s legal troubles will impact the 2024 general election. However, his campaign has gained little traction, with a majority of South Carolina voters ruling out supporting him.
Sen. Tim Scott’s campaign has struggled recently, with super PAC allies pulling back on advertising. He will need to emphasize his conservative stance on divisive issues and address rising incidents of antisemitism to regain attention.
In conclusion, each Republican candidate in Miami must differentiate themselves from Trump and other contenders, capitalize on their strengths, and connect with voters to make a breakthrough in the race.
