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It appears that Donald Trump emerged as the winner of the first Republican presidential debate, as the candidates struggled to find a consensus on important issues such as abortion, climate change, and the potential conviction of Trump himself. The debate did little to narrow down the field to one or two top contenders.
Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida, while not known for his debating skills, managed to convey his successful record in making tough decisions for his state. However, his support for a six-week abortion ban, which is unpopular among Americans, and his lack of depth in national policies may hinder his chances as a top-tier candidate. Nonetheless, he held his own during the debate.
The surge of Vivek Ramaswamy seems to have come to an end, as his “revolution” appeared too extreme for the Republican electorate, especially when it came to foreign policy. Although he was a target for criticism during the debate, Ramaswamy was the only candidate who showed any momentum thus far, according to some commentators.
PUNDITS NAME THEIR WINNERS AND LOSERS FROM GOP DEBATE
Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina conveyed his infectious belief in the American dream and a country of opportunity, making him likable to the audience.
Former Vice President Mike Pence, from left, Ron DeSantis, governor of Florida, and Vivek Ramaswamy, chairman and co-founder of Strive Asset Management, during the Republican primary presidential debate hosted by Fox News in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty)
Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley displayed the most expertise in foreign policy and came across as credible in her discussions on education and abortion. She succeeded in raising her profile, making her message appealing to many Republican women.
Chris Christie demonstrated his ability to argue a case effectively and played to his strengths, but it remains uncertain whether he gained any new supporters.
The surprise of the evening was former Vice President Mike Pence, who displayed more energy and passion than he ever did during his tenure as vice president. Although it is unlikely to secure him the nomination, it will certainly improve his image.
The moderators posed tough questions, often trapping the candidates in hypothetical scenarios that could be used against them in Democratic advertisements. The economy was not the primary focus of the debate, and none of the candidates provided a specific plan to address the nation’s economic challenges.
Former Vice President Mike Pence and biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy square off at the first Republican presidential nomination debate, on August 23, 2023, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Fox News)
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All of the candidates relied heavily on applause-worthy statements and lacked detailed policy proposals. This seems to reflect the current nature of politics. In contrast, former President Bill Clinton was known for his elaborate four-point plans for various issues.
The most favorable lineup for the Republican Party would likely include DeSantis as the nominee and Scott as Vice President, or vice versa. Haley would be a strong candidate for Secretary of State, while Christie could be considered for Attorney General. Ramaswamy could potentially serve as Secretary of Transportation, and Pence may be appointed as a special envoy. However, this debate made it clear that many candidates are determined to continue competing until the end. Trump’s ability to keep them divided may work to his advantage. Nonetheless, this is just the beginning of the process, not the end.
Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley speaks during the Republican presidential primary debate on Wednesday. (Fox News)
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With Trump potentially facing legal consequences in Georgia, his absence from the debate is unlikely to have a negative impact on his campaign. According to conventional wisdom, frontrunners tend to lose debates, and with the fragmented support among the candidates, Trump remains the frontrunner in the primary.
Following the debate, the real contenders challenging Trump appear to be DeSantis, Scott, Ramaswamy, and Haley. The other four candidates have little chance of gaining significant support.
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