Welcome to Opinion’s analysis of the second Republican presidential primary candidate debate, held at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in California on Wednesday night. In this special feature, our team of Times Opinion writers and contributors have ranked the candidates on a scale of 0 to 10, providing their unique insights and opinions on their performances. Here’s a breakdown of what our columnists and contributors had to say about the debate.
Nikki Haley (Average: 4.9/10)
Nikki Haley had a strong presence on stage, particularly during her interactions with Tim Scott and Vivek Ramaswamy. However, her message got lost amidst the constant interruptions and clashes with other candidates. While her performance was feisty, it lacked focus and control, which may not translate into an increase in her poll numbers. Haley seemed to be auditioning for a television slot rather than aiming for the G.O.P. nomination.
Ron DeSantis (Average: 4.8/10)
DeSantis appeared disengaged and lacked the charisma needed to make a lasting impact during the debate. His strongest moment came when he discussed his views on abortion, aligning himself with voters on the issue. Although he took a few swipes at the absent Trump, his overall performance did not leave a lasting impression. DeSantis remains a viable alternative to Trump, but he has ground to make up in the polls.
Chris Christie (Average: 4.0/10)
Christie seemed determined to take on Trump, despite his absence from the debate. He passionately addressed Trump directly through the cameras, although his insults fell flat, particularly when he referred to him as “Donald Duck.” While his stance on Ukraine was unpopular among modern Republicans, he did provide interesting insights on artificial intelligence. However, Christie’s campaign is struggling, and his rationale for candidacy is fading.
Overall, the debate was marked by intense clashes between the candidates, but it lacked substance and failed to provide a clear frontrunner. The relentless attacks on Trump may have resonated with some, but it remains to be seen if it will have a lasting impact on the primary race.
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