GOP Presidential Hopefuls Inflict Damage on Each Other, Sparing Trump
ChatGPT. “I am the only person on this stage who isn’t bought and paid for," Ramaswamy hit back. Toward the end of the debate, he made the case for a new generation of leaders.
Ramaswamy was also the only candidate who enthusiastically supported the end of U.S. funding for Ukraine in its war with Russia, saying the funds should be redirected to strengthening the southern U.S. border.
He added that backing Kyiv is pushing Russia into China’s camp. That brought rebuttals from others who vocally supported the U.S. effort as a bulwark against Russian President Vladimir Putin’s dictatorial expansionism, most notably Haley who said: “You have no foreign policy experience, and it shows." DeSantis treads carefully around Trump DeSantis, Trump’s closest opponent, had the most on the line Wednesday night and he largely stayed on message, getting across his talking points about reversing a nation in decline.
But he sought to have it both ways on Trump, avoiding direct criticism of the former president. “Republicans," DeSantis said, “we’ve got to look forward." His campaign has stalled in recent months as it has dealt with layoffs, organizational changes and muddled messages that have shaken the confidence of some donors and supporters. Overall, DeSantis had a good debate, pressing his agenda.
He likely won points from conservative viewers for rejecting the debate hosts’ call to raise their hands on whether human behavior is causing climate change. “We’re not school children, let’s have the debate," DeSantis said to applause. DeSantis did criticize Trump at times—though not by name—including over his handling of Covid-19.
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