Miami, where Donald Trump's absence and the dynamics between the contenders took center stage.
The event highlighted a notable focus on internal party dynamics, election losses, the abortion dilemma, and confrontations among candidates.
A Race for Second Place
The notable absence of Donald Trump from the debate left the field open for the candidates to position themselves. However, the reluctance to directly confront the former president may have hindered their chances to assert themselves as a viable alternative. Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis, aiming to position themselves as alternatives, missed opportunities to make a strong case against Trump.
Blame Game
Candidates expressed frustration over recent election losses, with Ron DeSantis emphasizing his success in Florida and blaming Trump for Republican setbacks. Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy pointed fingers at Ronna McDaniel, the chair of the Republican National Committee, stating, «We've become a party of losers.»
Abortion Dilemma
In the aftermath of election results in Ohio, where voters affirmed the right to abortion, the candidates exhibited a range of views on federal restrictions. Nikki Haley advocated for acknowledging differing state policies, while Chris Christie favored a state-by-state approach. Tim Scott supported a 15-week abortion limit, revealing the party's lack of consensus on the issue.
Haley and DeSantis Go Head-to-Head on China
Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis engaged in a heated exchange over their dealings with China, with accusations of cozying up to Chinese industries. The clash highlighted the candidates' efforts to establish themselves as the top challengers to Trump in the