US Presidential Elections 2024: Former US President Donald Trump absent but dominates first primary debate
Also read: Chandrayaan-3 Moon Landing Successful | LIVE Updates: NASA congratulates ISRO, says ‘glad to be partner in the mission' Candidates like businessman Vivek Ramaswamy used the event to introduce themselves to a broader audience and make their case for potential positions in a future Trump administration. Trump's absence from debates had precedent, as he similarly skipped one in Iowa in 2016, allowing his closest rival at the time, Ted Cruz, to face the heat alone.
The DeSantis team expected a similar scenario in this debate. Also read: Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin death rumours: How World is reacting to Russian mercenary chief possible demise Despite Trump's absence, some underdog candidates, including Chris Christie and Asa Hutchinson, aimed to have a breakout moment by challenging the former president, while Trump's former vice president, Mike Pence, also anticipated to make his presence felt.
The Biden campaign purchased ad slots on Fox News and its website ahead of the debate, and President Biden himself expressed an intention to watch as much of the event as possible. Rudy Giuliani, Trump's former attorney and one of 18 co-defendants charged with racketeering, surrendered in Atlanta before the debate.
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