“The first Republican presidential debate took place recently, where eight candidates debated issues such as the economy, abortion rights, and culture wars. However, the absence of front-runner Donald Trump overshadowed the event. Instead, the embattled former president released an interview with former Fox News anchor Tucker Carlson at the same time.
This comes as Trump’s former lawyer Rudy Giuliani surrendered, becoming the latest co-defendant in the Georgia election interference case.
Joining us to discuss the debate are political strategist and commentator Reena Shah, along with Lynn Sweet, the Washington bureau chief of the Chicago Sun Times. Reena, starting with you, what stood out during this debate? Who particularly impressed you?
Reena: Two things really struck me. First, the repeated mention by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis about America being in decline. Second, the extensive discussion about securing the southern border, which was a recurring theme. Many questions covered a range of topics, from ‘bidenomics’ to cartels, Fentanyl, and education. These candidates consistently tried to connect these issues to the failures of the Biden administration, emphasizing the mishandling by Democrats and highlighting Republican commitment to border security. The standout candidate for me was Nikki Haley, the former governor of South Carolina and U.N. Ambassador under Trump. She presented herself as reasonable, rational, and not auditioning for a VP role. Her references to Margaret Thatcher’s quote about giving tasks to women were particularly effective.
Lynn, what’s your take? Did any candidate stand out for you, and did a front-runner emerge?
Lynn: I agree with Reena, especially since I mentioned in my recently posted column on suntimes.com that Nikki Haley came out as a big winner. The debate strategy didn’t center around attacking the overwhelming front-runner, Donald Trump, who’s facing criminal charges related to overturning the 2020 election. Nikki Haley did well, appearing pragmatic and seeking consensus. However, this message might not resonate with the Trump base, which is a significant force within the Republican party. Another takeaway is that while Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is seen as the number two candidate, he failed to set himself apart from the pack. Overall, Trump’s absence didn’t hurt him significantly.
Rina, considering Trump’s absence, how do you think it impacted the debate and the candidates’ focus?
Reena: Interestingly, Trump’s absence wasn’t always felt, as his name wasn’t constantly mentioned. The reminder came when Governor Christie referred to a ‘former president under indictment.’ It’s a historic situation to see a previous president facing 91 charges across four states, which adds a humbling dimension to the race. The focus shifted from VP auditions to stealing the spotlight. Nikki Haley succeeded in this aspect, especially with her nuanced stance on abortion. However, some candidates disappointed me. DeSantis talked about America’s decline without much depth, and Chris Christie didn’t deliver the intellectual strength he’s known for. The unexpected fiery exchanges between former Vice President Mike Pence and Vivek Ramaswamy were notable.
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Lynn, with eight candidates on the stage, how significant do you think this early debate is, considering the eventual Republican candidate is still months away from being decided?
Lynn: This debate primarily targets two groups: voters in early states like Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina, and Nevada, and big donors who can provide financial support. Early states play a critical role in determining viability, while donors can offer lifelines for campaigns that might need a boost. The debate aims to create 50 individual stories that culminate in the nomination process. Vivek Ramaswamy, for example, has gained traction in the polls, appealing to the base while also carving a distinct path for the general election. However, it’s worth noting that Ramaswamy’s praise of Trump as the best president of the 21st century is logically inconsistent, as it questions his own candidate