Key things to watch for in the first GOP primary debate.
The First Republican Primary Debate of 2024: What to Expect
The stage is set for the first Republican primary debate of the 2024 cycle, taking place tomorrow in Milwaukee. However, there’s one notable absence: frontrunner Donald Trump. While Trump may be absent, the remaining candidates will be vying to prove themselves as the best contenders to challenge his position. Their task is to win over soft Trump supporters, independents, and Republican donors, whose support is crucial for their campaigns.
What to Watch For
Attention
With a crowded stage of 7 to 10 candidates, the debate will be a fierce battle for attention. Each candidate will be striving to break through and make an impact. The format favors those who can deliver sharp arguments, and there are numerous contentious issues to address, including foreign policy, abortion, and, most significantly, Trump’s conduct and the legal challenges it has brought about.
Can DeSantis Turn Things Around?
Florida governor Ron DeSantis faces a challenging position heading into the debate. As a target for his opponents, DeSantis needs to prove himself on the stage. While he has excelled in press conferences, debates have not been his strong suit. To prepare, he has been diligently participating in mock debates. DeSantis initially positioned himself as a competent version of Trump, focusing on policy and effectiveness. However, his campaign has revealed some shortcomings, such as articulating a compelling message and managing his team. This debate is a crucial opportunity for DeSantis to reverse his declining momentum.
Trump
Will any candidate, like Chris Christie or Mike Pence, directly confront Trump? So far, most candidates have either defended the former president or tried to avoid the question altogether. Former UN ambassador Nikki Haley has emphasized the need to move on from Trump to avoid election distractions caused by lawsuits. DeSantis, when asked about Trump’s actions during the Capitol storming, seemed uncomfortable and struggled to provide a clear answer. Will anyone step up and take a swing at Trump?
Vivek Ramaswamy
At 38 years old, Vivek Ramaswamy stands out as an excellent communicator in the Republican field. His ability to self-fund his campaign has also contributed to his rising popularity in the polls. However, he lacks a policy record, and his foreign policy positions have been inconsistent. The debate will be an opportunity for his rivals to expose his weaknesses or prove their own ability to challenge his momentum.
Chris Christie
Chris Christie, like Babe Ruth stepping up to the plate, has made bold promises. The question is, can he deliver? If he fails to live up to his promises, it could be a setback for his campaign. On the other hand, if he successfully destroys one of his opponents in the debate, the public will be hungry for more.
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