The Fourth GOP Fight Night
Last night’s fourth Republican debate may end up as a footnote in presidential history — Donald Trump, who is leading the race by leaps and bounds, wasn’t on the stage, and the debate aired on NewsNation rather than Fox News.
But in some ways, the debate was by far the most interesting debate of the race. It was interesting for a few reasons.
First, it showed that governance actually matters.
The battle between Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley is a battle over policy positions, sure. The debate exposed serious differences of position on social issues, for example, wherein Haley has posed as more moderate and DeSantis as more conservative. But DeSantis’ main advantage against Haley is that he can point at his accomplishments and contrast them with the empty words of his opponents.
In a normal world, DeSantis would be running away with this nomination. DeSantis was by far the most classically conservative person on the stage last night. Speaking of American president Calvin Coolidge, he said, “Silent Cal knew the proper role of the federal government. The country was in great shape when he was president of the United States, and we can learn an awful lot from Calvin Coolidge.”
Silent Cal knew the proper role of the federal government.
We can learn an awful lot from Calvin Coolidge. pic.twitter.com/mOs3MTpcCh
— Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantis) December 7, 2023
DeSantis pointed out that he, unlike Haley, signed a bathroom bill in Florida so boys could not use girls’ bathrooms.
Trump. With his commanding lead in the polls, Trump’s absence on the stage was notable, and the debate itself aired on an unfamiliar platform, NewsNation, instead of its usual host, Fox News.
The absence of Donald Trump from the debate stage created a glaring vacuum that was palpable throughout the event. Trump’s unconventional, unapologetic, and often controversial style has captivated the nation and propelled him to the frontlines of the Republican race. His larger-than-life persona and spontaneous remarks have mesmerized both supporters and critics alike. Consequently, Trump has managed to dominate media attention and shape the narrative of the entire election cycle. However, his decision to skip this particular debate has sparked intense speculation and raised a multitude of questions.
The debate’s move from Fox News to NewsNation also played a significant role in the overall tone and viewership of the event. Fox News has historically been a favored network among conservative audiences, known for its conservative-leaning commentary and high ratings. The unexpected change in network raised eyebrows and resulted in a potentially different viewership demographic. Consequently, this alteration may have impacted the overall perception and relevance of the debate.
The absence of Donald Trump and the change in network may have overshadowed the substantive policy discussions that typically take place within these debates. The remaining Republican candidates had an opportunity to delve deeper into their policy platforms, articulate their visions, and engage in meaningful discussions on issues that matter to the American people. However, the absence of the front-runner candidate and the shift in network could have potentially detracted from the gravity of the discussion.
Despite these circumstances, the debate was nonetheless an essential event in the ongoing presidential race. It provided an opportunity for the remaining Republican candidates to showcase their qualifications, policies, and debate skills. The stage was set for them to challenge one another, articulate their differences, and compete for the coveted nomination. However, the question remains: without the presence of the frontrunner, will this debate ultimately bear any significant impact on the course of the election?
Only time will tell the actual consequence of last night’s debate. The absence of Donald Trump, who has consistently defied expectations and upended traditional political norms, has undoubtedly left a void. The debate’s deviation from its usual host network, Fox News, may also have influenced its reception and reach. Consequently, this debate may be remembered as a peculiar anomaly in an otherwise fiercely contested primary race. Nevertheless, it is important to recognize the value of these debates in fostering transparency, evaluating candidates, and ultimately shaping public opinion.
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