Debate wins that propelled past campaigns and potential 2024 contenders who may emulate them.

Primary Debates:‍ Boosting Presidential Campaigns

Primary debates have proven to be ‍make or break moments for several ​campaigns, propelling candidates on a clear path​ to the White House.⁢ With the first Republican primary⁢ debate of the ⁢2024⁣ election cycle just days away, candidates‍ are⁤ eagerly preparing to ⁢seize⁣ the national spotlight and⁢ give their campaigns a much-needed boost. Let’s take⁢ a look at three instances ⁣when‍ primary ​debates helped shape a presidential ‍campaign and explore which 2024 candidates ⁢could benefit from a similar moment in the GOP debates.

1980 Republican​ Primaries

In ​the 1980 Republican presidential primaries, ⁢former California Gov. Ronald Reagan was ‌expected to be the runaway candidate ​after his near-upset against then-President⁤ Gerald Ford ⁢in the 1976 GOP nominating contest.​ However, Reagan faced unexpected challenges on⁢ his‌ path to the nomination, including a loss to former CIA Director George H.W. Bush in the Iowa caucuses.

Ahead of ‌the Republican primary in​ New Hampshire, a local newspaper planned ⁤a debate between Reagan and Bush, excluding⁢ other ‌Republican candidates. This exclusion led to⁣ a legal dispute, as ​it would have been ⁢considered an illegal ‍campaign contribution. Reagan’s campaign ‌stepped in to cover ⁤the costs, but insisted on⁤ including the⁤ other candidates. When ⁢the debate began,⁣ Reagan’s‍ attempt to voice his‌ desire for inclusivity ​was met with the moderator talking ‍over him.

Finally, Reagan, frustrated with being silenced, ‌boldly declared into the microphone, “I’m paying ⁢for ‍this microphone, Mr. Green!” The crowd ⁢erupted⁤ in cheers, and this standout moment ⁢helped revive Reagan’s lagging campaign. Ultimately,‌ Reagan ‍went on‍ to secure⁢ the⁣ Republican nomination and win ‍the presidency in both ⁢1980⁢ and 1984 by landslide victories.

In the ⁢2024 Republican primaries, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) could benefit from replicating Reagan’s shining debate moment. Despite being ​viewed as the presumptive lead challenger ‌to former President⁤ Donald Trump, DeSantis has faced lagging‌ poll numbers and doubts about his candidacy.⁤ A powerful debate moment could help him regain momentum and live up to the hype​ surrounding his campaign.

2016 Republican Primaries

In the 2016 Republican primaries, Donald Trump, an outsider in ​the political arena, utilized his experience on television ⁣and​ as a‌ celebrity to his advantage. His constant presence in the public ⁣eye helped propel him to‍ the White House ‍and maintain ⁣a strong lead throughout⁤ the primary.

Trump’s sparring⁤ matches and clever ⁣nicknames for his fellow candidates⁣ played a significant role in⁢ his surge in the ‍polls. His exchanges with former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, once ⁢considered the favorite ⁤for ⁢the⁢ nomination, ultimately led⁣ to the decimation of ‍Bush’s campaign.

Unsurprisingly, Trump himself ⁤would want to replicate this kind of ​performance in ​the ‌2024 Republican primaries. His unorthodox style​ and ability ​to dominate ‍the headlines helped him secure victory⁤ over ⁢a ‍crowded GOP field. As the most recent GOP president, ​Trump has an ⁢inherent advantage, but he will need to perform similarly to his 2016 debates to convince voters that he still possesses ‍the⁢ same charisma and appeal.

2020 ​Democratic⁢ Primaries

In the first⁣ Democratic primary debate of ​the 2020​ cycle, then-California Sen. Kamala Harris had ⁤a breakout moment when she⁤ delivered a powerful critique ⁢of the front-runner, former Vice President Joe⁤ Biden. Harris confronted Biden on his opposition to busing as a means to end racial segregation in schools,⁢ drawing on ⁢her personal experience as⁣ a black woman affected​ by the⁣ policy.

Her impassioned speech resonated ‌with the ⁤audience as she stated, “That little⁤ girl was me.” Biden attempted to defend himself but stumbled by prematurely ending his defense, saying his time was up. This weak ‌showing caused Biden⁤ to drop in the ‌polls, while​ Harris experienced‍ a significant surge in her‍ numbers.

Although Harris​ would later face her ⁣own debate flub and drop out of the primary, she was ultimately selected as⁢ Biden’s running mate, and together they won the 2020 election.

In the 2024 Republican primaries, former South Carolina‌ Gov. Nikki Haley, Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), or entrepreneur⁢ Vivek Ramaswamy could benefit from ‌replicating ​Harris’s debate moment.⁤ These candidates are within ‌striking distance ‌of gaining traction, and landing a powerful blow on Trump ‍or DeSantis could⁤ pave a more ⁢viable path toward the nomination for their respective ‍campaigns.

The‍ first Republican debate in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, ‍is​ scheduled for Wednesday at 9 p.m. and ‌will be televised by Fox News. The Democratic Party is not hosting debates,⁣ as incumbent President Joe Biden is seeking ⁤reelection.

The‌ Republican National Committee has confirmed‌ that eight ⁢candidates have qualified for the debate as of Friday. The ‌candidates who have qualified include Trump, DeSantis,⁣ Haley, ‌Scott, former New⁤ Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, former Vice President Mike ⁣Pence, Ramaswamy, and Gov. Doug Burgum (R-ND). While Trump’s attendance remains unconfirmed, ​the other candidates ​are expected​ to participate.

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