GOP candidates get another shot to break free from Trump’s influence in the Republican debate.
Republican Presidential Candidates Set to Face Off in Second Debate Without Trump
The stage is set at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library for the second Republican presidential debate, but this time, former President Donald Trump will not be participating. The question on everyone’s mind is whether any of the candidates can make a dent in Trump’s lead.
DeSantis Under Pressure to Stand Out in Second Debate
Despite the first debate last month, where former Vice President Mike Pence took a more aggressive approach, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy faced jabs from the field, and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley delivered a standout performance, Trump still maintains a significant lead over his 2024 rivals. Trump has consistently cited his overwhelming lead as the reason for skipping yet another debate.
National polls show Trump with a commanding lead of over 40 percentage points above his closest competitor, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL). With DeSantis facing pressure to deliver a breakout performance, the debate could provide an opportunity for another candidate to shine. “Trump is in first, and he’s clearly in first, but if his indictments don’t go well, then somebody on that stage needs to be a strong second, ready to step in at this point. So I think the debate does matter,” said Sarah Chamberlain, president and CEO of the Republican Main Street Partnership.
DeSantis, once seen as the top candidate to challenge Trump, has faced setbacks in recent months, causing his poll numbers to decline. A recent CNN-University of New Hampshire poll showed DeSantis losing support in the Granite State, a crucial state for the GOP primary. The pressure is on for DeSantis to distinguish himself and prove his viability as more Republicans accept Trump as the party’s standard-bearer.
Attention will also be on Nikki Haley, who aims to siphon off enough votes from Trump, DeSantis, and the rest of the field to become the top alternative to the former president. If Haley delivers a solid debate performance, she could pose a threat to DeSantis’s campaign. Other candidates, such as Sen. Tim Scott, will also face pressure to step up their game on the debate stage.
As the candidates battle it out onstage, Trump will address a crowd of striking United Auto Workers in Detroit, where he will likely criticize Biden’s handling of the economy. The GOP field needs to winnow quickly for a viable non-Trump candidate to emerge, as a crowded field allows Trump to draw on his deep support and secure first or second place finishes in many places.
For those candidates who don’t make the second debate, experts suggest that dropping out may be their next decision. “There should be that consolidation. I don’t see why someone like a Will Hurd wouldn’t support someone like a Chris Christie or even a Mike Pence. But I don’t know what’s going to happen because, again, we’re Republicans. We’re individualistic,” said Woodrow Johnston, a Republican consultant.
Overall, the second debate presents an opportunity for candidates to make their mark and potentially challenge Trump’s lead, but the pressure is on for them to deliver standout performances and distinguish themselves from the pack.
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How do other candidates, such as Cruz, Paul, and Pompeo, plan to connect with the Republican base and articulate their policy positions effectively in the absence of Trump during the debate
Can Main Street Partnership.
The absence of Trump from the debate stage creates a unique dynamic for the candidates. Without the charismatic and controversial figure dominating the conversation, each candidate has a chance to showcase their own vision and policy proposals. This presents a particularly crucial opportunity for DeSantis, who is currently seen as the strongest contender to Trump. With his popularity among Republican voters, DeSantis must demonstrate his ability to stand out and solidify his position as a viable alternative to the former president.
One issue that DeSantis will likely face scrutiny over is his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in Florida. As the governor of a state hit hard by the virus, DeSantis’s response has been a subject of intense debate. Critics argue that his approach lacked sufficient restrictions and precautions, leading to a surge in cases and deaths. Proponents, however, praise his prioritization of individual freedoms and focus on maintaining economic stability.
The debate provides an opportunity for DeSantis to address these criticisms head-on and present a nuanced perspective on his pandemic response. Additionally, he must showcase his expertise in other policy areas, such as immigration, criminal justice reform, and economic growth. Demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of pressing issues and offering innovative solutions will be crucial for DeSantis to differentiate himself from his competitors.
However, DeSantis is not the only candidate who needs to make a strong impression in this debate. Others, like Senator Ted Cruz, Senator Rand Paul, and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, will also be looking to capitalize on the absence of Trump to gain more attention and support among voters. These candidates must find a way to connect with the Republican base, articulate their policy positions effectively, and offer a compelling case for their candidacy.
The absence of Trump does not diminish the significance of this debate. It serves as a crucial moment for the candidates to sway undecided voters and solidify their positions in the race. The Republican electorate is eager to see who can step up and provide the leadership and vision necessary to win back the White House in 2024.
Ultimately, the second Republican presidential debate without Trump promises to be an intriguing and pivotal event. With DeSantis under pressure to stand out and other candidates vying for attention, the stage is set for an engaging and competitive discussion of ideas and visions for the future of the Republican Party. As the candidates take the stage at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, the question remains: who will emerge as the standout contender and challenge Trump’s seemingly insurmountable lead?
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