UNITED STATES: Republican challengers to Donald Trump sparred during a tumultuous presidential debate, attacking Democratic candidate Joe Biden and each other on topics like China, immigration, and the economy. Despite Trump’s four criminal indictments, none of the seven candidates achieved a breakthrough that would change the primary race’s nature.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis criticized Trump for being “missing in action” and increasing the national debt by trillions of dollars. DeSantis called for Trump to be on stage and urged an explanation of his record.
DeSantis, a potential challenger to Trump, has seen his poll numbers drop since being considered the top Trump alternative. Critics, including former New Jersey governor Chris Christie, Mike Pence, and former UN ambassador Nikki Haley, have criticized Trump at the debate.
Haley criticized the former US President’s approach to China, arguing that he has focused too much on trade rather than comprehensive security concerns. Trump’s opponents have also expressed concerns about the candidate’s ability to consolidate power.
Republican contenders attacked Democratic nominee Biden, criticizing his economy and the southern Mexico border. Despite polling in single digits, most candidates attacked each other.
Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy enraged his opponents in the second debate, similar to his first debate in August.
Former UN ambassador Nikki Haley criticized Ramaswamy for using TikTok to connect with young voters despite security concerns. Moderator Dana Perino predicted Trump’s nomination was inevitable as long as the field is divided among candidates.
A day after Biden joined a union picket line, Trump addressed autoworkers in Michigan, a key battleground state, just minutes before the debate began, interjecting himself into a national fight between striking workers and the nation’s top automakers.
The moderators were not questioned about Trump’s legal issues, including fraud charges. Trump’s opponents are running out of time to challenge his dominance in the primary campaign, with Iowa hosting the first-in-the-nation Republican nominating vote in less than four months.
The Biden administration faced criticism from the debate candidates for failing to address migrant issues, leading to record unauthorized crossings at the southern border. Candidates pledge tough stances on immigration, with Ramaswamy pledging to rescind birthright citizenship for children of illegal immigrants.
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