During the first primary debate of the 2024 campaign season, Republican presidential contenders found themselves embroiled in heated disputes concerning Donald Trump’s legal challenges.
Most Candidates Would Stand by Trump
The debate, hosted by Fox News in Milwaukee, saw eight candidates grappling with whether they would back Trump as the GOP nominee if he were to be convicted on his current charges. Of the participants, six – Doug Burgum, Ron DeSantis, Nikki Haley, Mike Pence, Vivek Ramaswamy, and Tim Scott – affirmed their support for Trump. Former New Jersey governor Chris Christie and former Arkansas governor Asa Hutchinson were the only ones to disagree.
Conduct Beneath the Office of a President
Christie, an outspoken Trump critic, urged fellow debaters to reject the normalization of the former president’s behavior, asserting that regardless of the merits of the charges, the conduct was unbecoming of a president. He said: “Whether or not you believe that the criminal charges are right or wrong, [Trump’s] conduct is beneath the office of the president of the United States.”
Almost 100 Felony Charges
The debate unfolded prior to Trump’s expected surrender to authorities in Georgia’s Fulton County, where he faces 13 felony charges tied to efforts to overturn Biden’s 2020 victory. Altogether, Trump is looking at 91 felony charges spanning four criminal cases.
A Far-Right Majority
In a poll from the previous week, Trump displayed his most substantial lead to date with 62% of probable Republican primary voters expressing support. He held a 46-point lead over his closest rival, DeSantis, while other contenders languished in single-digit percentages.
Trump Did Not Attend
Trump chose not to participate in the debate, instead opting for an interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson. It was released on X, formerly known as Twitter, just moments before the debate began. The former president cited his strong polling numbers to justify his absence.
The Topic of Abortion
Amidst the discourse on Trump’s nonattendance and legal issues, candidates also argued about crucial policy matters. Pence praised the idea of a 15-week federal abortion ban and DeSantis celebrated Florida’s enactment of a six-week one. Haley exhibited more caution in embracing a prospective federal ban, acknowledging its lack of popularity and urging bipartisan consensus on abortion access.
The Climate Crisis
On the subject of the climate crisis, Ramaswamy’s assertion that human-made climate change was not unequivocal drew boos from the audience. Christie swiftly retorted, taking a jab at Ramaswamy’s credibility. Pence, mocking Ramaswamy’s relative inexperience, dismissed the notion of “on-the-job training” for the presidency. He said: “Now is not the time for on-the-job training. We don’t need to bring in a rookie.”
Plenty of Contenders Failed to Meet the Debate Qualifications
Several other contenders, including right-wing commentator Larry Elder, former Texas congressman Will Hurd, and Miami’s mayor Francis Suarez, failed to meet the Republican National Committee’s debate qualifications. Their exclusion further dampened their prospects.
The Internet Responded
After the debate finished, people flocked to social media to share their thoughts. “Don’t have to show up with only 6 of your 8 opponents declaring they will vote for you even if you are convicted of federal crimes,” one person wrote. “That is ridiculous and I can’t believe they allowed that,” another replied.
The Least Insane Candidates
Viewers were baffled by the entire broadcast. “Nikki Haley and Chris Christie have emerged as the least insane GOP candidates, and yet neither of them have a chance,” one person wrote. “They are also insane by all accounts,” another replied. “Yeah, but there’s an insanity quota you have to fulfill to be the Republican Presidential nominee,” a third added.
Christie Was Somewhat Popular
Among online commenters, Christe was by far the closest to popular. “Honestly, just keep Chris Christie in every Republican debate for every office across the country as a wrecking ball,” one person wrote. “His takedown of Rubio is still one of my favorite moments in election history,” another responded.
Supporting a Potential Felon
Haley was somewhat popular too. “If nothing else, Nikki Haley has her priorities right on international relations,” one person said. “She seems smart but then she’s also willing to raise her hand to support Trump even if he’s a convicted felon,” another hit back.
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