With the 2024 USA Presidential Election coming, the primaries have begun. The first primary debate took place on the 23rd of August, 2023 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Attending the debate were the leading candidates such as Ron DeSantis (15%), Vivek Ramaswamy (7%), Mike Pence (4%), Nikki Haley (3%), Tim Scot (3%), Christ Christie (3%), Asa Hutchinson (1%) and Doug Burgum (0.5%).
However, the primary contestant, former President Trump did not attend the debate and instead did an interview with former Fox host Tucker Carlson in X (Twitter) with more live viewers than the actual debate. His excuse for not attending was that he is "leading by 50-60 points" and he does not want to sit for 1-2 hours and be "harassed" by other "candidates who shouldn't even be running for President;" basically saying that the debate was "beneath him." However, some analysts have interpreted this as Trump fearing the debate since he would be the main target. This could also be a move from Trumps end to separate him from the other candidates and emphasize his anti-establishment standing.
Note: The numbers above correspond to each candidate's poll rating pre-debate.
Highlights of the Debate:
Ron DeSantis: Ron DeSantis underperformed in this debate. DeSantis started his campaign in a secure second place and was challenging Trump for the Presidency for the first few months, however, it seems he underestimated the loyalty of MAGA Republicans to Donald Trump. This debate was DeSantis's opportunity to shine and be different from the candidates to restore his high rating however he failed. Nevertheless, DeSantis led the debate for sure alongside Mike Pence and Vivek Ramaswamy. In addition, since he was the highest scoring candidate in the debate he was a target to multiple attacks from the other candidates trying to take his poll share. Vivek Ramaswamy: Vivek Ramaswamy performed very well in the debate and a majority of people consider him the "winner" of this debate. He effectively hit the conservative points attracting MAGA Republicans through his clear and blunt points: "god is real", "reverse racism is racism" and "there are only two genders." In addition, he got through his anti-establishment views multiple times and again, very bluntly by claiming that he "is the only person on that stage that isn't bought or paid for." Candidates tried to target his inexperience but Vivek effectively used that as positive by attacking career politics, which includes everyone else on the stage. Vivek also showed his loyalty to Donald Trump by passionately raising his hand when asked if he would support Trump if he won the primaries, even if he run from jail. Nevertheless, Vivek was hit hard when his foreign policy inexperience was targeted by former UN ambassador Nikki Haley when he claimed he would stop aid to Ukraine. However, many Republicans, but also many Americans view this policy favorably.
Mike Pence: Mike Pence performed well and helped his ratings. He repeated and got through his experience as Vice President but many viewed this as him trying to take credit for former President Trump's achievements. However, Pence also discussed his successful career in the House of Representatives, which portrayed him as a safe and pragmatic candidate. He also clashed with Vivek Ramaswamy multiple times and called him a "rookie" and claiming that now isn't the time for "on-the-job training." Pence also stated that he will put the constitution over anything when addressing Trump's attempt to overturn the 2020 election. Overall, Mike Pence left the debate in a better position than he entered.
Nikki Haley: Nikki Haley, the former USA ambassador to the UN and the only woman in the debate started off by talking about abortion. Despite her nationally controversial pro-life view, especially as a woman, she attracted many Republican voters who also share similar beliefs. Nikki Haley argued with Vivek Ramaswamy about foreign policy and stating that his inexperience "shows." She believes that the United States should send money to Ukraine and called it a pro-American country and labeled Russian President Putin "a murder." She attacked the other candidates, excluding Pence and DeSantis, for US government overspending. She also mentioned how Trump raised the debt ceiling by 8 trillion. Recently the Republicans have targeted the current administration for mishandling debt this Haley picked truth over party and exposed her own parties hypocrisy in this instance which was seen favorably amongst candidates. In the end, Nikki Haley performed well however her main highlight was her argument with Vivek Ramaswamy which got her some support but also caused her to lose voters.
Tim Scott: Senator Tim Scott's his Christian values are a major bonus for the Republican voter base. Even though he did not get a lot of talking time in the debate and failed to stand out, it is expected for a candidate with only 3% in the polls. Using his poor background to discuss the American Dream, Tim Scott attempted to relate with lower income voters and also emphasize the capitalist values that he was raised with that allowed him to become a successful Senator. He also voiced his anti-crime views by stating that if someone commits a crime they should go to jail, which currently is a hot topic in America with Republicans accusing Democrats of not keeping the streets safe and protecting criminals from going to jail by passing weak laws. He also expressed his stance on transgender females (biological males) playing sports with biologicals females and dominating due to their male genetics by commenting that "men should play sports with men." Overall, Tim Scott was not the center of attention during the debate but he did not make any blunders which could cost him future election attempts.
Christ Christie: The expert debater and former New Jersey Governor Christ Christie underperformed in this debate. Despite being at only 3%, Christi Christie is known for his strong rebuttals and as a former TV personality he was expected to perform better against amateur candidates like Vivek Ramaswamy. His main highlights are when he claimed that he had "enough .. of a guy that sounds like ChatGPT" (referring to Vivek) and later compared him to an "amateur" like Obama which many viewers found entertaining but a quick rebuttal by Vivek established Vivek's superiority. Furthermore, he took a hit on Trump by calling his "conduct beneath the office of President" which got him booed by many of the viewers.
Asa Hutchinson and Doug Burgum, both polling below 1%, were not in the center of the heated debate and therefore do not have any major key moments. However, Doug Burgum made his support of Trump clear when he raised his right away when asked if he would support an Trump behind for the Presidency if he won the primaries.