Amidst a crucial stretch of the primary season, a POLITICO analysis unveils an unexpected trend in GOP debates — a reluctance to attack former President Donald Trump. The numbers reflect an intriguing pattern as candidates, with each passing debate, increasingly focus on critiquing each other rather than the poll-dominant Trump. This trend continued in the fourth debate, with Chris Christie being the primary contender to launch sustained attacks on the former president.
Candidates’ Reluctance to Target Trump
The analysis, based on transcripts from Rev.com, exposes a distinct inclination among candidates, including Ron DeSantis, Nikki Haley, Vivek Ramaswamy, and Chris Christie, to engage in intraparty sparring rather than direct confrontations with Trump. Despite Trump’s consistent lead in the polls, attacks on him have not escalated, signaling a surprising strategy shift.
Christie’s Sustained Attacks
In the fourth debate, Christie, the lowest-polling contender on the stage, notably stood out as the only major critic of Trump, launching four sustained attacks on the former president. His critiques ranged from likening Trump to Voldemort to questioning his absence from the debate.
Increasing Attacks on Each Other
The candidates’ reluctance to target Trump underscores the overarching theme of these debates as a contest for second place. In Wednesday’s debate, the contenders aimed 28 attacks at each other, while only directing nine at Trump.
Rivalries and Alliances Among Candidates
Clear rivalries and alliances emerged among candidates, with Nikki Haley becoming a top target for both Ramaswamy and DeSantis. The clash intensified in the fourth debate, revealing distinct lines of fire and providing insights into the dynamics within the GOP field.
Decreasing Criticism of Biden
While criticism of Biden has been a recurring feature in GOP debates, the frequency has declined over time. The fourth debate saw nine attacks on Biden, equal to those on Trump, reflecting a strategic move to gain approval from the party’s base without distinctiating among candidates.
Conclusion
As the GOP debates progress, the unexpected trend of candidates avoiding direct confrontation with Trump raises questions about the dynamics within the party. With Trump’s lead continuing to grow, this pattern might validate his decision to skip the debates, further solidifying his position as the biggest obstacle to the nomination.
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