In the aftermath of Donald Trump’s provocative remarks about being a dictator on day one, the fourth Republican primary debate unfolded with surprising restraint as most candidates shied away from directly confronting the former president. The exception was Chris Christie, who criticized the rest of the GOP field for not speaking out against Trump.
DeSantis Takes the Stage
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis appeared to have a strong performance, focusing on his military service and aiming his attacks at former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley. DeSantis strategically avoided direct confrontations with Trump, maintaining a sharp and feisty tone throughout.
Ramaswamy’s Struggles Continue
Biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy continued to face challenges, with the debate revealing that the more exposure he gets, the less favorably he is viewed by Republican primary voters. His night was marked by bitter exchanges with various candidates.
Evaluating the Winners and Losers
Steven Shepard opined that DeSantis won the night by default, benefiting from Trump’s absence. On the other hand, Ramaswamy faced another tough night, further diminishing his appeal among Republican voters.
Natalie Allison noted that DeSantis had a stronger performance compared to previous debates, but the impact on his support remains uncertain. Haley, however, had a challenging night, facing questions about her net worth and policy positions.
Kimberly Leonard declared Christie as the winner, citing his strong moments and ability to control the conversation. DeSantis strategically positioned himself against Haley, portraying her as left-leaning and pro-establishment.
Adam Wren highlighted Christie as the only candidate willing to directly challenge Trump, asserting that others were afraid to offend. He emphasized that the debate failed to shift the trajectory of the race significantly.
Did Anything Hurt Trump?
The consensus among the reporters was that the debate did not harm Trump. Airing on NewsNation and the CW network to a limited audience, the absence of direct attacks from credible candidates left Trump’s dominance intact.
Impact on the Race’s Trajectory
Kimberly Leonard emphasized that the debate is unlikely to change the trajectory of the race. With speculation about this being the last GOP primary debate, the absence of Trump on stage limited the potential for significant disruptions.
Adam Wren, Natalie Allison, and Steven Shepard unanimously agreed that the debate would have minimal impact on the race’s trajectory. With the Iowa caucuses just 40 days away, the candidates failed to generate momentum that could challenge Trump’s lead in the polls.
In conclusion, the GOP debate underscored the delicate balance candidates face in navigating their interactions with Trump, with most opting to avoid direct confrontation, preserving the status quo in the 2024 Republican primary.
COMMENTS