On Wednesday night, there were eight Republican contenders for president, but one was conspicuously absent. But even though he wasn’t there in person, Donald Trump’s influence was felt.
It was evident from the audience’s responses to the candidates’ assertions about Trump that he continues to maintain a strong following — and lead — in the campaign, even though he was scheduled to surrender himself to authorities at the Fulton County Jail in Georgia the day following the debate.
J. Miles Coleman, associate editor of Sabato’s Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Centre for Politics, told The New Arab, “I would say that Trump is still very much in charge.”
Many of them continue to tread carefully around Trump. Trump will remain in power as he is right now until that dynamic changes.
Andrea Anderson
On the dais were Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, South Carolina Senator Tim Scott, ex-Gov. Nikki Haley of South Carolina, businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, ex-Vice President Mike Pence, ex-Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey, ex-Gov. Doug Burgum of North Dakota, and ex-Gov. Asa Hutchinson of Arkansas.
As to be expected, the contenders sparred over who would be the best for the economy, who would have the most experience, and who would be the toughest along the southern border. The eight Republicans typically exercised caution while dealing with Trump, though.
Christie was the lone exception to this sustained fealty to the outgoing leader, who was greeted by vociferous jeers from the audience after making direct criticisms of Trump.
Patrick James, a professor of international politics at the University of Southern California, tells TNA that “he’s there to reclaim the party against Trump.” Otherwise, he doesn’t believe Christie hopes to succeed as a socially moderate candidate from a blue state.
In addition to not wanting to offend Trump’s support, which is still undoubtedly sizable, some of the candidates on stage seemed to be trying out for the vice presidential position.
Ramaswamy frequently complimented Trump, perhaps interpreting the situation and the Republican Party’s wider political climate. Coleman stated, “He was almost like a Trump stand-in.
On the other side, DeSantis, who had been holding a solid second place until recently, has recently experienced a weakness in his position as Ramaswamy makes up ground.
DeSantis was overshadowed, in Coleman’s opinion, by Ramaswamy. “It appeared that he wasn’t giving it his all. When asked if he would back the party’s nominee, DeSantis kind of glanced around to see what everyone else was doing.He is attempting to appeal to far too many different demographics.
Haley, one of the first to announce their intention to run for president in 2024, sparred with Ramaswamy for a short time about foreign policy, an area in which she has expertise after serving as the US ambassador to the UN. She objected to his comments that seemed to support isolationism and accused him of wanting to cut off funding for Israel and not considering Russia to be a significant danger.
Scott, who has been a leading Republican fundraiser in the race, probably did not make as much of an impression as his supporters had wanted. He lambasted Democratic policies on violent crime, President Joe Biden’s economic policies, and took a strong stand against biological sex.
Pence did not appear to advance during the discussion as he battled to find his position in a room full of Trump fans. He probably didn’t lose much support, though, as he and Scott maintained their composure in the face of more enthusiastic rivals.
Unless their poll ratings rise, the lesser-known contenders are unlikely to appear on the next debate stage.
Regarding Trump, poll results will probably also determine whether he advances to the next round.
James predicted that Trump would continue to abstain as long as his poll numbers were high. “That party has a tonne of hardliners. Despite being one of the candidates the Democrats could defeat, it will be fantastic if Trump wins the nomination.
