In their TV debate, the Republican presidential candidates discuss abortion, Ukraine and Big Tech. Former President Trump is missing again, but criticism of him is growing.
The debate stage was historic: the candidates competed against each other in the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library near Los Angeles. Reagan’s ideas and statements were repeatedly played into the debate with video clips – but another absent ex-president was more present: Donald Trump.
New Jersey’s former governor Chris Christie accused Trump of ducking: “I know you’re watching, you can’t help it! And you’re not here tonight because you’re afraid of being on stage and reporting your record “If you keep it up, you’ll soon be called Donald Duck.” Trump did not attend the debate, instead campaigning with auto workers in Michigan.
“He should be here”
In contrast to the first debate, there was more clear criticism of Trump. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis also criticized his absence from the debate when it came to the issue of abortion: “He should be here and explain his comments about why pro-life – i.e. against abortion – is a terrible thing.”
On the issue of abortion, the candidates, one woman and six men, generally agreed. US aid to Ukraine in particular caused controversial discussions.
The youngest challenger at 38, biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, said that just because Putin is a dictator, Ukraine is not automatically good. Ron DeSantis stuck to his stance of protecting his own border. In contrast, Nikki Haley, former UN ambassador, said, among others, that a win for Russia is “a win for China.”
Haley thinks views are “stupid”
There were opportunities to differentiate when it came to Big Tech. Newcomer Ramaswamy, for example, uses the app TikTok, which politicians from both camps find problematic because there are fears that user data could go directly to the Chinese leadership.
Ramaswamy emphasized that young voters had to be won over, but at the same time he would prefer to only allow social media for young people aged 16 and over. Haley called his political views “stupid” and TikTok “dangerous.” DeSantis said big tech companies have too much of a monopoly.
Some questions from the moderators went almost unanswered, including about childcare, which is becoming increasingly expensive in the USA, or the healthcare system.
She once sat at the United Nations, now she wants to go to the White House: former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley.
Pence remains very pale
Haley, DeSantis, Ramaswamy and Christie stood out as strong opinionated candidates. In contrast, former Vice President Mike Pence remained very pale, as did Senator Tim Scott and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum.
The debate was characterized by a lot of unrest. The moderators had to admonish the politicians several times. Finally, they reminded the seven candidates that if they all stay in the race, Donald Trump would be nominated because he is clearly ahead.
When asked to throw one of the politicians present out of the race, no one answered directly. However, none of those present clearly provided a convincing answer as to how they could catch up with Trump’s lead.