GOP Candidates Sidestep Contentious Issues in Third Presidential Primary Debate

Debate Dynamics

In the absence of former President Donald Trump, Republican presidential primary contenders took to the stage for the third debate with a cautious approach. They noticeably avoided diving into discussions about the party's recent electoral setbacks and Trump's influence, opting instead to focus on other issues. Trump, meanwhile, chose to hold his own concurrent rally, a move that seemed to highlight the division within the GOP.

Clashes and Confrontations

The debate, however, was not without its fiery exchanges. Perhaps the most explosive incident occurred between Nikki Haley and Vivek Ramaswamy when personal barbs were traded, including a contentious moment where Haley demanded Ramaswamy to keep her daughter out of the debate and labeled him as 'scum.' Ramaswamy made pointed comparisons between Haley and notable political figures, suggesting her foreign policies resembled those of Dick Cheney.

Trump's Shadow

While the candidates largely sidestepped mentions of Trump, some couldn't resist making remarks. Haley criticized his dealings with foreign adversaries, and Chris Christie referred to Trump's legal entanglements. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis went further, linking Trump to the GOP's recent electoral losses.

Ramaswamy attributed the GOP's 'culture of losing' to broader factors, including the influence of the Republican National Committee and mainstream media bias. He expressed disapproval of the debate's moderation, proposing that right-wing personalities might offer a better alternative.

Avoidance of Ohio's Abortion Vote

The topic of Ohio's recent abortion referendum, which saw voters support abortion rights, was conspicuously under-discussed in the debate. When finally addressed, the candidates reiterated familiar stances, highlighting the varying perspectives on state autonomy and the likelihood of nationwide abortion policies.

Foreign Policy Takes Center Stage

The debate saw candidates largely united on Israel but divided on Ukraine. Ramaswamy controversially suggested accommodating Russian territorial claims, while Haley and DeSantis discussed the form of aid the U.S. should provide to Ukraine, as well as the broader implications for U.S. foreign policy.

DeSantis and Haley Spar Over China

In a particularly sharp exchange, DeSantis and Haley sparred over each other's records concerning Chinese businesses operating in their states. Ramaswamy joined in, alluding to reports of attempts to relax restrictions on Chinese investments in Florida, prompting a debate on the influence of foreign enterprises in the U.S.

Further Developments

The debate precedes the next scheduled GOP primary debate with former FOX news host Megyn Kelly set to moderate. Meanwhile, Trump maintains his absence from the debate stage but continues to stay ahead in the polls.

Conclusion

The GOP candidates' debate in Miami reflected an uneasy balance between addressing internal divisions and projecting unity ahead of upcoming electoral challenges. With Trump's continued lead in the polls despite his debate absence, the party's dynamics and strategy remain in flux.

GOP, debate, Trump