Last week in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Republican candidates sparred in their first GOP Presidential Debate of the 2024 campaign season. In the home of the Milwaukee Bucks, the Fiserv Forum hosted a lineup that included Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, Fmr. Vice President Mike Pence, Fmr. U.N. Ambassador and South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, Fmr. New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, Fmr. Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum.
The long-awaited debate featured important topics to GOP primary voters, and the candidates had their first opportunity to differentiate themselves on the national stage. The debate featured many lively moments as the candidates gave their talking points.
“Rich Men North of Richmond” and the Economy
Hosts Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum began the debate by playing “Rich Men North of Richmond,” a song from budding artist Oliver Anthony that rose the Billboard charts filled with an anti-elitist message about the economic state of the country that has thrown many people into desperation. The use of the piece, which Anthony has since condemned, provided a segway into a discussion on the economy.
As the front-runner among candidates in the debate, the moderators gave DeSantis the first opportunity to criticize President Joe Biden. DeSantis claimed that “Bidenomics” harmed the middle class through congressional overspending. DeSantis subsequently attacked Biden’s son, Hunter Biden, and his involvement in legal troubles. He then pivoted to outline his track record as governor of Florida, and advocated for Energy Independence.
Christie followed DeSantis and touted his record in cutting unemployment, debt and pension payments while fighting public unions during his tenure. Baier questioned Christie’s success, especially New Jersey’s status of having the second lowest credit rating in the United States during his tenure. Christie deflected and blamed his predecessors for creating that situation for him. Despite these questions regarding his tenure, Christie packaged himself as the most electable candidate.
Scott pointed to his record of opposing spending packages Biden signed into law. The hosts challenged Scott’s answer by pointing to his affirmative votes for President Donald Trump’s spending bills which significantly increased the national debt. In his response, Scott elucidated the country’s superb economic performance characterized by low unemployment and two percent inflation under Trump.
Unlike her opponents, Haley blamed other Republicans and Democrats for raising the national debt. Haley provided one of the more memorable quotes of the night exclaiming that it was time “for an accountant in the White House.”
Gov. Asa Hutchinson described himself as a leading advocate for pro-life policies, emphasizing his record on lowering taxes and generating a budget surplus through reductions in government size. Gov. Doug Burgum argued that President Biden’s energy policies have strengthened China’s global position while undermining that of the United States on the international stage.
The Abortion Question
Abortion drew a passionate conversation. While all the candidates positioned themselves as pro-life, a provoking discussion about whether a federal ban on the practice was practical and correct.
In the discussion, Gov. Doug Burgum and former Gov. Nikki Haley expressed opposition to a federal abortion ban. Haley, noted for her pro-life stance, argued that the party should refrain from vilifying the topic and instead focus on making other options like contraception and adoption more accessible to pregnant women. She further pointed out the logistical challenges of implementing a federal abortion ban, highlighting the need for a Congressional majority and 60 Senate votes — factors she deemed unlikely to coalesce, thus questioning the viability of a federal action plan. Burgum cited the 10th Amendment to assert that abortion is a matter best left to individual states. Although he has enacted a six-week abortion ban in North Dakota, he clarified that he would not endorse such a measure on a federal level.
In the discussion, former Vice President Mike Pence, Gov. Asa Hutchinson, and Sen. Rick Scott were vocal proponents of a federal abortion ban. Pence cited his religious convictions, including a Bible verse, to assert the moral wrongness of abortion. Hutchinson disputed Gov. Doug Burgum’s stance, arguing that his experience as a former federal prosecutor informs him that the Constitution allows for a nationwide ban. He added that Arkansas holds the distinction of being the most pro-life state in the country. Scott contended that the permissive abortion policies in California and New York are immoral and must be halted.
The segment featured a notably heated exchange between former Gov. Nikki Haley and Pence. Haley insisted that a federal abortion ban is politically unfeasible and called for compromise on the issue. Pence countered that “consensus is not real leadership.”
Gov. Ron DeSantis suggested that stringent abortion regulations are politically viable, pointing to his decisive re-election victory in Florida as evidence. He criticized Democratic policies on the issue as lacking compassion. However, DeSantis did not clearly state his position on a federal abortion ban.
Foreign Policy
To commence the foreign policy segment, moderators inquired which candidates would oppose increased funding for Ukraine. Vivek Ramaswamy was the sole participant to definitively raise his hand, while Gov. Ron DeSantis gave a hesitant affirmation. DeSantis later elaborated, insisting that European nations should bear more of the financial burden in Ukraine and emphasizing that domestic issues should be prioritized. Ramaswamy concurred, suggesting that resources should be reallocated to domestic challenges, particularly the crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border. He was unequivocal that his priorities lie in domestic interests, even asserting that the only war he would endorse is a war on regulation.
Ramaswamy’s position met with sharp criticism from former Vice President Mike Pence, former Gov. Nikki Haley, and former Gov. Chris Christie. All asserted that giving any advantage to Russian President Vladimir Putin was unacceptable. Christie vividly described a recent trip to Ukraine, where he witnessed the atrocities perpetrated by Russian forces under Putin’s command, and reminded the audience that this is the same leader former President Donald Trump had once labeled a genius.
In a contentious exchange between Ramaswamy and Pence, the latter argued that the U.S. must maintain its role as the leader of the free world, especially as Putin seeks to re-establish the Soviet sphere of influence. Ramaswamy retorted that the Soviet Union no longer exists, echoing a sentiment expressed by former President Barack Obama during the 2012 debates.
Haley used the opportunity to question Ramaswamy’s foreign policy credentials and argued that the U.S. should not abandon its allies. She added that a victory for Russia would also mean a win for China. Ramaswamy countered by suggesting that Haley was essentially a mouthpiece for defense contractor Raytheon.
Separate from the Ukraine issue, Haley criticized Ramaswamy for his inadequate support for Israel. Ramaswamy responded by saying that he aims to back Israel through alternative strategies, including alliance building and preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
The Elephant (Not) In the Room
Notably absent from the proceedings was Fmr. President Donald Trump, the leading Republican nominee, who instead recorded an interview with Tucker Carlson that aired concurrently with the debate. Even without the presence of the 45th President, discussion touched on Trump and Pence’s actions on Jan. 6, 2021.
Each candidate commended Pence for his noble act of certifying the election. However, when queried about their support for Trump should he secure the nomination, all except for Christie and Hutchinson raised their hands. Christie stated that Trump’s conduct should not be normalized, while Hutchinson declared Trump morally disqualified from the presidency.
Pence underscored his commitment to the Constitution and touted achievements made during his tenure as Vice President. Ramaswamy and Sen. Rick Scott criticized the Department of Justice’s indictments against Trump as politically motivated. Scott said he would dismiss Merrick Garland and Chris Wray, while Ramaswamy stated he would pardon Trump.
Attempting to distance herself from Trump, Haley posited that Republicans require new leadership and doubted Trump’s ability to win the general election.
Takeaways
Though Trump’s absence loomed large over the debate, the candidates succeeded in differentiating themselves. The most notable performances came from Haley and Ramaswamy, who dominated the stage, and their confrontations promise an exciting campaign season ahead.
The next Republican debate is scheduled for Sept. 27, 2023 and will be broadcast by Fox Business in California.
