Republican presidential candidates converged in Milwaukee for a spirited discussion on pressing American issues. [Source]
Hosted by Fox News, the debate often centered on criticisms of Biden, touching on topics like economic security, international relations, energy, and core constitutional values.
Biden as a Unifying Theme
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis opened the debate by remarking, “We cannot succeed as a country if hard-working individuals can’t afford groceries, a car, or a new home while Hunter Biden can earn hundreds of thousands of dollars from mediocre paintings.”
Polls place DeSantis second behind former President Donald Trump, who declined the event due to his commanding lead.
Addressing a question on climate change, DeSantis declared, “One reason our country is in decline is because of the biased treatment Republicans receive from corporate media compared to Democrats. Biden was vacationing while those in Maui suffered. His response? ‘No comment.’ It’s unbelievable.”
Chris Christie lambasted the Department of Justice under Biden. “When Hunter Biden submits a fraudulent gun license application, risking a 10-year mandatory sentence — a law championed by his own father — yet faces no consequences, it sends the message that the law isn’t universal. In my administration, he’d serve those 10 years.”
Vivek Ramaswamy, a 38-year-old entrepreneur with no political background, criticized Biden over the Maui incident.
Ramaswamy’s Outsider Perspective Sparks Heated Exchanges
Ramaswamy’s remarks about Biden were eclipsed by his clashes with Pence and Nikki Haley.
When former Vice President Mike Pence stressed his extensive experience, asserting, “Vivek, I’ve been through it all – from the hallways to the West Wing. A president must address every American crisis,” Ramaswamy countered, “It’s simple: unlock American energy—drill, frack, burn coal, support nuclear.”
Pence retorted, “Let me simplify it: I was a conservative leader in the House before it was trendy. We don’t need an inexperienced rookie.”
Later, a dispute with the former UN ambassador over US aid to Ukraine led Ramaswamy to criticize what he perceived as superficial support for Ukraine’s leader, Volodymyr Zelensky.
Ramaswamy argued, “It’s hypocritical for career politicians to visit Kyiv and revere Zelensky while ignoring the plight of those in Maui.”
Pence and Haley then took aim at Ramaswamy. Pence cautioned, “Vivek, if we concede as you suggest to Putin, it won’t be long before he challenges NATO.” Haley added, “You clearly lack foreign policy expertise, and it shows.”
Contentious Discussions on Abortion
The debate intensified as the topic shifted to abortion. Pence and Haley found themselves at odds. Pence remarked, “Nikki, we’re friends, but consensus isn’t leadership,” advocating for a 15-week abortion ban.
He continued, “This transcends state rights. It’s about ethics. Shouldn’t there be a nationwide standard prohibiting abortions once a fetus can feel pain?”
Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) concurred with Pence, expressing, “It’s inexcusable for states like California, New York, and Illinois to permit abortions right up to birth.”
Trump’s Shadow Over the Debate
Tensions were palpable when the discussion turned to the 45th president.
When asked if they’d support Trump if he were convicted yet still secured the GOP nomination, all but Asa Hutchinson and Chris Christie were unanimous.
Hutchinson opined on Trump, “Witnessing the rise of smash-and-grab crimes is unsettling. Respect for our justice system starts at the top. A former president facing indictment shouldn’t undermine our judicial system by disparaging judges and prosecutors.”
Christie admonished, “This behavior can’t become the norm,” despite jeers from the audience. “Regardless of one’s stance on the criminal charges, such conduct is unbecoming of a president.”
RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel summarized the evening to Fox News: “Many Americans aren’t familiar with these candidates. Trump’s absence allowed them to showcase their policies.”
This debate provided voters with a closer look at the candidates’ policy stances and their viewpoints on prevailing national and international issues.