In a pivotal moment during the third presidential debate, five prominent Republican contenders didn't hold back as they pointed fingers at ex-President Donald Trump, attributing the GOP's losses in the 2023 off-year elections to his influence. This stark departure from the previous debates aimed to chip away at Trump's commanding lead in the 2024 White House race, just 70 days before the Iowa caucuses.
The Republican candidates strategically chose to confront Trump head-on, delivering more forceful critiques than in the preceding debates, according to media reports. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, once a formidable opponent, capitalized on his home turf advantage to highlight the party's disappointing performance in recent elections, particularly in Kentucky and Virginia, where they failed to secure key victories.
Taking a swing at Trump's famous claim that Republicans would get tired of winning, DeSantis wryly remarked, "Well, as we saw last night, I'm sick of Republicans losing."
Nikki Haley, former UN Ambassador under Trump, acknowledged his initial appeal in 2016 but emphasized the need to move beyond the past. She raised concerns about the significant debt accumulated during Trump's administration and criticized his wavering support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.
All five Republicans—DeSantis, Nikki Haley, Vivek Ramaswamy, Tim Scott, and Chris Christie (the lone anti-Trump candidate)—voiced strong support for Israel in its conflict with Hamas and unanimously condemned the rise of anti-Semitism on college campuses.
Senator Tim Scott went further, suggesting the U.S. should consider striking Iran in response to alleged Iranian-backed attacks on U.S. forces in Syria and Iraq, advocating for decisive action to address the root of the issue.
Ramaswamy, a 38-year-old biotech billionaire engineer, made a bold entry into U.S. politics by holding Ronna McDaniel, the Republican National Committee chairwoman, accountable for the party's recent electoral setbacks. He urged her to resign, highlighting a need for accountability within the party.
The debate took a fiery turn when Ramaswamy and Haley engaged in a heated exchange, with Ramaswamy using a sharp fashion-related comment and Haley responding assertively, emphasizing that her choices were not about fashion but ammunition.
As the debate shifted to economic discussions, the candidates directed their focus towards critiquing Trump's policies. Scott addressed rising gas prices and advocated for prioritizing the country's natural resources. Former New Jersey Governor Christie underscored the importance of energy reform, while DeSantis pledged to target regulations and executive orders associated with Bidenomics, President Joe Biden's economic agenda.
This third debate marked a significant departure from previous encounters, with Republican candidates boldly challenging Trump's influence and presenting their visions for the party's future and the nation's economic direction. The countdown to the Iowa caucuses adds intensity to their efforts to reshape the narrative and gain momentum in the 2024 White House race.
(With agency inputs)
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