Nikki Faces Criticism from DeSantis and Ramaswamy, While Christie Takes a Direct Swipe at Trump

In the recent GOP-sponsored presidential debate at the University of Alabama, tensions ran high as Nikki Haley faced heavy criticism, particularly from Vivek Ramaswamy and Ron DeSantis. The smallest debate yet featured Haley, DeSantis, Chris Christie, and tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. Here are five key takeaways:

1. Haley Under Attack: Nikki Haley, a prominent contender and second runner to ex-President Donald Trump, became the primary target during the debate. Ramaswamy and DeSantis criticized her positions on China, social media, and transgender rights, portraying her as someone who capitulates when faced with opposition.

2. Christie Defends Haley: In a surprising turn, Chris Christie, known for his confrontational approach towards Trump, defended Nikki Haley against Ramaswamy's personal attacks. Christie emphasized Haley's intelligence and condemned insults directed at her.

3. DeSantis on Stagnating Campaign: Ron DeSantis addressed concerns about his campaign's stagnation, arguing that voters, not polls or pundits, decide elections. He highlighted his conservative achievements as Florida's governor and downplayed the significance of polling data.

4. Christie Takes on Trump: Chris Christie, who has centered his campaign on criticizing Trump, continued to do so during the debate. He labeled Trump as an "angry, bitter man" and warned against the consequences of another Trump term.

5. Ramaswamy's Fiery Antics: Vivek Ramaswamy maintained his disruptive role, targeting everyone on the stage. He called Nikki Haley a female "Dick Cheney" and accused her of corruption due to her association with Boeing. Christie confronted Ramaswamy's Trumpian behavior, urging him to "shut up for a little while."

Policy Differences: While policy differences were relatively narrow, Ramaswamy stood out by advocating for a less prominent U.S. role in the Israel-Hamas conflict. He positioned his approach as "pro-American" and "pro-Israel," emphasizing a focus on national interests.

Immigration Variances: On immigration, Haley did not endorse Trump's plan to revive the travel ban but suggested a review of countries with terrorist activity. DeSantis countered by expressing a willingness to impose stricter limits on immigration from countries deemed "hostile" to America.

(With Agency Inputs)