US election: Republican rivals clash as Trump skips presidential debate

Published:  30-09-2023

The Republican candidates had a big debate. They argued about Donald Trump, Joe Biden, and other important issues like China, immigration, and the economy.

But even after all the arguing, no one candidate stood out and changed the race much. Trump has been leading the race for a long time, even though he's facing four criminal charges.

Trump didn't show up for the debate, just like the first one last month in Wisconsin. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis criticized Trump for not being there and blamed him for increasing the national debt. He said Trump should have been at the debate to explain his actions.

Chris Christie, a former governor who often criticizes Trump, called him "afraid" and made fun of him for not being at the debate. Mike Pence, who was Trump's vice president, said he would do things differently if he became president. He said Trump wanted more power for the federal government, but he would give more power to the states.

The candidates also attacked Joe Biden, the Democratic nominee for the 2024 election. They said he's not doing a good job with the economy and the border with Mexico.

Vivek Ramaswamy, who is new to politics and running for the Republican nomination, got on the nerves of his fellow Republicans. Nikki Haley, a former UN ambassador, told Ramaswamy he made her feel dumber when he talked about using the Chinese-owned social media site TikTok.

All the candidates said they would be tough on immigration and criticized Biden for not handling the problem at the southern border.

There are seven candidates competing with Trump to be the Republican nominee in the 2024 election.

Just before the debate, Trump talked to autoworkers in Michigan. He seemed not to care about the debate and said the candidates were just looking for jobs as his vice president.

By skipping both debates, Trump showed he's more focused on Biden than on the other Republicans who are far behind in the polls.

The candidates, especially DeSantis, had a lot riding on this debate. He has had trouble gaining support, and donors are worried about his chances.

DeSantis became famous for opposing COVID-19 restrictions, and he's now known for fighting progressive policies supported by educators and big companies.

Haley hoped that a strong debate performance would convince donors that she has the best chance to beat Trump.

North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum also joined the debate.

Immigration was a major topic. DeSantis said he would use the military against Mexican cartels, and Ramaswamy said he would try to take away birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants.

Even when they talked about a strike by autoworkers, Senator Tim Scott brought up the border issue and criticized Biden for being on the picket line instead of securing the border.

Most candidates agreed to support Ukraine, but DeSantis said he wouldn't give them a "blank check." Ramaswamy warned that supporting Ukraine might push Russia closer to China, and that led to more criticism from the other candidates, who said he would appease Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The debate moderators didn't ask the candidates about Trump's legal problems. He's facing four criminal cases, and a judge in New York recently found that he committed fraud by inflating the value of his business assets. Please Share This News Thank You..

Also Read

1. Government shutdown updates: Will national parks close? When was the last shutdown?

2. Over 50 people arrested in Philadelphia looting spree, police say

3. Governent shutdown, Biden impeachment hearing, GOP debate