Dana Bash, CNN Anchor & Chief Political Correspondent, discusses the first 2024 GOP debate without Trump and highlights performances of Nikki Haley, Ron DeSantis, Tim Scott, and Mike Pence. The debate reflects the impact of Trump, explores his choice to not debate, and analyzes Ron DeSantis' campaign. The chapter also mentions Kit Mahr's coverage of Ron DeSantis' campaign and shares anecdotes from a recent debate.
Debates provide an opportunity for lesser-known candidates to showcase their policies and gain attention from potential supporters.
Donald Trump's absence from the debate highlights his continued control over the Republican Party and the race.
Deep dives
Highlights of the Republican debate in Milwaukee
The first 2024 Republican presidential debate took place in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with former President Donald Trump absent. Eight candidates had the opportunity to establish themselves as the number two contender behind Trump. On the same day as the debate, Trump turned himself into authorities in Georgia, facing charges related to his efforts to overturn the state's 2020 election results. The debate provided a platform for candidates to present themselves to a wider audience and potentially gain support.
The importance and impact of debates in the presidential race
While debates are crucial in capturing the attention of voters, they may not necessarily be decisive in determining the outcome of the presidential race. For candidates who are relatively unknown or have yet to gain traction, debates offer an opportunity to showcase their policies and gain attention from potential supporters. However, the Republican front runner's absence, Donald Trump, still exerted significant influence over the debate, highlighting his continued control over the party and the race.
Analysis of standout moments and candidates
Several candidates had standout moments during the debate. Nikki Haley impressed with her exchanges on spending conservatism and the issue of Ukraine. Ron DeSantis, polling in second place behind Trump, tried to solidify his position but failed to stand out. The debate also delved into the question of whether candidates would still support Trump if he were convicted of a crime. Overall, the debate maintained the status quo of the campaign, benefiting Trump's position as the front runner.
Eight Republican presidential candidates took the stage in Milwaukee last week for the first primary debate of the 2024 campaign. Notably missing, however, was frontrunner Donald Trump, who surrendered to Fulton County authorities a day later in the Georgia 2020 election subversion case. In today’s episode, we head to Milwaukee to recap the moments that mattered and to get a sense of how the debate could shape the race going forward.
Guests: Dana Bash, CNN Anchor & Chief Political Correspondent
Jeff Zeleny, CNN Chief National Affairs Correspondent
Kit Maher, CNN Campaign Embed
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