The Third Republican Primary Debate: A Guide to What to Watch For
The third Republican primary debate took place on November 8 in Miami. With the absence of former President Donald Trump, the field has narrowed down to just four candidates: former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy. As the Iowa Caucuses approach, the remaining candidates have limited time to win over undecided voters.
Changes in the Field
North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott have dropped out of the race, further reducing the number of candidates. This presents an opportunity for the remaining contenders to distinguish themselves and prove they have a viable path to the nomination.
The Importance of Debate Performance
Republican pollster Jon McHenry emphasizes the significance of the debate performance at this stage. With only four candidates on stage, each participant has more airtime and must demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the issues. McHenry believes this is a make-or-break moment, especially for DeSantis, who was once considered the strongest contender against Trump. However, recent developments, such as a shakeup at a pro-DeSantis super PAC and Haley’s rise in polling and donor support, have shifted the dynamics.
Trump’s Absence and Confidence
In previous debates, Trump held counterprogramming events. However, this time, he is attending a private fundraiser in Florida while DeSantis debates his challengers in Alabama. This indicates Trump’s confidence in the primary race.