The second Republican primary debate took place on Wednesday, September 27th at the Reagan Presidential Library in California. FOX News hosted the debate, moderated by Dana Perino, Stuart Varney, and Illia Calderon.
The debaters included Florida Governor Ron Desantis, businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, former United States Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley, South Carolina Senator Tim Scott, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, former Vice President Mike Pence, and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum. Notably not in attendance was former President Donald Trump, who at the time of the debate was leading Republican polls at 54%.
Topics ranged from typically discussed issues, such as the economy, the southern border, and school choice. All candidates stood together in opposition to the Biden Administration’s handling of the economy and the border. As far as the southern border, candidates specifically spoke out against what they described as a fentanyl crisis. Ramaswamy caught viewers’ attention when he called for the elimination of birthright citizenship, which has been a part of the US Constitution since 1868. Candidates supported school choice, with DeSantis boasting that his state did not just talk about school choice, but “enacted universal school choice.”
Discussions also included more recent topics, including the United Auto Workers strike, Ukraine, and Donald Trump. While speaking about President Biden attending a UAW strike rally, Pence said Biden should not be on the picket line, but instead he “belongs on the unemployment line.” When the topic of Ukraine’s war with Russia was brought up, DeSantis stated that, “it’s in our interest to end this war, and that’s what I will do as President.” DeSantis was criticized by Scott, who believes that the United States should continue supporting Ukraine in its efforts against Russia. Christie went after former President Trump for not attending the debate for the second straight time, stating that he chooses to, “hide behind his golf clubs.”
The third Republican Primary Debate will take place on Wednesday, November 8th in Miami, Florida. The third debate will have stricter entry qualifications, as the RNC looks to shorten its list of prospective candidates and focus on the candidates it sees as promising before primaries and caucuses begin in 2024. Former President Trump has not made it clear whether or not he plans to attend the third debate.
Garrett Webber is a Dakota Student General Reporter. He can be reached at [email protected].
