The third Republican presidential debate took place recently, and it was filled with intense moments and heated exchanges between the candidates. The debate focused on a range of topics, including foreign policy crises and the party’s recent election losses, which many of the candidates blamed on former President Donald Trump.[0]
One of the standout moments of the night came when businessman Vivek Ramaswamy attacked former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley over her daughter’s use of TikTok.[1] Ramaswamy accused Haley’s daughter of being a frequent user of the app, to which Haley responded by telling Ramaswamy to leave her daughter out of the debate.[2] She called him “scum” for bringing her daughter into the conversation.
The TikTok debate produced one of the most stunning exchanges of the evening, with Haley and Ramaswamy trading insults and accusations.[2] The audience reacted with boos as Ramaswamy continued to press the issue, and Haley grimaced in response. It was a tense and dramatic moment that highlighted the personal attacks that can occur during political debates.
The debate also featured clashes between other candidates, such as Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley, who sparred over their roles in attracting Chinese companies to their respective states as governors.[3] Both candidates tried to spin the other’s record, but the truth of their claims is difficult to determine.
Another contentious issue that arose during the debate was abortion. Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina expressed his support for a national ban on abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy.[4] He argued that 15 weeks was a reasonable limit and called on Haley and DeSantis to support a similar ban.[4] However, both Haley and DeSantis maintained their positions that abortion regulations should be left up to the states.[4]
The third Republican debate also highlighted the growing divide within the party. Several candidates, including Vivek Ramaswamy and Ron DeSantis, criticized the GOP for recent election losses and referred to the party as a “party of losers.”[5] They expressed frustration with the lack of progress and success in recent elections and called for a change in strategy.
Overall, the third Republican presidential debate was filled with intense moments, personal attacks, and clashes between the candidates. It highlighted the divisions within the party and the challenges that lie ahead for the Republican Party as they try to regain control and win future elections. The debate also showcased the personal and contentious nature of politics, with candidates trading insults and accusations. It remains to be seen how these events will impact the race and the future of the Republican Party.
0. “Republican Debate Update: Candidates Spar Over Foreign Policy, Blame Trump” Bloomberg, 9 Nov. 2023, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-11-09/republican-debate-update-desantis-ties-trump-to-gop-s-latest-poor-election
1. “Up First briefing: GOP debate takeaways; striking actors and studios reach a deal” NPR, 9 Nov. 2023, https://www.npr.org/2023/11/09/1211740155/up-first-briefing-gop-debate-takeaways-striking-actors-and-studios-reach-a-deal
2. “‘Finish them’: Presidential candidates unite over how they’d advise Bibi” The Jerusalem Post, 10 Nov. 2023, https://www.jpost.com/american-politics/article-772605
3. “FactChecking the Third GOP Primary Debate” FactCheck.org, 9 Nov. 2023, https://www.factcheck.org/2023/11/factchecking-the-third-gop-primary-debate
4. “Republican hopefuls sharpen critique of Trump as election losses hang in the air” The Guardian US, 9 Nov. 2023, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/nov/09/republican-debate-miami-trump-haley-desantis
5. “GOP candidates gloss over struggles on abortion policy at debate” NBC News, 9 Nov. 2023, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/gop-candidates-gloss-struggles-abortion-policy-debate-rcna124315
