Here Are the Key Takeaways From the First Republican Debate
- Haley, Ramaswamy spar over US policy toward Russia, China
- DeSantis comes out strong, doesn’t dominate the discussion
2024 Republican presidential candidates during the Republican primary presidential debate on Aug. 23.
Photographer: Al Drago/BloombergThis article is for subscribers only.
Republican presidential candidates were largely united in their criticism of President Joe Biden’s economic record in Wednesday’s debate but sparred over foreign policy, the border and abortion rights.
Absent from the event — and also largely from the discussion — was former President Donald Trump, the clear frontrunner for the nomination. When asked if they would support Trump as the nominee, even if he’s convicted of a felony, all but former governors Chris Christie of New Jersey and Asa Hutchinson of Arkansas raised their hands.