Trump heads to Michigan to compete with Biden for union votes as GOP rivals are set to debate | PBS NewsHour
In the Republican presidential debate held at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute, the absence of former President Donald Trump was notable. Seven candidates participated: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, former Vice President Mike Pence, South Carolina Senator Tim Scott, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum. The debate was hosted by Fox Business Network, Univision, and Rumble.
The candidates tackled various issues, including President Biden’s support for UAW workers on strike. They criticized Biden for not focusing on immigration issues and advocated for different approaches, with Pence proposing an expedited federal death penalty for mass shooters.
DeSantis, while avoiding direct criticism of Trump, called for his participation in the debates and discussed the economic choices made during Trump’s administration. Ramaswamy stirred controversy by suggesting the revocation of birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S. to undocumented parents.
Additionally, candidates raised concerns about Ramaswamy’s business ties in China, with Scott accusing him of connections to the Chinese Communist Party and Hunter Biden. Trump, who was absent from the debate, focused on his lead in the polls and taunted his Republican rivals.
The debate showcased the complex dynamics within the Republican party, with candidates jockeying for attention and differentiation in the crowded field while Trump’s influence continued to loom large.
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