In their first debate since the Israel-Hamas war outbreak, Republican presidential candidates showed strong support for Israel but had disagreements on China and Ukraine. The absence of Donald Trump from the debate added to the pressure for candidates to distinguish themselves and try to catch up to the former president.
Key Points:
- Notable candidates on stage included Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley, both vying for the lead. Haley emphasized ending trade relations with China due to concerns about fentanyl-related deaths, while DeSantis accused her of welcoming Chinese investment to her state.
- The candidates aimed to cut into Trump’s lead, with the Iowa caucuses just two months away. They emphasized their differences on foreign policy, while also criticizing Trump for his handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
- While all candidates expressed strong support for Israel during the Gaza offensive, they did not discuss humanitarian aid for Palestinians. Some candidates pledged to pressure college campuses to combat antisemitism.
- The rivalry between DeSantis and Haley escalated, particularly on issues related to China. Both candidates also had differing positions on abortion rights, a significant topic after the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.
- Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy attempted to challenge other candidates during the debate, notably targeting Nikki Haley. The debate also touched on concerns about the social media app TikTok due to its ties to China.
- Trump remained a dominant figure in the race despite his legal challenges and controversies. His campaign aimed to secure victories in early primary states.
- DeSantis demonstrated strong support for Israel through various actions, while Haley highlighted her experience as Trump’s U.N. ambassador to advocate for the Israeli government.
- The debate took place with Trump absent, and his campaign suggested that the Republican National Committee should cease hosting debates and focus on supporting Trump’s campaign.
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Source: Hindustan Times
