In the third debate of the Republican presidential candidates for the 2024 US elections, held in Miami, topics like the Israel-Hamas conflict, abortion rights, and Donald Trump’s lingering influence dominated the discussion.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, and former biotech executive Vivek Ramaswamy were prominent figures on stage.
Despite Donald Trump’s absence from the debate, his impact was profoundly felt. The candidates were questioned about their stance compared to Trump, reflecting the former president’s ongoing influence within the Republican Party. Ron DeSantis critiqued Trump’s unfulfilled promises, while Nikki Haley and Chris Christie highlighted the need for a shift from Trump’s approach, with Christie pointing out Trump’s legal entanglements. In contrast, Tim Scott and Vivek Ramaswamy chose not to focus on Trump in their responses.
Unanimity on Israel and Tensions Over Foreign Policy
A notable area of agreement among the candidates was their support for Israel in its conflict with Hamas, demonstrating a unified Republican stance on this foreign policy issue. However, the debate saw tensions flare when Nikki Haley’s foreign policy was scrutinized by Vivek Ramaswamy, leading to a heated exchange that underscored the underlying disagreements within the party.
Abortion emerged as a divisive topic among the candidates. The recent Supreme Court decision overturning the nationwide right to abortion has led to varied Republican responses. Nikki Haley called for party consensus, while Tim Scott proposed a national 15-week abortion limit, a stance that did not see widespread support from other candidates.
The debate underscored the challenges Republican candidates face in uniting the non-Trump vote and differentiating themselves in a crowded field. The enduring influence of Trump, the consensus on Israel, and the divisions over abortion rights highlighted the complex dynamics within the Republican Party as the 2024 presidential race heats up.
