The second Republican primary debate for the 2024 presidential election took place on September 27, 2023, in California and was overshadowed by arguments, interruptions, personal attacks, and former President Donald Trump missing, yet again. It was a messy two hours for spectators, resulting in an unsuccessful night for most candidates as they attempted to pull away from Trump. Candidates would point out specificities of Trump’s presidency and explain how they would correct his mistakes, or talk about the differences between him and themselves. Moderators continuously tried to maintain order, even providing extra opportunities to several candidates, but were constantly spoken over by the other contenders. 

Even when one moderator managed to ask a question, they were quickly shot down and caught between angry candidates. This chaotic debate was a clear sign to some voters that none of the candidates were moving in the right direction. 

Fights Break Out Between Candidates

Arguments and personal attacks dominated the debate. Despite the anticipated insults towards Trump and President Joe Biden, the stage was heated with shots aimed toward fellow candidates. 

Early on, US Senator Tim Scott made it clear that he does not shy away from arguing when he accused former Governor of South Carolina, Nikki Haley, of spending $50,000 on curtains during her time as a US ambassador. Haley responded by saying, “Do your homework, Tim, because Obama bought those curtains,” to which Scott asked, non-stop, “Did you send them back? Did you send them back?” 

However, this was far from the most heated moment of the debate that night. Several candidates harped on Vivek Ramaswamy for his involvement with China. Scott and Ramaswamy held a heated discussion about Ramaswamy’s engagement with the communist party, leading to former Vice President Pence adding that he was glad Ramaswamy, “pulled out of his business deal in China.” The final straw was when Ramaswamy spoke about his use of TikTok, and Haley said, “Every time I hear you, I feel a little bit dumber from what you say. We can’t trust you. We can’t trust you.” 

Candidates Attack Biden and Trump

Two of the eight presidential candidates were upset with Donald Trump’s absence from the debate. Florida Governor, Ron DeSantis, reminded the audience that Trump was, “missing in action” and talked about how he was responsible for the inflation problems in the country. Chris Christie, the former Governor of New Jersey, started his first answer by criticizing Trump, saying he, “hides behind his golf clubs,” and, “won’t show up to answer questions like the rest of us.” Throughout the rest of the debate, Christie continued to chide the former president, calling him “Donald Duck” and pointing out the mistakes made during his presidency. Toward the end of the debate, he addressed Trump directly. “You’re not here tonight because you’re afraid of being on stage and defending your record,” said Christie.

Criticisms of President Joe Biden started early in the debate as well. Former Vice President Mike Pence and South Carolina Senator Tim Scott both agreed that Biden shouldn’t be joining a picket line in Michigan, he should be protecting our border, and that he, “belongs on the unemployment line.” 

Pence and Burgum Sidestep Questions

Former Vice President Mike Pence avoided many of the questions directed at him. For example, when asked about his plans for parental consent laws, he simply said he was an advocate for parental rights and did not propose a solution. A similar approach was taken when Pence was asked about his plans for children who are brought illegally into the United States. After his first attempt at avoidance failed and the question was repeated, he decided to talk about his knowledge and time in Congress. “Let me tell you, I served in Congress for 12 years, although it seemed longer,” said Pence.

Candidate Doug Burgum, Governor of North Dakota, spent most of his time talking about the success he’s had as governor. He seemed to be a heavy bystander during the debate, not jumping in to answer more questions like other candidates were, or becoming a part of any lively debates. He did not have any clear plans for improvements in the US, ignoring many questions asked of him. 

A Few Notable Perspectives

There were a few opinions from candidates that stood out — most importantly those of Ramaswamy, Pence, and Desantis. 

The topic of abortion has become a delicate one, especially in the Republican Party. DeSantis was quick to talk on this issue, defending his position against a recent comment made by Trump. “I think what he did was a terrible thing and a terrible mistake,” said the former president, addressing DeSantis’ 15-week ban on abortion implemented in Florida, saying he would implement it federally as president. Pence agreed on this issue. 

The former vice president was clear that he wanted to promote a federal death penalty for mass shooters. “I am sick of these mass shootings,” he said. If elected, Pence would enforce a strict penalty for mass shooters, ensuring that, “they will meet their fate in months, not years.”

One of the most prominent voices in the debate was that of Ramaswamy. Many candidates were able to agree on certain issues, such as immigration or parental consent laws, however, Ramaswamy took it a step further. 

When asked about parental consent laws, Ramaswamy said he would ensure that parents would know what was happening with their children. He also spoke on “transgenderism,” calling it, “a mental health disorder,” and gender-affirming medical care, “barbaric.”

Similarly, this transpired when he was asked to address the immigration problems in the United States. He recognized that his fellow candidates onstage were, “on the right side of this issue,” and then vowed to go further. “I favor ending birthright citizenship for the kids of illegal immigrants.” Passionate about this topic, he challenged the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which states “All persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the laws and jurisdiction thereof, are citizens.” Ramaswamy interpreted this as referring to slavery, not immigration.

Despite skipping both debates, Trump is still the highest-polling candidate, with DeSantis and Haley coming in second and third, though it’s not looking close. After this most recent debate, Ramsaway has dropped from 11% to 7%, now tied with Haley, and everyone else drags behind. The next debate is set to take place on November 8, 2023, in Miami, Florida.