The fourth Republican primary debate held in Alabama saw a heated exchange between the candidates, with a particular focus on former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley.
Candidates, including Florida governor Ron DeSantis, biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, and former New Jersey governor Chris Christie, sparred over various issues, including foreign policy, corporate connections, and the influence of wealthy donors.
While Donald Trump, the frontrunner for the GOP presidential nomination, did not participate in the debate, his absence didn’t diminish the intensity of the exchanges.
Read More: New York crucial to House GOP’s majority
Nikki Haley Under Fire
Nikki Haley faced sustained attacks from her primary rivals during the debate. Ron DeSantis and Vivek Ramaswamy attempted to portray her as beholden to wealthy backers and corporate interests.
DeSantis claimed that Haley would cave to big donors and criticized her stance on China and transgender issues. Ramaswamy attacked her for serving on the board of Boeing and questioned her corporate connections.
Haley’s Response
Despite the attacks, Nikki Haley defended herself by highlighting her support from prominent figures like JPMorgan chief Jamie Dimon, LinkedIn founder Reid Hoffman, and BlackRock CEO Larry Fink.
She suggested that her competitors were envious of her level of support from big donors and conservative groups.
While occasionally appearing blindsided by the attacks, Haley maintained her composure, stating, “I love all the attention,” and thanking her rivals for it.
Also Read: U.S. Announces Commitment to Phase Out Coal Plants for Climate Goals
Foreign Policy Debate
Foreign policy became a contentious issue during the debate, especially in light of the Republican senators’ earlier decision to block a bill providing more US funding for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan.
Ramaswamy challenged Haley’s knowledge of eastern Ukraine provinces, leading to heated exchanges. Former New Jersey governor Chris Christie intervened, defending Haley and criticizing Ramaswamy for being “the most obnoxious blowhard in America.”
Growing Strength of Nikki Haley
Despite the attacks, Nikki Haley’s rising popularity within the Republican race was evident. She is polling second behind Trump in early-voting states like New Hampshire and South Carolina, and she is in close competition with Ron DeSantis in Iowa.
This debate highlighted her growing strength and potential to emerge as a significant alternative to Donald Trump in the GOP nomination race.
DeSantis’s Campaign Revival Attempt
For Ron DeSantis, the debate provided an opportunity to revive his campaign, which had faced infighting and dysfunction in recent weeks.
He remained on message, emphasizing his conservative stance on border control and criticizing Haley’s conservative credentials.
However, political analysts suggest that more than his performance may be needed to slow down Haley’s momentum.
Divisions on Donald Trump
While DeSantis refused to criticize Donald Trump, who remains popular within the party, other candidates took different stances.
Chris Christie criticized Trump as an “angry, bitter man” unfit for office, while Vivek Ramaswamy defended Trump and aired conspiracy theories related to the 2020 election and the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack.
The fourth Republican primary debate showcased the intensity of the competition among candidates and the growing prominence of Nikki Haley as a contender in the GOP nomination race.
The exchange highlighted divisions within the party regarding Donald Trump’s influence and the direction of the Republican platform.
As the primary race continues, the dynamics among the candidates are likely to evolve further.
Read Next: Voters need ‘straight answer’ on abortion from fellow GOP contenders – Christie
