DeSantis, Ron – Page 43

On the Debate Stage, Republicans Offered a Brief Glimpse of Trumpism Without Trump

At times onstage, Republican rivals could imagine the primary race was about issues, ideology and biography. Then reality set in.

Donald Trump’s signature issue from 2016 still reverberates powerfully and prompts aggressive rhetoric on ways to shore up the southern U.S. border.

At the first presidential debate for the 2024 race, the rivals were divided over issues including Ukraine, abortion and the economy.

Wednesday’s debate delivered its own point to DeSantis: His star is setting while another rises.

As Republican presidential candidates traded fire at their first debate, they mostly left their party’s dominant front-runner unscathed.