Important highlights from the ongoing Republican debate

Republican presidential candidates who are not named Donald Trump are running out of time to make a significant impact on the race. With the start of balloting for the party's nomination still four months away, Trump has maintained a strong lead over his competitors. This makes tonight's debate a crucial opportunity for the other candidates to create a memorable moment that motivates their supporters to contribute financially and keep their campaigns alive. So far, one notable moment came when Chris Christie criticized Trump for contributing to the national debt during his presidency. Ron DeSantis chimed in, stating that Trump should have been present at the debate to defend his deficit spending. This indicates a potential shift in DeSantis' strategy, as he previously tried to position himself as an attractive alternative for Trump voters. However, as Trump's support base remains strong, DeSantis may feel compelled to directly confront the former president if he hopes to have any chance of catching up in the polls. Despite the Republican Party's historical pro-business and anti-union stance, Trump has swayed the party's base towards working-class voters. This was evident in Vivek Ramaswamy's response to a question about striking autoworkers in Michigan, where he expressed sympathy for their hardships. This marks a departure from the past, as Republican candidates would typically side with businesses in such labor disputes. This article will provide updates and analysis throughout the debate.