Controversial Second Republican Debate Sees Trump's Opponents Engage in Heated Argument

During the second 2024 presidential debate, seven Republican candidates discussed various issues such as the economy, immigration, and China. However, frontrunner Donald Trump chose not to attend the event and instead campaigned in Detroit, Michigan. The candidates on stage attacked each other throughout the two-hour forum, but none had a standout moment to gain momentum. The eventual Republican nominee will face President Joe Biden, the likely Democratic candidate, in the upcoming election. The debate included Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, former Vice-President Mike Pence, South Carolina Senator Tim Scott, and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum. Former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson did not qualify to participate. The debate started off politely but became more intense as the night progressed. Trump, who leads in most opinion polls, had previously indicated that he would skip the debates. DeSantis directly criticized Trump and touted his accomplishments as governor, including enacting conservative priorities like an abortion ban. However, DeSantis declined to answer the final question about which candidates should leave the race. Christie, who was once an ally of Trump but is now a critic, called him "Donald Duck" and said he needs to be voted off and taken out of the process. Immigration and US-China relations were also discussed, with candidates expressing concerns about the southern border and the Chinese Communist Party's influence. Ramaswamy faced harsh criticism from fellow candidates, especially from Nikki Haley. He held firm on controversial policy proposals and made unconventional statements. Burgum argued for treating taxpayers like customers and emphasized his experience as a business leader. Meanwhile, Trump made a speech in Detroit where he mainly focused on Biden and called for an end to further primary debates. The battle for the blue-collar vote between Trump and Biden has already begun, with both candidates addressing auto industry workers. Republican voters will start selecting their candidate in state-by-state contests next year, with the winner being formally crowned at the party convention.