The first Republican primary debate is over, and political pundits have shared that both Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) and Vivek Ramaswamy (R) had strong performances. President Donald Trump (R), the leading candidate, was not present as he took part in an interview with Tucker Carlson. At the end of the debate, Republican lawmakers had much to discuss as the conversation surrounding Governor DeSantis’ standing lingers.
President Trump was the “elephant in the room” for the night even though he wasn’t in the room. Though many expected him to be part of a large portion of the conversation, the candidates didn’t spend much time on him.
With New Jersey Governor Chris Christie (R) and Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson (R) being the sharpest critics, South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley (R) shared her views on the harm Trump has inflicted on the economy.
DeSantis Swings for the Fences
“Donald Trump added 8 trillion to our debt, and our children are never going to forgive us for that,” she said, arguing that a Haley administration would be the right alternative because “it’s time for an accountant in the White House.”
In contrast, DeSantis shifted blame to President Joe Biden (D), saying that his mission is to “reverse Bidenomics so that middle class families can succeed again.”
After the debate, Florida Rep. Byron Donalds (R) and Texas Rep. Chip Roy (R) sat down with Sean Hannity to discuss the debate.
Donalds, who has endorsed Trump, said that “the Governor was good, but he wasn’t dynamic,” adding that to stand out, DeSantis has to be dynamic. Moreover, Donalds noted that the policies DeSantis is supporting have previously been put in place by Trump. “Donald Trump did it. He did it once, and he can do it again,” he said.
Refuting DeSantis’ standing in the evening, Roy argued that DeSantis had the best night, adding that “the American people expect you to show up. Governor DeSantis showed up.”
