The first debate between Republican primary candidates was recently held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This event was marked by tensions within the party, particularly linked to ex-president Donald Trump, who chose not to participate and to counter-program on X.
The debates were lively, touching on topics such as inflation, insecurity, abortion, but Trump’s shadow constantly hung over the stage. Despite the investigations and charges against him, the former president is leading the polls for the Republican nomination.
For Trump’s rival candidates, this debate was an opportunity to stand out and get noticed in a political landscape dominated by the former president and his legal setbacks. Some of the most heated confrontations took place when the topic of abortion came up, including heated exchanges between Nikki Haley, the only female candidate for the Republican nomination, and former Vice President Mike Pence.
But despite Trump’s absence from the debate stage, he managed to get people talking about himself by hosting counter-programming on X. During this interview, Trump touched on different topics such as the relationship with Kim Jong-un or the attacks on Joe Biden.
This situation underlines the particularity of the campaign in which the former reality TV star has embarked. It also continues with his visit to Georgia, where he is accused of having tried to reverse the result of the 2020 presidential election.
At the same time, Joe Biden, current president and Democratic candidate for the next presidential election, also followed the Republican primary debate on television. The president’s advanced age was briefly mentioned, prompting some boos from the audience.
In conclusion, the first debate in the Republican primaries was marked by tensions and controversial topics, but also by the notable absence of Donald Trump. This virtual presence through its counter-programming underlines its still prominent impact in the American political landscape. The campaign for the 2024 presidential election therefore promises to be intense and rich in twists and turns