Even Combined, 7 People Fall Below Trump's Approval Rating
Fierce Debate to Prove 'Trump Alternative'
The second TV debate among the U.S. Republican presidential candidates took place. With former President Donald Trump absent once again, the seven candidates sharpened their attacks on each other to prove they are the 'alternative to Trump.'
On the 27th (local time), North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, former Senator Tim Scott, and former Vice President Mike Pence participated in the TV debate.
Seven presidential candidates attending the 2nd TV debate of the US Republican presidential primary. [Photo by Yonhap News]
The candidates seemed aware that even combined, their support ratings did not match Trump's, leading them to interrupt and talk over each other, raising their voices. Despite the moderator's attempts to control the situation, the debate was halted several times due to the chaotic exchanges.
Attacked 'Little Trump' Ramaswamy
In the first debate held last month, businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, who drew unexpected attention by making aggressive remarks reminiscent of Trump and proposing 'Trump-like policies,' became a common target of the other candidates.
Ramaswamy joined TikTok, a Chinese video platform that is very popular in the U.S. but also raises security concerns. The candidates criticized him, questioning why he joined TikTok.
Ramaswamy responded that to win the election, he needs to reach young Americans, saying, "I know as a newcomer I have to earn your trust," and added, "I don't know everything and will listen to others."
Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley raised her voice, saying, "TikTok is one of the most dangerous social media platforms," and "Every time I hear you speak, I feel a little more foolish. We cannot trust you."
Competitive Criticism of Biden's 'Participation in Strike Protests'
President Joe Biden became the first sitting president to participate in a labor strike protest. Regarding his supportive visit to the United Auto Workers (UAW) strike site the previous day, the candidates competitively raised critical voices.
Senator Scott said, "Biden should have been at the southern border, not the picket line. The southern border area is unsafe and wide open to immigrants."
Former Vice President Mike Pence criticized Biden's economic policy, 'Bidenomics,' calling it a failure, and said, "Biden belongs on the unemployment line, not the picket line." He also pointed out that Biden's 'Green New Deal' policy benefits China but harms Detroit workers.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis added, "People in Washington are blocking the American Dream with reckless actions," and said, "They borrow, print, and spend money recklessly, which is why you are paying more for everything now."
The candidates were divided on support for Ukraine. Former Ambassador Haley, former Vice President Pence, and former New Jersey Governor Christie expressed the view that Ukraine should be supported to counter China.
On the other hand, Florida Governor DeSantis and Ramaswamy opposed support for Ukraine, setting themselves apart from the other candidates.
Former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley (left) and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (right). [Photo by Yonhap News]
Anti-Trump Coalition Draws Attention
DeSantis, who had previously refrained from criticizing former President Trump, changed his stance during this debate. Having once been considered a 'Trump challenger' after ranking second in polls, DeSantis has recently increased his criticism of Trump as he has not absorbed as much of Trump's support base as expected.
When asked who is responsible for the federal government 'shutdown' crisis, he said, "Where is Joe Biden? His leadership is completely absent," and added, "Do you know who else is absent? Donald Trump is missing."
He continued, "He should have been on stage tonight," and criticized Trump for increasing the national debt by $7.8 trillion during his term, which laid the groundwork for the inflation we are facing.
Former Governor Christie, who has maintained an anti-Trump stance, showed his 'Trump assassin' side without exception. At the end of the debate, the moderator asked each candidate to write down who they would eliminate first. Although DeSantis pointed out that this was disrespectful to other candidates and the plan was scrapped, Christie alone wrote a name.
The name Christie wrote was Donald Trump. He said, "Trump disrespected voters by not attending the debate and divided the Republican Party. He should be the first to be kicked out."
In response, Ramaswamy, who follows a pro-Trump line, rebutted, saying, "Trump was a great president."
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