Staff Reports
The second Republican primary debate was less of a debate and more of a disorganized chaos, with "Crosstalk" emerging as the leading candidate. Over the continual din, the seven candidates struggled to be heard. It is indicative of a field that has failed to differentiate itself from former President Donald Trump and from one another. They resorted to barbs and scripted jabs at Trump, who was campaigning in Michigan, in lieu of providing clear policies and strategies.
Wednesday night’s gathering at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library was less a debate than a cacophony in which the seven candidates each said worthwhile things but often struggled to be heard.https://t.co/M9y68zUL9s
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) September 28, 2023
The candidates' assaults appeared to be arbitrary and motivated by personal animosity rather than a deliberate strategy. The only exception was Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who termed Trump's criticism of six-week abortion bans "terrible." This was a crucial policy discussion and a chance for the other candidates to distinguish themselves. However, DeSantis appeared to recede into the background for the majority of the debate, speaking only when prompted.
DeSantis may be the front-runner on the campaign trail, but his recent decline to third place in the polls suggests he shouldn't take that position for granted. In both national and early state polls, he is significantly behind Trump. Changing the course of the race is more essential than appearing ahead of other candidates.
The candidates' direct requests for Trump's participation in the debates were motivated in part by his civic duty, but primarily by their own desires. Trump's presence on stage would provide them with opportunities and validation that he is unwilling to grant. Trump's focus on Michigan and key voter demographics may be an error in the primaries, as the polling data and attempts to capitalize on his missteps don't support his strategy.
The non-Trump candidates' best hope is that the field will contract, allowing for future debates with less background commotion and more standout moments. This may improve the chances of an alternative candidate challenging Trump in the early states. However, "Crosstalk" will prevail if debates continue to produce modest bumps for multiple candidates and Trump has no compelling cause to attend.
