As expected caucusgoers see multiple debates featuring candidates with minimal odds of victory, expected caucusgoers may desire a clearer image of their two main contenders – especially regarding foreign policy issues such as funding Ukraine and Israel.
DeSantis is actively trying to win back Trump voters while simultaneously defending him on various fronts. Watch how he handles questions regarding his views on a variety of topics including:
Immigration
On Wednesday night, just days ahead of Iowa caucuses, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley face off in their first Republican primary debate of 2024. Each candidate vies to secure support among their party brethren during this contest that kicks off this election cycle.
Both candidates have made immigration an issue in their campaigns, with DeSantis taking an aggressive stance by demanding lethal force at the border and seeking to end birthright citizenship.
Haley has attempted to position herself as more moderate, promising a moderate approach that includes providing asylum to those who claim it in the US. But she has made errors such as asserting slavery was at the root of the American Civil War – matters which will likely come up during her debate performance.
Foreign Policy
After two world wars and the Cold War, American foreign policy had bipartisan consensus on maintaining America’s unique superpower status. Now however, times have changed.
Today, nearly three-quarters of Republicans believe the U.S. should prioritize being the sole military superpower; however, a sizable majority of Democrats across ideological groups believe good diplomacy is crucial and that we must consider our allies’ interests when making decisions, even when these differ with ours.
Haley and DeSantis will work to convince Iowa caucusgoers that they possess the capabilities needed to navigate foreign policy complexities, while competing against Donald Trump who qualified for but opted out in his attempt to regain the lead.
Abortion
Abortion remains an extremely controversial issue across states. Progressives work to pass laws and constitutional provisions protecting abortion rights while conservative states attempt to pass bans restricting access.
Both candidates will likely be asked for their thoughts on the Dobbs ruling and its potential effects on state laws, and how state supreme courts, legislatures, and attorneys general might respond to it.
Haley must defend her positions on foreign policy against DeSantis’ accusations that she lacks the experience and leadership needed for presidential office. DeSantis has singled her out for her remarks regarding slavery’s role in leading to the American Civil War, as well as her claim that New Hampshire voters will “correct” Iowa caucuses results – two gaffes which DeSantis uses against her to prove his claim that she lacks both grit and grace to run for president.
Healthcare
Recent polls seem to indicate that Haley is closing in on DeSantis among Republican caucus attendees, particularly with regard to attacks. She has escalated these attacks against DeSantis while remaining cautious when it comes to making firm denunciations statements that could alienate undecided conservative voters.
Both candidates will likely be probed on their visions for the nation and how they’d sell them to voters, likely including topics like same-sex marriage, abortion and gun violence.
DeSantis proposed as governor to raise South Carolina’s gas tax and implement fees on remittance payments made from immigrants back home to family members in their home countries. Both will also be asked about their plans for healthcare – one of the most contentious issues in American politics.
5. Taxes
As DeSantis trails Trump in the polls, every advantage he can get will help his campaign. Both candidates may clash on issues related to tax code and foreign aid – Haley served as US ambassador to the UN under Trump, and has demonstrated her expertise on international affairs by supporting funding for Ukraine and Israel while opposing his “America First” isolationist ideals.
Vivek Ramaswamy and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie both participated in past GOP debates but failed to qualify for CNN event due to earning only 10% support across three polls of GOP primary and caucus voters – one specifically measuring those in Iowa – though both may continue their attacks against Trump tonight without his presence as their support base.
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