Republican debate highlights and analysis: Candidates squabble in Simi Valley

Ilia Calderón is asking about sending U.S. troops to Mexico. In a late August/early September survey by Morning Consult, 41 percent of Republicans said they thought that sending U.S. troops to fight cartels in Mexico would be “very effective” at limiting the supply of illegal drugs in the United States. Other strategies had more support among Republicans, such as sending more resources to the U.S.-Mexico border (54 percent), empowering U.S. law enforcement to combat opioids (45 percent), and punishing drug violators in the United States (43 percent).
—Analysis by 538

Haley going after Ramaswamy was a recurring theme in the first debate. They were the standout candidates in our polling last time and there was a lot of speculation about Ramaswamy moving up in the polls — perhaps even surpassing DeSantis. But since August, Ramaswamy has actually lost support, to the point where Haley passed him in our polling average today. It makes sense that they're trading blows again; this seems to be a successful strategy for Haley, and Ramaswamy can't help but take the bait.
-Analysis by G. Elliott Morris of 538

The candidates are discussing support for Ukraine. About half (49 percent) of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents say that vital U.S. interests are not really at stake in the war in Ukraine, according to an August Echelon Insights survey. Thirty-seven percent disagree, saying that if Russia wins, vital U.S. interests and values are threatened. Fourteen percent are unsure.
—Analysis by 538

For those keeping score at hope, Christie, Pence, Scott and now Haley have all gotten into shouting matches with Ramaswamy at these debates.

—Analysis by Nathaniel Rakich of 538