Republican debate highlights and analysis: Candidates squabble in Simi Valley
2024 hopefuls argued over education, spending and border security.
The second Republican debate of the 2024 presidential primary, taking place at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, has just come to an end.
The affair was more raucous than the first debate, which took place over a month ago. Candidates interrupted one another much more regularly and several — most notably former Vice President Mike Pence and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie — have directly criticized front-runner Donald Trump, who elected not to show up tonight. The two candidates from South Carolina, former U.N. ambassador Nikki Haley and Sen. Tim Scott, went after one another for their records on spending, and seemingly everyone who had the chance to take a shot at entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy did so.
Read below for highlights, excerpts and key moments.
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People are already working
Ramaswamy said the answer to the economy was to put people back to work, but the labor market is unusually strong, with low unemployment and cooling but steady job growth.
— Analysis by Monica Potts of 538
According to The New York Times, DeSantis has spoken the fourth-most of the seven candidates, behind Ramaswamy, Scott, and Christie. That's not the dominant performance that some of his supporters had hoped for, and it doesn't signal to viewers that he's the clear alternative to the absent Trump
-Jacob Rubashkin, 538 contributor
Reagan’s being mentioned more than Trump
Mentions of Ronald Reagan, president of the U.S. from 1981 to 1989, so far tonight: 20.
Mentions of Donald Trump, president of the U.S. from 2017 to 2021 and current candidate for president: 12.
—Analysis by Nathaniel Rakich of 538
Nathaniel, I'd imagine Vivek's actual words spoken puts him even further ahead of the other contenders on stage. He even acknowledged he was "in a hurry" earlier in the debate, perhaps trying to inject a little humility and self-awareness into his image, especially after his unfavorability rating shot up after the first debate.
-Jacob Rubashkin, 538 contributor
How some of the 2024 GOP candidates spent the day ahead of the debate
Hours before the seven Republicans who qualified for the second RNC debate would have taken the stage at the Reagan Library in Simi Valley, California, a few hopefuls shared their pre-game time rituals.
Pence got a workout in, did some light preparation work, and spent time with his wife, former Second Lady Karen Pence, daughter Charlotte and granddaughter Etta, according to a campaign adviser.
Scott spent the day with family. He took time for prayer, some devotionals, and worked out at the gym. The tune on repeat in his headphones this week has been "Way Maker" by Leeland, according to a source familiar with the campaign.
Ramaswamy had breakfast, worked out and played with his two sons Karthik and Arjun until he worked out again later, according to spokesperson and senior advisor Tricia McLaughlin. The tech entrepreneur also toured the Reagan Library, where he told reporters that he was “feeling good” ahead of the debate.
Haley's team shared the former ambassador’s playlist that she listened to before the debate. They include: