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.
Latest headlines:
- South Carolina on South Carolina: Nikki Haley and Tim Scott spar several times on stage
- Brief debate answers on Ukraine reveal a rift among Republicans over the issue
- Survivor, GOP primary edition?
- Pence seems to be playing out the string
- Ramaswamy and Scott's debate over birthright citizenship devolves into chaotic exchange
Haley and Ramaswamy trade insults and poll positions
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
Ramaswamy’s dance card fills up
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
DeSantis finally gets a little momentum. His "they don't care" repetition is the most impassioned he's been all night (or in either debate). But whatever applause he might have got was cut short the conversation moving on a discussion about NATO and another Scott/Ramaswamy spat.
-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: