'Trump Won': Analysis of the Third GOP Debate and Its Impact on the Primary Race

'Trump Won': Analysis of the Third GOP Debate and Its Impact on the Primary Race 

The recent Republican presidential primary debate in Miami marked the third in the series, and much like its predecessors, it did little to shake the solid standing of frontrunner Donald Trump. Despite Trump's absence, the five candidates present failed to deliver a compelling case that would overshadow the former president's influence in the race.

While the debate touched on substantive issues, the exchanges often descended into acrimony, reaching a low point when former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley labeled entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy as "just scum" during a heated discussion about TikTok. This added to the perception that the event was more of an undercard affair than a platform for serious contenders.

Here are five key takeaways from the third GOP debate:

Haley's Standout Moment on Abortion

In the wake of recent elections in Ohio and Virginia, where voters rejected Republican state-level abortion bans post the Supreme Court's 2022 decision on Roe v. Wade, the candidates' positions on abortion came under scrutiny. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a six-week abortion ban, and Sen. Tim Scott favors a federal ban after 15 weeks.

Nikki Haley's response on abortion echoed her earlier stance in the first debate, emphasizing that while she is pro-life, she acknowledges the diversity of opinions. She argued against a federal ban, calling for a consensus rather than further dividing America on the issue. Haley's response was praised for its clarity, with pollster Frank Luntz stating that she had the "best Republican answer on abortion."

Ramaswamy's Controversial Stance Wears Thin

Vivek Ramaswamy's unorthodox approach, which garnered attention in previous debates, seemed to lose its charm in the latest encounter. Despite speaking for 17 and a half minutes, his controversial statements, including branding Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky a "Nazi" and proposing a border wall with Canada, left some feeling exasperated.

In his closing remarks, Ramaswamy speculated on the Democrats choosing Michelle Obama over President Biden as their nominee, a statement that, while capturing attention, raised doubts about its grounding in political reality.

As the novelty of Ramaswamy's approach diminishes, the question arises about its long-term viability in a serious political landscape.

This analysis underscores the challenge for GOP candidates to present substantive and electable alternatives, especially in the absence of Donald Trump, whose influence continues to cast a shadow over the primary race. The search for a compelling contender capable of uniting the party and appealing to a broader electorate remains a central theme as the primary season unfolds.