The 2024 GOP presidential hopefuls, except Donald Trump, took to the stage in California on Wednesday night to try and convince voters of their credentials.
Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley gave a strong performance during Wednesday night’s GOP presidential primary debate, although none of the candidates did enough to suggest Donald Trump won’t clinch the nomination, according to experts.
Just as with the first televised GOP primary debate in Wisconsin, the former president didn’t take part in the debate in Simi Valley, California, giving the other 2024 Republican hopefuls the chance to convince voters they should lead the party heading into next year’s election, although they often reverted to speaking over the top of each other as moderators struggled to keep control.
Haley, who often fails to get into double digits in GOP primary polls, was praised for being able to show her competence and promote her policies during the debate. Whether she did enough to suggest she could be the second-placed candidate, never mind the first, remains doubtful.
Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, a potential also-ran in the primary, highlighted that he’s running for president to offer voters a clear alternative to Trump. Christie, a frequent critic of the former president, blasted Trump for not attending Wednesday night’s debate.
Sean Freeder, an assistant professor of political science at the University of North Florida, hit out at the other candidates for failing to provide a « clear explanation » for why they are running against Trump, by not acknowledging him or providing differentiation.
