The GOP's post-insurrection path is revealed through Mike Johnson's groveling meeting with Trump at Mar-a-Lago, where they reaffirmed the party's commitment to the myth that the 2020 election was stolen. Several Republican incumbents and candidates in competitive races are tainted with election denialism, potentially impacting the balance of the House. Trump's influence on the GOP is evident as he endorses primary opponents for those who voted to impeach him for the insurrection, solidifying the party's commitment to historical mythmaking about January 6th.
Former President Donald Trump aims for a strong showing in the Iowa caucuses, displaying significant support among various communities and demographics, but facing relative weakness in the suburbs. The Republican primary process unfolds amid extreme weather conditions, with Trump's opponents, including Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley, vying for second place. Trump's campaign seeks to generate a commanding win, while the Democratic President Joe Biden's team signals strength with a substantial fundraising haul. The caucuses, taking place on Martin Luther King Day, will serve as a powerful signal for the rest of the nomination fight.
Iowa's Republican voters are showing less interest in discussing abortion as a key issue in the upcoming 2024 presidential election, with many expressing concerns about the political risks of vocalizing their desire to further restrict abortion rights. While some evangelical voters remain steadfast on the issue, others are prioritizing concerns about the border, the economy, and America's global standing. GOP candidates like Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley are emphasizing the need for "compassion" for women and discussing a strategic approach to the issue, while acknowledging the potential impact on the party's attractiveness.
As the Iowa caucuses approach, the battle for second place among GOP candidates intensifies, with President Biden shifting his campaign strategy and meeting with Obama.
Republican presidential candidates have responded to the Texas Supreme Court's ruling denying Kate Cox an abortion after she learned of her fetus' fatal diagnosis. Chris Christie criticized the court's decision, while other candidates like Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley called for empathy but refrained from directly judging the ruling. Former President Donald Trump has not commented on the case, but has criticized state-level abortion restrictions in the past. President Joe Biden blamed Republicans for the situation and condemned the court's decision. Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy emphasized that such issues should be addressed by the states, focusing on paternal responsibility. Top Texas officials, including Governor Greg Abbott and Senator Ted Cruz, have remained largely silent on the matter.
Republican presidential candidates, including Ron DeSantis, Nikki Haley, and Chris Christie, have avoided directly addressing the Texas abortion case involving Kate Cox, a woman who was denied an abortion despite her fetus having a fatal genetic condition. DeSantis described the situation as "difficult" but did not defend Texas officials, while Haley expressed support for states that ban abortions without stating her opinion on Cox's case. Christie criticized the Texas Supreme Court's decision and called for candidates to address the issue directly. The avoidance of the Cox case highlights the political challenge Republicans face in a post-Roe v. Wade world, as they continue to push antiabortion policies despite recent electoral defeats.
GOP presidential candidates were forced to address the controversial case of Kate Cox in Texas, where she was denied an abortion despite her developing fetus having a rare chromosomal disorder with health risks. While none of the candidates outright disagreed with Texas' decision, they also didn't defend the state's politicians. Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley called for more compassion, emphasizing the need to humanize the situation. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis discussed the six-week abortion ban he signed, highlighting exceptions for rape, incest, and fatal fetal abnormalities. Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson emphasized the responsibility of doctors in determining the risk to the mother's life. The Cox case has put some GOP politicians in uncomfortable positions as they try to navigate a losing issue for them at the polls.
Republican presidential candidates, excluding Donald Trump, took a more personal and gentle approach at a "faith and family" event in Iowa, just days after a contentious debate. Seeking to present a kinder side of themselves, the candidates discussed personal stories and faith. However, away from the event, they resumed attacking each other. The event highlighted the challenge faced by candidates not named Donald Trump, who continues to lead in the polls. Despite the more positive tone, the candidates still engaged in mild criticism of each other.
The Republican National Committee (RNC) has announced that it has no party-sponsored presidential debates scheduled for January, allowing GOP candidates to participate in any forum or debate of their choosing. This decision comes after criticism from candidates who argued that the RNC's exclusivity pledge limited meaningful confrontations. CNN will host two Republican primary debates in Iowa and New Hampshire next month, while ABC News and WMUR-TV will hold a debate in New Hampshire. Former President Donald Trump and his campaign had pressured the RNC to cancel future debates, and Trump has not participated in any GOP debates this year.
The fourth Republican primary debate will feature only four candidates: Chris Christie, Ron DeSantis, Nikki Haley, and Vivek Ramaswamy. With the field narrowing and the Iowa Caucuses approaching, the remaining candidates have a limited opportunity to distinguish themselves and prove their viability against the dominant presence of Donald Trump. Issues to watch include foreign policy, government shutdown, abortion, and Trump's legal troubles. Trump, confident in his position, will not be participating in the debate and will instead attend a private fundraiser in Florida while DeSantis debates his challengers in Alabama.
The fourth Republican presidential debate will take place on Wednesday, featuring four candidates: Nikki Haley, Ron DeSantis, Vivek Ramaswamy, and Chris Christie. The debate will be held at the Moody Music Hall at the University of Alabama and will be moderated by Elizabeth Vargas, Megyn Kelly, and Eliana Johnson. Former President Donald Trump, who is leading in the polls, will not be participating. The candidates have the opportunity to challenge each other and potentially change the trajectory of the race, as well as go after Trump, who will not be on stage. Haley, in particular, needs to convince more conservative and Trump-supporting voters to gain traction. The debate will be livestreamed on various platforms, including NewsNation's website and Rumble.
The Republican National Committee (RNC) is expected to consider a proposal that would allow candidates to participate in unsanctioned presidential debates, potentially leading to more debates before the early nominating contests. Some GOP candidates have criticized the RNC's exclusivity pledge, while former President Donald Trump has called for canceling all debates. The RNC has previously warned candidates about attending events resembling debates but has reached agreements on acceptable formats. The next Republican debate is scheduled for December 6 in Alabama, but Trump is not expected to attend. The RNC is also discussing whether to continue sponsoring its own debates under pressure from the Trump campaign.
If Donald Trump were to die during the 2024 election, the outcome would depend on the timing. If he died before January 1, 2024, new Republican candidates could enter the race, but some states' filing deadlines have already passed. If he died during the primary season, some states may postpone their primaries. If he died after the last primary but before the Republican National Convention, the other GOP candidates would have to make their case to every state delegation for the party's nomination. If Trump secured the nomination but died before Election Day, the Republican National Committee would convene to select another candidate.
Republican presidential candidate Chris Christie criticizes his rival GOP candidates Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis for their past supportive comments about Donald Trump, stating that the founding fathers would be "rolling in their graves" over Trump's presidential run.
Jimmy Kimmel poked fun at Donald Trump for skipping a Republican presidential debate and created a spoof video of Trump debating himself. Kimmel jokingly referred to it as "Melania's worst nightmare."
