During the second Republican primary debate held at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, seven GOP presidential hopefuls attempted to steal the spotlight from former President Donald Trump. The candidates engaged in combative and unfocused exchanges, with some taking jabs at Trump's absence. However, their attacks fell flat, and Trump's lead remained unchallenged. The debate touched on various topics, including race, gender identity, immigration, and labor support. Despite the spectacle, it is unlikely to have a significant impact on the race, as Trump continues to dominate the field.
A campaign memo from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis criticizes former President Donald Trump and dismisses other GOP rivals, despite DeSantis trailing Trump in polling and other candidates catching up. The memo highlights Trump's recent controversies and claims that DeSantis is the only candidate who can beat both Biden and Trump. However, DeSantis has consistently trailed Trump in national and state-level polling. The memo does not specify whether DeSantis will directly attack Trump in the upcoming primary debate. Trump's campaign spokesperson called the memo a "desperate cry for help." DeSantis has recently criticized Trump on various issues and expressed disappointment in his decision to skip the debates.
Lower-tier Republican presidential candidates are facing challenges as they try to qualify for the second primary debate. Miami Mayor Francis Suarez dropped out after failing to qualify for the first debate, highlighting the difficulties faced by GOP hopefuls in a crowded field dominated by former President Trump. Other low-polling candidates like Larry Elder and Asa Hutchinson will have to overcome higher thresholds to make the next debate stage. The Republican National Committee is raising the requirements for participation, making it harder for candidates to qualify. The pressure is mounting for candidates to drop out, and failing to make the second debate could indicate who is likely to step away next.
Donald Trump, along with Ron DeSantis, Nikki Haley, Vivek Ramaswamy, Chris Christie, and Tim Scott, has qualified for the first Republican primary debate. However, Trump's attendance remains uncertain as he has indicated he may not participate. Other candidates have confirmed their intention to attend, including DeSantis, Haley, Scott, and Ramaswamy. Christie has expressed eagerness to debate but has stated he would not support Trump if he becomes the nominee, conflicting with an RNC requirement. Former Vice President Mike Pence has also met the polling threshold but it is unclear if he will meet the donor threshold. Candidates have until 48 hours before the August 23 debate to confirm their participation.
A majority of Democrats, as well as Republicans and independents, want President Joe Biden to debate his top-polling rival, anti-vaxxer Robert F. Kennedy Jr., according to a Trafalgar Group survey. While it's a tradition for political parties not to hold primary debates if a White House incumbent is running, the survey showed that 57.5 percent of Democrats surveyed believed that Biden should debate Kennedy. The survey also raised questions about Biden's age, with 63.5 percent of respondents saying he was too old to effectively serve a second term.
