The fourth and final Republican Presidential Primary debate began with fireworks as candidates attacked each other over various issues and previous stances.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy took to the stage from 7 to 9 p.m. at the University of Alabama’s Frank M. Moody Music Building.
SiriusXM’s Megyn Kelly questioned each candidate on their electability against former President Donald Trump. After patiently waiting his turn, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie described Trump as the biggest problem facing the GOP.
“The fifth guy doesn’t have the guts to show up and stand here,” Christie said. “The other three candidates don’t want to talk about it. I’m in this race because Trump is unfit to run; he’s the biggest issue in this race.”
Trump was the elephant not in the room Wednesday night, as the former president has yet to make an appearance at a Republican Presidential Primary Debate despite leading the polls by a large margin.
Although he wasn’t present, all candidates discussed him and the potential of him winding up the GOP nominee in 2024.
Christie called him a “madman” in his quest for his second term.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis believes a new generation of leaders is needed in Washington, starting with the president. DeSantis said he will deliver on the promises Trump made in 2016 that he fell short on, including the Southern border wall.
Vivek Ramaswamy, meanwhile, believes his three counterparts have been “licking the boots” of Trump their entire political lives.
While Trump stumped in Florida, the candidates on stage were grilled by the moderators and not shy about getting combative with each other when opportunity arose.
Elizabeth Vargas of NewsNation asked the candidates their stance on American Military reaction to the eight American hostages being held by Hamas. All four candidates advocate for the destruction of Hamas and the return of American citizens but Christie’s and DeSantis’ remarks resonated with the audience the loudest. Christie said he favors the use of American troops to return American citizens home while DeSantis said he’d do “anything” to get those citizens home.
Eliana Johnson of the Washington Free Beacon asked the candidates for their response to inflation and the cost of American homes increasing under President Joe Biden.
“We must grow the economy, funnel supply chain and pay back the national debt,” Haley said. Haley said she believes interest rates, insurance and housing prices are too high for the average American and next generation.
DeSantis was quick to blame both Republicans and Democrats in Congress for the current rise in inflation, but laid out his plan of reopening energy lines and lowering gas prices to help Americans.
Christie showed support for American parents and families when it came to transgender youth and gender confirming treatment.
“I trust parents,” Christie said. “I’ll stand up for parents each and every time.”
DeSantis, meanwhile, stands opposed.
“Parents, you don’t have the right to mutilate your kids,” DeSantis said.
It’s evident that candidates are at odds with one another right now more than they’ve been at any other point in time during this debate season. Certainly more arguing ensued in this final debate than any other prior.
This is the last GOP Primary Debate ahead of the Iowa primaries in January.