The First GOP Debate of the 2024 Cycle

On August 25, 2023, eight Canidates vying for the Republican Presidential nomination walked on to a stage in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Throughout the night, there would be discussion, a display of character, and a few roasts. However, the debate produced some meaningful information. Many of the candidates’ positions on certain issues were revealed.

Opening

Martha MacCallum and Bret Bair opened up the debate by welcoming those in the audience and those watching on Television. After welcoming, the candidates were introduced. The candidates for this debate were:

Ron DeSantis– Current Governor of Florida

Vivek Ramaswamy– Entrepeneur

Mike Pence– Former Vice President of the United States 

Nikki Haley- Former Ambassador to the United Nations

Chris Christie- Former Governor of New Jersey

Tim Scott- United States Senator from South Carolina

Asa Hutchinson- Former Governor of Arkansas

Doug Burgum- Governor of North Dakota

After introductions, the candidates were allowed to give their main campaign pitches. Ron Desantis started with cutting government spending. Chris Christie, adding on to that, stated that the Republicans need to “sell these ideas,” and win back Congress and the Senate. Chris Christie also took that time to emphasize his accomplishments in New Jersey. Tim Scott, stated that he would vote against large government spending bills, referencing the fact that he helped pass the Tax Cut Act in 2017. 

After Tim Scott, Nicki Haley came out swinging. She stated that Republicans need to tell the American people the truth. The former South Carolina governor pointed to the fact that in the 2024 budget, Republicans asked for $7.4 billon compared to the Democrats $2.8 billion. She then attacked Trump for adding $8 trillion dollars to the United States’s debt. 

Mike Pence’s opening pitch pointed to the Trump-Pence administration record. In particular, he pointed to the nomination of three conservative Supreme Court Justices to the high court. The former Vice President then proceeded to go after Vivek Ramaswammey, calling him a “rookie.” Following Pence, Ramaswammey called for the end of “Super-Pac politicians”, asking the audience and those watching live whether they wanted a puppet or a patriot.

Govenor Doug Burgum of North Dakota opened the debate with a discussion of small-town mentality, stating that the U.S. needs to return to the “everyone takes care of everyone” way of thinking. He also cracked a joke, saying that he “took people a little too literally when they said go ‘break a leg.'” This in reference to his Achilles tear. Finally, Asa Hutchinson spoke immediately of his pro-life stance. Afterwards, he spoke to reducing the size of the federal government.

The Maui Fires and Climate Change

The first topic of the night was Climate change. Megan Kelly focused on the Maui Fires, and how those were blamed by the Democrats on climate change. On the screen, a student from the Young American’s Foundation, asked how the candidates would calm the fears of many young Americans that Republicans did not care about climate change.

Ron Desantis, opening up comments, stated that it was not the Republican’s fault, rather the corporate media’s differential in treatment of Democrats and Republicans. Vivek Ramaswamy followed Desantis proclaiming the climate change agenda “a hoax.” Chris Christie, taking shot at Ramaswamy, stated “why should we listen to a guy who sounds like ChatGPT,” then comparing him to Obama.

Nicki Haley acknowledged that climate change was real, she stated that we weren’t the problem. She asserted that the United States needs to stop buying stuff from China and tell them to reduce their carbon footprint. Tim Scott, in an attempt to calm down the situation, stated that “being childish doesn’t help us.” He then went on to talk about the American Dream, and how the goal of the next president should be to bring jobs home.

Abortion

The next issue on the agenda was abortion. Ever since the overturning of Roe V. Wade in June of 2022, abortion has been a central issue within the election. While all the candidates said that they were pro-life, they varied on when they would cut off abortion access. 

Nicki Haley stated that she would cut off late term abortion access. However, she also did say that Republicans needed to also promote adoption. She played on her experience as a mother and her miscarriage. DeSantis followed that up saying, “We need to do what we think is right,” and “I will support life.” DeSantis also referenced the heartbeat bill, which banned abortion a six week. Pence emphasized abortion as a moral issue.

Doug Burgum stood out as he was the only one that states that he would not enact a national abortion ban, citing the 10th Amendment. Tim Scott, also standing out, said that a pro-life president was needed. He followed with stating that he would enact a 15-week abortion ban at the very least.

Crime, Homelessness, and Gun Control

Mike Pence gave opening remarks blaming the Democrat’s defunding of police departments for rising crime. He called out progressive prosecutors for enacting soft on crime policies. He reiterated his commitment to law and order. Chris Christie stated that he would put and Attorney General who would go after crime. He also said that “the law applies to everyone, even Hunter Biden,” referencing the reports of misconduct by the president’s son.

Vivek Ramaswamy opened his comments asking, “Do we have the spine to take on crime,” calling for an increase in police funding and the closing of the Southern Border. DeSantis again referenced his record in Florida saying that crime is at “an all-time low.” The Florida governor called out “Soros funded prosecutors” for soft on crime policies. Ada Hutchinson said something along the same lines, calling to “enforce the law,” and take on the drug and fentanyl crisis. Hutchinson also called for us to respect the Justice System.

Donald Trump and January 6th

Meagan Kelly opened with the question “Did Mike Pence do the right thing on January 6th?” Chris Christie praised Mike Pence for continuing the certification of the electoral college. Mike Pence also stated that Trump “would be convicted.” He focused on his upholding of his constitutional duties. Both Christie and Pence were booed by the crowd. Ada Hutchinson, also called January 6th a riot, also stating that he would not support Trump.

Tim Scott and Vivek Ramaswamy took similar positions to each other. They both said that Trump should not be the main focus. They both stated that the main focuses should be the weaponization of the Department of Justice. Scott referenced the targeting of parents and the case of a SWAT team being sent to the house of a pro-life activist. 

Finally, Ron DeSantis and Doug Bergum called on their fellow candidates to stop focusing on 2020. They both called for a focus on the past and not on the future.

Ukraine

When asked if they would support increased funding to Ukraine, all answered they were in support with the exception of Vivek Ramaswamy and Ron DeSantis. DeSantis and Ramaswamy both agreed that Europe “needed to pull their weight.” Ramaswamy called for the redirecting of funds to Ukraine to the southern border, also saying that China is the real threat. 

Burgum also stated that China is a real threat. He called Russia “China’s gas station.” Burgum also proposed expediting missiles to Taiwan. 

Conclusion

The first GOP debate had a usual debate fire and fury. However, the positions of many candidates were revealed. For the first time, we [the voters] got to see these candidates in action. Voters will definitely look forward to the upcoming debates.