The second Republican primary debate is scheduled to take place on September 27, 2023. This highly anticipated event will bring together seven Republican candidates who will vie for the party's nomination for the upcoming presidential election. However, the absence of former President Donald Trump from the debate has been a major talking point leading up to the event.
One candidate, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, has been particularly vocal about Trump's absence.[0] He called out the former president for his recent comments about abortion and stated that Trump should be on the debate stage to explain himself.[1] DeSantis repeatedly emphasized that Trump owed it to the American people to defend his record and address the concerns raised by his comments.
Trump's decision to skip the debate and instead hold a rally in Michigan has drawn criticism from his rivals. They have accused him of avoiding the debate and failing to take responsibility for his record. The rally coincided with a strike by autoworkers in Michigan, which added another layer of controversy to Trump's absence.
Despite the absence of Trump, the debate is expected to be a heated affair. Candidates will have the opportunity to address important issues and present their vision for the future of the Republican Party. However, it remains to be seen whether the candidates will address the specific issues raised by DeSantis regarding Trump's comments on abortion.
For those unable to watch the debate on television, there are several online streaming options available.[2] FoxNews.com, Fox Nation streaming service, and Fox News Audio will all be broadcasting the debate. Additionally, viewers in the US can watch the debate on Fox Business, which also simulcasts on Fox News and is available on Fox Nation. These various platforms ensure that viewers can access the debate regardless of their cable subscription.
However, it is worth noting that some websites may require users to upgrade their browsers for the best viewing experience. Sites such as azcentral.com, usatoday.com, and dispatch.com have built their platforms to take advantage of the latest technology, making them faster and easier to use.
In the lead-up to the debate, there has been a lot of speculation about the candidates' standings in the polls. DeSantis, in particular, has seen his numbers decline in recent weeks, raising doubts about his ability to challenge Trump for the nomination.[3] However, polls do not elect presidents, and DeSantis remains confident that he can make his case to the voters in the early primary states.
Other candidates, such as Vivek Ramaswamy, have also faced scrutiny during the debate.[4] Ramaswamy has been targeted by his rivals, who have criticized his business record and questioned his ties to the Chinese Communist Party. These clashes between candidates highlight the intense competition for the nomination and the need to stand out in a crowded field.
Ultimately, the second Republican primary debate promises to be a pivotal moment in the race for the party's nomination. With Trump's absence and the focus on key issues such as abortion, the candidates will have the opportunity to showcase their strengths and address the concerns of voters. As the campaign heats up, it will be interesting to see how the candidates differentiate themselves and appeal to the Republican base.
0. “Florida’s DeSantis and California’s Newsom to face off in debate” TODAY, 26 Sep. 2023, https://www.today.com/video/florida-s-desantis-and-california-s-newsom-to-face-off-in-debate-193778245938
1. “Republican debate live updates: Rivals target Trump, brawl over issues” The Hill, 28 Sep. 2023, https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4225289-republican-debate-live-updates/
2. “How to watch or stream the second Republican debate live online free without cable” Fortune, 27 Sep. 2023, https://fortune.com/2023/09/27/how-to-watch-the-second-republican-debate-for-free-and-without-cable
3. “The Republican debates are fake, pointless spectacles” Vox.com, 27 Sep. 2023, https://www.vox.com/2024-elections/2023/9/27/23890683/second-republican-debate-gop-fake-rnc-trump
4. “Live updates: Republican presidential debate on Fox Business” CNN, 28 Sep. 2023, https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/republican-debate-09-27-23/index.html
