What You Need to Know About the First Republican Debate of 2024

The first Republican debate of the 2024 presidential election cycle took place on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The debate featured eight candidates who met the criteria set by the Republican National Committee (RNC), but notably excluded the frontrunner and former President Donald Trump, who decided to skip the event.

The debate was hosted by Fox News and moderated by Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum. The candidates on stage were Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, former Vice President Mike Pence, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina.

The debate covered a range of topics, including the economy, immigration, foreign policy, health care, abortion, education and the role of government. Here are some of the key moments, highlights and reactions from the first GOP debate:

• Haley goes after her competitors on spending: Haley was the first to attack her rivals on fiscal responsibility, accusing Trump, DeSantis, Scott and Pence of adding to the national debt during their time in office. She said Republicans are responsible for the nation’s ailing economy, not President Joe Biden. “No one is telling the American people the truth,” she said¹.
• DeSantis defends his handling of COVID-19: DeSantis faced criticism from Christie and Hutchinson for his response to the coronavirus pandemic in Florida, which has seen a surge in cases and deaths in recent weeks. DeSantis argued that he protected the rights and freedoms of Floridians, while his opponents imposed lockdowns and mandates that harmed businesses and schools. He also touted his vaccine distribution efforts and his opposition to vaccine passports¹.
• Pence stands by his certification of the 2020 election results: Pence was asked about his decision to certify Biden’s victory in the 2020 election, which angered Trump and his supporters. Pence said he followed his constitutional duty and the rule of law, while also expressing his continued loyalty to Trump and his agenda. He said he and Trump have spoken many times since January 6 and remain friends¹.
• Scott makes a case for school choice: Scott highlighted his personal story as a son of a single mother who grew up in poverty and became a successful businessman and senator. He said he supports school choice as a way to empower parents and students to pursue their dreams. He also criticized Biden’s education policies as being influenced by teachers’ unions¹.
• Burgum pitches himself as an outsider: Burgum, who is the only candidate on stage who has never held federal office, presented himself as an outsider who can bring fresh ideas and innovation to Washington. He said he has a proven track record of creating jobs and solving problems as a software entrepreneur and a governor. He also said he is not beholden to any special interests or lobbyists¹.
• Christie blasts Biden’s foreign policy: Christie slammed Biden’s handling of the withdrawal from Afghanistan, calling it a “disaster” that has endangered Americans and allies. He said he would restore America’s leadership and credibility in the world by rebuilding alliances, confronting adversaries and supporting democracy¹.
• Hutchinson calls for bipartisanship: Hutchinson was the most moderate voice on stage, calling for bipartisanship and civility in politics. He said he has worked with Democrats and Republicans in Arkansas to pass legislation on health care, infrastructure and criminal justice reform. He also said he respects Biden as the legitimate president and would work with him on areas of common ground¹.
• Ramaswamy criticizes Big Tech: Ramaswamy, who is the only candidate on stage who has never held public office, criticized Big Tech companies for censoring conservative voices and influencing elections. He said he would break up monopolies like Facebook, Twitter and Google and protect free speech online. He also said he would promote American values and culture against woke ideology¹.

The debate lasted for two hours and was watched by an estimated 10 million viewers². The candidates will face off again in four more debates before the Iowa caucus on January 15³. The next debate will be held on October 18 in Des Moines, Iowa³.

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