The third debate of the 2024 Republican primary campaign took place in Miami, just two months before the Iowa caucuses. Despite the new lineup of five candidates on the stage and the absence of former President Donald Trump, the discussion echoed the talking points that defined the 2016 and 2012 GOP nomination battles.

The absence of Donald Trump didn’t mean he was forgotten. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley each made their pitch for why Republican voters should not grant Trump a third consecutive presidential nomination.

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DeSantis and Haley presented overlapping reasons for this stance. DeSantis emphasized the differences between the Trump of 2016 and the present, listing unfulfilled promises from Trump’s first campaign, such as getting Mexico to finance a border wall. Haley also highlighted the evolution of Trump and the need to focus on the future rather than dwelling on the past.

Foreign policy, particularly in relation to Israel and Ukraine, took center stage during the debate. While there was consensus among the candidates in their support for Israel during its conflict with Hamas, sharp divisions emerged regarding continued U.S. support for Ukraine against Russian aggression. Tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy expressed strong opinions, criticizing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and accusing Ukraine of harboring anti-democratic beliefs. Haley and others voiced concerns about the potential global consequences of such a leader becoming the U.S. president.

Ramaswamy continued to assert himself during the debate, challenging the media, fellow candidates, debate moderators, and party officials. He presented himself as an “America First” candidate and took jabs at his opponents, including Nikki Haley, and even Ron DeSantis, who faced speculation about his footwear choices.

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In summary, the third GOP debate featured candidates jockeying for position in a crowded field, addressing key policy issues, and assessing the legacy of Donald Trump, who continues to cast a significant shadow over the Republican nomination race.