The third Republican presidential debate this year, held on Wednesday in Miami, was packed with heated exchanges over abortion policy, immigration and China as the candidates tried to shine as the front-runner, former President Donald J. Trump, once again declined to join them onstage.
This time around, the hopefuls dialed up the battle for second place and delivered digs at President Biden, but directed only glancing criticism at Mr. Trump.
At times, they moved beyond policy and became personal, such as when Nikki Haley called Vivek Ramaswamy “scum” after he referred to her daughter.
“That debate pretty much seals it for Trump,” Michael McDonald, a professor at the University of Florida who specializes in American elections, said on the social media platform X.
“The Munchkins on the stage were too afraid to take him head on.”
Persons:
Donald J, Trump, Biden, Nikki Haley, Vivek Ramaswamy, Ron DeSantis, ” Michael McDonald, ”
Organizations:
Trump, University of Florida
Locations:
Miami, China, Florida