1st Republican debate kicks off with attacks on Biden, Trump absent from the stage

Summary:

• The first debate of the 2024 presidential campaign took place with eight Republican candidates participating, but former President Donald Trump was absent.
• Florida Governor Rhonda Santis took a prominent role in the debate, aiming to revive his campaign and criticizing Joe Biden's leadership.
• Entrepreneur Vivek Rameswamy, a non-politician candidate, also participated, expressing his unique perspective.
• Key issues discussed included Russia's war with Ukraine and abortion rights, with candidates expressing different views on these matters.
• Trump's potential involvement in future debates remains uncertain as his senior campaign advisor indicates the possibility of last-minute decisions.

Welcome to the first debate of the 2024 presidential campaign. As eight Republican presidential candidates took the stage in Milwaukee to duke it out in the first GOP debate, there was one face notably missing, former President Donald Trump.

Trump's Absence and Candidates' Positions

If former President Trump is convicted in a court of law, would you still support him as your party's choice? Please raise your hand if you would. As the debate aired, so did a pre-taped interview between Trump and conservative host Tucker Carlson. But on stage, all eyes were on Trump's closest rival, Florida Governor Rhonda Santis, who was front and center as he tried to revive his campaign. 'We need to send Joe Biden back to his basement and reverse American decline,' Santis declared. Others like entrepreneur Vivek Rameswamy, third in most polls, were also hoping to make their mark.

Challenging the Status Quo

'Who the heck is this skinny guy with a funny last name and what the heck is he doing in the middle of this debate stage?' Rameswamy responded to a question about his presence. 'I'll tell you, I'm not a politician,' he asserted.

Key Issues Discussed

Some of the main topics discussed during the debate included Russia's war with Ukraine and abortion rights. On the abortion issue, there was a sentiment against making women feel compelled to decide. One candidate stated, 'When you know we don't have 60 Senate votes in the House, I'm [sic].' Another candidate highlighted the support for legislation to ban abortion after a certain stage of pregnancy when a baby is capable.

Trump's Potential Involvement

Trump's senior campaign advisor mentioned that he doesn't plan to attend the second GOP debate in California next month either, but did acknowledge that Trump could change his mind at any moment.

Rina Roy, ABC News, Milwaukee.