Eight Republican candidates faced off in a heated Milwaukee debate last Wednesday. But guess who wasn’t there? That’s right, former President Donald Trump. Instead, he chose to release a competing interview, just minutes before the debate started. Still, even in his absence, Trump’s spirit dominated the stage.
It’s fascinating that, with just a few months to go before the crucial GOP Iowa caucuses, Trump still casts such a large shadow. Many of the debaters, including familiar names like former VP Mike Pence and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, appear hesitant to break away from Trump’s controversial legacy.
Party Divisions Exposed
The debate exposed the rifts within the GOP. Trump, facing criminal indictments, was a topic of contention. And here’s the kicker: all but two of the candidates signaled their ongoing support for him—even if he’s convicted. Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy went a step further, promising a pardon for Trump if elected.
Abortion – Where’s the GOP Headed?
But the divide didn’t stop there. Abortion took center stage, especially with Roe v. Wade’s recent overturn. Nikki Haley took a pragmatic stance, emphasizing consensus over banning. Mike Pence and Tim Scott, however, pushed for a more aggressive approach—a nationwide ban on abortion after 15 weeks. What’s clear: the GOP still lacks a uniform stance on this pressing issue.
Biden’s Economy – What’s The Verdict?
The candidates wasted no time in attacking President Biden’s economic track record. But are they offering fresh solutions? While many echoed Trump-esque sentiments, like reviving energy production, Nikki Haley provided a reality check, reminding everyone that both parties contributed to the nation’s debt.
Climate Change – Do The Candidates Care?
In a surprising move, climate change was introduced as a key topic. But many dodged the question. Ron DeSantis lambasted Biden’s wildfire response, and Vivek Ramaswamy outright called climate change a “hoax.” Only Nikki Haley seemed to strike a somewhat balanced note, admitting the reality of climate change but shifting the responsibility to countries like China and India.
Wisconsin: A Political Battleground
Milwaukee’s Fiserv Forum, home to this heated debate, sits in a state narrowly won by Biden in 2020. Trump, predictably, still claims victory there. And while Biden watched this debate “expectation-free,” many voters might be wondering if these GOP hopefuls can provide real solutions, or if they’re just shadow-boxing with Trump’s legacy.
Trump’s Alternate Reality
Even in his separate interview, Trump continued to stoke controversy, offering a different perspective on the Jan. 6 Capitol attack. He described it as a day of “love and unity.” It’s unsettling, especially as he faces indictment for the events of that day.
Final Thoughts
While some GOP candidates try to pave their way forward, it’s clear: the Trump effect is alive and well. Whether they bend the knee or challenge his views, the former president’s influence remains undeniable. As the race heats up, young and millennial readers must ask: is the GOP evolving, or simply spinning its wheels in the Trump-era mud?
