Here are the strong or unusual moments of the first major debate of the 2024 American election, which pitted eight Republican candidates against Milwaukee on Wednesday night, without favorite Donald Trump.
• Also read: Republican debate: Vivek Ramaswamy, the Trump 2.0, steals the show
• Also read: A tense Republican debate that Trump’s absence nullifies
• Also read: Eight Republicans, but not Trump: Participants in the first debate for 2024
An anti-elite opening song
Although it was intended to be a serious exercise centered on the crucial issues facing the future of the United States, the debate nonetheless began in music, with the country notes of Oliver Anthony’s “Rich Men North of Richmond.”
In just a few days, this viral song has become the anthem of the impoverished rural population and all those who feel forgotten by the supposedly unconnected federal elite.
Red Tie Club
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If there’s one politician in America known for his red ties, it’s Donald Trump. On Wednesday night, however, the ex-president was the major absentee from the first debate of his Republican Party’s primary. Well, whether by coincidence or fashion irony, the seven men on the podium each wore a red tie.
A “blue” with ChatGPT sauce
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The Indian-born millionaire Vivek Ramaswamy (38) was the only absolute newcomer to politics in the group of eight candidates and struck a very incisive tone, which in turn earned him a spade with his rivals with an unspeckled foil. “We don’t need a bruise! We don’t need anyone with no experience!” attacked former Vice President Mike Pence. “I’m sick of this guy who looks like ChatGPT!” Chris Christie, former New Jersey governor, told him, referring to an artificial intelligence interface.
The only woman quotes the Iron Lady
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Surrounded by all-male candidates, the only woman on the podium, Nikki Haley, quoted Margaret Thatcher: “If you want to speak in politics, ask a man. If you want action, ask a woman.”
The burning question about Trump
One of the most intense moments of the debate was the question to the eight candidates: “If Trump were convicted in court, would you still support him as your party’s candidate?” Six candidates then raised their hands more or less spontaneously. The two who failed were former governors Asa Hutchinson and Chris Christie. The latter initially appeared to raise his hand, but explained that he was actually making a gesture of disapproval.