2024 Republican Presidential Candidates Clash in First Debate

Hostile Hopefuls Battle to Dent Trump's Lead

Seven Candidates Take the Stage in Heated Exchange

WASHINGTON, Dec 7 (Reuters) - The first Republican debate of the 2024 presidential primary was a contentious affair, with seven candidates vying to dent Donald Trump's commanding lead in the polls. Despite Trump's absence, his shadow loomed large over the debate, as candidates attacked his policies and questioned his fitness for office.

The debate was marked by personal attacks and heated exchanges, as candidates sought to distinguish themselves from their rivals and appeal to Republican voters. One of the most aggressive candidates was Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who criticized Trump's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and his trade policies.

Former Vice President Mike Pence, who was Trump's running mate in the 2016 election, also took aim at the former president, saying that he had become increasingly unhinged since leaving office. Pence pledged to restore civility and unity to the Republican Party and the country as a whole.

In addition to DeSantis and Pence, other candidates who participated in the debate included former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, and former Massachusetts Governor Bill Weld. Each candidate had their own unique strengths and weaknesses, but none emerged as a clear frontrunner.

The first Republican debate was a high-stakes affair, as candidates sought to make a strong impression on voters and position themselves as viable alternatives to Trump. With Trump still the heavy favorite in the race, it remains to be seen whether any of the other candidates can mount a serious challenge to his candidacy.