The second Republican presidential debate of the 2024 election cycle was a fiery affair, with the candidates trading barbs and accusations. But it was the way they turned on former President Donald Trump that was most notable.
Trump, who is seeking a second term in the White House, has been the frontrunner in the Republican race since he announced his candidacy last year. But his support has started to wane in recent months, as voters have grown increasingly frustrated with his divisive rhetoric and his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
At the second debate, Trump’s opponents sensed an opportunity to capitalize on his declining popularity. They took turns attacking him on a range of issues, including his policies, his personal behavior, and his fitness for office.
Former Vice President Mike Pence, who served under Trump during his first term, was particularly critical of his former boss. He accused Trump of being “unfit to be president” and of having “led America astray.”
Another former Trump cabinet member, former Secretary of State Nikki Haley, also joined in the attacks. She said that Trump was “a danger to our country” and that he “must be defeated.”
Even some of Trump’s most loyal allies, such as Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Texas Senator Ted Cruz, began to distance themselves from him. DeSantis said that he was “not satisfied with the direction of the country” under Trump’s leadership. Cruz said that he was “concerned about the future of the Republican Party” if Trump was reelected.
Trump’s performance at the debate was widely panned by critics and even by some of his own supporters. He was seen as defensive and angry, and he struggled to articulate his vision for a second term.
In the aftermath of the debate, several polls showed that Trump’s support among Republican voters had declined significantly. A poll by ABC News/Washington Post found that Trump’s favorability rating among Republicans had dropped from 76% in January to 63% in October.
Another poll by CNN found that Trump’s lead over his closest rival, Ron DeSantis, had narrowed from 15 points in January to 8 points in October.
The polls suggest that Trump’s attacks on his opponents at the second debate may have backfired. Instead of uniting the Republican Party behind him, Trump’s attacks may have further alienated voters and made it more difficult for him to win the Republican nomination.
How the other candidates fared after they turned on Trump at the second debate
The other candidates in the Republican presidential race all saw their support increase in the aftermath of the second debate.
Ron DeSantis, the governor of Florida, emerged as the biggest winner. He was praised by voters for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and for his economic policies.
Nikki Haley, the former governor of South Carolina, also saw her support increase. She was seen as a strong and experienced leader who could unite the Republican Party.
Mike Pence, the former vice president, also saw his support increase. He was seen as a moderate and experienced leader who could appeal to both Republican and independent voters.
Even some of Trump’s most loyal allies, such as Ted Cruz and Tim Scott, saw their support increase after they distanced themselves from him.
What does this mean for the 2024 Republican primary?
The polls suggest that the 2024 Republican primary is likely to be a close race. Trump is still the frontrunner, but his support has declined significantly. His opponents, such as Ron DeSantis, Nikki Haley, and Mike Pence, have all seen their support increase.
It is too early to say who will win the Republican nomination, but it is clear that the race is wide open. Trump’s attack on his opponents at the second debate may have backfired, and it is possible that he could be defeated in the primary.
What does this mean for the 2024 general election?
If Trump is defeated in the Republican primary, it would likely be seen as a repudiation of his presidency. It would also send a message to the Democratic Party that they have a good chance of winning the White House in 2024.
On the other hand, if Trump is able to win the Republican nomination, it would set up a rematch between him and President Joe Biden. This would be a highly divisive race, and it is likely that the country would be deeply divided along party lines.
Regardless of who the Republican nominee is, the 2024 general election is likely to be a close race. The country is deeply divided
