Five Republican Presidential Candidates Square Off in Third Televised Debate Ahead of Primary Voting

Five Republican presidential candidates faced off in the third televised debate Wednesday night in Miami, Florida. The candidates, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, discussed a range of topics from fracking and fentanyl to the economy and Donald Trump.

Ramaswamy said he would focus on both the southern and northern borders to combat the fentanyl crisis in the United States. He also proposed a plan to create jobs and stimulate the economy. Haley discussed her plans to reduce taxes and regulations, while DeSantis discussed his plans to reduce the cost of healthcare. Scott discussed his plans to reduce the national debt and reform the criminal justice system.

Christie was the only candidate to bring up the criminal charges that the former president faces. He also discussed his plans to reduce government spending and create jobs.

The candidates made a range of claims during the debate, some of which were false or exaggerated. NBC News fact-checked the candidates in real time.

Bob Vander Plaats, a prominent Christian conservative leader in Iowa, said the real missed opportunity of the debate was the candidates’ failure to make a case against Donald Trump. He said that in order to win, the party needs a change in leadership.

Voting in the Republican presidential primary begins in two months. The candidates will have to make a strong case for their candidacy if they want to win the nomination.