Republican Presidential Debate in Tuscaloosa, Alabama Sees Candidates Battle for Voters’ Attention

Last night’s Republican presidential debate in Tuscaloosa, Alabama saw the four remaining candidates battle for voters’ attention. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has become a more agile debater, agitating former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie who called fellow candidate Ramaswamy an ‘obnoxious blowhard’.

Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley became a target during the debate, as her momentum has been growing since her endorsement from the Koch-backed super PAC Americans for Prosperity. The debate showed that little has changed between the first meeting of the candidates in August and this moment in the presidential primary.

Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie was particularly critical of fellow candidate Ramaswamy, calling him an ‘obnoxious blowhard’. Christie also took aim at Haley, accusing her of being too inexperienced to be president. Haley responded by pointing out that she had more experience than Christie did when he was first elected governor.

The debate also showed that the absence of former President Donald Trump had little effect on the proceedings. Trump did not counter-program Wednesday’s debate with an attention-siphoning event of his own.

Overall, the fourth Republican presidential debate showed that the field is not far from where it was six months ago. The candidates will now look to the first nominating contest in Iowa in six weeks time.