LOADINGERROR LOADING
Two of the Republican presidential hopefuls, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, faced off Wednesday in the latest GOP primary debate, this time in Iowa ahead of Monday’s caucuses.
Former President Donald Trump, the current front-runner, also qualified for Wednesday’s debate but declined to participate. He is instead appeared in a live Fox News town hall airing at the same time.
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The two-hour debate, airing on CNN, began at 9 p.m. ET. It was moderated by CNN’s Jake Tapper and Dana Bash.
Scroll down to follow updates from the debate.
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That's A Wrap On The Iowa Debate
That's it for tonight's GOP debate. The next one is scheduled for next Thursday, Jan. 18, ahead of the New Hampshire primary.
Ron DeSantis Gets In One Last Dig At Nikki Haley’s ‘Warmed-Over Corporatism’
DeSantis closed out the debate by saying he’s running for “your issues, your family's issues,” while accusing Haley of running for “her donor’s issues.”
“We need to fly a flag of bold colors, carrying the banner of putting the American people first, not the pale pastels of the warmed-over corporatism of people like Nikki Haley,” he said.
“We need to fly a flag of bold colors, carrying the banner of putting the American people first, not the pale pastels of the warmed-over corporatism of people like Nikki Haley,” he said.
JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images
Nikki Haley Says Nation Can’t Go Through ‘Four More Years Of Chaos’
Haley used her closing remarks to cast herself as a balanced, prepared candidate for office, saying another four years of Trump would amount to chaos for the nation.
“We can’t go through four more years of chaos, and if it’s Donald Trump there will be four more years of chaos,” she said. “We can’t go through another nail-biter of an election.”
She added recent polls showed strong support for her campaign in a potential match-up against Biden.
“We can do this, I know we can do this,” she said. “I promise you our best days are to come.”
“We can’t go through four more years of chaos, and if it’s Donald Trump there will be four more years of chaos,” she said. “We can’t go through another nail-biter of an election.”
She added recent polls showed strong support for her campaign in a potential match-up against Biden.
“We can do this, I know we can do this,” she said. “I promise you our best days are to come.”
Nikki Haley’s 7-Word Answer About What She Admires About Ron DeSantis Gets Laughs
CNN trotted out a classic Trump-era debate mandate: Say one nice thing about the other person.
DeSantis said Haley “spoke out strongly on some key issues” as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, and said he appreciates South Carolina because his wife graduated from the College of Charleston.
Haley’s curt response elicited laughs from the audience.
“I think he’s been a good governor."
(That's after she spent two hours attacking his leadership in the state of Florida, including critiques of the cost of senior living and home insurance.)
DeSantis said Haley “spoke out strongly on some key issues” as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, and said he appreciates South Carolina because his wife graduated from the College of Charleston.
Haley’s curt response elicited laughs from the audience.
“I think he’s been a good governor."
(That's after she spent two hours attacking his leadership in the state of Florida, including critiques of the cost of senior living and home insurance.)
Haley Addresses Her Oddly-Phrased Post About Mental Health
When asked to address a bizarre post shared to Haley's social media last week that read, “We have to deal with the cancer that is mental health,” Haley outlined some specific policy ideas.
“We see more young people with more anxiety, stress and depression than ever before,” she began. “The problem is we don’t have enough mental health therapists. We don’t have enough mental health treatment centers. We don't have enough addiction centers and, if you happen to be lucky enough to get one of those three, insurance doesn't cover it."
She voiced support for increased access to telehealth treatments, for mental health counselors in schools, and for increased mental health care funding distributed to states.
DeSantis reiterated his support for reopening mental health institutions that were closed during the administration of President Ronald Reagan. He pivoted to speaking against COVID restrictions before focusing on military veterans’ mental health issues.
“We see more young people with more anxiety, stress and depression than ever before,” she began. “The problem is we don’t have enough mental health therapists. We don’t have enough mental health treatment centers. We don't have enough addiction centers and, if you happen to be lucky enough to get one of those three, insurance doesn't cover it."
She voiced support for increased access to telehealth treatments, for mental health counselors in schools, and for increased mental health care funding distributed to states.
DeSantis reiterated his support for reopening mental health institutions that were closed during the administration of President Ronald Reagan. He pivoted to speaking against COVID restrictions before focusing on military veterans’ mental health issues.
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Donald Trump’s Immunity Argument Falls Flat With His Rivals: 'Absolutely Ridiculous'
The candidates were asked about Trump’s argument that he should be immune from criminal prosecution, with the former president’s legal team going so far to suggest assassination of a political rival would be protected.
Both DeSantis and Haley said they found the legal argument unsound.
“Well, obviously that attorney gave the case away on that explanation. I think the D.C. Circuit is going to rule against Donald Trump on that issue,” DeSantis said, adding that if Trump does win the GOP nomination, the “Democrats in the media would love to run” with news on Trump's many legal woes.
Haley called Trump’s argument “absolutely ridiculous.”
“I mean, we need to use some common sense here,” she said. “You can't go and kill a political rival and then claim, you know, immunity from our president.”
Both DeSantis and Haley said they found the legal argument unsound.
“Well, obviously that attorney gave the case away on that explanation. I think the D.C. Circuit is going to rule against Donald Trump on that issue,” DeSantis said, adding that if Trump does win the GOP nomination, the “Democrats in the media would love to run” with news on Trump's many legal woes.
Haley called Trump’s argument “absolutely ridiculous.”
“I mean, we need to use some common sense here,” she said. “You can't go and kill a political rival and then claim, you know, immunity from our president.”
The Candidates Address Abortion, Whether Trump Is 'Pro-Life'
Neither candidate named any specific abortion policies they supported. Instead, they answered a question about a DeSantis comment from last week that Trump is not “pro-life.”
Haley said she thinks Trump "did some pro-life things … that’s why he needs to be on this debate stage.” She called herself “unapologetically pro-life.”
“These fellas don’t know how to talk about abortion,” she said of her opponents. Haley suggested abortion is “too personal of an issue” to bring “fear” or “judgment” into the debate.
DeSantis said his campaign has “stood very strongly for a culture of life," and criticized Trump's comments touting his role in the Supreme Court case that overturned Roe v. Wade.
DeSantis then spoke about how “it’s very difficult to raise kids in this environment.”
“You’ve got to be pro-life for the whole life, and you’ve got to have some compassion,” DeSantis said.
Haley said she thinks Trump "did some pro-life things … that’s why he needs to be on this debate stage.” She called herself “unapologetically pro-life.”
“These fellas don’t know how to talk about abortion,” she said of her opponents. Haley suggested abortion is “too personal of an issue” to bring “fear” or “judgment” into the debate.
DeSantis said his campaign has “stood very strongly for a culture of life," and criticized Trump's comments touting his role in the Supreme Court case that overturned Roe v. Wade.
DeSantis then spoke about how “it’s very difficult to raise kids in this environment.”
“You’ve got to be pro-life for the whole life, and you’ve got to have some compassion,” DeSantis said.
AP Photo/Andrew Harnik
Nikki Haley Says Donald Trump Will Need To ‘Answer’ For Jan. 6
Haley finally moved to distance herself from Trump, criticizing the former president for his ongoing lies about the outcome of the 2020 election.
“That election, Trump lost it. Biden won that election. The idea that he’s gone out and carried that forever… is wrong,” Haley said.
“At the end of the day I will always defend and fight for the Constitution," she continued. "I think what happened on Jan. 6 was a terrible day, and I think President Trump will have to answer for it.”
“That election, Trump lost it. Biden won that election. The idea that he’s gone out and carried that forever… is wrong,” Haley said.
“At the end of the day I will always defend and fight for the Constitution," she continued. "I think what happened on Jan. 6 was a terrible day, and I think President Trump will have to answer for it.”
Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Nikki Haley And Ron DeSantis Keep Attacking Each Other… But Not Trump
Aside from a short section in the beginning of the debate, Haley and DeSantis have focused their barbs mostly at each other in the first hour of this event.
Candidates throughout the GOP primary -- aside from Chris Christie -- have largely avoided criticism of Trump, who remains the far-and-away frontrunner. And even though Trump took part in a live town hall on Fox News as their debate kicked off, Haley and DeSantis refrained from attacking him in any significant way.
Trump, for his part, can’t stop himself from mocking his opponents. His Truth Social account unleashed a series of attacks against both of his competitors in real-time on Wednesday night.
Candidates throughout the GOP primary -- aside from Chris Christie -- have largely avoided criticism of Trump, who remains the far-and-away frontrunner. And even though Trump took part in a live town hall on Fox News as their debate kicked off, Haley and DeSantis refrained from attacking him in any significant way.
Trump, for his part, can’t stop himself from mocking his opponents. His Truth Social account unleashed a series of attacks against both of his competitors in real-time on Wednesday night.
Ron DeSantis Voices Support For Book Bans
DeSantis framed the book bans that have sparked controversy across his state as a way to protect children from subjects that could not be shown “on the 6 o’clock news.” (One Florida school district recently banned dictionaries.)
Asked whether he wanted to spread Florida's right-wing education system changes across the country, DeSantis replied: “I don’t want a nationalized curriculum.” But he said he's in favor of nationwide “school choice,” a conservative movement to direct state school funding to certain institutions.
Asked whether he wanted to spread Florida's right-wing education system changes across the country, DeSantis replied: “I don’t want a nationalized curriculum.” But he said he's in favor of nationwide “school choice,” a conservative movement to direct state school funding to certain institutions.
Ron DeSantis Emphasizes Nikki Haley’s United Nations Ties
DeSantis has regularly referred to Haley as “the ambassador,” a reference to her former role as ambassador to the United Nations — emphasizing her ties to a globalist organization many Republicans view unfavorably.
“You can take the ambassador out of the United Nations, but you can’t take the United Nations out of the ambassador,” DeSantis said.
The debate hosts referred to Haley as "the governor," referencing her time as the former governor of South Carolina.
“You can take the ambassador out of the United Nations, but you can’t take the United Nations out of the ambassador,” DeSantis said.
The debate hosts referred to Haley as "the governor," referencing her time as the former governor of South Carolina.
Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
Ron DeSantis Refuses To Disavow Any Mass Removal Of Palestinians From Gaza
DeSantis said he would not push back if Israel decided to order the mass removal of Palestinians from Gaza during the ongoing war between the country and Hamas.
“We gotta support Israel. They need to be able to finish the job,” the governor said. “I think to be a good ally, you back them in the decisions they’re making in Gaza."
DeSantis suggested "if they make the calculation that to avert a second Holocaust they need to do that," he wouldn't push back.
Haley said America needed to stand firmly behind Israel during the conflict, saying the country should be given everything they need.
“Israel is a bright spot in a tough neighborhood,” she said. “It has never been that Israel needs America, it has always been that America needs Israel.”
“We gotta support Israel. They need to be able to finish the job,” the governor said. “I think to be a good ally, you back them in the decisions they’re making in Gaza."
DeSantis suggested "if they make the calculation that to avert a second Holocaust they need to do that," he wouldn't push back.
Haley said America needed to stand firmly behind Israel during the conflict, saying the country should be given everything they need.
“Israel is a bright spot in a tough neighborhood,” she said. “It has never been that Israel needs America, it has always been that America needs Israel.”
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Nikki Haley: ‘You Have To Deport’ 10 Million Undocumented Immigrants Living In U.S.
Both candidates were asked if the 10 million undocumented immigrants already living in the U.S. would be able to stay under their hypothetical administrations.
“The number of people that will be amnestied when I'm president is zero,” DeSantis said. “We cannot do an amnesty in this country. First, all it's going to do is cause more people to want to come illegally. So you’ve got to enforce the law. It's got to be consistent. People have got to know it's there. You also have to remove benefits.”
Haley was more explicit about her plans.
“You have to deport them,” she said. “And the reason you have to deport them is they’re cutting the line. You've got people who have done this and tried to go through the right way."
"That is actually what will get them to stop coming is when they do realize they get to the wall and they have to turn around and go back," she continued.
“The number of people that will be amnestied when I'm president is zero,” DeSantis said. “We cannot do an amnesty in this country. First, all it's going to do is cause more people to want to come illegally. So you’ve got to enforce the law. It's got to be consistent. People have got to know it's there. You also have to remove benefits.”
Haley was more explicit about her plans.
“You have to deport them,” she said. “And the reason you have to deport them is they’re cutting the line. You've got people who have done this and tried to go through the right way."
"That is actually what will get them to stop coming is when they do realize they get to the wall and they have to turn around and go back," she continued.
Ron DeSantis Once Again Pushes U.S.-Mexico Border Wall
Asked about Trump’s failed campaign promise to build a full Southern U.S. border wall, DeSantis said, “We will build the wall. We will actually have Mexico pay for it.”
He said his administration would take fees from “remittances that workers send to foreign countries," referring to funds that immigrants may send internationally to family who are in need. Throughout his campaign, DeSantis has repeatedly asserted he would fulfill Trump's infamous border wall promise.
He said his administration would take fees from “remittances that workers send to foreign countries," referring to funds that immigrants may send internationally to family who are in need. Throughout his campaign, DeSantis has repeatedly asserted he would fulfill Trump's infamous border wall promise.
AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster
Candidates Lightly Criticize Donald Trump, But Avoid Full Critiques
Both Haley and DeSantis said Trump is not the right candidate for the next generation of the Republican Party, but declined to outright attack him as unsuited for the presidency.
“I have said, I think he was the right president at the time,” Haley said. “For me it’s very much about no drama, no whining and getting results. I don’t think that President Trump is the right president to go forward, I think it’s time for a new generation of leader.”
DeSantis said Trump failed to deliver on his campaign promises about a wall along the southern border with Mexico, but added he appreciates what he did while in office.
"I wish Donald Trump was up on this stage," Haley added. "He's the one I'm running against."
“I have said, I think he was the right president at the time,” Haley said. “For me it’s very much about no drama, no whining and getting results. I don’t think that President Trump is the right president to go forward, I think it’s time for a new generation of leader.”
DeSantis said Trump failed to deliver on his campaign promises about a wall along the southern border with Mexico, but added he appreciates what he did while in office.
"I wish Donald Trump was up on this stage," Haley added. "He's the one I'm running against."
Ron DeSantis And Nikki Haley Come Out Swinging
Asked why voters should consider him a good alternative to Trump, DeSantis replied: “Donald Trump is running to pursue his issues. Nikki Haley is running to pursue her donors’ issues. I’m running to pursue your issues.” He then touted beating “the teacher’s union” in Florida.
On Haley, DeSantis said: "This is somebody who wrote in her book that [former Secretary of State] Hillary Clinton inspired her to first run for office … we don’t need a candidate that’s going to look down on middle America. We’ve had enough of that."
Haley responded that “we need a new leader," touting her experience as governor of South Carolina and representing the U.S. at the U.N.
She then directed viewers to her website dissecting DeSantis’ “lies” — DeSantisLies.com.
On Haley, DeSantis said: "This is somebody who wrote in her book that [former Secretary of State] Hillary Clinton inspired her to first run for office … we don’t need a candidate that’s going to look down on middle America. We’ve had enough of that."
Haley responded that “we need a new leader," touting her experience as governor of South Carolina and representing the U.S. at the U.N.
She then directed viewers to her website dissecting DeSantis’ “lies” — DeSantisLies.com.
Photo by Jim WATSON / AFP
These Are The Rules For Tonight’s Debate
Each candidate will have 90 seconds to answer questions, 60 seconds for responses and rebuttals, and 15 seconds for any clarifications tonight.
Timing lights will inform them when they’re running out or have run out of time.
The moderators asked the audience to stay “respectful.”
Timing lights will inform them when they’re running out or have run out of time.
The moderators asked the audience to stay “respectful.”
Anna Moneymaker via Getty Images
Vivek Ramaswamy Bashes ‘Fake' CNN Debate While Promoting Baseless Jan. 6 Conspiracy Theories
GOP candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, who did not qualify for tonight's debate, took a swing at the CNN event while promoting his live appearance on a podcast happening at the same time.
“Prediction: we get more total views than CNN’s fake 'debate' tonight. Won’t hold back. LIVE NOW with @Timcast & @RealCandaceO,” Ramaswamy posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, Wednesday night.
Ramaswamy — along with controversial pundit Candace Owens and right-leaning hosts Tim Pool, Ian Crossland and Serge du Preez — then proceeded to discuss baseless conspiracy theories around the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection.
“Prediction: we get more total views than CNN’s fake 'debate' tonight. Won’t hold back. LIVE NOW with @Timcast & @RealCandaceO,” Ramaswamy posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, Wednesday night.
Ramaswamy — along with controversial pundit Candace Owens and right-leaning hosts Tim Pool, Ian Crossland and Serge du Preez — then proceeded to discuss baseless conspiracy theories around the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection.
Nikki Haley’s Unfussy Debate Prep
The former South Carolina governor’s team told The New York Times that she has not done any specific debate prep, since she apparently considers tough questions from voters on the campaign trail to be all the preparation she needs. DeSantis, on the other hand, reportedly hired a top debate coach.
Donald Trump Campaign Mocks Chris Christie’s Exit From GOP Race
The Trump campaign released a memo on Wednesday after Christie dropped out of the 2024 race, saying the former New Jersey governor “was not much of a factor and was going to be embarrassed” if he stayed in the game.
The document, written by pollster John McLaughlin, described any Christie voters as likely to be “behavioral Democrats” who are “invading the Republican primary.” It goes on to say any Christie support for Haley will only be a “liability.”
“No one seems to like Chris Christie except his own voters," the memo says.
The document, written by pollster John McLaughlin, described any Christie voters as likely to be “behavioral Democrats” who are “invading the Republican primary.” It goes on to say any Christie support for Haley will only be a “liability.”
“No one seems to like Chris Christie except his own voters," the memo says.
A Quick Primer On The Iowa Caucuses
Iowa will hold the first nominating contest for GOP candidates on Monday, Jan. 15. Unlike most other states, the caucuses are more than a simple ballot vote.
Participants have to gather in-person at public caucus locations in their local precincts on Monday evening. The caucuses are run by political parties, and voters will have a chance to listen to speeches and chat with other people before casting private ballots for their preferred candidate.
Ballots are generally a blank piece of paper where they write down a candidate’s name.
Iowans must be 18 by Election Day, registered to vote and have a party affiliation that matches the caucus they plan to participate in.
You can read more here:
Participants have to gather in-person at public caucus locations in their local precincts on Monday evening. The caucuses are run by political parties, and voters will have a chance to listen to speeches and chat with other people before casting private ballots for their preferred candidate.
Ballots are generally a blank piece of paper where they write down a candidate’s name.
Iowans must be 18 by Election Day, registered to vote and have a party affiliation that matches the caucus they plan to participate in.
You can read more here:
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Chris Christie Caught On Hot Mic Trashing Nikki Haley With 4 Blistering Words
Shortly before he announced he was suspending his 2024 campaign, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie was caught on a hot mic trashing Haley and her chances of becoming president.
"She’s gonna get smoked," Christie said of the former U.N. ambassador. "And you and I both know it. She’s not up to this."
The Daily Beast reports Christie was speaking to former New Hampshire GOP chairman Wayne McDonald, who supported Christie's campaign.
As NBC News notes, Haley is poised to benefit from Christie's departure from the race.
Read more and listen to the audio here.
"She’s gonna get smoked," Christie said of the former U.N. ambassador. "And you and I both know it. She’s not up to this."
The Daily Beast reports Christie was speaking to former New Hampshire GOP chairman Wayne McDonald, who supported Christie's campaign.
As NBC News notes, Haley is poised to benefit from Christie's departure from the race.
Read more and listen to the audio here.
Joe Raedle via Getty Images
Where’s Donald Trump Tonight?
On Fox News, of course. The former president is set to appear at a town hall-style event with network anchors Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum at 9 p.m. ET, the same time as the debate.
He’ll be greeted by supporters in Des Moines, about two miles from where DeSantis and Haley will clash. It’s Trump’s first live appearance on Fox News in almost two years.
He’ll be greeted by supporters in Des Moines, about two miles from where DeSantis and Haley will clash. It’s Trump’s first live appearance on Fox News in almost two years.
Chris Christie Reportedly Slams Nikki Haley On Call With Ron DeSantis
According to NBC News, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie didn't waste anytime attacking Haley after he decided to leave the race.
Chris Christie Drops Out Hours Before Debate He Didn't Qualify For
Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie announced Wednesday he is suspending his presidential campaign.
The announcement came just four hours ahead of the debate. Christie did not meet the polling requirements CNN set for candidates to qualify for the debate.
Read more from HuffPost's Igor Bobic:
The announcement came just four hours ahead of the debate. Christie did not meet the polling requirements CNN set for candidates to qualify for the debate.
Read more from HuffPost's Igor Bobic:
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Tonight: Nikki Haley, Ron DeSantis Have 1:1 Debate
And then there were two. Tonight, just Haley and DeSantis will take the stage, making it the smallest debate so far of the Republican primary.
The two are also scheduled to appear in a debate hosted by ABC News in New Hampshire next Thursday.
The two are also scheduled to appear in a debate hosted by ABC News in New Hampshire next Thursday.