The first Republican debate's biggest highlights: GOP candidates face off in Milwaukee

Authored by Melissa Quinn, Caitlin Yilek, and Kathryn Watson

Last modified on: August 23, 2023 / 10:29 PM / CBS News

Republican candidates for the presidency are getting ready for their initial debate.

The initial Republican debate in the 2024 race for the presidency is currently taking place in Milwaukee. It features eight GOP candidates who are striving to distinguish themselves among a large group, as the Iowa caucuses are less than five months away.

The contenders engaged in a debate on Thursday night consist of:

The discussion is also noteworthy for the absence of a familiar face: ex-President Donald Trump. The leading candidate of the Republican Party decided to forgo participating in the showdown and instead recorded an interview with Tucker Carlson, which will be released at the same time as the debate. A recent survey conducted by CBS News and published on Sunday revealed that Trump holds a significant advantage over the other contenders, garnering the backing of 62% of potential Republican primary voters. DeSantis, on the other hand, came in second place but with only 16% support.

To start the discussion, the majority of contenders focused their criticism towards President Biden regarding inflation, the country's debt, government expenditure, and various economic concerns. Haley took the initiative by being the first to express disapproval towards a fellow Republican, highlighting Trump's spending practices during his term. Subsequently, Pence directed his criticism towards Ramaswamy, a candidate gaining popularity in the polls. Pence referred to the 38-year-old as a "novice" who would require practical experience while in the White House.

The discussion, being televised on Fox News, provides an opportunity for some of the lesser-known candidates to stand out and present their arguments in front of the biggest audience of voters they have encountered thus far. Conversely, unsuccessful debate showings have proven detrimental to numerous candidates in previous instances, thwarting their campaigns before they even started.

In order to be considered for the debate, contenders were obliged to meet the criteria of achieving a minimum of 1% in various eligible surveys, garnering a minimum of 40,000 contributors, and endorsing a commitment to stand behind the eventual GOP nominee. Additionally, they had to make a commitment to refrain from engaging in unauthorized debates.

We will be including the most noteworthy moments and standout moments from the debate below as the night progresses.

Nikki Haley Slams Trump & GOP On Spending

Haley, the ex-governor of South Carolina, fiercely criticized a number of her fellow Republicans regarding the financial condition of the country. She specifically targeted DeSantis, Scott, and Pence for their support of a bill that resulted in an increase in national debt. Additionally, she directly confronted Trump for contributing an astounding $8 trillion to the debt during his solitary tenure.

"Our children will never find it in their hearts to pardon us for this," expressed Haley, who fulfilled the role of the United States' envoy to the United Nations during the Trump presidency.

She blamed Republicans for giving the green light to a COVID relief bill worth $2.2 trillion while Trump was in office, as well as for reintroducing earmarks. In the 2024 budget, Republicans put forward a request for earmarks worth $7.4 billion, whereas Democrats only asked for $2.8 billion.

"Can you guess who the extravagant individuals are?" Haley asked. "I believe it's about time to have a financial professional at the helm of the White House."

Haley holds an undergraduate degree in accounting and assumed the role of chief financial officer in her family's apparel enterprise.

Pence Targets Ramaswamy: "No Rookies Required"

Pence went after Ramaswamy, who is 38 years old, right at the beginning of the debate, labeling him as a "novice" unfit for the presidency due to his lack of experience.

I was the initial individual in this competition to express the need to address the long-lasting financial obligations of our nation. There are individuals on this platform who refuse to even discuss matters like Social Security and Medicare. Vivek, you recently stated that a president cannot tackle everything. But let me inform you, Vivek. I have experienced it firsthand. I have been in the corridors. I have been in the presidential office. The leader of the United States must confront every predicament that America encounters.

Ramaswamy retaliated by stating that addressing the nation's economic challenges "is not overly complex" and proceeded to outline several of his proposed remedies.

"I must admit, I didn't completely grasp Mike Pence's remark, but I'll leave it to all of you to dissect and interpret it."

"I will take it at a more relaxed pace this time," Pence remarked.

"You know, I occasionally have difficulty understanding what I read," Ramaswamy joked.

Pence further stated: "Presently is not the appropriate moment for learning on the job. We should avoid incorporating a newcomer. It is unnecessary to include individuals lacking expertise."

Debating The Nationwide Abortion Ban

The potential candidates for the GOP presidency engaged in a heated debate about abortion rights and whether a national law should prohibit abortion. This topic is expected to play a significant role in the upcoming 2024 general election. However, it appears that among probable Republican voters, the candidates' strategies to eradicate abortion ranked the least significant in terms of importance compared to other policy objectives. This information is derived from a recent CBS News survey.

Haley started off by describing herself as someone who proudly supports the pro-life stance, but emphasized that the topic of abortion is something deeply personal. She encouraged her fellow colleagues from the Republican party to be truthful with the citizens of America regarding the likelihood of a national abortion prohibition being approved by both the House and Senate. This is due to the fact that, in the Senate, a minimum of 60 votes is required for any proposed legislation to move forward.

Haley voiced her opinion, expressing that it is unfair to pressure women into making a decision on this matter, especially when it is evident that we lack the required 60 Senate votes.

The ex-governor of South Carolina was vocal about the need for lawmakers to agree on matters regarding abortion. This includes prohibitions on abortions conducted during the later stages of pregnancy, promoting the option of adoption, increasing accessibility to contraceptives, and ensuring that women who choose to abort are not penalized for their decision.

DeSantis, who approved the legislation in Florida that prohibits abortions after six weeks in April, expressed his satisfaction with enacting that policy and affirmed his support for a society that values the sanctity of life.

When questioned if he would endorse a national statute banning abortion after six weeks of pregnancy, DeSantis expressed his commitment to protecting life. However, he acknowledged that states such as Wisconsin may adopt their own unique stance on the matter, taking into account varying perspectives on abortion compared to Texas.

"I am fully committed to advocating for the preservation and promotion of life, both during my tenure as governor and if I am fortunate enough to be elected president," declared the governor of Florida.

Scott restated his backing for a 15-week restriction across the country, whereas Pence also expressed that prohibiting abortions beyond the 15-week mark is "an idea that is now relevant."

Burgum, the governor who approved a law in North Dakota drastically limiting access to abortion, reaffirmed his stance against a national legislation prohibiting abortion. He firmly believes that the matter should be determined independently by each individual state.

"We must return to a state of autonomy and rights for the individuals," he expressed.

All Candidates Back Trump, Except Christie And Hutchinson

During the conversation, Fox News presenter and mediator Bret Baier addressed an important issue that he referred to as the "obvious issue that nobody is addressing." He proceeded to inquire whether the contenders would continue to endorse Trump as the Republican candidate for presidency, despite his potential conviction. It is essential to note that the ex-president is confronted with numerous felony allegations across both federal and state lawsuits.

Every candidate participating in the event, excluding Hutchinson and Christie, eventually lifted their hands. Pence was the final candidate to join in. (It seemed like Christie raised his finger to attract the moderators' notice.)

Christie, who is the most outspoken opponent of Trump among the contenders, expressed the need to put an end to accepting this behavior as normal. Irrespective of your stance on the legality of the accusations, it is undeniable that such behavior is inappropriate for someone holding the esteemed position of the President of the United States.

Christie and Ramaswamy had a disagreement regarding their backing for Trump, and Christie strongly criticized Trump for suggesting that it would be acceptable to put a halt to the Constitution.

Christie declared that he will continuously defend our Constitution, regardless of any political coercion.

Regarding the events of January 6th, 2021, Scott expressed his agreement with Pence's decision to authorize the vote certification. Nonetheless, Scott mentioned that if he were to assume the presidency, his initial act would be to dismiss Attorney General Merrick Garland.

"We require the representation of Lady Justice with a blindfold," expressed Scott.

Haley justified her response by stating, "I have faith in the citizens of the United States. Allow them to cast their votes and determine the outcome." However, she acknowledged that in actuality, Trump is widely perceived as the most "unpopular" political figure in the country, and a majority of Americans feel that it is necessary to progress beyond his leadership.

Ramaswamy raised a query, inquiring whether Pence would grant Trump a pardon right at the beginning. Pence questioned Ramaswamy's assumption that Trump would be found guilty of any wrongdoing.

Pence expressed that if he holds the position of president in the United States, all pardon appeals will be carefully examined and evaluated.

Pence's Actions On Jan. 6: Debating Candidates' Views

Most of the contenders expressed their support for Pence's action on January 6th, 2021. They believed that he made the correct decision by not invalidating Joe Biden's electoral win while he oversaw the formal confirmation of the results in the U.S. Capitol.

Christie, Scott, Hutchinson, and Burgum all expressed their agreement that the former vice president made the correct decision.

"Mike Pence upheld the principles of the Constitution, and he should not only be begrudgingly acknowledged, but should also be thanked by us as American citizens for prioritizing his oath of office and the Constitution of the United States above personal ambitions, political pressures, and unjust criticism. Moreover, the discussion that we must engage in within our party prior to addressing other important matters... is that we must rid ourselves of the individual who suggested that we should disregard the Constitution in order to advance their own political aspirations," Christie explained. "Mike Pence, on the other hand, gracefully declined this notion, and he deserves recognition for his principled stance."

DeSantis evaded providing a clear response despite continuous insistence from the debate moderators.

"Mike fulfilled his obligation and I have no qualms with him," DeSantis stated.

Ramaswamy didn't receive the question, but he eagerly stepped in to support Trump and repeated his promise to grant Trump a pardon if he becomes the next president.

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