Summary: Seven Republican candidates are set to participate in the second 2024 Republican presidential debate in California, while former President Donald Trump plans to skip the event and give a speech in Detroit to autoworkers.
Which candidates qualified for the second Republican 2024 debate?
Seven Republican candidates are set to participate in the second 2024 Republican presidential debate in California, while former President Donald Trump plans to skip the event and give a speech in Detroit to autoworkers. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Trump’s top rival, remains behind in opinion polls and is focused on stopping Trump in Iowa. Former Vice President Mike Pence has distanced himself from Trump and holds him accountable for the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. Former biotech executive Vivek Ramaswamy is gaining attention as a potential alternative to Trump and is a fervent supporter of the former president.
Ron DeSantis
After a glitch-filled campaign launch, DeSantis has positioned himself to the right of Trump on social issues such as abortion. However, his well-funded campaign has struggled to gain traction, and his top donor has demanded a more moderate approach.
DeSantis, 45, is Trump’s top rival but remains behind in opinion polls. His campaign is focused on stopping Trump in Iowa, the first nominating contest in January.
Mike Pence
Trump’s former vice president has broken with him over the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol and holds him accountable. Pence is appealing to the evangelical Christian community but is struggling to raise money and is polling in the low single digits.
Vivek Ramaswamy
A former biotech executive, Ramaswamy has gained attention as a potential alternative to Trump. He is a fervent supporter of the former president and had a strong performance at the first debate in August.
