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38 INTERNATIONAL AWEMainta
Republicans Enter Critical Phase in Presidential
Campaign as Trump Dominates Second Debate
IN a pivotal moment in the Republican presidential campaign,
seven GOP candidates gathered for their second debate at
the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in California. The
backdrop of this event is marked by the growing momentum
of former President Donald Trump, who currently holds a
dominant position in the race and has opted not to share the
debate stage with his rivals.
The debate, hosted by Fox Business Network, comes with
less than four months remaining before the Iowa caucuses
officially kick off the presidential nomination process. The
significance of this moment cannot be overstated, as it
provides Trump’s competitors with a shrinking window of
opportunity to challenge his lead.
Donald Trump, confident in his position, chose to be in
Michigan during the debate, where he delivered a prime-
time speech. His focus was on capitalizing on the ongoing
Auto Workers Union strike and appealing to rank-and-file
union members in a pivotal state for the general election.
However, despite his frontrunner status, Trump is not
without vulnerabilities. He faces four criminal indictments
that carry the potential of decades in prison, adding a layer
Diahuebs, 28 September 2023
of complexity to the race. This situation has created a sense
of urgency among some candidates, prompting them to
consider a more direct confrontation with the former presi-
dent, especially when addressing a national audience in the
millions.
Republican strategist Kevin Madden, who has played key
roles in Mitt Romney’s presidential campaigns in 2008 and
2012, emphasized the need for candidates to recognize
the competitive nature of the nomination process. Madden
stated, “This is not a nomination that’s going to fall in your
lap. You have to go and beat the other candidates, and
one of those happens to be Donald Trump. This debate will
reveal whether participants grasp the dwindling time left in
the hourglass.”
As the Republican candidates seek to distinguish them-
selves and alter the trajectory of the campaign, the second
debate unfolds against a backdrop of uncertainty, with
Trump’s formidable presence casting a long shadow over
the field. With the Iowa caucuses drawing nearer, the race
remains dynamic and unpredictable, with the future of the
Republican Party hanging in the balance.