GOP debate recap: Who won and who lost in second Republican showdown

Debate descends into chaos as moderators lose control over candidates far behind Trump in the polls

Chris Christie, Ron DeSantis call out Trump for not showing up to debate

The second Republican debate at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California, descended into chaos on several occasions with candidates speaking over each other.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, former Vice President Mike Pence, South Carolina Senator Tim Scott, former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley, biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum all took part.

Much like in the first debate, Mr Ramaswamy quickly became the focus of the attacks of the other candidates on Wednesday night as he was slammed for his voting record and alleged business connections to China.

Several candidates called out former President Donald Trump for not attending the showdown to instead speaking to auto workers in Michigan, where he said none of those running would be his VP candidate.

Several shouting matches broke out during the roughly two hours of debating on Fox Business as the moderators lost control while the candidates appeared desperate to get their lines in.

Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie called out Mr Trump directly to the camera and was later mocked for calling him “Donald Duck” for ducking the debate.

Key Points

• Winners and losers of the second Republican debate
• Awkward laughter as Mike Pence makes sex joke at Republican debate
• DeSantis says he rejects notion ‘pro-lifers are to blame for midterm defeats'
• Chris Christie mocked for ‘Donald Duck’ nickname for Trump: ‘New levels of cringe’
• GOP debate turns chaotic as candidates turn on Ramaswamy over China, voting and border

[28 September 2023 21:20 · Oliver O'Connell]

Trump attacks ‘bum’ Chris Christie over ‘boring’ GOP debate

Donald Trump took aim at former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, his one-time ally now major foe and Republican rival for the 2024 nomination, following the party’s second primary debate on Wednesday night.

Mr Christie had hit out at Mr Trump for skipping the debate – avoiding answering questions on his record as president.

The former president took to Truth Social to call the former governor a “bum”.

Continued....

[28 September 2023 22:00 · Oliver O'Connell]

How did the candidates respond when asked who they would vote ‘off the island’?

The Republican candidates faced a Survivor-style elimination ceremony on Wednesday night during the second GOP primary debate.

The seven candidates were asked by moderator Dana Perino who should sacrifice themselves in order to defeat the party’s current frontrunner Donald Trump – but each and every one of them refused to answer.

“So which one of you onstage tonight should be voted off the island?” Ms Perino asked, asking the candidates to each name the individual they most think should drop out of the race.

Leading the charge, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis dismissed the question outright.

Martha McHardy reports on their reactions.