Nikki Haley delivered a strong response on abortion, emphasizing the need for consensus on the divisive issue. Vivek Ramaswamy’s controversial statements and freewheeling manner continued to draw attention, but his attacks increasingly appeared stale and out of touch.
Ron DeSantis, once seen as the GOP’s best hope to defeat Biden, delivered a workmanlike performance but failed to make any standout moments that could convince voters he retains his earlier promise. Tim Scott and Chris Christie faded into the background, struggling to make a case to voters in a field dominated by Trump.
Donald Trump, leading by a wide margin in polls, had no reason to attend the debate and instead held a rally in nearby Hialeah, where he was endorsed by Sarah Huckabee Sanders. Overall, the third Republican presidential debate reinforced the impression that Trump remains the frontrunner and that the other candidates face an uphill battle to challenge his dominance.