The first 2024 Republican Presidential debate took place in Milwaukee Wednesday. The event was broadcast on Fox News and moderated by anchors Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum.
The debate lasted for two hours from 9:00-11:00 PM ET.
Reaction from the news media was mixed. Some believed certain candidates performed better than others. There were also reactions to the job Baier and MacCallum did moderating the event.
Substance on issues! ????
— Guy Benson (@guypbenson) August 24, 2023
The difference between Christie and Scott? Christie made it about him. Scott made it about Americans.
— Tony Katz (@tonykatz) August 24, 2023
Big win for Tim Scott.#debate
All I care about with the GOP debate candidates is the economy.
— Nick Kayal (@NickKayal) August 24, 2023
Superb, traditional GOP opening from @Mike_Pence and he throws the first punch too.
— Hugh Hewitt (@hughhewitt) August 24, 2023
Someone told Pence to bring energy. He’s doing it. And going at Vivek. Not a bad job.#debate
— Tony Katz (@tonykatz) August 24, 2023
Good for @votetimscott for putting the economic numbers on the table of then v now.
— Hugh Hewitt (@hughhewitt) August 24, 2023
The gloves have come off between Pence, Vivek & DeSantis.
— Nick Kayal (@NickKayal) August 24, 2023
Only one passive-aggressive mention of Trump — by Pence. How long will that last? Smart strategy?
— Jason Rantz on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) August 24, 2023
Wonder if/when Burgum will mention about what time of day he showers?
— Marty Lenz (@MartyLenz_KOA) August 24, 2023
How about having a debate without an audience next time. @WGNRadio
— Bob Sirott (@BobSirott) August 24, 2023
We are 25 minutes in and not one of these people has laid a hand on Donald Trump.
— Julie Roginsky (@julieroginsky) August 24, 2023
Anybody gonna take a hit at Trump? Or just pretend he’s not a factor?
— Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) August 24, 2023
I thought Desantis and Vivek had the best first thirty minutes. Chris Christie going after Vivek was the most memorable moment. Who do y’all think has had the best first thirty minutes on the stage? Debate, discuss.
— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) August 24, 2023
I’m voting for anyone who actually answers the question asked. @WGNRadio
— Bob Sirott (@BobSirott) August 24, 2023
The split screen between Pence and Ramaswamy is telling.
— Hugh Hewitt (@hughhewitt) August 24, 2023
Reminder that live audiences for these debates don’t truly serve the public and discourse.
— Marty Lenz (@MartyLenz_KOA) August 24, 2023
We have enough political theater as it is.
Time for a room with serious discussion, dialogue, and inquiry.#GOPDebate
First hour big thought: all of these candidates have been eminently reasonable. Has anyone said anything truly kooky or crazy? Compare that to Democrats in 2019 arguing for taxpayer funded abortions for transgender men. Or Democrats today arguing men are actually women.
— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) August 24, 2023
Do not make @NikkiHaley mad.
— Hugh Hewitt (@hughhewitt) August 24, 2023
Haley supports more funding to Ukraine: the president needs to have moral clarity, she says. It's good vs evil. She then calls out Ramaswamy as naive — doesn't know how to treat our friends.
— Jason Rantz on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) August 24, 2023
Haley comes off very strong here (again, regardless of your position).
Yikes. Mike Pence has been absolutely unbearable. I did not think he had this level of unlikability in him. Woof! #GOPDebate
— Pete Mundo (@PeteMundo) August 24, 2023
The most attacked candidate, BY FAR, tonight is Vivek Ramaswamy. No one else is even close. I predict he will be the most polarizing on the stage tonight, some will say he won, some will say he lost. But all know he’s there. What are Burgum and Hutchison doing?
— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) August 24, 2023
My opinion: there has been a clear top three tonight through the first 90 minutes. Reasonable minds can differ on order. But Nikki Haley, Vivek and Desantis have been the best three.
— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) August 24, 2023
These have been very good questions from Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum tonight.
— Niall Stanage (@NiallStanage) August 24, 2023
"Did Pence do the right thing on Jan 6?" and "Is there anyone who would not support more funding to Ukraine?" in particular got clarifying answers.
This debate is a reminder that there are so so many more insanely rich oddballs than you realize.
— Chris Hayes (@chrislhayes) August 24, 2023
If Christie’s best moment of the night was on UFO’s he should ask ABC to take him back. It’s a wrap. https://t.co/OLInHW3TSU
— Nick Kayal (@NickKayal) August 24, 2023
Some yelling and silliness, but a pretty interesting and substantive debate.
— Guy Benson (@guypbenson) August 24, 2023
I'll have full analysis of the debate tomorrow at 6amET on @93wibc
— Tony Katz (@tonykatz) August 24, 2023
First thoughts:
– Vivek peaked at the end. He was not good for the majority.
– Christie gained nothing.
– Burgum had the best introduction to America. Really good.
– Tim Scott had the worst night. No one…
And @VivekGRamaswamy also ends strong and passionate.
— Bill Spadea (@BillSpadea) August 24, 2023
What do I win? ???? https://t.co/7JpXR2aKQw
— Marty Lenz (@MartyLenz_KOA) August 24, 2023
WHO do you think won the #GOPDebate?
— Pete Mundo (@PeteMundo) August 24, 2023
Of those on stage: Haley, Vivek, DeSantis
Losers: Pence, Scott
But ultimately, no huge moments, no breakout stars. That means the biggest winner: Trump.
