DES MOINES, IOWA — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former US Ambassador Nikki Haley held back when it came to former President Donald Trump’s character during their debate Wednesday afternoon.
Both candidates outlined their grievances about Trump’s behavior — but stopped short of full reprimands.
The debate moderator took note of former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie’s farewell message in which he slammed his rivals for not taking the fight to Trump and asked for their perspective on the former president’s character.
“I think the next president needs to have moral clarity,” Haley replied. “I think you have to have moral clarity to understand that when you’re dealing with a dictator in the world.”
“Then you look at Donald Trump, I’ve said I think he’s the right president at the right time,” he added. “I agree with many of his policies, but his way is not my way. I have no grudges. I have no grudges. I don’t take things personally. For me, it’s very much about no drama.”
DeSantis highlighted Trump’s policy weaknesses during his time in the White House.
“I appreciate what President Trump is doing, but let’s be honest, he said he was going to build a wall and have Mexico pay for it. He didn’t convey that. He said he would drain the swamp. He didn’t deliver it,” DeSantis said.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former US Ambassador Nikki Haley refused to criticize former President Donald Trump’s character during their debate Wednesday afternoon. AFP via Getty Images
The Sunshine State governor then turned to slam Haley.
“I debated with California governor Gavin Newsom. You know, I think he lies a lot. Man, Nikki Haley is probably going to hunt for his money,” he chided.
CNN hosts the fifth GOP debate from Drake University – the final showdown before the Iowa caucuses next Monday.
Both candidates outlined their grievances about Trump’s behavior — but stopped short of full reprimands. Getty Images
Trump chose to skip the debate, opting for a town hall on Fox News instead.
Biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy missed the opportunity to make the debate stage and participate in a streaming forum with podcasters Tim Pool and Candace Owens instead.
Christie dropped a political bombshell in the 2024 GOP contest, announcing his withdrawal.
The former governor was polling in third place in New Hampshire.
Categories: Trending
Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
