SEVEN Republican candidates are due to take part in the second 2024 Republican presidential debate on Wednesday in California, the Republican National Committee said on Monday. Donald Trump said he plans to skip the event and give a speech in Detroit to autoworkers.
Here are the candidates set to be on stage for the debate, which begins at 9 p.m. ET (0100 GMT on Sept. 28) at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute in Simi Valley, California:
RON DESANTIS
After a glitch-filled campaign launch in May on Twitter, now called X, DeSantis has positioned himself to the right of Trump several key social issues such as abortion. But his well-funded campaign has struggled to gain traction, and his top donor has said he won't give the Florida governor more money unless DeSantis adopts a more moderate approach.
DeSantis, 45, is Trump's top rival, but remains nearly 40 percentage points behind the former president in opinion polls. He has fired staff and rebooted his campaign several times since May, but those steps have done little to boost his candidacy. DeSantis' campaign says it is focused on stopping Trump in Iowa, where the party will hold its first nominating contest in January.
MIKE PENCE
Trump's vice president has broken with his former boss over Trump supporters' Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol as Pence was inside, presiding over Congress's certification of Democrat Joe Biden's 2020 victory. Pence, 64, says, "history will hold Trump accountable" for his role in the attack.
A staunch conservative, the former Indiana governor is appealing directly to the evangelical Christian community, but his campaign has struggled to raise money, and he is stuck in the low single digits in polls.
VIVEK RAMASWAMY
A former biotechnology investor and executive, Ramaswamy, 38, has pressured firms to abandon environmental, social and corporate governance initiatives. The political outsider has stoked grassroots chatter as a potential alternative to Trump, and had a strong performance at the first debate in Milwaukee in August. Ramaswamy is a fervent supporter of the former president, and says that if he won the White House, he would pardon Trump.
NIKKI HALEY
A former South Carolina governor and Trump's ambassador to the United Nations, Haley, 51, has emphasized her relative youth compared to President Biden, 80, and Trump, 77, as well as her background as the daughter of Indian immigrants.
Haley has gained a reputation in the Republican Party as a solid conservative who has the ability to address issues of gender and race in a more credible fashion than many of her peers. She has also pitched herself as a stalwart defender of American interests abroad. She has single-digit support among Republicans, according to opinion polls, although she saw a slight uptick in support after a strong first debate performance in August.
TIM SCOTT
The only Black Republican U.S. senator has low name recognition outside his home state of South Carolina, but his optimism and focus on unifying his divided party have helped him draw a contrast with a more aggressive approach from Trump and DeSantis. Scott's supporters, however, acknowledge that although his sunny demeanor is a selling point, it may not be enough to win. Scott, 58, attracted 2% support among Republicans, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted from Sept. 8-14.
CHRIS CHRISTIE
Christie, 61, advised Trump's White House campaign, but became a vocal critic of the former president after the Jan. 6, 2021, attack. The former New Jersey governor and federal prosecutor stepped up his verbal attacks as Trump faced a growing number of criminal charges.
Christie received 2% support among Republicans in the latest Reuters/Ipsos poll.
DOUG BURGUM
Burgum, 67, is serving his second four-year term as North Dakota's governor after selling his software business to Microsoft in 2001. A proponent of low taxes and fewer regulations, he has sought to portray himself as a traditional conservative with a focus on the economy and national security. One of the least-known contenders, he gets close to no support in polls.
Reuters
Tue Sep 26 2023
Seven Republican candidates are due to take part in the second 2024 Republican presidential debate on Wednesday, Sept 28, in California, the Republican National Committee said. REUTER/Filepic
US military plane deporting Indian immigrants lands in India
The Trump administration has increasingly turned to the military to help carry out its immigration agenda.
Trump's Gaza plan for 'Riviera of the Middle East' triggers international condemnation
Countries from Russia, China, Spain, Ireland and the UK say they continue to support the two-state solution.
US Postal Service suspends inbound parcels from China, Hong Kong
Trump's crackdown on de minimis would make the products sold by the likes of Shein and Temu more expensive.
US plan to take over Gaza: Malaysia's stance on Palestine unchanged - PM
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says Malaysia's stance remains the same as that of other Islamic countries.
US freezes funding for security mission tackling Haiti's gangs
More than $13 million in US funding for an international security force helping fight armed gangs in Haiti has been frozen, the UN says.
Over 40,000 civil servants at high risk of mental health issues - Zaliha
A total of 44,901 civil servants were screened under Public Service Psychological Health Digital Profiling System, says Dr Zaliha Mustafa.
India's Modi takes 'holy dips' at Maha Kumbh, week after stampede killed dozens
Security personnel stood in the water nearby while thousands of people crowded the banks to watch the prime minister perform the rituals.
Philippine Congress endorses impeachment complaint against vice president
Vice President Sara Duterte would be the Philippines' second most senior official to face removal from office.
What is a sovereign wealth fund?
Sovereign wealth funds are investment vehicles owned by countries.
[COLUMNIST] Rising above Trump tariffs: How a resilient global economy outlasts US protectionism
The current alarm over Trumps tariff threats overlooks a key point: global markets are resilient and adaptable.
Khazanah reports RM5.1 billion operating profit for 2024
Khazanah records RM103.6 billion NAV in 2024, driven by strong domestic investments and strategic growth.
Washington, DC officials identify 66 of 67 victims of midair collision
Work continues by the US Army Corps of Engineers to remove the airplane wreckage from the Potomac River.
Government to further strengthen ASEAN's readiness in finalising DEFA
Malaysia is focusing on two main approaches to facilitate the DEFA negotiation, says Liew Chin Tong.
Trade war will not hinder Malaysia’s GDP growth for 2025 - Rafizi
The finance ministry has projected Malaysia's GDP to grow between 4.5 and 5.5 per cent in 2025.
Trump administration considers adding Shein, Temu to 'forced labor' list, Semafor reports
The move comes after China imposes targeted tariffs on US imports and warnings of possible sanctions against firms like Google.
Thailand to cut power to Myanmar border areas linked to scam centres
Evidence shows transnational crime syndicates in Myanmar's Tachileik, Myawaddy, Payathonzu, that are possible power cut targets.
Trump reimposes 'maximum pressure' on Iran, aims to drive oil exports to zero
Trump signs the presidential memorandum reimposing Washington's tough policy on Iran that was practiced throughout his first term.
FACTBOX: Trump proposes US takeover of Gaza
Here are some remarks that US President Donald Trump made and questions that he answered during a press conference.
Singapore passes law against foreign interference in race-based organisations
Under the Racial Harmony Bill, race-based groups must disclose foreign and anonymous donations, affiliations, and leadership.
Malaysia, Uzbekistan agree to elevate ties to strategic partnership
Malaysia and Uzbekistan noted active cooperation on key issues within international bodies, especially the UN and OIC.