Five quirky moments in the Republican debate without Trump

August 24, 2023

Here are the strong or unusual moments of the first big debate of the American election of 2024, which pitted eight Republican candidates against Milwaukee on Wednesday evening, without the favorite Donald Trump.

– An anti-elite opening song

Supposed to be a serious exercise centered on crucial questions for the future of the United States, the debate nevertheless began in music, on the country notes of “Rich Men North of Richmond” by Oliver Anthony.

This viral song has become in a few days the anthem of impoverished rural people and all those who consider themselves forgotten by supposedly disconnected federal elites.

– Red Tie Club

If there’s one politician in America known for his red ties, it’s Donald Trump. Wednesday evening, the ex-president was however the great absentee of the first debate of the primary of his Republican Party. Well, coincidence or sartorial irony, the seven men on the podium each wore a red tie.

– A “blue” with ChatGPT sauce

The only complete political novice in the line-up of the eight candidates, the millionaire of Indian origin Vivek Ramaswamy, 38, adopted a very incisive tone which earned him in return spades with unspeckled foil from his rivals. “We don’t need a bruise! We don’t need someone with no experience!” attacked former Vice President Mike Pence. “I’ve had enough of this guy looking like ChatGPT!” ex-New Jersey Governor Chris Christie said, referring to an artificial intelligence interface.

– The only woman quotes the Iron Lady

Surrounded by all-male candidates, the only woman on the dais, Nikki Haley, quoted Margaret Thatcher: “In politics, if you want speech, ask a man. If you want action, ask a woman. “.

– The burning question about Trump

One of the most intense moments of the debate was the question posed to the eight candidates: “If Trump were convicted in court, would you still support him as your party’s candidate?” Six candidates then raised their hands, more or less spontaneously. The two that didn’t were former governors Asa Hutchinson and Chris Christie. The latter initially appeared to raise his hand, but he explained that he was in fact making a gesture of disapproval.