Second Republican debate: Trump skips second debate, as others argue over economy

The second 2024 presidential TV debate saw 7 Republican candidates battle it out over the economy, immigration and China.

Donald Trump -who’s ahead in the Republican polls – skipped the debate, for the second time. He was branded as “missing in action” by his closest rival Ron DeSantis – though it is worth noting, that DeSantis is still far behind and Donald Trump remains the clear frontrunner for the Republican nomination.

Trump skipped the event and instead spoke to voters in Michigan. The former US president is facing several legal and financial woes.

The seven Republican contenders took part in the heated two-hour debate on Wednesday, but none of the candidates had a standout moment.

The eventual Republican nominee will face President Joe Biden, the likely Democratic candidate, next year.

Many Americans are not too thrilled by the idea of a Biden-Trump rematch with the age of both men being cited as a major factor. As it stands, however, it is likely Trump will face Biden once more.

The other seven candidates are Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, former Vice-President Mike Pence, South Carolina Senator Tim Scott, and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum.

But as it stands, Trump leads the Republican field by about 40 points in most opinion polls and had long indicated he would be skipping the debates.

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