Who were the winners and losers in the fourth Republican presidential debate? Pundits name their picks
FOX NewsDEC 2023
GOP Candidates, Minus Trump, Spar at Fourth Debate
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The Spin
Narrative A
Wednesday’s debate was filled with chaos and personal attacks, but Haley and Christie preserved some level of decency amid the mudslinging. Meanwhile, Ramaswamy used his time to peddle far-right conspiracy theories while making misogynistic remarks about Haley and mocking Christie. While Trump is still the frontrunner in the GOP, Haley and Christie provided a welcomed sight of maturity and experience. Both candidates were poised and presidential, and it may be Haley overtaking second place to be the "non-chaotic" alternative to the former president.
Narrative B
Ramaswamy delivered a borderline revolutionary debate performance that rivaled the awakening Trump started in 2015. While his three competitors voiced mildly different variations of mainstream conservatism, Ramaswamy attacked the key issues that no one has wanted to address, and that scares the establishment more than anything. Not only did Ramaswamy attack his opponents’ corruption but he called out the failed neocon policies of the past — the GOP establishment is hissing because they know that Vivek spoke real truth to power.