GOP Field Debates Narrow as Iowa Caucuses Draw Closer by Just 6 Weeks

The diminishing field of Republican presidential contenders convened on a debate stage on Wednesday for the fourth time this year, running out of time to shake up a race that has been dominated by former President Donald Trump.

Four candidates were present at the University of Alabama for their last scheduled meeting before the Iowa caucuses kick off the presidential nominating season next month. Trump, the clear front-runner in the race, was not among them. Instead, Trump had planned to spend the evening at a closed-door fundraiser in Florida.

With only six weeks left before the Iowa voters start making their choices, the debate provided a fresh opportunity for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, and biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy to establish themselves as the best alternatives to Trump.

Apart from Christie, the candidates have spent more time in previous debates attacking each other rather than taking aim at Trump. Many Republican power players say there are diminishing returns in attacking the former president given his popularity among Republicans.

“It’s challenging for anybody else when Donald Trump is consolidating supporters,” Republican pollster Brent Buchanan said.

The debate, lacking Trump’s presence, did not have the same buzz as previous ones, especially in supposedly open primaries. Less than two hours before the debate began, the media room was barely half full. The spin room was noticeably quiet, and outside Moody Music Hall on campus, more buzz came from state high school football championship games being played at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

The debate may have been hard to find for many prospective viewers, as it aired on NewsNation. This cable network is still trying to build its audience after taking over WGN America three years ago. NewsNation’s Elizabeth Vargas moderated alongside Megyn Kelly and Eliana Johnson.

Haley, who has risen in recent polling to challenge DeSantis, has leaned on her foreign policy experience since the Hamas attack on Israel on Oct. 7. DeSantis, on the other hand, faced new upheaval in his political operation. Ramaswamy, who has also been a notable presence in previous debates, remains stalled in single digits in most polls. Christie, barely meeting the requirements to participate, continuously goes after Trump.

The field of invited candidates has shrunk in half since the first debate in August, with many dropping out of the race after participating in at least one debate. Former Vice President Mike Pence, South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum have all dropped out, while former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson failed to qualify.

The debate setting in Alabama served as a reminder of Trump’s strong position and his influence over the party.