Four takeaways from the GOP debate: Trump skates as Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley clash
NBCDEC 2023
Haley, DeSantis Attend 5th GOP Debate
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The Spin
Narrative A
Haley was the clear winner of CNN's debate — oozing confidence and continually exposing an uncomfortable-looking DeSantis for his false claims. Although neither a final nail in the coffin for the Florida governor nor anywhere near enough for Haley to bridge the polling gap against Trump, the former South Carolina leader — who's likely to be propelled forward following Chris Christie's recent exit from the race — gave a strong and assured performance.
Narrative B
With a focus on the upcoming Iowa caucus dominating DeSantis' campaign strategy, the Florida governor produced a signature performance against Haley which will leave his supporters hopeful that this is just the beginning of a campaign revival. The last chance to convince a national audience before the public can begin the GOP nomination process, DeSantis may have secured himself as the clear alternative candidate to the Trump-dominated Republican support base.
Pro-Trump narrative
While Haley and DeSantis traded vicious blows on the debate stage in a desperate attempt to prove themselves as the secondary Republican option, Trump calmly enjoyed a fruitful evening with Fox News. The former president continues to handsomely lead GOP support, and despite DeSantis and Haley insistently fighting for survival, the nomination race continues to be over before it ever began.