Eight candidates hit the stage for the first GOP presidential debate Wednesday night in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, opening up the chance to make an impact in a crowded field led by former President Donald Trump.
The debate, moderated by Fox News’ Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum, focused on the economy, climate change, abortion, COVID-19 lockdowns, gun control, Trump’s upcoming trials, Ukraine funding, China, the southern border, education, presidential age and UFO encounters. Trump — the leading candidate in primary polls — chose to skip out on the debate, and sat down for an interview with Daily Caller co-founder Tucker Carlson instead.
The candidates frequently sparred with entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, who painted himself as the young, anti-establishment choice.
