As the second Republican primary debate unfolded, the focal point remained on one prominent figure’s decision to sit this one out: Donald Trump.
Christie Accuses Trump of Cowardess

Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, a vocal critic of Trump, accused the ex-president of hiding “behind the walls of his golf clubs,” prompting boos from the audience.
“Donald Duck” Nickname Revealed

Christie further quipped that Trump might as well be dubbed “Donald Duck” if he continues dodging debates.
DeSantis Takes a Swipe and Demands Trump’s Presence

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a key rival of Trump, used his time to criticize the absent frontrunner, stating that Trump should have participated in the debate to defend his record, “He owes it to you, to defend his record, where they added $7.8 trillion to the debt that set the stage for the inflation that we have.
DeSantis Left Waiting and First Question on Labor Dispute

DeSantis wasn’t asked a question for the first 16 minutes. When he did get his turn, he took his swipe at Trump for not showing up instead of answering the question first.
Trump’s Dominance Despite Legal Woes

Trump’s legal troubles have not dented his lead, with a significant 59 percent of Republican primary voters choosing him as their top candidate, according to a recent NBC News poll. DeSantis lags far behind as the distant runner-up with just 16 percent.
Trump Challenges Biden’s Pro-Union Image

Simultaneously, while the debate unfolded, Trump was at a Michigan, home of the United Auto Workers’ Union Strike, challenging President Biden’s pro-union stance, “Joe Biden claims to be the most pro-union president in history. Nonsense,” he said.
Biden’s “Economic Treason”

“Think of it,” Trump continued, “His entire career has been an act of economic treason and union destruction,” he said in an attempt to sway union workers in his favor.
Importance of Union Workers

The importance of union workers as a voting bloc was evident as the first debate question addressed the ongoing strike by the United Auto Workers against major companies like General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis.
Scott Shifts Focus to Southern Border

When the discussion initially centered on the United Auto Workers’ strike, Senator Tim Scott swiftly shifted the focus to immigration, “Joe Biden should not be on the picket line,” he said, “He should be on the southern border, working to close our southern border, because it is unsafe, wide open and insecure.”
Ukraine War Dispute Rages On

Amidst the general agreement among candidates on many issues, division surfaced over the war in Ukraine, with Scott, Haley and Pence arguing for support in Kyiv, while Ramaswamy and DeSantis disagreed.
Ramaswamy Defends China Support

Ramaswamy was recently caught at an event hosted by Chinese-run app TikTok, saying he was only trying to reach out to young people.
Haley Slams Ramaswamy’s “Dumb” Words

Nikki Haley slammed Ramaswamy’s comments, saying, “Honestly, every time I hear you, I feel a little bit dumber for what you say.”
Dispute Over Immigration and Labor

While the candidates generally agreed on numerous topics, differences surfaced concerning the ongoing labor dispute and immigration policies.
Biden’s Team Criticizes GOP Candidates on Immigration Stance

The Biden campaign offered sharp criticism of the GOP candidates, alleging a lack of seriousness in addressing immigration reform during the debate, particularly regarding border control.
No One Had a Better Idea?

Biden’s team contended that the candidates failed to present meaningful solutions for the nation’s immigration challenges.
Trump’s Campaign Strategy in Michigan

While the debate raged on, Trump made strategic moves in Michigan, aiming to strengthen his appeal among blue-collar workers and challenge President Biden’s pro-union image in this crucial battleground state.
This Business Put up a “No Gen Z’s Allowed” Sign, and the Gen Z’s Are Furious

A small business owner has gone viral on Twitter for posting a sign in his shop window berating Gen Z cashiers, claiming that he had to close because his cashiers quit as he didn’t let their boyfriends stand around with them all shift. This Business Put up a “No Gen Z’s Allowed” Sign, and the Gen Z’s Are Furious
President Biden Sniffs Child in an Incident That’s Been Branded “Quite Strange”

Criticism floods in as President Joe Biden’s recent interaction with a young girl at Helsinki Airport raises eyebrows and leaves many questioning his behavior and ability to lead. President Biden Sniffs Child in an Incident That’s Been Branded “Quite Strange”
Biden Is an “International Joke” – An Embarrassing Moment for an Octogenarian President?

Recently, a false claim has been making the rounds that Biden made embarrassing remarks about curing cancer. We dig into what was reported vs. what actually happened. Biden Is an “International Joke” – An Embarrassing Moment for an Octogenarian President?
Foreign Migrants Are OVERFLOWING in NYC – Who’s to Blame?

Migrants are being transported to cities across the nation, and there isn’t enough housing or shelter to hold everyone. Foreign Migrants Are OVERFLOWING in NYC – Who’s to Blame?
Florida Is Banning Transgender People From Schools: Trans Teachers and Students Are Now Back in the Closet, by Law

The Orange County Public Schools, one of the largest and most prominent school districts in Florida, recently made headlines with the issuance of new guidelines that have stirred significant controversy. Here’s the full story. Florida Is Banning Transgender People From Schools: Trans Teachers and Students Are Now Back in the Closet, by Law
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