Newsday - Who came out on top at the first Republican debate? - BBC Sounds

The first debate for Republicans hoping to secure the party's 2024 presidential nomination has taken place in Milwaukee in the state of Wisconsin, with voters getting an opportunity to hear more from the eight contenders. Former president Donald Trump, decided to skip the debate. Matt Mowers, former Republican Congressional Nominee and President of political strategy firm Valcour LLC who was attending the debate told Newsday that three candidates had their moments of varying degrees that stood out in the event. He said "Ambassador Nikki Haley, did very well and will get a look from voters, New Jersey Governor, Chris Christie went there and did exactly what he intended to do" and was one of only two candidates who said he wouldn't support Donald Trump. The third nominee who Mowers said "took some lumps " was Vivek Ramaswamy. He carried on "Republicans are looking for outsiders and that's a piece of Ramaswamy's appeal and that he's willing to go out there mix it up and do countless interviews, he's a talented guy who is interesting and compelling and everyone is talking about him. " He said "the Republican party is looking for a fighter and though Donald Trump has the good will from Republican voters if he skips another debate it could hurt him politically in the end."