Key Highlights from CNN's Iowa Debate featuring DeSantis and Haley
Florida Gov Ron DeSantis and former South Carolina Gov Nikki Haley clashed in CNN's Iowa debate DeSantis labeled Haley a mealy-mouthed politician while Haley criticized DeSantis' campaign The debate covered topics like foreign policy, January 6, abortion, and the absence of conspiracy theories
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis criticized former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley as a "mealy-mouthed politician," while Haley remarked that DeSantis' campaign "is exploding."
The two Republican candidates competing to be the main alternative to former President Donald Trump in the party's 2024 presidential primary launched their one-on-one CNN debate on Wednesday night in Des Moines, just five nights before the Iowa caucuses. They exchanged attacks and accused each other of lying.
Trump was mostly disregarded by the candidates, despite holding a significant lead in Iowa and national GOP primary polls. The debate, which took place after former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie dropped out of the race, showcased the belief of both candidates that the field needs to be narrowed further before the last non-Trump candidate can shift focus to the former president.
DeSantis emphasized his accomplishments as Florida governor, highlighting his conservative achievements, while Haley took a more future-oriented approach. When discussing the US's support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, DeSantis suggested that Haley believes in a "globalist" approach with unlimited resources.
Haley delivered a scathing critique of DeSantis' campaign, pointing out its failure to meet high expectations.
"He's spent $150 million on his campaign, and has nothing to show for it," Haley remarked. "He's invested more in private planes than in commercials to win over Iowans. If he can't handle a campaign, how can he run a country?"
Here are seven takeaways from the CNN debatethe final GOP debate before the Iowa caucuses:
Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis participate in a CNN Republican Presidential Debate at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, on January 10.
Will Lanzoni/CNN
Trump is skating â again
As a matter of pure politics, Trumps decision to sit out the primary debates has rarely looked more shrewd.
DeSantis and Haley have expressed some mild criticism of the former president, such as his failure to "build the wall" and not appearing on stage with them. However, neither has fully denounced him or argued that he is unfit for office. When asked if Trump has the "character to be president again," both DeSantis and Haley dodged the question.
"I agree with a lot of his policies, but his way is not my way," Haley said. "I dont have vengeance, I dont have vendettas, I dont take things personally."
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Tapper asks Haley and DeSantis about Trump's character. Hear their answers
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DeSantis started by offering a quick compliment before shifting the focus to "the distinction between Nikki Haley and myself" - in this instance, he asserted that Haley was more liberal than California's Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom.
Haley and DeSantis, aside from a few uncomfortable moments, appear to prefer avoiding discussions about Trump. This is likely due to the fact that recent polls indicate that the GOP base still supports the former president.
Interestingly, the one aspect that Haley and DeSantis both concurred on during the entire evening was that Trump should have been present on stage. Throughout the debate, both candidates criticized the Republican front-runner for opting out of the event, despite meeting the debate's qualifications, and choosing to participate in a Fox town hall instead.
Both candidates expressed their desire for Donald Trump to be present on the CNN debate stage. Haley stated, "I wish Donald Trump was up here on this stage, he's the one I'm running against." DeSantis also weighed in, saying, "Donald Trump should be on the stage. He owes it to you, the people of Iowa, to explain this change he's had in his positioning, to explain why he's had a tough time saying why a man could become a woman or not, to explain why he wants to build a billion dollar-plus big beautiful new FBI building right in the part of the swamp in Washington, DC. He needs to explain why he didn't build the wall and why he added $7.8 trillion to the debt."
At a town hall in Des Moines, Trump excitedly emphasized his lead in the early primary polling, "But New Hampshire is interesting," he remarked. "It's a great place, great state, unbelievable people, but they allow independents and Democrats to vote in the Republican primary. You say, what's that all about? So it's a little bit false in that regard, but even with that, I think we'll win substantially."
Haley and DeSantis answer questions during the debate.
Will Lanzoni/CNN
The race to be the toughest on stage
DeSantis and Haley raced to appear toughest on some of the bedrock conservative priorities: ending illegal immigration, cutting taxes and reining in the federal budget.
Both Republicans stated that they would not permit anyone who entered the country illegally to stay in the United States. DeSantis also emphasized that there would be no amnesty for illegal immigrants under his presidency.
Haley insisted, "They must be deported."
They also condemned Trump for his failure to finish building a wall along the US southern border. DeSantis reiterated his plan to fund the wall by imposing taxes on remittances sent by immigrants to their families in their home countries, comparing it to directly charging Mexico.
Haley expressed her intention to prolong the tax cuts for small businesses that were implemented during the Trump administration, as well as abolish the federal gas tax. Meanwhile, DeSantis reiterated his backing for a more radical idea of implementing a flat income tax, where everyone contributes the same percentage of their earnings towards taxes. However, he faced difficulty in explaining how this would not lead to lower-income individuals paying more. "I would only consider this if it results in people being better off than they currently are," DeSantis stated.
Both candidates drew on their experience as governor when discussing federal budget management. Haley emphasized South Carolina's balanced budget requirement, while DeSantis highlighted a decrease in Florida's debt during his tenure. However, Haley criticized DeSantis for voting to raise the debt limit in Congress and took a jab at his political operation's high spending and mixed results, particularly on private planes for campaign travel.
Nikki Haley answers a question during the debate.
Will Lanzoni/CNN
Haleys brutal takedown of DeSantis campaign
During the debate, Haley launched a scathing criticism at DeSantis for his comment on her leadership, as the Florida governor accused her of incompetence and left room for doubt. The heated exchange occurred during a debate about education policies, with DeSantis blaming Haley for not successfully guiding a school voucher program through a resistant South Carolina legislature.
"She blames others. Leadership is about accomplishing tasks. Stop finding excuses and start taking action," he stated.
In response, Haley detailed the months of drama, changes in leadership, and personal conflicts within the DeSantis campaign and a pro-DeSantis super PAC.
She highlighted DeSantis' use of private planes in his financial disclosures and compared it to her own choices, stating, "I chose commercial flights and stayed in Residence Inns. We were frugal and spent our funds wisely. If he can't manage campaign finances, how will he handle the economy in the White House?"
Haley then criticized the DeSantis campaign for its lack of visibility outside of Iowa, stating, "You campaigned for president in one state. You’re invisible in New Hampshire. You’re invisible in South Carolina. You’re in fifth place. You’ve spent $150 million and you’ve gone down in the polls in Iowa. Why should we think you can manage, or do anything, in this country?"
DeSantis and his supporters were stung by Haley's comments because there was truth to them. The Florida governor must use his strong finish in Iowa as a springboard for the rest of the Republican primary race. On the other hand, Haley is expected to see the race shift to much more favorable territory after the Iowa caucuses. She has surged into a strong second place in New Hampshire polls and is also in a strong position in her home state of South Carolina, with its early February primary.
DeSantis countered Haley's remarks by saying that she was focused on "political and process-related matters that no voter cares about."
The early-state contests will examine whether there exists a substantial portion of the Republican voter base seeking to transition beyond Trump. This faction of the party may strategically vote for who they perceive as the most viable contender against the former president.
Haley and DeSantis participate in a CNN Republican Presidential Debate on Wednesday in Des Moines.
Will Lanzoni/CNN
Two views on foreign policy
The internal struggle within the GOP regarding foreign policy was evident as Haley and DeSantis clashed on the appropriate involvement of the US in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Haley maintained her stance for substantial aid to Ukraine in order to deter Russia from advancing towards Poland and other NATO member countries.
DeSantis criticized Haley's position on Ukraine, saying it closely resembles Biden's. He emphasized the need to bring an end to the war in order to redirect focus towards other national security issues, such as the US approach to China.
Both candidates stressed that their strategies for Ukraine are aimed at preventing war, especially one that would involve deploying US troops.
Haley stated that the aid to Ukraine is aimed at ensuring the safety of Americans. In regards to Israel, they emphasized their commitment to supporting the US ally. When asked about calls for mass removal of Palestinians from Gaza by some Israeli Cabinet members, DeSantis expressed concerns but stated that he would not publicly or privately question Israel. Furthermore, he criticized Haley for her support of a two-state solution during her time at the UN.
"She was mistaken to support that and correct in stating that we trust Israel to make these decisions," he stated.
Haley asserted that a two-state solution was not feasible due to Palestinian resistance and emphasized the importance of providing Israel with necessary support while working on the release of hostages in Gaza. She also criticized DeSantis for campaigning in Iowa with Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, the lone House Republican to vote against a resolution condemning antisemitism following the October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas.
DeSantis called it "cheap, cheap garbage."
When asked about retaliatory attacks on Iran following strikes on US troops in Iraq and Syria, Haley insisted that the US should "take out every bit of the production that allows them to do those strikes" and blamed Biden for not taking more action. She also criticized Biden for not being aware that his secretary of defense was in the hospital.
Haley expressed, "My husband is currently deployed. As a military spouse, I find it unacceptable that the secretary of defense is not in communication with the president or his staff."
DeSantis, drawing on his own military service and deployment to Iraq, also urged for a US response.
"I would never put our troops in harms way like Biden is doing in the Middle East without defending them with everything they got," DeSantis said.
Tiptoeing on January 6
When given the chance to confront the ex-president's false claims about the election and understanding of the country's core values, they avoided the issue. When questioned about the disparity between her stance and Trump's views on the Constitution, Haley avoided a direct response, simply stating, "You take an oath to the Constitution." She did acknowledge that January 6, 2021, was a "terrible day" and acknowledged Trump's loss in the 2020 election.
DeSantis also evaded the question when it was his turn to respond. He cited George Washington as his inspiration for upholding the constitution before changing the subject.
"But let's not forget to criticize those who violated the Constitution during Covid," he added.
DeSantis, a lawyer educated at Harvard, wrote a book using the Founding Fathers' writings to accuse the Obama administration of abusing the Constitution. He also refused to express agreement with the assertion made by Trump's lawyer this week that a president should have immunity for any conduct in office, including assassinating a political opponent.
"I'm not entirely certain about the extent of presidential immunity," he stated. "I don't believe it has been fully addressed in legal proceedings."
On that issue, Haley did not hedge.
"No, thats absolutely ridiculous," she said.
DeSantis and Haley try a softer touch on abortion
Their positions have been constant. DeSantis and Haley oppose abortion and support state laws that would make it illegal with some exceptions.
Wednesday night saw both candidates attempting to shift the focus of the issue to a calmer direction.
"After expressing her concerns about the GOP's messaging on the matter, Haley stated, 'Our focus should be on saving as many babies and supporting as many moms as we can,'"
DeSantis echoed a similar sentiment, stating, "To truly be pro-life, you have to care about the entire spectrum of life." He continued, "It's important to have empathy for the challenges facing our country."
When initially questioned about their opinion on Trump's stance on being "pro-life," a view that DeSantis had challenged during a recent CNN town hall, both he and Haley avoided giving a direct answer.
Haley agreed that Trump had taken some pro-life actions during his presidency, but suggested that it would be best to ask him directly. She then smoothly transitioned to criticizing the former president for missing the debate.
DeSantis also took the opportunity to take a swipe at Trump for choosing not to participate in the debate (despite being qualified and invited). He expressed doubt about Trump's commitment to the pro-life cause, particularly due to his criticism of Iowa's abortion ban, which was supported by DeSantis and Governor Kim Reynolds. DeSantis suggested that Trump's actions have inadvertently benefited the political left.
On Fox, a voter question prompted Trump to address his potential nomination win and his response could potentially be used in Democratic and abortion rights group ads, boasting about his role in ending Roe v. Wade. "For 54 years they were trying to get Roe v. Wade terminated - and I did it," Trump said. "And Im proud to have done it. ⦠We did it and we did something that was a miracle."
Conspiracy theories absent from debate stage
The absence of Donald Trump or entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy resulted in a debate that was notably less focused on conspiracy theories. Hunter Biden was scarcely mentioned and false claims such as the suggestion that the attack on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, was orchestrated by the FBI were conspicuously absent. At one point, Haley even criticized Trump for describing January 6 as "a beautiful day."
She expressed her views on January 6, calling it a dreadful day. In contrast, both Ramaswamy and Trump enjoy exploring unconventional ideas and conspiracy theories. The entrepreneur has repeatedly suggested, without evidence, that January 6 was orchestrated from within.
Three years ago, if someone told me that January 6 was an inside job and a result of government entrapment, I would have dismissed it as crazy, fringe, conspiracy theory nonsense. But having delved deeper into this, I can now say it's not. This was expressed by Ramaswamy during a CNN town hall last month. On social media, Trump has also endorsed baseless conspiracy theories. Recently, on Truth Social, he shared a blog post from the Gateway Pundit website claiming that Haley's parents were not US citizens when she was born, making her ineligible to be president. This is reminiscent of the birther conspiracy that targeted former President Barack Obama.
