Republican Primary 2024 - news update for 10-26-2023

Here is a detailed and comprehensive update on the news and events from the past week regarding the 2024 Republican Primary: October 20, 2023 Businessman Perry Johnson suspended his campaign for the Republican presidential nomination. Johnson was a long-shot candidate who struggled to gain traction in the crowded field. On October 21st A new Morning Consult poll showed former President Donald Trump maintaining a lead in the Republican primary, with 62% of potential voters saying they would support him. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis was in second place with 13%, followed by former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley with 7% and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy with 6%. October 22, 2023 The second Republican presidential debate was held in New Hampshire. The candidates on stage were DeSantis, former Vice President Mike Pence, Ramaswamy, Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, Haley, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum. Trump skipped the debate, just as he did the first one. The debate was largely uneventful, with the candidates mostly staying on message and avoiding any major gaffes. However, there were a few notable moments. For example, DeSantis clashed with Pence on the issue of Ukraine, with DeSantis arguing that the United States should be more focused on China and Pence arguing that the United States should continue to support Ukraine. on October 23, 2023 Trump held a rally in Michigan, where he continued to attack the Biden administration and promote his own policies. Trump also reiterated his claim that the 2020 election was stolen from him. October 24, 2023 Pence gave a speech in which he criticized Trump's handling of the January 6th Capitol riot. Pence said that Trump "betrayed the trust of the American people" and that he "must be held accountable for his actions." The next day, Trump responded to Pence's criticism by acting out like a child and calling him a "traitor" and a "loser." Trump also said that Pence should be expelled from the Republican Party. The Republican National Committee (RNC) announced that it will be holding its 2024 summer convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The RNC also voted to censure Reps. Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger for their participation in the House select committee investigating the January 6th Capitol riot. The Republican primary is still in its early stages, but Trump remains a questionable frontrunner. DeSantis is the only other candidate who is polling in double digits, and he is still behind Trump. The other candidates in the race are struggling to gain traction. Pence is hurt by his association with Trump, and Haley is struggling to connect with voters. Ramaswamy and the other candidates are long-shots. It is still too early to say who will win the Republican primary, but the disgraced and alleged criminal, Trump is the favorite at this point.