Candidates and Moderators: Hits and Misses From Third GOP Debate

Virginia Allen /

The third Republican presidential debate was held on Wednesday night in Miami. Five candidates took the stage: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie. 

Former President Donald Trump was again absent, choosing instead to hold a rally in a Miami suburb. 

NBC News’ Lester Holt and Kristen Welker moderated the debate along with conservative talk-show host Hugh Hewitt. They asked candidates how they would lead on issues of foreign policy, including in matters related to Israel. Candidates also discussed border security, China, and technology concerns. 

Karen Jaroch, the Florida state director for Heritage Action for America, joins “The Daily Signal Podcast” to discuss her biggest takeaways from the third debate and offer analysis on the candidates’ responses. (The Daily Signal is the news outlet of The Heritage Foundation. Heritage Action for America is an independent nonprofit organization affiliated with Heritage.)

Listen to the podcast below: 

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