Republican candidates squared off for the second presidential debate on Wednesday night, with former President Donald Trump again not in attendance.
But as the debate ended, none of the seven candidates on stage appeared to have secured the sort of breakout moment that would alter the dynamics of a primary contest that Trump has dominated for months.
Although the former President skipped the debate, as he did the first one in Wisconsin last month, he appeared as the party’s main leader, only focusing on Biden, his once and perhaps future opponent, rather than the Republican contenders who trail badly in the polls.
By further consolidating his position against his Republican rivals and Democratic opponent Biden, Trump signaled he somehow gained a mandate from voters allowing him to skip the presidential debates and prepare for his presidential campaign.
It was also clear that Republican candidates seemed vying for the second-place candidate. Their speeches suggested they aimed to either win the title of Vice President in the general election next fall, or a government position in the next administration.
Meanwhile, House Republicans on Thursday held the first hearing of their impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden, accusing him of taking part in corruption, bribery, and influence peddling.
However, Biden responded to the accusations, saying there is a lack of evidence of wrongdoing.
