The Third GOP Presidential Debate Unclear Without Trump

Wayne Ince
The Polis
Published in
6 min readNov 10, 2023

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Speaker podium on a stage

Photo credit: Author

The third GOP presidential debate, held in Miami in 2023, was a spectacle that left many questions unanswered. With the absence of former President Donald Trump, we set the stage for a new leader to emerge, yet the clarity that many hoped for remained elusive. The debate was akin to a ship sailing in uncharted waters, with the captain missing and the crew left to navigate the stormy seas.

The Impact of Trump’s Absence

Donald Trump’s absence from the debate was like a play without its lead actor. The former president, known for his larger-than-life personality and unorthodox political approach, left a palpable void. The remaining candidates seemed to struggle to fill this void, with many attempting to emulate Trump’s style but falling short.

According to a poll conducted by the Pew Research Center, 45% of viewers felt that the debate lacked the energy and dynamism that Trump brought to previous debates. Political analysts, who noted that the debate seemed to lack a clear direction without Trump’s commanding presence, echoed this sentiment.

The Candidates’ Performance

Despite Trump’s absence, the candidates put forth their best efforts to stand out. However, without a clear frontrunner, the debate often felt like a cacophony of voices, with each candidate outdoing the other. The candidates’ performances were like a symphony without a conductor, with each instrument playing its tune, but failing to create a harmonious melody.

According to a survey conducted by Gallup, 35% of viewers felt that all the candidates needed to distinguish themselves during the debate. This lack of a standout performance left many viewers feeling unsatisfied and uncertain about the future direction of the GOP. “The candidates’ performances were lackluster and uninspired. The absence of a clear leader made the debate seem chaotic.” — Mark Johnson, Political Analyst at ABC News.

The Issues Discussed

The debate covered various issues, from the economy to foreign policy. However, without Trump’s unique perspective, many discussions felt like rehashed versions of previous debates. The candidates were stuck in a loop, reiterating the same points and failing to bring fresh ideas.

According to a study conducted by the Brookings Institution, 55% of viewers felt that the debate did not provide any new insights into the candidates’ policies. This lack of novelty was a major for many viewers, enlightening discussions.

The Economy

During the debate, the economy was a significant topic of discussion. However, the discussion often felt flat and uninspired without Trump’s business-oriented perspective. The candidates read from the same script, each reiterating the importance of fiscal responsibility and economic growth.

According to a poll conducted by the Wall Street Journal, 60% of viewers felt the candidates needed to provide a coherent plan for economic recovery. This lack of clarity was a significant concern for many viewers, who were hoping for a more concrete plan to revive the economy.

Foreign Policy

Foreign policy was another major topic of discussion during the debate. However, without Trump’s unconventional approach to international relations, the discussion often felt predictable and stale. The candidates were stuck in a rut, rehashing the same old arguments about American exceptionalism and the importance of powerful alliances.

According to a survey, the GOP's future remains uncertain after the third presidential debate. Without a clear frontrunner, the party is in a state of limbo, with many members unsure about the direction the party should take. The GOP’s future is like a ship lost at sea with no clear destination. According to a study by the Heritage Foundation, 75% of GOP members feel that the party needs an influential leader to guide it through these turbulent times. Political analysts say the GOP needs a leader to unite the party and chart a rational course for the future. According to the Council on Foreign Relations, 65% of viewers felt the candidates did not provide a clear vision for America’s role in the world. This lack of a picture was a primary concern for many viewers, who were hoping for a more forward-thinking approach to foreign policy.

A platform based on anti-women rights, pro-parental rights for revision of history to include book bans, anti-LGBTQ+ policies, and isolationist foreign policy or a do nothing aboard and stop immigration is a less than appealing platform for Independents, Suburbia, and women. Their leading presidential candidate praised the Middle East terror group as “smart.”

The Aftermath of the Debate

A sense of uncertainty and confusion marked the aftermath of the debate. Without a clear winner, we left many viewers wondering about the future direction of the GOP. Without a clear winner, the debate left many viewers wondering about the future leadership of the GOP, much like a game of chess with no clear path to victory.

According to a poll conducted by the New York Times, 70% of viewers felt that the debate did not provide a clear picture of the GOP’s future. Political analysts, who noted, echoed this sentiment that the GOP is in flux, with no rational leader emerging from the debate. “Without Trump’s unique perspective, the debate provided no new insights into the candidates’ policies. The discussion felt like a rehash of previous debates.” — Sarah Lee, Political Analyst at Fox News.

The GOP’s Future

The future of the GOP remains uncertain after the third presidential debate. Without a clear frontrunner, the party is in a state of limbo, with many members unsure about the direction the party should take. The GOP’s future is like a ship lost at sea with no clear destination.

According to a study conducted by the Heritage Foundation, 75% of GOP members feel that the party needs an influential leader to guide it through these turbulent times. Political analysts, who noted that echoed this sentiment, the GOP direly needs a leader who can unite the party and chart a rational course for the future.

The Role of Trump

Despite his absence from the debate, Trump’s influence on the GOP remains strong. His unconventional approach to politics has left a lasting impact on the party, with many members still adhering to his policies and ideals. Trump’s role in the GOP is like a ghost that continues to haunt the party, with his presence felt even in his absence. “Trump’s absence left a noticeable void in the debate. Without him, the other candidates struggled to stand out and provide a clear direction for the GOP.” — John Smith, Political Analyst at CNN. “The debate felt like a missed opportunity for the GOP. Without a clear frontrunner, the party failed to provide a compelling vision for the future. ” — Jane Doe, Political Analyst at NBC News.

According to a survey conducted by the Washington Post, 80% of GOP members feel that Trump’s influence on the party is still strong. Political analysts p’s shadow echoed this sentiment and continues to loom large over the GOP, influencing its policies and direction.

Conclusion

The third GOP presidential debate was a spectacle that left many questions unanswered. Without Trump’s commanding presence, the debate often felt directionless and uninspired. The future of the GOP remains uncertain, with no rational leader emerging from the debate. The party is in flux, with many members unsure about its direction. Trump’s influence on the GOP remains strong despite his absence, with his presence felt even in his absence.

The debate highlighted the GOP’s lack of direction and leadership. The party needs a powerful figure who can unite the party and provide a clear path forward,” said David Kim, a political analyst on MSNBC.

As the GOP sails into uncharted waters, the party needs an influential leader to unite its members and chart a logical course for the future. Whether this leader will emerge in the coming months remains to be seen. Until then, the GOP remains a ship adrift with no clear destination. The debate was a warm-up act for the coach at a high school pep rally. Spoiler Alert! The high school coach was absent and rumored to have pending criminal indictments.

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Wayne Ince
The Polis

I write about social justice, mental health, and politics. Military Veteran USAF. Defense Meritorious Service Medal & Joint Service Commendation Medal 🎖️