Third GOP Debate is November in Miami

The third GOP presidential primary debate won't be taking place until November 8. At that time, there will be less than a full year remaining until the 2024 presidential election.

The debate, in Miami, will have the strictest qualifications yet.

The Republican National Committee (RNC) has already released a list of criteria for candidates who want to participate. Each candidate must sign pledges agreeing to support the party's eventual nominee, to share data with the RNC and to not participate in any debates other than those sanctioned by the RNC. Candidates must also meet specific polling and donor requirements in order to qualify for the third debate stage in Miami.

Each candidate must poll at 4% or higher in either two national polls or in one national poll and in two polls for two early states. Four states qualify: Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina.

Each candidate must also have at least 70,000 unique donors. They also need to have at least 20 states or territories in which they have at least 200 unique donors.

All qualifications must be met by the time they are 48 hours out from the start of the third debate.

The polling and donor requirements for the third debate are higher than they were for the second, for which candidates needed to poll at 3% or higher in national polls and have at least 50,000 unique donors. The RNC warns the barriers to enter future debates may be even higher.

The presidential election will be held on November 5, 2024.

Trump Campaign Calls for End to Primary Debates

A spokesperson for former President Donald Trump's 2024 presidential campaign called for the Republican National Committee (RNC) to stop hosting primary debates so that the party can focus on defeating President Joe Biden during the general election next year.

Chris LaCivita, a senior adviser with Trump's campaign, said in a statement released after the Wednesday debate ended that it was "as boring and inconsequential as the first debate" and that "nothing that was said will change the dynamics of the primary contest," which he said is currently "dominated" by Trump.

"President Trump has a 40- or 50-point lead in the primary election and a 10-point lead over Joe Biden in the general election, and it's clear that President Trump alone can defeat Biden," LaCivita said. "The RNC should immediately put an end to any further primary debates so we can train our fire on Crooked Joe Biden and quit wasting time and money that could be going to evicting Biden from the White House."

Trump declined to participate in the first or second primary debates, but he posted about both on Truth Social. On Wednesday night, Trump shared a series of video clips from before Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis launched his own presidential campaign. In the clips, DeSantis is seen supporting Trump's policies and expressing "confidence" in the former president.

Trump also reacted to comments former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie made while on the debate stage. Christie, who often criticizes Trump publicly, continued doing so during the debate, suggesting Trump was "afraid" to face the other presidential candidates.

"Chris Christie is talking about the job he did as Governor," Trump said in one Truth Social post. "He had a 9% approval rating. N.J. wanted to throw the "bum" out. Also, I built almost 500 miles of Wall (not 50, Sloppy Chris!), got Mexico to give us 28,000 soldiers (free of charge!), and had the safest and best Border in U.S. History, with record low drugs coming in!"

Newsom Predicts Trump Will Be 'Dominant Force'

California Gov. Gavin Newsom described the second GOP presidential primary debate as a "clown show" in a post on X, formerly Twitter, shortly after the debate ended.

Newsom attended the debate, which took place in his home state at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. He spoke with reporters in the spin room offering counterpoints to Republican candidates' responses and speaking on behalf of President Joe Biden.

"I really believe the winner tonight was the Biden agenda," Newsom told MSNBC. While the Republican candidates on stage "identified problems," Newsom said Biden has "not only identified solutions, he's gotten them passed in a bipartisan way to address so many of the issues the Republicans brought up."

"They brought up no other alternative strategy to meaningfully address the issue of inflation, to address the issue of continued economic growth," he said, adding they also "offered nothing in the way of international foreign policy."

"I thought Biden, honestly, was the big winner tonight," Newsom said.

Newsom spoke with other reporters about former president Donald Trump, who is leading the race but declined to participate in this debate or in the first debate last month.

"I think it will be clear that Trump comes out the dominant force after this debate," Newsom said. "I mean, this is the XFL. This is JV. Honestly, I mean this is maybe, maybe the vice presidential debate. These guys are getting lapped by Donald Trump."

Later during an interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity, Newsom defended Biden's energy policies, which he suggested some Republicans on the debate stage did not have a clear understanding of. In Newsom's state, gas prices have increased in recent weeks, rising to a statewide average of $5.89 on Wednesday for a gallon of regular unleaded gas.

"We are more energy independent today under Biden. Pence doesn't know that, your audience doesn't know that," Newsom told Hannity.

Elon Musk Compliments Ramaswamy

Elon Musk said entrepreneur and presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy said "interesting things" during the second GOP primary debate in a post on X, formerly Twitter.'

Ramaswamy told the debate audience that he intends to employ experts to serve as his advisers, should he be elected president. He previously suggested wanting Musk as an adviser in his administration, and told voters during a summer town hall in Iowa that he has been "getting to know" Musk.

Ramaswamy had the opportunity to address several of his policy positions during the debate. He urged support for strategies that will help the GOP reach younger voters "where they are," a comment he made while talking about his interactions with social media influencers. He also spoke against kids' ability to identify as transgender without alerting their parents. "Transgenderism, especially in kids, is a mental health disorder," he said.

If he is elected president, Ramaswamy has said intends to cut the federal workforce by 75% and reduce federal regulations by 50%.

Ramaswamy received a bump in the polls after the first GOP debate on August 23. His campaign said he raised more than $1 million in the 24 hours after that first debate performance.

Scott, Haley Spar Over Gas Tax and Curtains

South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott and former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations (U.N.) Nikki Haley began shouting at each other on stage as the second debate neared its end.

Scott said Haley had backed a 10-cent gas tax increase in South Carolina while serving as their state's governor.

"Talk about someone who has never seen a federal dollar she doesn't like," he said.

Scott then accused Haley of spending $50,000 on curtains while serving as the U.S. ambassador to the U.N. under former President Donald Trump.

Haley said she fought against the gas tax, but Scott responded by telling viewers, "All you have to do is go watch Nikki Haley on YouTube."

Haley also disputed Scott's comments about the curtains, saying they were at the State Department before she arrived.

"Did you send them back?" Scott asked.

"Did you send them back?" Haley asked him. "You're the one who works in Congress."

She then accused Scott of "scrapping" before the two began yelling at each other.

Candidates Refuse to Vote Someone 'Off the Island'

Moderator Dana Perino asked the seven candidates to write down who on stage should be "voted off the island." Following laughs, the candidates declined.

Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley asked if Perino was serious and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis followed saying it's "disrespectful."

"I vote Donald Trump off the island right now," Christie later said.

Nearly Half of US States Automatically Register Voters

GOP presidential frontrunner Donald Trump is criticizing a recent decision by Pennsylvania's Democratic governor to enact automatic voter registration.

The former president Donald Trump posted a condemnation of Gov. Josh Shapiro's September 19 announcement on his Truth Social account.

"It will be a disaster for our Nation, which is being destroyed by these Lunatics, Marxists, & Fascists, whose only real ability is to CHEAT on Elections," Trump's post reads. He then urged Republicans running for office to "start suing now" and added they need to "get the right lawyers this time."

Automatic voter registration started eight years ago in California and Oregon. In Pennsylvania, residents who are eligible to register to vote will now go through that process automatically when they get an original or renewed driver's license or ID card. Residents can choose to opt out.

The practice has primarily been adopted by Democratic state leaders, though there have been a handful of Republicans who implemented it.

Pennsylvania is the 24th state to enact automatic voter registration. The other states that have it are: Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Nevada, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington and West Virginia.

Residents are also automatically registered to vote in Washington, D.C.

Trump won Pennsylvania in 2016 by 1.2% and lost the state to President Joe Biden by that same margin in 2020. Trump's 2020 presidential campaign made several voter fraud allegations in Pennsylvania at the time, which judges rejected due to a lack of evidence.

Biden Campaigned Tonight in California

President Joe Biden was also in California tonight; he wrapped up a campaign reception in San Francisco a short time ago.

Earlier today, Biden held a meeting with the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology in San Francisco. The team develops recommendations on science, technology, and innovation policy.

Biden left the Bay Area around 6:30 p.m. local time for Arizona. Biden is set to deliver a speech in Phoenix on Thursday. His remarks will focus on "work we must do together to strengthen our democracy" and honor late Senator John McCain, according to the White House.

A Chaotic Debate Continues

A chaotic second GOP debate continues inside of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.

For the past hour and a half, candidates have argued over each other, ignored time bells and moderators have been forced to step in multiple times. There have been many more attacks this debate against former President Donald Trump, President Joe Biden and among candidates than the first.

Haley Feels 'Dumber' After Hearing Ramaswamy

Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said she feels "a little bit dumber" after listening to entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy.

Haley was responding to comments Ramaswamy made about the need to meet young voters "where they are." When asked about his interactions with social media influencers, Ramaswamy said Democrats are reaching more young American voters than Republicans.

"Part of how we win elections is reaching the next generation of young Americans where they are," he said.

Haley then stepped in to say she found his comments "infuriating."

"TikTok is one of the most dangerous social media apps we could have. And what you've got—I honestly, every time I hear you, I feel a little bit dumber for what you say," Haley said. "Because I can't believe—they hear you've got a TikTok situation. What they're doing is, 150 million people are on TikTok. That means they can get your contacts, they can get your financial information, they can get your emails, they can get your text messages, they can get all of these things."

Ramaswamy and Haley then began talking over each other until the moderators stepped in.

Trump Dismisses Debaters as 'Job Candidates'

GOP frontrunner Donald Trump has wrapped up his remarks to auto workers in Michigan.

As Newsweek reported, the former president suggested that all seven candidates taking part in the second GOP presidential primary debate in Southern California would not be on his list of potential vice presidents.

"We are competing with the job candidates," Trump said, referring to his speech in Michigan. "They're all running for a job. No, they're all job candidates... they'll do anything.... secretary of something, they even say VP. Does anyone see a VP in the group? I don't think so."

That list includes: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, former Vice President Mike Pence, Trump's former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum.

DeSantis Blames Slavery Comment 'Hoax' on Kamala Harris

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said a controversy that emerged over the summer regarding his comments about slavery was a "hoax," and blamed Vice President Kamala Harris.

"That's a hoax that was perpetrated by Kamala Harris. We are not going to be doing that," he said.

In defense of a new history curriculum in Florida, DeSantis was quoted as saying slaves learned skills that they could use for their "personal benefit." Moderator Ilia Calderón of Univision told DeSantis many people were still hurt by his comments and asked for his position.

DeSantis' 'Awkward' Smile Goes Viral

Videos criticizing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' smile are all over social media.

DeSantis was wrapping up a question and began to smile, then stopped. One user shared the video, saying, "the moment when DeSantis remembered that his team told him to not smile like a creep."

U.S. Rep Brendan Boyle also posted on X, saying, "There's nothing more painful in the universe than Ron DeSantis trying to smile. #awkward."

Christie Attacks Trump, He's 'Afraid'

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie accused former President Donald Trump of being "afraid" to join other GOP presidential candidates for debates because he would need to defend his record.

Christie looked directly into the camera to address Trump, who has skipped both debates.

"I know you're watching, you can't help yourself," Christie said, pointing at the camera.

"You're not here tonight. Not because of polls, and not because of your indictments. You're not here tonight because you're afraid of being on this stage and defending your record. You're ducking these things."

Christie then said that if Trump continues to dodge the debates, "No one up here's going to call you Donald Trump anymore. We're going to call you Donald Duck."

Scott Attacks Ramaswamy's 'Dealings' With Chinese Communist Party

While several candidates attacked President Joe Biden and GOP frontrunner Donald Trump, Sen. Tim Scott took a swipe at Vivek Ramaswamy.

"I appreciate that Vivek said we were all good people, because last time he said we were all bought and paid for," Scott said, referring to Ramaswamy's business dealings with the "Chinese Communist Party," and the "same people that funded Hunter Biden millions of dollars was a partner of yours as well."

Ramaswamy then responded, and the two began arguing over each other.

Christie Says Trump 'Failed' on Border

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said former President Donald Trump "failed" when it came to the U.S.-Mexico border.

"Donald Trump failed on this as well," Christie said while addressing a question on border policy. "He said he was going to build a wall across the whole border. He built 52 miles of wall and said Mexico would pay for it. Guess what? I think if Mexico knew that he was only going to build 52 miles, they might have paid for the 52 miles."

Christie said the U.S. needs to treat the border "like the law enforcement problem it is."

"Our laws are being broken every day at the southern border," he said. "Every day. And Joe Biden and his crew is doing nothing about enforcing that law."

If elected president, Christie said he will sign an executive order on his first day in office to send the National Guard to work with border authorities along the U.S.-Mexico border "to make sure that we stop the flow of fentanyl over the border and to "make sure that we send a much different message."

"We want you here in this country to fill the 6 million vacant jobs we have. But only if you come here to follow the law, and only if you come here legally," he said.

DeSantis Swipes at Trump for Missing Debate

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis attacked his top rival, former President Donald Trump, for missing tonight's debate while addressing the looming government shutdown and ongoing economic issues.

"You know who else is missing in action?" DeSantis asked. "Donald Trump is missing in action. He should be on this stage tonight." DeSantis said Trump should be answering for the trillions of dollars of debt his administration added to the national deficit.

Ramaswamy Urges UAW to Strike in Front of WH

Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy was asked about the ongoing United Auto Workers (UAW) strike.

Ramaswamy said he doesn't have much "patience" with union leaders but that he does have "a lot of sympathy for the workers." He said hardship is "not a choice" but "victimhood" is.

"If I was giving advice to those workers, I would say, 'Go picket in front of the White House in Washington, D.C.,'" Ramaswamy said. "That's really where the protest needs to be. Disastrous economic policies that have driven up prices, that have driven up interest rates and mortage rates. At the same time, wages remain stagnant."

NOW: Debate Underway

The seven candidates have taken their places and the debate is now underway.

The candidates have been introduced, without an opening statement. The first question for each candidate thus far has surrounded the ongoing United Auto Workers strike.

Sen. Tim Scott answered first, saying President Joe Biden doesn't belong on the picket line, but instead working to close the U.S.-Mexico border.

What Are the Debate Rules?

The second debate will begin and end without opening or closing statements from the seven participating candidates, according to debate guidance obtained by ABC News. It is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. ET and is expected to last about two hours.

While the first debate on August 23 didn't allow candidates to give opening statements, it did carve out time for each candidate to deliver brief closing remarks.

Stuart Varney and Dana Perino of Fox News Media will be co-moderating the debate with Ilia Calderón of Univision. The three moderators will be posing questions on the economy, crime, border, foreign policy, among other topics.

Candidates will have one minute to respond to the moderators' questions. They will have 30 seconds for follow-up remarks.

The Showdown in Swing State Michigan

While a handful of GOP presidential hopefuls face off on the debate stage tonight, the 2024 campaign is really heating up in the battleground state of Michigan.

As the United Auto Workers (UAW) strike inches closer to its second week, President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump are previewing their fight for working-class voters and hoping to garner support from union members in Michigan.

Former President Donald Trump will address auto workers in Clinton Township in just a few moments.

Trump's visit comes one day after President Biden made history as the first sitting president to join a picket line with striking workers in Belleville.

Biden walked the picket line with United Auto Workers union members amid the ongoing strike against the nation's "Big Three" automakers — General Motors, Ford and Stellantis.

"You deserve what you've earned, and you've earned a hell of a lot more than you're getting paid now," he said.

"Michigan is a Democratic, blue collar state that does vote Republican when the economy is down and voters are upset with how things are going," Saul Anuzis, a former chairman of the Michigan Republican Party, told Newsweek. Trump's visit puts "Biden in a tough spot," he added.

What have the GOP candidates appearing in tonight's debate said about the UAW strike? Newsweek compiled recent responses, the full story can be found at the link below.

Economy Is Haley's 'Key Issue' in Tonight's Debate

Nikki Haley identified the economy as the "key issue" she wants the American public to hear her discuss during tonight's GOP primary debate.

Haley, who served as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations during part of former President Donald Trump's administration, spoke briefly about Americans' economic struggles during an interview with Ronald Reagan Foundation CEO David Trulio.

"Right now, you've got a lot of families hurting," Haley said. "We've got one in six American families that can't pay their utility bill, 60% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck, 50% of American families can't afford diapers. Rent is up. Mortgage rates are up. Everybody's feeling it. That's what we need to be talking about."

While inflation has dropped since reaching a 40-year high last year, Americans are still feeling the strain of high grocery and gas prices. As Newsweek reported, the economy ranks first in many polls assessing the issues voters find most important ahead of the 2024 presidential election.

Gavin Newsom Attends 'JV Team' Debate

California Governor Gavin Newsom will be at tonight's debate on behalf of the Biden campaign.

Newsom will be serving as a spokesperson for the Biden team, offering counterpoints to Republican candidates' responses.

"This is a vice presidential debate at best... this is the JV team," California Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a CBS News interview from Simi Valley Wednesday evening. "Donald Trump is running away with this," Newsom referring to a poll out today showing Trump continuing to hold a 40-plus percent lead among his rivals.

"It's entertainment, I guess," he said. "And I'm here to witness it, watch it, but I'm also here to call out the BS and the misinformation and to make a case again for the Biden record."

Earlier, Newsom "welcomed" the candidates to California.

"Welcome to the freedom state, @GOP," he posted on X, formerly Twitter. "We believe in these crazy things here called: - Free speech - Gun safety - Healthcare - Social Security - Climate change oh... and... democracy."

Economy Is Top of Mind for Voters

What issues will be covered at tonight's debate?

Dana Perino of Fox News Media, one of the debate's three co-moderators, told Fox News on Tuesday that debate organizers began with a "blank canvas" so they could consider "any issue, any idea." They were working Tuesday on narrowing that list down, she said.

Issues covered during the first debate last month were wide-ranging. Abortion, the January 6 Capitol riot and U.S. aid for Ukraine were just some of the topics about which candidates were questioned.

But what issues are most important to the voters?

The Economy

According to July polling conducted for Newsweek, the economy is the issue voters identify as "most important." Though inflation has inched downward since reaching a four-decade high last year, the continuation of high gas and grocery prices has many Americans feeling increasingly worried about their finances.

The looming possibility of a government shutdown is adding strain. While it's possible the government will shutter on October 1 if Congress is unable to agree on key spending bills, that's also the time student loan payments restart. After more than three years of the pandemic-era repayment pause, millions of student loan borrowers will need to resume making monthly payments next month. Interest already started accumulating on that debt in September. President Joe Biden's administration estimates more than 45 million borrowers owe more than $1.6 trillion in student loan debt.

Striking workers have given voice to other economic issues. Thousands of auto workers are currently on strike as they seek better wages and job security. Biden, a longtime union ally, visited them on Tuesday in a historic gesture that one labor expert told Newsweek was "as strong a stand as you can make."

But opinions are mixed on Biden's main economic plan, dubbed "Bidenomics." The idea behind the strategy is to build America's economy "from the middle out and the top up." However, only 20% of voters recently told CBS News/YouGov pollsters that they feel "better off today" than when the pandemic began, compared with 45% who feel "worse off."

Abortion

Abortion is another major issue for voters. It was tied with the environment as the fifth most-important issue among voters in the July poll conducted for Newsweek.

So far, the field of GOP presidential candidates has been divided on abortion, with some candidates—including former President Donald Trump, the race's frontrunner—dodging questions on whether they'd support a national ban.

Former Vice President Mike Pence and South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott have both backed the idea of implementing a 15-week abortion ban. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has already signed a six-week abortion ban in his state.

During the first GOP debate last month, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum said he opposes implementing a federal abortion ban, preferring to leave the issue to the states. Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley has publicly doubted that a federal ban will even be an issue for the next president, as there is not currently enough support in the U.S. Senate to pass one.

"Despite voters overwhelmingly rejecting their toxic agenda, Republicans haven't slowed their attacks on women's reproductive freedom," Democratic Senate Campaign Committee spokesperson Nora Keefe told Newsweek.

Who Didn't Qualify?

Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson is the only candidate who participated in the first GOP 2024 presidential primary debate but failed to qualify for the second.

Candidates needed to meet specific polling and donor requirements in order to qualify for the second debate stage. They also needed to sign pledges agreeing they won't participate in any debate other than those sanctioned by the Republican National Committee (RNC) and that they will ultimately support the party's 2024 presidential nominee.

While Hutchinson signed the candidate pledges, he didn't meet the RNC's polling or donor requirements, according to a FiveThirtyEight analysis. But that doesn't spell an immediate end for Hutchinson's presidential bid. Despite failing to meet the requirements, Hutchinson said he intends to continue campaigning.

"I understand that the RNC and the media are trying to reduce the number of candidates, but I measure success based on the response I receive in early primary states like Iowa and New Hampshire," he said in a statement. The former governor's next goal is to reach 4% in an early state poll before the Thanksgiving holiday.

Hutchinson told reporters on Wednesday that he will "reevaluate" if he does not qualify for the third GOP debate in November. The RNC has already released the criteria to qualify for that debate. Candidates will need to poll higher and gather thousands more donors in order to participate.

For the second debate taking place tonight, qualifying candidates had to poll at 3% or higher in either two national polls or in one national poll and two polls for two different early states. The RNC has identified four states that qualify: Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina.

Candidates also needed to have at least 50,000 unique donors, with at least 200 in each state for at least 20 states or territories. Candidates were required to provide proof that they met these requirements by Monday. The RNC released its final list of qualifying candidates Monday night.

Hutchinson isn't the only candidate who failed to qualify. Former Rep. Will Hurd of Texas, conservative radio host Larry Elder and businessman Perry Johnson also did not meet the RNC's criteria to participate. Though former President Donald Trump has met the RNC's polling and donor requirements, he has not signed the candidate pledges and has thus far refused to participate in the debates.

Trump Lands in Michigan, Skips Another Debate

GOP frontrunner Donald Trump is skipping another Republican primary debate. Instead, the former president will address auto workers amid the United Auto Workers strike in Michigan tonight.

"Just landed in Michigan. Feels great to be here. See you soon!" Trump posted on Truth Social a short time ago. "I LOVE, & WILL SAVE, THE AUTOWORKERS. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!" he posted before departing.

Despite his absence from tonight's debate, Trump supporters gathered in front of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library with signs and flags.

Trump technically met the donor and polling criteria outlined by the Republican National Committee (RNC) for debate participants, according to FiveThirtyEight data. However, Trump has thus far refused to sign the candidate pledges the RNC also requires of all debate participants.

The former president has said he does not intend to participate in any of the debates, often citing his large polling lead. According to FiveThirtyEight polling averages, Trump led the field on Tuesday with a 55.1% polling average. He is more than 40 points ahead of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is polling in second place and is the only other candidate with a polling average in the double digits.

As Newsweek reported, Trump will be speaking to auto workers on strike against the "Big Three" U.S. automakers, as they push for better wages and job security. His remarks from Clinton Township are scheduled to begin at 8:15 p.m. ET, less than an hour before the debate begins.

Watch Trump's speech in Michigan live here.

Pence Says Reagan Ideas Belong at 'Center' of US

Former Vice President Mike Pence reflected on the values he said he shares with former President Ronald Reagan during an interview ahead of the second GOP presidential primary debate.

Speaking with Ronald Reagan Foundation CEO David Trulio, Pence said he believes the ideas Reagan championed "belong at the very center of American public life."

"I honestly believe that the agenda that Ronald Reagan brought after years of malaise and failure in the 1970s—record inflation, gasoline prices through the roof, embarrassment on the world stage—I believe those ideas are just as relevant today as they were when he took office in 1981," Pence said when asked what lessons he thinks are "most relevant" now from Reagan's presidency.

Reagan's ideas "came from the heart of a great nation," Pence said.

"A commitment to American leadership in the world, a strong defense, a commitment to limited constitutional government and fiscal responsibility and growth. A commitment to the sanctity of life and traditional values. Those are all the same issues that I believe in, and the same priorities that will answer the challenges facing the American people today," Pence said.

The former vice president said some people may think those values are outdated. But he disagrees.

"I'm determined to do my part to make sure that what really began in earnest for our party and our movement in the Reagan presidency, and has animated our party and strength in our country for decades, will strengthen our country for years to come," he said.

As Newsweek reported, Pence recently responded to poll numbers placing him around fifth in the race. Pence responded the polls are "just not what I'm seeing on the ground" while campaigning in early-voting states like Iowa and New Hampshire.

Where Candidates Stand in the Polls

Former President Donald Trump continues to lead the Republican presidential primary field in national polls by a wide margin.

Trump has a national polling average of 54%, placing him 40 points ahead of Ron DeSantis. The Florida governor is in second place with a 13.8% polling average, according to FiveThirtyEight data.

Trump and DeSantis are the only two candidates heading into the second GOP debate who have double-digit national polling averages. Since Trump has declined to participate in the debates, DeSantis will appear at the center of the stage Wednesday night, in the spot reserved for the candidate with the highest polling numbers.

Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley are tied for third place in national polling averages at 6.3%.

Former Vice President Mike Pence has a fifth-place national polling average at 4.6%. Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott are both polling just under 3%, and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum has a 0.9% polling average.

Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, who failed to qualify for the second GOP debate after attending the first, also has a polling average below 1%. Former U.S. Rep. Will Hurd of Texas, who failed to qualify for both debates, is polling behind Hutchinson.

What to Know About the Seven Debaters

A smaller field of seven candidates will be participating in tonight's Republican presidential debate at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California.

All seven participated in the first GOP debate last month in Wisconsin. Asa Hutchinson, the eighth candidate who was at that August 23 debate, did not qualify for this second debate. With fewer candidates taking the debate stage, there will be more opportunities for breakthrough moments.

In alphabetical order, these are the candidates that will be on tonight's debate stage.

Doug Burgum

Doug Burgum, 67, has served as the governor of North Dakota since 2017. Burgum worked in the software industry before becoming a politician, first as the founder of Great Plains Software and later as an executive at Microsoft.

Burgum began his presidential campaign in June. He emphasizes "small town values" and says the economy, energy and national security are some of his main priorities. Among the candidates who will be on the stage tonight, Burgum is last in terms of national polling averages, with his numbers hovering around 1%.

After qualifying for the first primary debate last month, Burgum nearly had to skip after he suffered an Achilles injury while playing basketball. He decided to participate anyway and appeared at the event using crutches and wearing a boot.

Chris Christie

Chris Christie, 61, served as New Jersey's governor for two terms from 2010 to 2018. Before that, Christie was New Jersey's attorney general.

Christie has become known on the campaign trail as a frequent and vocal critic of former President Donald Trump. Christie's campaign website declares he is running for the presidency "because the truth matters."

Christie has a national polling average that's just under 3%, which will place him near the edge of the stage at the second debate.

Ron DeSantis

Ron DeSantis, 45, has been serving as the governor of Florida since 2019. If elected president, he would leave Florida halfway through his second gubernatorial term. Before entering the governor's mansion, DeSantis was elected to represent Florida in the U.S. House of Representatives. He also served in the U.S. Navy.

DeSantis was rumored to be considering a run for president months before his May campaign launch. He is believed to be Trump's top GOP rival, polling in second place—though dozens of points behind—the party's frontrunner. Much of DeSantis' campaign rhetoric has focused on the "war on woke" as he wages several culture wars, including one against Disney that has escalated into the courtroom.

Trump will not be participating in tonight's debate, which means DeSantis will be the event's top-polling candidate. The debaters will be positioned onstage according to their polling numbers, with DeSantis in the middle. This will be the second debate in which DeSantis has been the top-polling participant. In the 24 hours after the first debate, DeSantis' campaign said he raised more than $1 million.

Nikki Haley

Nikki Haley, 51, is a former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations (U.N.) and a former governor of South Carolina. She also previously served as a state legislator.

Haley became Trump's first major primary challenger when she announced her campaign in February. As a former ambassador to the U.N., under the Trump administration, Haley often cites her experience in foreign relations as she takes strong stances on the country's positioning in regards to China and Russia. Haley has said during her campaign that it is "time for a new generation of leadership" to take the reins.

Haley was widely praised for her first debate performance, during which she regularly traded barbs with entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. Haley told Fox News her campaign raised $1 million in the first 72 hours after that August debate.

Mike Pence

Mike Pence, 64, is seeking the top spot in the White House after serving four years as Trump's vice president. Pence was previously the governor of Indiana and also served in the U.S. Congress between 2001 and 2013.

Pence has faced heavy criticism from Trump for refusing to throw out the Electoral College results from the 2020 presidential election. Pence has said he had no legal authority to do so, but the move has cost him many of Trump's supporters.

With his national polling average at just over 4%, Pence will be standing along the edge of tonight's debate participants.

Vivek Ramaswamy

Vivek Ramaswamy, 38, is the youngest GOP candidate running for president in 2024. He is also the only debate participant without prior political experience. Ramaswamy is an entrepreneur who worked at a hedge fund before starting a biotech company called Roivant Sciences. He also launched an asset management company.

Ramaswamy's political strategies have earned him comparisons to Trump. He has written that he's seeking the presidency as part of "a cultural movement to create a new American dream for the next generation."

Ramaswamy experienced a bump in the polls after his first debate performance. Many political experts declared him the debate's winner after watching him spar with other participants. Ramaswamy's campaign said he, like DeSantis, raised more than $1 million in the first 24 hours after that August debate.

Tim Scott

Tim Scott, 58, has been serving as South Carolina's junior senator since 2013. He was previously a state legislator and a representative for his state in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Scott has said he wants to find "commonsense" solutions for the problems America is facing. He launched his presidential campaign in the spring. Scott's goals as president would include working to "protect America" and "create opportunities," according to his campaign website.

Scott had a national polling average of 2.7% on Tuesday, according to FiveThirtyEight data. When asked about the debate by Fox News Sunday, Scott said he is aiming to "continue to do what I have been doing — showing up."

Trump, Biden Favorability is Nearly Identical

Donald Trump remains the dominant frontrunner in the 2024 GOP presidential race, with polls showing the former president leading rivals by at least 40 points.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis remains a distant second, and will be back in the spotlight tonight in Trump's absence.

So do Americans have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of both candidates?

More than 55% of Americans have an unfavorable opinion of Trump, while 48% feel unfavorably about DeSantis, according to national polls compiled by FiveThirtyEight as of Sept. 26.

The same polling found about 41% have a favorable opinion of Trump and 34% have a favorable opinion of DeSantis.

Comparatively, polling shows President Joe Biden with 55% unfavorability and 41% favorability– meaning results were essentially the same for Biden and Trump.

How to Watch, Stream the Debate

We're about four hours away from the second Republican presidential primary debate of the 2024 election season. Seven candidates take the stage tonight at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California.

Fox Business is partnering with the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute, Rumble and Univision to present the debate. It will begin airing on FOX Business at 9 p.m. ET.

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute will stream the debate live on its website; you can also watch live on Rumble.

In a press release announcing the debate last month, President and CEO of The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute David Trulio said the institute was "excited" to host the event.

"President Reagan felt strongly that the institution that bore his name should be a 'dynamic intellectual forum' where leaders would debate the future," Trulio said in the release. "Given the challenges and opportunities facing our country, there is no better place for presidential contenders to make their case as they honor the man — Ronald Reagan — who rebuilt America's military and economy, and changed the world."