Alabama’s GOP presidential debate draws headlines
On Wednesday night, four Republican presidential candidates faced off in Tuscaloosa for the Fourth Republican Presidential Debate. This is the first presidential debate held in Alabama and the first-ever hosted by NewsNation. Frontrunner former President Donald Trump again chose not to participate in the debate. Recent polling has former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley in second place, followed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy rounded out the stage for what could be the last of the GOP presidential debates in this election. Haley continued her crusade to ban the Chinese government-controlled social media platform TikTok “once and for all.” Haley alleged that the site is fueling antisemitism. Haley also called for an end to anonymous social media identities. “Every person on social media should be verified by their name,” Haley said. “That’s, first of all, it’s a national security threat. When you do that, all of a sudden, people have to stand by what they say.” “That is not freedom; that is fascism, and she should come nowhere near the levers of power, let alone the White House,” Ramaswamy said of Haley and her proposal. Christie predicted that Trump would be convicted of one of the 140 plus charges he faces in four separate felony trials, so he won’t be able to even vote in 2024. “You’ll all be heading to the polls to vote, and that’s something Donald Trump will not be able to do,” Christie said. “Because he will be convicted of felonies before then, and his right to vote will be taken away. If we deny reality as a party, we’re going to have four more years of Joe Biden.” Christie also criticized Trump’s trade policy, which Haley supported. “All he did was impose tariffs, which raised the prices for every American,” said Christie. “Nikki Haley’s campaign launch video sounded like a woke Dylan Mulvaney Bud Light ad talking about how she would kick in heels,” Ramaswamy said. Haley said that Ramaswamy was not even worth responding to. “No, it’s not worth my time to respond to him,” Haley said when asked to respond. Christie opposes the Alabama Vulnerable Child Protection Act, which bans gender transitioning of children. Christie said that parents and not governments should make those decisions. “Republicans believe in less government, not more,” Christie said. “I trust parents.” “This is an angry, bitter man who now wants to be back as president because he wants to exact retribution on anyone who has disagreed with him,” Christie said of Trump. DeSantis said Trump is too old to be President. “Father time is undefeated,” Desantis said. “Right now, the average homeowner in America is 49 years old,” Haley said. “You’ve got young people everywhere. That used to be the American dream, and now it’s out of reach.” DeSantis said inflation and housing market prices are ‘taking the American dream away.’ “We’re gonna get the interest rates down,” DeSantis said. “We’ll reduce spending, and I believe we’re going to have to veto.” DeSantis said that student loans should be backed by colleges and universities instead of the federal government. “Another thing that’s burdening young people are these student loans,” DeSantis said. “These student loans are going to be backed by the universities because they need to have an incentive to produce gainful employment for people.” Haley promised that if elected, she would be “a no-drama president.” That would be a marked change from the Biden and Trump administrations, both of which have been noted for their scandals and investigations. “My approach is different: no drama, no vendettas, no whining.” Trump has called for the RNC to stop holding these debates. A fifth has not been scheduled. The Iowa presidential caucuses are just six weeks away. The Alabama presidential primary will be held on March 5. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy receives warm welcome from Alabama GOP
President candidate Vivek Ramaswamy was in Hoover on Tuesday night at Ross Bridge Golf Resort for a reception held by the Alabama Republican Party before Wednesday’s Republican Presidential Debate. Ramaswamy said, “We are in a war” in this country between those who believe in the founding ideals of this nation and those who do not. Ramaswamy was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, and is the son of immigrants from India. “I have founded multiple corporations,” Ramaswamy said. “My wife is a throat surgeon. She is saving lives. We have two sons. I am worried that that American dream is not going to exist for my sons.” “We are in the middle of a war in this country,” Ramaswamy continued. “It is not a war between Black and White as the media would have you believe. It is not even a war between Democrats and Republicans – not really. It is a war between those who believe in the founding ideals of our country and a fringe minority who believes that your identity defines you by race, ethnicity, religion, or sexuality. They believe we can use our military to defend somebody else’s border halfway around the world, but if you favor using our military to defend our border, then you are a racist and a xenophobe. Either you believe in free speech, or you do not. This country requires a commander in chief who understands that we are in a war.” Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl welcomed Ramaswamy to Alabama. “It is rare for Alabama to have one of the frontrunning candidates for President of the United States stopover in Alabama for a meet and greet,” Wahl said. “You have seen him on the debate stage.” The third Republican Presidential Debate is Wednesday night in Tuscaloosa. “I am proud to have the debate here in Alabama,” Wahl said. “This is the first-ever presidential debate that Alabama has ever hosted – Republican or Democratic.” Wahl said he is glad the debate is being held on the University of Alabama campus. “It is so important that we engage with young people,” Wahl said. Wahl said that Democrats have a “complete lack of understanding of foreign policy, a complete lack of understanding of economic policy, and a complete lack of understanding of how you run a country.” “We are tempted to believe this is another election,” Ramaswamy said. “If we lose, I am not convinced that we can get this country back. We are working in a short period of time.” “We need a commander in chief from the next generation,” Ramaswamy continued. “I am from the next generation. I am 38 years old. If nominated, I will be the youngest Republican ever nominated. I will be the youngest person ever to be elected if you put me there.” Ramaswamy warned that we are losing the next generation. “This is the most dire challenge we face,” Ramaswamy stated. “60% (of young people in a recent poll) said that they would give up their right to vote for their ability to use electronics. Less than 16% of Gen Z say that they are proud to be an American.” Ramaswamy said that he believes in the ideals of faith, patriotism, hard work, and family and that these ideals have largely disappeared in the youth today and have been replaced by “poison.” “The media, they will fill that vacuum with their vision of gender, race, sexuality and climate,” Ramaswamy continued. “We believe in the ideals of the American Revolution.” “We will end affirmative action and race-based quotas,” Ramaswamy promised if elected. “We believe in the rule of law. We will use our military to secure our southern border. We the people create a media that is accountable to us. We will shut down government bureaucracies that should not exist from the FBI to the CDC to the Department of Education.” Ramaswamy added that we need “elections that we can trust” with single-day elections, paper ballots, and state-issued voter IDs. “I believe deep in my heart that those ideals still exist,” Ramaswamy continued. “We forgot all the ways that we really are the same as Americans.” “A culture of fear has replaced free speech in the United States,” Ramaswamy said. “The best measure of our country’s health is the percentage of people who feel free to say what they actually think in public. Speaking the truth not just when it is easy, but when it is hard.” Ramaswamy will be on the debate stage Wednesday night in Tuscaloosa with former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Former President Donald Trump is not participating in the debates. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Alabama Republican Party hosting Vivek Ramaswamy on Tuesday night
The Alabama Republican Party will host GOP Presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy in a reception Tuesday night in Hoover before the state hosts the leading Republican Presidential Debate Wednesday in Tuscaloosa. “I am pleased to have Vivek Ramaswamy joining us as we kick off debate week here in Alabama!” said Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl in a statement on Tuesday. “This is a historic occasion for our state as we hold our first ever nationally televised presidential debate, and I am appreciative that one of our Party’s rising political figures will be headlining this reception for the Alabama Republican Party. I look forward to giving the people of Alabama the chance to meet Mr. Ramaswamy and showcasing our amazing state to another presidential candidate.” The event will be held at the Ross Bridge Resort on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Ramaswamy is the latest presidential candidate to visit with the Alabama GOP this year. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis headlined the Party’s Winter Dinner in Birmingham and former President Donald Trump was the keynote speaker at their Summer Dinner in Montgomery. Barring an epic meltdown on the part of the GOP nominee, most political analysts believe that, win or lose, Alabama will vote for the GOP candidate in the 2024 presidential election (it has for the last 11 presidential elections in a row). “Alabama is one of the strongest Republican states in the nation, and I am proud we have this opportunity to host all of our presidential candidates at the upcoming debate in Tuscaloosa,” said Chairman Wahl. “Raising Alabama’s political profile is one of my top priorities as ALGOP Chairman, and I am excited this debate will continue the work the Party has been doing in this area.” Ramaswamy is a Hindu of Indian subcontinent descent. He is a successful businessman, a husband, and a father of two. He was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. Growing up he was a nationally ranked tennis player and the valedictorian of his high school, St. Xavier. He went on to graduate summa cum laude in Biology from Harvard and has a law degree from Yale Law School. He has worked at a hedge fund. He started a biotech company, Roivant Sciences, where he oversaw the development of five drugs that went on to become FDA-approved. He is an author and has written extensively attacking the woke movement. Ramaswamy has embraced an “America First” foreign policy that opposes more aid for Ukraine, is skeptical of aid for Israel, and opposes guaranteeing Taiwan’s independence. Ramaswamy has had some very heated debate stage confrontations with former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley. In the last debate, Haley called Ramaswamy “Scum” after he pointed out that Haley’s daughter has a Tik Tok account. “I wasn’t criticizing her daughter. I was criticizing Nikki Haley,” said Ramaswamy. “She says we need a new generation of leadership. She’s on the wrong side of that generational divide.” To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Vivek Ramaswamy to hold event in Alabama prior to debate
The top Republican presidential candidates are coming to Alabama on December 6 for the third Republican Presidential Debate. At least one of the presidential candidates will be arriving early to Alabama. Vivek Ramaswamy will be in Hoover on December 5 for a fundraising reception with the Jefferson County Republican Party. The event will be on Tuesday, December 5, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at the Ross Bridge Hotel in Hoover at 4000 Grand Avenue. Individual tickets start at $100 each. In addition to Ramaswamy, Jefferson County Republican Party candidates are expected to be in attendance. The event will be held the evening before the fourth Republican Presidential Debate. Ramaswamy is participating in the Republican presidential debate in Tuscaloosa along with former Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, and former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. Republican frontrunner former President Donald Trump has not participated in any of the debates and is not expected to participate in the Alabama presidential debate either. If elected, Ramaswamy, who is of Indian descent, would be the first Hindu President of the United States. Ramaswamy is a successful businessman who is running as an outsider. He is married and has two children. He was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. Growing up he was a nationally ranked tennis player and the valedictorian of his high school, St. Xavier. He went on to graduate summa cum laude in Biology from Harvard and has a law degree from Yale Law School. He has worked at a hedge fund. He started a biotech company, Roivant Sciences, where he oversaw the development of five drugs that went on to become FDA-approved. He is an author and has written extensively attacking the woke movement. His foreign policy views, especially his criticism of the U.S. support for Ukraine in their war against Russia, have been controversial. The Alabama Presidential primary is on March 5 – Super Tuesday. The Republican nominee will face incumbent President Joe Biden in the general election on November 5. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Megyn Kelly tapped to host Alabama Presidential debate
On Thursday, the Hill announced that NewsNation, the cable news channel launched in 2021 by Nexstar Media Group, will host the fourth Republican presidential primary debate next month in Tuscaloosa at the University of Alabama. Megyn Kelly will be one of the hosts of the debate, along with Elizabeth Vargas and Eliana Johnson. The December 6 debate will air from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. on NewsNation and be simulcast in the Eastern and Central time zones on Nexstar’s broadcast television network, The CW. The debate will have three moderators, including Megyn Kelly, the former Fox News and TODAY show host who has started a popular podcast since leaving the television business. Elizabeth Vargas hosts a show in prime time on NewsNation. Eliana Johnson is the editor-in-chief of the conservative website The Washington Free Beacon. Kelly has moderated five Republican primary debates during her career in the media, including the first GOP primary debate of the 2016 election cycle while at Fox. That debate was watched by a record 24 million viewers. Donald Trump famously said to Kelly that he could see “blood coming out of her eyes … blood coming out of her wherever,” as she questioned him. Kelly said that no ill will exists between her and the former President. Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl said that bringing the debate to Alabama has involved a lot of work and planning. “I am extremely excited that the national Republican Party is working on a debate for the state of Alabama,” Chairman Wahl said just prior to the official announcement. “This has been in the works for months, and I am thrilled we are getting close. Seeing Alabama host its first-ever official presidential debate is something that has been very important to me as ALGOP Chairman, and I am incredibly thankful for Debate Committee Chairman David Bossie and RNC Chairman Ronna McDaniel for their efforts to make this happen. There is still some work to be done, but I hope this historic event can be finalized soon.” Trump is the front-runner for the Republican nomination in 2024. He has skipped the previous three debates and is not expected to participate in the fourth, even though he is still wildly popular in Alabama. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley, businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, U.S. Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina, and former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie participated in the third debate on Thursday. The Republican National Committee requires that candidates be polling at six percent or better in the four early primary/caucus states to participate in the Tuscaloosa debate. NewsNation and The Hill are both owned by Nexstar Media Group. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
John Wahl says plan for Republican Presidential Debate in Alabama has been in works for months
The New York Times is reporting that the fourth Republican Presidential debate will be in Tuscaloosa on December 6. Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl released a statement that neither confirms nor denies that reporting but does acknowledge that planning for an RNC Presidential Debate coming to Alabama has been underway for months. “I am extremely excited that the national Republican Party is working on a debate for the state of Alabama,” said Chairman Wahl. “This has been in the works for months, and I am thrilled we are getting close. Seeing Alabama host its first-ever official presidential debate is something that has been very important to me as ALGOP Chairman, and I am incredibly thankful for Debate Committee Chairman David Bossie and RNC Chairman Ronna McDaniel for their efforts to make this happen. There is still some work to be done, but I hope this historic event can be finalized soon.” There is a whole host of Republican presidential contenders, but former President Donald J. Trump is dominating the polls and the conversation. Trump and Vivek Ramaswamy were the only two Republicans who had successfully qualified for the Alabama ballot by the close of the business day on Friday, but Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, Senator Tim Scott, and others are expected to qualify by the November 10 deadline. Former Vice President Mike Pence has recently dropped out of the race. How many of those candidates will be on the debate stage for the fourth debate remains an open question. Will Trump be present, or will he continue to be a no-show at the GOP debates? Trump is the early frontrunner, but serious legal questions continue to swirl about Trump’s candidacy. Was January 6th, 2021, an “insurrection,” and if so, was Trump’s involvement consequential enough for him to be barred from running under the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution? Secondly, Trump faces over 130 indictments in four different trials – trials that some believe were timed by partisan prosecutors to take place during the 2024 primary season. If even one of those many indictments produces a guilty verdict, does that disqualify Trump from running? Would Trump, as the Republican nominee, be barred from the ballot in some states? Will GOP voters abandon Trump over these legal concerns? The third Republican presidential debate will be Thursday in Miami. NBC News host Lester Holt will be the moderator. The deadline for candidates to qualify with both major parties is 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 10. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Vivek Ramaswamy, Tim Scott vow to end to birthright citizenship during debate
Republican presidential candidates Vivek Ramaswamy and U.S. Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., said during Wednesday’s debate they would work to end birthright citizenship in the U.S. if elected. Any child born in the United States is automatically a citizen. Ramaswamy and Scott said they would not allow the children of immigrants in the country illegally to automatically become U.S. citizens. Ramaswamy, a 38-year-old businessman who is the son of Indian immigrants, said it shouldn’t continue. “I favor ending birthright citizenship for the kids of illegal immigrants in this country,” he said during the debate at the Ronald Regan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California. “Now the left will howl about the Constitution and the 14th Amendment. The difference between me and them is I’ve actually read the 14th Amendment. What it says is that all persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the laws and jurisdiction thereof are citizens. So nobody believes that the kid of a Mexican diplomat in this country enjoys birthright citizenship, not a judge or legal scholar in this country.” Scott, a 58-year-old who has been in the Senate since 2013, appeared to side with Ramaswamy on the issue saying of the 14th Amendment: “I think it’s simple that clearly it was designed for slavery, and not for illegal immigration.” Former President Donald Trump, a 77-year-old who skipped both GOP debates, said in 2018 that he would sign an executive order ending birthright citizenship for the children of illegal immigrants, but did not do so. In May, Trump said he would end birthright citizenship on the first day of his presidency if elected to another term. Some legal scholars have said any such change would run afoul of the U.S. Constitution. Under the U.S. Constitution’s 14th Amendment, “all persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.” Republished with the permission of The Center Square.
Republicans hold first presidential debate – minus Donald Trump
The Republican Presidential Debate was held on Wednesday in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The debate revealed some major policy differences between the candidates. Over 80 members of the combined Shelby County, St. Clair County, and Greater Birmingham Young Republicans were present at Hoover Tactical Firearms to watch the event and eat barbecue. Former President Donald Trump was conspicuous by his absence. Former Vice President Mike Pence said that Trump asked him to violate his oath to the Constitution by invalidating the Electoral College results on January 6, 2021. Pence said that he will always follow the Constitution. Trump claimed then, and still does, that the election was “stolen.” His efforts to overturn the 2020 election results have resulted in his being indicted. The other candidates said that Pence did the right thing that day. Both former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchison and former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie said President Trump violated his oath of office and likely cannot run again. Hutchison cited the 14th Amendment, which prevents anyone who has led an insurgency against the United States from serving. Christie said that Trump has been indicted 99 times and that lawlessness cannot be allowed. Businessman Vivek Ramaswamy said that Trump was the greatest president of the twenty-first century. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said Republicans should move on from this issue as it only benefits Democrats. U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-South Carolina) said that he was raised in poverty by a single mother and that his success shows that the American dream is alive and well. The candidates all seemed to agree that President Joe Biden’s economic policies have led to inflation, homelessness, and a significant reduction in the quality of life of most Americans. They blamed government spending. They also agreed that Biden is in mental decline. Ramaswamy, who is 38, said that America needs a new generation of leadership to lead a new American Revolution. Pence disagreed, saying that he has been in the halls of power as a member of Congress, Governor of Indiana, and Vice President, making him the most qualified to serve as President. The United States has spent $77 billion in aid for Ukraine, and President Biden has asked for $24 billion more as it appears that Ukraine’s summer offensive has stalled. Ramaswamy objected to giving any money to Ukraine, saying he wanted to move those resources to the U.S.’s southern border. “Ukraine is not a priority for the U.S.” “We can do both at the same time,” Pence said, objecting to Ramaswamy’s isolationist foreign policy. Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley slammed Ramaswamy, saying, “You have no foreign policy experience, and it shows.” Haley said that Ramaswamy’s policies would lead to a world war. Pence agreed, saying that if Russian President Vladimir Putin is allowed to win in Ukraine, eventually, he will cross a NATO border, and the U.S. will have to send American troops to stop him. Haley said that Republicans need to tell Americans the truth and acknowledge that the GOP does not have the 60 votes required for the U.S. Senate to pass a nationwide abortion ban. Pence strongly disagreed and advocated for the passage of a nationwide abortion ban, saying that he would be a staunch defender of life as President. North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum said that he represents a very pro-Life state but agreed with Haley that abortion policy should be left to the states and there should be no nationwide ban. Christie condemned the lawlessness on the U.S. southern border. Since Biden has been president, six million migrants have entered this country. Ramaswamy wanted to put troops and military forces on the border. DeSantis said that the U.S. should use deadly force and kill migrants crossing the border illegally. Pence said in his (and Trump’s) administration, illegal border crossing decreased by 90% (and they didn’t gun anyone down). Hutchison said that his tenure as the head of the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) taught him how to interdict dangerous drugs like fentanyl. Hutchison noted that there also needs to be an education component to combat fentanyl. DeSantis said that the COVID lockdowns “should never have happened.” Ramaswamy said that if he had been President during the COVID-19 pandemic, he would have fired Dr. Anthony Fauci. Scott said his mother taught him to work hard, have faith, and “if God made you a man, you compete in sports against men.” Ramaswamy called the concept of manmade global warming a “hoax” and called on the U.S. to mine for coal, drill for oil and natural gas, and adopt nuclear energy. Haley said that climate change “is real” but noted that the U.S. should be focused on getting India and China to reduce their carbon emissions rather than mandating that Americans buy electric cars where half the batteries are made in China, While the other contenders for the Presidency were on Fox News debating, Trump gave a lengthy interview to Tucker Carlson. Trump will surrender to Georgia authorities on Thursday. The Alabama presidential primary will be held on Tuesday, March 5. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Candidates pledge to support, pardon Donald Trump ahead of his arrest
Nearly all of the Republican primary candidates pledged to support former President Donald Trump during the debate Wednesday, even if he is convicted of any of his myriad legal charges. Trump is expected to be arrested in Fulton County, Georgia, Thursday over charges that he conspired to change the state’s 2020 election results. Those charges are part of the fourth indictment Trump faces, raising real concern that he could be convicted and jailed even as the frontrunner for the Republican nomination for president. “NOBODY HAS EVER FOUGHT FOR ELECTION INTEGRITY LIKE PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP,” the former president wrote on social media Wednesday. “FOR DOING SO, I WILL PROUDLY BE ARRESTED TOMORROW AFTERNOON IN GEORGIA. GOD BLESS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!!!” These are the candidates who qualified for the debate Wednesday night: When asked if they would still support Trump for president if he were convicted in one of the 91 charges he faces, all of them except Hutchinson and Christie raised their hand. Christie seemed to start to raise his hand but then changed his mind. Notably, the candidates had to pledge to support the Republican nominee as a condition of participating in the debate. Christie said he would not support Trump and ended up in a sparring match with Ramaswamy, who said the indictments were politically motivated. Christie was booed for an extended period of time and had to stop speaking. That was one of multiple tense exchanges between Ramaswamy and Christie. “I’ve had enough already tonight of a guy who sounds like ChatGPT standing up here,” Christie said of Ramaswamy earlier in the debate. Ramaswamy also called out Pence, saying he was the only candidate on stage who would pardon Trump on day one. “If people at home want to see a bunch of people blindly bashing Donald Trump without an iota of vision for this country, they can just change the channel to MSNBC right now,” Ramaswamy said. Ramaswamy asked Pence to commit to pardon Trump, but Pence gave a vague answer, saying he would give a pardon “fair consideration.” “I don’t know why you assume Donald Trump will be convicted of these crimes,” Pence said. “That is the difference between you and me. I have given pardons when I was governor of the state of Indiana. It usually follows a finding of guilt and contrition by the individual that’s been convicted.” Haley and Ramaswamy went at it during a debate over the issue of the Ukraine-Russia conflict. “You have no foreign policy experience and, you know what, it shows,” Haley said. “It shows.” Her comments came after Ramaswamy said he wished Haley well in her future career on the boards of defense companies because of her support for defense funding. DeSantis avoided much of the fighting and attacks, which largely went to Ramaswamy and whoever he was sparring with at the time. The cheers and boos bolstered and opposed different candidates throughout the night, depending on the issues and their answers. The candidates came into the debate facing an uphill battle against former President Donald Trump, who leads by a significant margin. The Center Square Voters’ Voice Poll, conducted in conjunction with Noble Predictive Insights in July, found that Trump is far out ahead of his Republican competitors. The survey found that 53% of surveyed Republicans support Trump, followed by 18% supporting DeSantis. Former Vice President Mike Pence and entrepreneur and author Vivek Ramaswamy came in third and fourth place with 7% and 6% support, respectively. U.S. Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley tied for fifth place at 4% support. Trump’s legal issues risk putting him behind bars, making second place in the primary more important than ever. While Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis currently holds that spot, it remains unclear how the debate may move that needle. Republished with the permission of The Center Square.
Republican Presidential Debate set for tonight; Donald Trump not participating
The first Republican presidential debate is on Wednesday at 8:00 pm on Fox News Channel. “The Republican Party is officially kicking off the primary process in Wisconsin with the first debate and ending it in Wisconsin with the convention,” Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna Romney McDaniel said on Twitter. “We need every Wisconsin Republican to go to http://BankYourVote.co/gopchair and join the team that will Beat Biden!” Frontrunner former President Donald Trump is not participating. “New CBS POLL, just out, has me leading the field by ‘legendary’ numbers,” Trump said, explaining why he was not participating. “TRUMP 62%, 46 Points above DeSanctimonious (who is crashing like an ailing bird!), Ramaswamy 7%, Pence 5%, Scott 3%, Haley 2%, Sloppy Chris Christie 2%, “Aida” Hutchinson 1%,” Trump wrote. “The public knows who I am & what a successful Presidency I had, with Energy Independence, Strong Borders & Military, Biggest EVER Tax & Regulation Cuts, No Inflation, Strongest Economy in History, & much more. I WILL THEREFORE NOT BE DOING THE DEBATES!” Coming into the debate, polling shows that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is running in second place, followed by businessman Vivek Ramaswamy. The other candidates on the stage will be U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-South Carolina), former South Carolina Governor and U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, former Vice President Mike Pence. A key issue overshadowing the normal presidential political process is the over 50 indictments against Trump. To this point, the legal controversy has benefited Trump, but will that continue? There are also concerns by some that Trump may not be able to serve if he is found guilty of participating in an insurgency. Trump supporters scoff at assertions that President Trump could be barred constitutionally and dismiss the indictments as Democrats politicizing the legal system. The Madison County Young Republicans are hosting a Republican presidential debate watch party. The debate Starts at 8 pm and ends at 10 pm. The event will be at The Best Pizzeria in Huntsville. The St. Clair County Young Republicans, the Shelby County Young Republicans, and the Greater Birmingham Young Republicans are co-hosting a debate watch party at Hoover Tactical Firearms. The event is from 6:30 – 9:30 pm, and food will be provided. Dues-paying YRs get in for free, $5 tickets for everyone else. The Republican delegates to the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, will formally select the GOP nominee. Incumbent President Joe Biden appears to be the Democratic nominee, but he is being challenged by former Congressman Robert Kennedy. At present, President Biden has not agreed to any Democratic presidential debates. The Republican primary season will begin in Iowa in January. The Democratic primary season this year will start in South Carolina. The Alabama presidential primary is on March 5. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Republican Executive Committee will decide presidential delegates, not GOP voters
The Republican National Convention will be in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, next year to select the Republican nominee for President. On Saturday, the Alabama Republican Party State Executive Committee passed its Presidential Preference Primary Resolution – which details how Alabama’s presidential delegates will be allocated for the 2024 Republican Presidential Primary. Much of that remains the same. The major change is that Alabama’s Republican primary voters will still pick the candidates for President of the United States but will not get to pick the delegates pledged to that candidate. In past presidential elections, there were dozens of names on the ballot for voters to select from pledged to each presidential primary candidate. The winning delegates for the candidates with enough votes to be awarded delegates would then represent Alabama at the Republican National Convention. There won’t be any delegates for voters to vote on in the 2024 Republican primary ballot. Voters can still choose which presidential candidate they prefer: Donald Trump, Mike Pence, Ron DeSantis, Nikki Haley, Vivek Ramaswamy, Tim Scott, Asa Hutchison, Chris Christie, etc. The roughly 475-member Republican State Executive will decide who the 50 delegates to the convention are. State Representative Matt Simpson (R-Daphne) introduced the resolution. “Delegates to the convention don’t just nominate the President. They also serve on the rules and platform committees,” Simpson said. “This is party business.” “The best people to make the decisions on how to grow up in the party is to reward the people that have been in the party,” Simpson said. “We know better than anybody who are the workers, who supported the party, who are the Republicans.” “The general public really doesn’t have a clue about the people on the ballot,” Simpson said. State Auditor Andrew Sorrell, who is also the State Executive Committee’s bylaws committee chairman, said that the delegates will still have to pledge to the candidate that they represent before the primary. Alabama will have 50 delegates at the RNC Convention in Wisconsin next year. The Chairman will be one delegate, as will the National Committeeman and the National Committeeman. Those positions are presently held by John Wahl, Paul Reynolds, and Vicki Drummond. The executive committee will then select 26 statewide at-large delegates. Alabama’s seven congressional districts will have three delegates each for a total of twenty-one delegates allocated by congressional district. The 2024 Presidential Preference Primary Resolution keeps the same delegate allotments as previous cycles. Details include the following: A candidate must receive a minimum of 20% of the vote on either the statewide or congressional district level to be awarded any delegates. The 26 statewide at-large Republican delegates will be awarded to the first-place candidate if that candidate receives over 50% of the vote in the state’s Super Tuesday primary. There will be three delegates from each of the state’s seven congressional districts, for a total of 21 delegates. The congressional district delegates will also be awarded to the first-place candidate that receives over 50% of the vote in each of the congressional districts. If no candidate receives over 50% at either the statewide or the congressional district level, the delegates will be awarded proportionally based on primary election results. The state executive committee voted 72% to 28% to approve the bylaw amendment. Since the Republican primary will be on March 5, presumably after the ALGOP’s winter meeting tentatively scheduled for February, there will likely be a special meeting of the State Executive Committee in the Spring to select the delegates. Other items passed at the Saturday meeting include: A ban on campaign donations from the National Education Association (NEA) and its affiliates – including the Alabama Education Association (AEA) – for all Republican school board and superintendent candidates. A resolution condemning President Joe Biden for circumventing the Hyde Amendment and using taxpayer money to fund abortion-related expenses and supporting Senator Tommy Tuberville for standing up to the Biden Administration over its flawed policy. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Alabama Republican Party has sold nearly all tickets to Donald Trump dinner
If you plan to see President Donald Trump when he comes to Montgomery on August 4, you need to buy those tickets today because the Alabama Republican Party reports that their dinner with Trump event is nearly sold out. “With less than ten days to go, only a few tickets remain for the Alabama Republican Party’s Summer Dinner with President Donald J. Trump,” the Alabama Republican Party announced late Tuesday in a press statement. “The response we’ve received since we announced President Trump as our keynote speaker has been overwhelming,” said Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl. “We expect individual tickets to be sold out imminently, and sales for table sponsors will shut down on Friday, if not sooner.” The dinner will take place on Friday, August 4, 2023, at the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel at the Convention Center. The evening will kick off with a reception at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. “We are excited at this opportunity to raise the profile of our state by hosting the GOP frontrunner for president and giving Alabamians the chance to interact with him,” Wahl said. “Alabama is a Super Tuesday state and will play an important role in selecting our Party’s nominee.” To purchase tickets and sponsorships, go to the Alabama Republican Party’s website. Trump previously headlined the ALGOP’s 2021 Cullman fundraiser, where more than 50,000 people braved wet conditions and mud to see the former President. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis spoke to the Alabama Republican Party in March at their Winter Dinner fundraiser. Trump was elected President in 2016, defeating former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Trump failed to win reelection in 2020, losing the presidency to former Vice President Joe Biden. Trump is seeking a Trump v. Biden rematch, but he faces a crowded Republican primary field that includes: DeSantis, former Vice President Mike Pence, former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, U.S. Senator Tim Scott, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, and others. Trump remains the early polling frontrunner, despite being age 77 and facing indictments in at least three courts. At this point, Biden’s only serious roadblock to the Democratic nomination is former Congressman Robert Kennedy. The Alabama Presidential Primary will be on Tuesday, March 5. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
