Election debates

2024 Republican presidential candidates Doug Burgum, from left, Chris Christie, Nikki Haley, Ron DeSantis, Vivek Ramaswamy, Senator Tim Scott and former US vice president Mike Pence during a debate hosted by Fox Business Network in Simi Valley, Calif., on September 27, 2023.

The GOP Debate Was a Sorry Spectacle The GOP Debate Was a Sorry Spectacle

When Ron DeSantis is trying to keep things dignified, you know the show has gone off the rails.

Sep 28, 2023 / Sasha Abramsky

vivek ramaswamy speaks at FOX news republican primary debate

The Limits of Vivek Ramaswamy’s Racist Con Game The Limits of Vivek Ramaswamy’s Racist Con Game

While the emerging GOP star benefits from the right’s version of affirmative action, his ugly response to the Jacksonville shootings shows the cost—and constraints—of his strategy.

Aug 28, 2023 / Jeet Heer

Asa Hutchinson at the Republican presidential debate in Milwaukee on August 23, 2023.

The Conservatives Who Read the Constitution— and Found It Disqualifies Trump The Conservatives Who Read the Constitution— and Found It Disqualifies Trump

Asa Hutchinson is the only Republican presidential candidate with the courage to discuss the 14th Amendment.

Aug 28, 2023 / John Nichols

Mike Pence, Ron DeSantis, and Vivek Ramaswamy at the first GOP 2024 presidential debate in Milwaukee on August 23, 2023.

The Scariest Lie at the GOP Debate Wasn’t About Donald Trump The Scariest Lie at the GOP Debate Wasn’t About Donald Trump

The debate confirmed two things: that climate denial is thriving in the GOP, and that these candidates will do absolutely nothing to save the planet.

Aug 24, 2023 / John Nichols

Ron DeSantis shakes hands with supporters at the conclusion of one of Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds'

Tonight’s GOP Debate Could Put the Final Nail in Ron DeSantis’s Political Coffin Tonight’s GOP Debate Could Put the Final Nail in Ron DeSantis’s Political Coffin

Trump has trashed DeSantis for months. Yet the Florida governor apparently plans to defend Trump in the debate. Dumb move!

Aug 23, 2023 / John Nichols

Philadelphia’s historic City Hall

Pick ’Em: Making Sense of the Free-for-All Primary for Mayor of Philadelphia Pick ’Em: Making Sense of the Free-for-All Primary for Mayor of Philadelphia

For a job the current incumbent seems eager to leave, the contest has drawn a remarkably diverse field of candidates—and no obvious front-runner.

Apr 26, 2023 / Gene Seymour

Former President Donald Trump waves from the steps of Air Force One

The Surprisingly Durable Myth of Donald Trump, Anti-Imperialist The Surprisingly Durable Myth of Donald Trump, Anti-Imperialist

The Establishment focus on personal scandals helps cover up the former president’s reckless belligerence.

Apr 17, 2023 / Jeet Heer

Senator Megan Hunt

Democrats Can Win on Trans Issues—but Only if They Fight Democrats Can Win on Trans Issues—but Only if They Fight

Though culture war bigotry loses at the ballot box, centrist Democrats have been too quick to surrender.

Apr 7, 2023 / Highlights / Jeet Heer

Lee Zeldin and Kathy Hochul participate in a debate hosted by Spectrum News NY1.

Why Isn’t Kathy Hochul Running Away With Her Race for Reelection? Why Isn’t Kathy Hochul Running Away With Her Race for Reelection?

Republican Lee Zeldin is pro-Trump, anti-choice, and running in a state Joe Biden carried by 23 percent—yet recent polls put him within the statistical margin of error of pulling o...

Oct 27, 2022 / Ross Barkan

Utah Senator Mike Lee and independent challenger Evan McMullin stand together before their televised debate.

A Black Guy’s Guide to Utah’s Senate Debate A Black Guy’s Guide to Utah’s Senate Debate

Here’s what happened when Evan McMullin, an anti-Trump former Republican, tried to take on Mike Lee, an early Big Lie evangelist.

Oct 19, 2022 / Elie Mystal

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